Columbia SC bbq joints

First, congratulations on the accomplishment.  I can tell you he will be in great shape as the heat and humidity here is equal or worse than back home. 

I can help you with the BBQ mission, and would be happy to meet up if helpful or if time allows. Can you tell me the day(s) of the week you will be in town? Believe it or not, many only open Thursday - Saturday. I have options though based on the info. Also, will you be staying in the area of the base? Downtown? Also happy to assist with other questions regarding the area if needed.. PM me if helpful, we can connect by phone. 

lerxst6 said:

I’ve not spent a ton of time in Columbia - but remember going to a place called Maurice’s. At one point you could buy their mustard based BBQ sauce in grocery stores too. I’m a big fan of the mustard - but don’t use it too often. 

A true local can can probably be more helpful. 

Maurice's is great for a BBQ Sandwich. There hash and rice is good, but not the best locally if you ask me. If trying SC BBQ, the hash and rice is as important as the Que itself.....in my humble opinion.  I also love (Maurice's fresh fried skins with the mustard sauce as a dipping condiment.  I don't eat this often as I hope to live another day or two. I think we can get Grim a solid location depending on the day, time and vicinity of where he will be.

Thatgrimguy said:

@northGAcock I just landed and fly out Friday morning. We will be on base with our soldier all day tomorrow And not sure how graduation day Thursday goes. 

OK.....my recommendation in the following order is:

Wednesday lunch or dinner

Palmetto Pig - It is in the city (not a long drive from base) and is open for both meals. It is a buffet and this is a great time to go as it is near the university and they have not returned for the Fall session as yet. http://www.palmettopig.com/

My sauce recommendation here is their original as opposed to the mustard. But i often divide mine and do both. The hash and rice is as good as the Que itself......my favorite combination of both is at this location.

Thursday

Palmetto Pig or Little Pigs BBQ - If staying in the area near the base Little Pigs might be slightly closer but my second choice if all else is equal. This one is only open for lunch on Wednesdays......you would be fine on Thursday evening.  littlepigs.biz

Doc's BBQ- Close to base and open Mon - Sat for lunch only. You go through a bit of a ruff area coming from I77 just so you know. Once you get past that you will be near the USC football stadium. docsbarbeque.com

I have others but i think this is a good starting point. My favorite is the Palmetto Pig. Not listed is Maurice’s (mentioned earlier in thread). It is good....and has been around for years. It has my favorite mustard sauce....which i have on my shelf in my kitchen. They are open lunch and dinner all days that you are here. https://www.piggiepark.com/

Absolute best “store bought” brisket I’ve ever had is in a relatively new bbq place called Pot Smokers near the  Vista. Was awesome. 

Sounds like you’re pressed for time, so I doubt you have time for a road trip....I’ve heard Sweatman’s in Holly Hill is the best in SC, but haven’t been there myself. Personally I don’t care for Maurice’s.  Good sauce, but their pulled pork is always dry.  His brother’s place, “Melvin’s”, in Mt. Pleasant is better IMHO.  If I had to choose a favorite in Columbia, I’d steer your toward Doc’s or Palmetto Pig. I like the variety better at Doc’s, but rice and hash at Palmetto Pigs is pretty tasty.  

had to google the hash....thats definitely not new england red flannel

FanOfFanboys said:

I am not a fan of maurices or Doc's on shop

I like little pigs, if you want something non-tradtional there is a good one in casye/west columbia (name escapes me but I'll think of it), and I have heard good things about hometeam but I have not been there myself yet

Hites? If so, they are only open Fri an Saturday.

@northGAcock Thank you for turning me on that stuff!