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South Carolina Barbecue Trail: Top Beachside BBQ Spots on the Grand Strand

South Carolina Barbecue Trail: Top Beachside BBQ Spots on the Grand Strand

As Memorial Day approaches, South Carolina's beaches gear up for outdoor grilling feasts that elevate beyond burgers and hot dogs to authentic barbecue. Often hailed as the birthplace of American barbecue—thanks to early Spanish settlers on Parris Island adopting Native American open-pit smoking techniques—South Carolina takes immense pride in its barbecue heritage.

Uniquely, South Carolina is the only state boasting all four major barbecue sauce styles: mustard-based, heavy tomato, light tomato, and vinegar-pepper. These regional favorites reflect the Palmetto State's diverse culinary landscape.

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has curated the official South Carolina Barbecue Trail, featuring over 220 restaurants. More than 20 are along or near the Grand Strand, offering beachgoers authentic flavors. Vinegar-pepper sauce, prevalent on the coast, pairs perfectly with slow-smoked meats.

Here are standout stops for Memorial Day weekend or any visit:

Simply Southern Smokehouse
1913 Mister Joe White Ave.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-839-1913
SimplySouthernSmokehouse.com

Charlie Graingers
201 Fresh Drive, Suite A
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-5606
CharlieGraingers.com/MyrtleBeach/

Big D’s BBQ Trough
2917 Church Street
US 501 Conway 29526
843-365-7485
BigDsBBQTrough.com

Moe’s Original Bar B Que
12827 Ocean Highway
Pawleys Island 29585
843-237-8227
MoesOriginalBBB.com/lo/PawleysIsland

True BBQ
341 Robert M. Grissom Parkway
Myrtle Beach 29577
843-945-4111
TrueBBQMB.com

Little Pigs Bar-B-Q
6102 Frontage Road
Myrtle Beach 29577
843-692-9774

Radd Dew’s Bar-B-Que Pit
851 Horry Road
Aynor 29526
843-369-3453

Bar-B-Que House
1561 Highway 17 N.
North Myrtle Beach 29582
843-249-6901
www.BestBBQOnTheBeach.com

Bonfire - A Smokin’ Taqueria
110 Main Street
Conway, SC 29526
843-488-4227
SmithsBonfire.com

Discover South Carolina's 'low and slow' barbecue tradition in this video.

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