The absolute best barbecue and southern eating you will find on a Clemson game-day in The upstate, or any day really. Their rolls, baked beans, jalapeño cheddar grits, all of it is so good. You can't go wrong. read more

They are open but in this time of crisis you can only pick up to go from outside. The woman taking the orders was was very nice, pleasant and friendly I loved her spirit. I ordered the brisket (I'm a beef brisket fanatic) & chopper chicken meal which came with 2 sides I got sweet potato fries & baked beans for $15.95. The sweet potato fries come with honey and powdered sugar on the side. My aunt ordered the chopped chicken sandwich which came with 1 side she got the fried okra.. I cracked my meal open it looked great I tried the chicken first it was nice n most, the beef brisket was very moist I eat beef brisket from a lot of places I prefer moist than dry, even you pick it up it just falls apart its not over seasoned and very flavorful. I didn't eat the baked Beans because I forgot to all if it was pork in them because I don't eat pork and the sweet potato fries were great wasn't over or under cooked. My aunt loved her sandwich I came with more than enough chicken on it, chicken was just falling out of it when she picked it up. I'm visiting from Nj and I the next time I visit I will b taking the 2.5hr drive from Charlotte, nc to Pendleton, sc just for their food I loved it.... read more

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Was staying on the interstate for a night passing through the area. It was about a 10 minute drive from the hotel but what a find! Great food. Friendly staff. No beer though (after a long drive that would have been nice). Eat here. You'll thank me. read more

Opened about 10 years ago (where the old Memaw's Cafe used to be I think). Order at the front counter, sit down and give wait staff your ticket. They will bring your food out to your table. Excellent brisket and pulled pork (very tender). Four great sauces: Sweet, Hot, Vinegar, Mustard. Huge portions. Quick and friendly service. Family friendly. Note: Hours of operation are only Thursday-Friday-Saturday. read more

Best BBQ and Brisket Texas-style in Upstate. Really improve the site and atmosphere and great service.

We stumbled on this place almost by accident and I'm so happy that we did! The food was delicious and hit the spot. The atmosphere is lively and enjoyable. The order process could be improved because as a first time visitor, I didn't know what to do after walking in the door. It was easy enough to figure out...thankfully we beat the crowd so that was amazing too! The food is more than delicious. I'll definitely go back. read more

The Smokin Pig - Chicken plate with baked beans and cole slaw...deliciousness! - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

Best BBQ!!!!! We do not come to Anderson, South Carolina without a stop at the Smoking Pig! It never disappoints! We get the 2 choice plate with 2 sides: pulled pork, the heavenly brisket, baked beans, and sweet potato crunch! Don't forget the sweet tea either it's perfect! If you do have to wait, you can entertain yourself with corn hole of the awesome interior where you can leave your mark! We love the food so much that we eat there and then order some to go for the next day! Yummy read more

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The best BBQ I've ever had in my 26 years of living! If you're a first timer, they allow samples of their meats and sides. Their glazed ribs are my favorite - they are thick and juicy. The sweet potato fries are drizzled with honey and powdered sugar - be cautious, these fries will change your life lol. But seriously they are delicious. I've also had their brisket, banana pudding and sweet potatoes casserole. They also have a great variety of sauces - my fav is the honey mustard base. Go here, you won't regret it. read more

The Smokin Pig - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

Could work on the value vs amount of food but overall a good place to eat dinner. Not many options are available out this way.

Fantastic sides and excellent BBQ. Our go-to place for BBQ in the Upstate, because everything is consistently delicious. Friendly staff. Worth the drive. We like the BBQ pork but brisket is delicious too. Sweet potato fries are always crunchy out the outside - perfect. Honestly haven't had anything here I wouldn't buy again. read more

The Smokin Pig - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

The BEST BBQ! We ordered ribs, brisket, bread, potato salad and coleslaw. Ribs were like butter, brisket was terrific, definitely would return next time in SC. read more

A Clemson area staple. The classic BBQ place with wonderful food and a cute atmosphere. Everyone in the area has a special place in their heart for Smoking Pig. read more

