Where to Find the Best Barbecue in Aiken County
Welcome to Aiken County, where the aroma of hickory-smoked barbecue fills the air and debates over the best barbecue styles never seem to die down! Whether you like your meat pulled, chopped, or sliced, Aiken County has some top-notch barbecue joints that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Today, let’s take a delightful tour of five must-visit barbecue restaurants in the area.
1. Dukes Bar-B-Q
Dukes Bar-B-Q has made quite the comeback since a fire forced it to close in June 2022. It reopened its doors in January 2024, showcasing a brand-new building without losing any of its charm. Located at 4248 Whiskey Road between Aiken and New Ellenton, this spot has quickly regained its popularity. On opening day, more than 250 barbecue lovers lined up to experience the all-you-can-eat buffet.
The highlight here is the hickory-smoked barbecue, but the menu also features a variety of Southern favorites, including fried chicken, mac and cheese, rutabagas, okra and tomatoes, hash and rice, and of course, hush puppies. Don’t forget about dessert—who can resist the classic banana pudding? Everything is made fresh to ensure you get the best quality on your plate.
2. Bobby’s Bar-B-Q Buffet
If you’re driving between Aiken and North Augusta, be sure to stop by Bobby’s Bar-B-Q Buffet, right at 1897 Jefferson Davis Highway in Warrenville. Open since 1985, this family-owned restaurant, now run by Bobby Griffin Jr., is committed to serving that authentic Southern hickory-smoked pork barbecue.
According to local foodie Michael Stern, “[Bobby’s] is the real deal in every respect.” The buffet includes pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and a spread of sides like rice and hash, hush puppies, and various vegetables. A private banquet room is available for special occasions, making it a great spot for gatherings of all kinds!
3. Freeman’s Bar-B-Que
In nearby Beech Island, you’ll find Freeman’s Bar-B-Que, where old-school barbecue traditions reign supreme. With a history spanning more than 50 years, this restaurant located at 1060 Sand Bar Ferry Road is still running strong under the guidance of James Freeman III. They focus on whole-hog wood-cooked barbecue made from family recipes passed down through the generations.
Freeman’s prides itself on serving delicious pit-cooked pork alongside homemade sides that are prepared fresh each day. If you appreciate classic Southern barbecue, this spot is definitely worth checking out!
4. Carolina Bar-B-Que
Often hailed as a hidden gem, Carolina Bar-B-Que at 805 S. Main St. in New Ellenton may look modest, but their food tells a different story. Featured in “Southern Living” and recognized by The Washington Post, they serve up some of the best pulled pork you can find.
One taste of their succulent pork served with the famous “rust gravy” sauce—a delightful mix of mustard and ketchup—will have you coming back for more. The all-you-can-eat buffet is not to be missed!
5. The BBQ Barn
And finally, the BBQ Barn in North Augusta is a must for barbecue aficionados! Situated at 10298 Atomic Road, this family-owned restaurant specializes in producing hickory-smoked barbecue on two massive pits that can cook up to 2,300 lbs of meat at once. Talk about a barbecue feast!
Your choice of meats is complemented with a variety of five different sauces, including Georgia Red, Smokey Sweet Red, and Carolina Gold. Having been featured in “Southern Living” as part of “The South’s Best Butt,” it’s clear that this place knows how to serve up flavorful barbecue that keeps diners happy.
So, gather your friends and family, load up the car, and hit the road to explore these five fantastic barbecue spots in Aiken County. With so many choices, your toughest decision might just be which one to try first!
