Myrtle Beach is a bit of a hidden gem if you’re into smoky, slow-cooked meats. There’s a good mix of BBQ joints here, each with their own spin on the classics—brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, all that good stuff.
Finding the best BBQ in Myrtle Beach isn’t too tough—there are plenty of local favorites, and each brings something a little different to the table. Whether you’re a die-hard barbecue fan or just hungry for something hearty, these places have you covered.
1) Simply Southern Smokehouse
Simply Southern Smokehouse is the kind of spot where you can kick back with family and load up your plate buffet-style. They do Southern BBQ and soul food in a way that feels like home—think BBQ meats, old-school sides, and desserts you’ll probably want seconds of.
You’ll find all the classics here, plus a few soul food favorites. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, so it’s a solid pick if you want something casual with a Southern twist.
Location: 1913 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
2) Swig & Swine
Swig & Swine is all about smoked meats cooked over real hickory and oak. They’re sticklers for traditional smoking, and you can taste it. If you’ve got an event or just a hungry group, they’ll even cater—pick-up or delivery, your call.
They’ve got a few locations around South Carolina, including Myrtle Beach, and even sell their own shirts, hats, and gift cards (for the super fans out there).
Location: 525 Broadway St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
3) Brisket
Brisket leans into Texas-style BBQ, and the place just feels chill. You’ll find brisket (obviously), pulled pork, ribs, chicken, sausage, and some quirky sides—fried green tomatoes, frito pie, that sort of thing.
They smoke their meats in-house every day, so it’s always fresh. There’s a full bar with bourbons and craft beers, and if you’re around for happy hour (4-7 PM), you’ll catch some deals. They also do takeout by the pound, which is honestly pretty handy.
The setting is relaxed and great for anyone craving authentic smoked meats and maybe a drink or two.
Location: 1501 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
4) Little Pigs Bar-B-Q
Little Pigs Bar-B-Q is a family-run spot, and they take their hickory-smoked pork seriously. The pork gets smoked for almost a full day, then chopped to order—no fat or gristle, just the good stuff. It’s not your typical pulled pork.
They’ve got four sauces: a classic tomato, a spicy tomato, a vinegar-pepper, and a mustard one (made by the owner’s wife). You can try them all and pick your favorite, which is kind of fun.
Sides are simple—baked beans, onion rings, fries, and a coleslaw that people actually rave about. The place is no-frills, but that’s part of its charm. Locals swear by it, especially for the true South Carolina BBQ vibe.
They do catering too, so if you’re planning an event, they’ve got you covered. It’s tucked by a gas station, but don’t let that fool you—the food is legit.
Location: 6102 Frontage Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
5) Carolina Roadhouse
Carolina Roadhouse is a lively, casual spot that’s been a local fixture since 1995. The menu’s huge—seafood, thick steaks, even a crab dip with Old Bay pretzels. It’s got a wraparound bar and a lodge vibe, with music and palm trees that make it feel like summer all year.
They can seat groups up to eight together, and sometimes bigger parties if it’s not busy. You can eat in or take food to go. It’s a go-to for big flavors and a fun crowd.
Location: 4617 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
6) Back Home BBQ
Back Home BBQ sits in Murrells Inlet, right where Prosser’s BBQ used to be. They focus on fresh, quality ingredients and have plenty of BBQ choices, so there’s something for everyone.
They do catering and private events, so it’s a solid pick for locals or anyone visiting. The vibe is easygoing—fits right in with the coastal feel of the area. People tend to mention the friendly staff almost as much as the food.
Location: 3750 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
7) Bar-B-Que House
Bar-B-Que House is in Surfside Beach and they hickory-smoke their BBQ on site every day. You’ll find homemade sauces and sides, so you can mix things up however you like.
They offer dine-in, curbside pickup, drive-thru, patio seating, and even online ordering. It’s family-friendly and easy on the wallet.
They’ve made it onto South Carolina’s top 10 BBQ lists a few times, which says something. If you want classic barbecue with options, this place is worth a stop.
Location: 6007, 1205 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC 29575
8) MISSION BBQ
MISSION BBQ is all about classic American BBQ and honoring those who serve—soldiers, police, firefighters, you name it. The walls are covered with memorabilia, and the food sticks to tried-and-true BBQ favorites and sides.
They’ve donated over $25 million to charities since 2011 and do a lot for veterans and first responders. If you’re around on a special day, you might catch one of their events for service members.
There are seasonal menu items too—smoked ribeye, potato salad, homemade peach cobbler. The team here really values hard work and giving back, which is pretty refreshing.
Location: 1380 Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
9) Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse
Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse does a little bit of everything—BBQ, seafood, and plenty of Southern flavors. Their smoked meats and fresh fish keep people coming back. The menu is packed with barbecue ribs and other smoked dishes.
Families and groups seem to like the laid-back, casual vibe. Service usually gets high marks for being both friendly and quick.
There’s a good lineup of sides, and the smokehouse style gives their food a flavor that stands out. If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out.
Location: 1565 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
10) Bar-B-Que House
Bar-B-Que House is a local favorite for hickory-smoked wings, ribs, and other meats. They smoke their BBQ fresh on site every day, which you can definitely taste. There’s a whole lineup of homemade sauces and sides, so you’re bound to find something that hits the spot.
