That hickory smoke you’ve been craving all week finally has a destination, and you forgot to plan the most essential part: where to satisfy it. Aiken’s barbecue scene stretches from Whiskey Road to the Southside, meaning the options for pulled pork and brisket are endless. So we’ve narrowed down your saucy spots and smoked meat havens—yes, you can show up in your stained picnic shirt. Here are Aiken’s best barbecue joints, whether you’re craving a quick lunch or planning a full-on meat feast.
Bobbys Bar-B-Q Buffet
$ | (803) 593-5900 | WEBSITE
Looking for authentic Southern barbecue without the fuss? Buddy, absolutely. Bobbys Bar-B-Q Buffet is right off the main drag and the aromas alone, both outside and inside, are worth the trip. If you grab a booth, you can watch the friendly staff refill the buffet stations, or just settle in at a simple wooden table. The buffet isn’t expensive, with plates running about $15, but the classics here are satisfying.
Go for the tender ribs with that smoky sauce and the mac and cheese served with a side of green beans.
Southbound Smokehouse- Aiken
$$ | (803) 226-0549 | WEBSITE
It’s a karaoke night at Southbound Smokehouse, so why not go all out and have dinner there, too? While the barbecue isn’t life-changing, the smokehouse will be jam-packed before the singing starts and it’s a fun way to mingle with people you’re getting ready to enjoy a show with. Sit in the dining area, which is covered in rustic wood and will remind you of a barbecue joint where people didn’t show up in suits and ties.
The rest of the place kind of looks like a community hall, except here it’s full of locals on group outings. Grab a pulled pork plate before the music to add a little zhuzh to your evening.
Shane’s Rib Shack
$ | (803) 226-0192 | WEBSITE
Your friends can all agree on watching the big game, but when it’s time to pick a spot for dinner, suddenly everyone’s a critic. Instead of wasting precious group chat time debating barbecue joints, head to Shane’s Rib Shack. This Aiken favorite serves up ribs and other BBQ classics with friendly staff and quick service so everyone gets their fix, then meets up in the somewhat darker seating area that creates a cozy atmosphere.
Or you can change things up and grab a table for a full meal—the ribs with two sides are a popular choice, and the Big Dad Sandwich with fries hits the spot. The food comes out hot and tasty with plentiful portions, and while the sauce options are limited, many customers like what’s available enough to buy bottles for home. Just be ready for sticky floors and a beverage area that could use some attention—once they clean that up, this place is definitely worth a second visit.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (803) 648-5070 | WEBSITE
The steaks at LongHorn Steakhouse are unmatched and that alone is reason to make it a stop on your barbecue tour through Aiken. You can taste the quality in every bite, especially in the popular Outlaw Steak, which is cooked to perfection. The steak and the name are going to cost you—think $45 for the Outlaw and $18 for the Parmesan Crusted Chicken—but it’s all enjoyable, especially if you’re just looking for hearty American fare for a meal out.
Lean back in the comfortable booths and warm up with the strong drinks if you need a little extra comfort, all while enjoying the consistently hot food prepared to order.
Jon and Jesses Snac Shac
$ | (803) 295-2333 | WEBSITE
Aiken has plenty of barbecue spots, so you’ll need a restaurant that feels genuinely satisfying, too. The Shrimp Wrap is always a good idea. Head over to their location and pick from their standout options, build your own perfect bite or opt for the larger Philly Cheesesteak. Sit inside, if you’re the type to enjoy the cozy atmosphere, or just grab your meal to go. Toss in an order of crispy fried shrimp, and you’ve got a solid meal.
And if you’re visiting during peak hours, there’s also excellent service that makes the experience smooth and enjoyable—admittedly a little less rushed than some spots—to complete your visit.
Dukes Bar-B-Que
$ | (803) 649-7675 | WEBSITE
You’re a connoisseur of Southern comfort food—or at least that’s what you tell your friends when they call you predictable—and just like you kept it classic with your $12 pork plate, you also want a reliable family-style feast. Head to Dukes Bar-B-Que in Aiken where you can savor rutabagas and Black Eyed Peas that taste like grandma’s cooking.
The pork plate, with meat seasoned well and chopped to a decent size, is a must-try and the fabulous fried chicken, which comes crispy and golden, has a homey flavor to balance out the richness. The barbecue joint is an Aiken tradition (if you can call it that), so there are a ton of large groups crammed into the comfortable booths chattin’ over country music that any newcomers nearby will swear they’ve traveled miles to hear.
Carolina Bar-B-Que
$ | (803) 652-2919 | WEBSITE
Good barbecue is tough to come by, but Carolina Bar-B-Que does it well, and with every classic Southern dish you can think of. Pulled pork, ribs, chicken, hash, collards, mac and cheese, you name it. Pop into a clean, welcoming booth at the Aiken restaurant to grab a quick, generous plate from the buffet. If you’re in a rush, service is friendly and efficient, but you can also relax and enjoy the affordable, well-put-together atmosphere.
Get the signature hash, a mouth-watering favorite served with rice and collards that’s so good, folks wish they could have it shipped out of state.