It’s a family-friendly, wallet-friendly place that draws both locals and tourists in North Myrtle Beach. You can sit inside, grab takeout, or hang out on the patio—whatever fits your mood.
Bar-B-Que House has picked up some buzz as one of the top BBQ spots in South Carolina. They’ve also got online ordering, curbside pickup, and a drive-thru, which makes grabbing a quick bite or feeding a group pretty easy.
Location: 1561 Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
What Makes Myrtle Beach BBQ Unique
Myrtle Beach BBQ has its own thing going on, blending local flavors and cooking traditions. Recipes often use fresh coastal ingredients and stick to regional barbecue roots. This all adds up to a taste you won’t really find anywhere else.
Influence of Coastal Ingredients
You’ll see seafood and fresh local produce pop up on BBQ menus here—sometimes even smoked fish or shrimp alongside the usual pork and beef. It’s a twist you don’t get inland, and honestly, it keeps things interesting.
The coastal touch shows up in sauces and sides, too. Tangy mustard-based sauces might get a little kick from local honey or regional spices. Sides like collards and corn, picked fresh, round out the meal and keep it feeling lighter.
So, Myrtle Beach BBQ just feels fresher—sometimes even a bit brighter—than the heavier stuff you’ll find farther inland.
Regional BBQ Styles
The area leans hard into South Carolina’s barbecue traditions, especially that signature yellow mustard sauce. It’s tangy, a little sweet, and really different from the vinegar or tomato-based sauces you see in other places.
Local joints serve up slow-smoked ribs, chopped pork, and brisket, most of it slathered in that mustard sauce. A lot of spots give you options, though—mustard, vinegar, sweet, you name it—so you can mix and match.
This combo of slow-smoked meat and a bunch of sauce choices makes Myrtle Beach BBQ both rich and super approachable. It’s got deep Carolinian roots, but there’s always a local spin.
Tips for Enjoying BBQ in Myrtle Beach
There’s a lot to try when it comes to BBQ styles and flavors in Myrtle Beach. Picking the right sides and sauces makes a difference, and when you go can matter more than you’d think.
Pairing Sides and Sauces
Classic southern sides—coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread—are everywhere. They balance out the smoky, rich flavors of the meat.
Sauces are all over the map, from tangy vinegar to sweet, sticky tomato. Honestly, it’s fun to experiment and see which combos you like best.
A good rule? Pair heavier meats like ribs or brisket with something light and crunchy, like slaw or pickles, to cut through the richness. Pulled pork usually goes well with a sweeter sauce and a soft side.
Some local BBQ joints even offer sauce flights or sampler platters, so you can try a bit of everything without overcommitting.
Best Times to Visit for BBQ
Want to skip the crowds? Weekdays are usually less hectic at the popular places, so you can relax and actually enjoy your food. Weekends and holidays get packed, especially at night.
If you’re after the freshest BBQ, late afternoon or early evening is prime time—think 4 or 5 p.m.—since that’s when a lot of spots have just finished smoking the day’s batch.
Some restaurants close on random weekdays or have odd hours, so it’s smart to check online or call before heading out.
If there’s a food festival or local event happening, you might catch special BBQ dishes or deals, but be ready for bigger crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of BBQ joints in Myrtle Beach, each with its own vibe and specialties. Some stand out for brisket, others for variety, and a few for their laid-back, buffet-style setup. The BBQ scene in Myrtle Beach isn’t quite the same as in North Myrtle Beach—menus and atmosphere can be surprisingly different.
What are the top-rated BBQ spots in Myrtle Beach?
Simply Southern Smokehouse, Swig & Swine, Little Pigs Bar-B-Q, and Carolina Roadhouse get a lot of love from locals and visitors. Simply Southern is known for its buffet and value, while Swig & Swine gets high marks for quality and solid reviews.
Where can I find the best brisket in Myrtle Beach?
If brisket’s your thing, most folks point to Simply Southern Smokehouse or Swig & Swine. They both take their time with it, and you can tell—it’s tender, smoky, and pretty hard to beat.
How does Rodney Scott’s BBQ compare to other BBQ places in Myrtle Beach?
Rodney Scott’s BBQ has a good reputation, but it doesn’t always top the local lists for Myrtle Beach. Simply Southern Smokehouse and Swig & Swine seem to get more frequent shoutouts from people in the area.
Is there a notable difference between BBQ offerings in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach?
Definitely. North Myrtle Beach BBQ spots often have different menus and sometimes a more relaxed feel. For example, BBQ House in North Myrtle Beach isn’t quite like the central Myrtle Beach restaurants.
Can I find a complete menu for BBQ House North Myrtle Beach online?
You might find a full menu for BBQ House North Myrtle Beach online, but it’s not always up to date. Best bet is to check their website or social media for the latest info.
What BBQ restaurants in Myrtle Beach are similar to Swig and Swine?
Simply Southern Smokehouse gets compared to Swig & Swine pretty often—they both stick to classic Southern BBQ and really care about their smoked meats. Little Pigs Bar-B-Q is another spot with a similar vibe and menu, if you’re into that style.