Meal: Lunch, dine in All Ratings out of 10: Quality of food: 10 Food to Spend Value: 9 Quality of Service: 8 Overall Rating: 9 I love my BBQ, and though I am most partial to true Texas style BBQ, my upbringing in South Carolina leaves a special spot in my heart for well-done Carolina BBQ. I was driving to Atlanta from Charlotte and was looking for BBQ places along my route for lunch, and lo and behold I discovered The Smoking Pig, which I had never eaten at growing up. It was a Thursday, and thankfully they were open, so I decided to drop in and check out their brand of BBQ. I arrived about 15 minutes before they opened, and the fact that there were already more than 10 cars waiting was a very good sign. I was glad to have gotten there early, too, as there was a long wait not too long after I got my food. Walking into the restaurant was like a rock concert for the (smelling) senses, and my mouth began to water immediately. The hardest part for me was deciding on what to get, as everything looked and smelled amazing! I got a combo plate that included pork, brisket, and ribs, a roll, and 2 sides. Many of the sides sounded great, but I decided to go with the loaded potato casserole and banana pudding. The meat was amazing! The ribs were fall off the bone good, the brisket could be cut with a fork, and the pulled pork was a perfect texture. Their house mustard BBQ sauce was also amazing, and it made the already delicious pork taste even better. All the meat was very moist and tender and full of smoky goodness. The potato casserole was super cheesy and bursting with flavor, and the banana pudding was creamy, rich, and what banana pudding is meant to taste like. Even the roll was very light and buttery and delicious. I was in hog heaven, and I wished I had more room in my stomach to devour even more of this amazing BBQ. They are only open Thursday - Saturday, and they get quite busy, likely due to the limited opening times and the ridiculously good BBQ they create. The prices seemed in line with top notch BBQ, and the product was nearly perfect. The restaurant itself feels very southern and country, giving it a fun atmosphere and fitting the food perfectly. You pay for your food when you arrive, so the follow up service was minimal and primarily consisted of refilling my drink and delivering food to my table. I am a BBQ connoisseur, and this is easily the best Carolina BBQ I have ever had. For that matter, it rates pretty highly for me alongside some of my favorite Texas BBQ joints. If you want some amazing Carolina BBQ, head out toward Clemson. Even if you live far away it will be totally worth the drive. I can't wait to make it back myself! read more

The Smokin Pig - Pork, brisket, and glazed ribs combo, with loaded potato casserole, banana pudding, and a roll. Yum!! - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

SOOO porkin' good. Went here with all of my sorority sisters for our father's weekend! They found us seating together despite being busy, had quick service, and the food was amazing (not to mention of good portion!). I definitely will be returning. I got the pulled pork with the sweet potato casserole and regular french fried. I have NEVER had better sweet potato casserole in my entire life. 10/10 recommend. Also, it's wasn't too expensive either!! read more

The Smokin Pig - photo session right outside - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

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I'm a local and I know BBQ. I was reminded today why I don't eat at SP very often. Let me start positively, the food is good. However, the price is extremely expensive comparatively to other local BBQs. $18.00+ for half a smoke chicken breast and 2 cuts of brisket( 2"x5") and two sides, water. I was shocked and disappointed. If you want good BBQ reasonably priced I'd advise you visit Blacks In Seneca or Henry's Smokehouse in Greenville. read more

The best barbecue in upstate South Carolina . The brisket is deliciously tender and is thickly sliced. The pulled pork is also great. The sandwiches are very good, but the platter selection offers you both. read more

Absolutely delicious every time. Most people do not get brisket right but these guys do!

Good food, good people, friendly environment. Gotta try it. Everything was delicious read more

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Great place to eat. Everyone was so friendly. Really enjoyed the chopped pork and brisket. We choose beans, cole slaw, and loaded potatoes for our sides. Loved the old fashioned rustic decor. Warmer weather I could see you eating outside and the outside grounds are very nice. Lots of parking. Worth the stop you won't be disappointed. read more

I've visited Clemson for almost a decade now, flying from Southern California to join the Tigers for college football and basketball games. I have no connection to the school or the South, but have fallen for the hospitality, friendliness and excitement. For years, I've driven by Smokin Pig and never stopped. I'd been to the Pompous Pig in Anderson many times, and Chet and the boys do an amazing job there. We finally ate lunch here today and I admit I've been missing out. Smokin Pig - is incredible, one of the country's best. I've spent the last decade eating BBQ in nearly every state and have visited all the tourist BBQ places the Travel Channel promotes. Smokin Pig can and does rival those peers, both chain locations like Jim N Nick's and Dreamland and small spots in KC like Oklahoma Joes, etc. It's that good and if you are driving through South Carolina on I-85, it's worth the four-mile drive to eat here. The service is what all restaurants should model themselves after. You'll feel like you're eating with extended family. Everyone is happy, helpful, kind and on duty to ensure you enjoy every bite. Like all top-notch BBQ spots, this place isn't fancy, but you came here for world-class flavor - and you'll get it, along with the best sides in the industry. There's four sauces on each table: vinegar based, red, mustard and spicy, all of which are great. Try them all. And, I can't stop raving about the sides. Normally, when I go to BBQ places I don't eat the sides, because they are terrible. Not so here. The fried okra had no grease, period. The sweet potato fries are doused with sugar and honey and attempt to keep you from eating anything else: that good. The Brunswick stew is the first I've ever eaten that's stuffed with pulled pork and packed with flavor. And, the sweet potato crunch - greatest ever! Wait - we came here for meat, right? The half rack of ribs were perfect, fall off the bone meat. The honey glaze was so wonderful there was no need for any additional sauce. The brisket, wonderful. Pulled pork: awesome. They do everything right here from service, to flavor to quality. And, what's most shocking: it's one-third the price of most BBQ places. Where else can you find 2 meats, 2 sides, bread for less than $15? And, don't forget dessert. The cobbler changes by season. We came during peach season and were wowed by the peach cobbler. Every bite tasted like the best peach you've ever eaten burst in your mouth. The banana pudding rivals that at Dreamland, which is a feat in it's own. This place belongs on everyone's must-eat list! read more

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Praise the Lard! Smokin Pig is mighty fine! I was blessed with the opportunity to eat the pulled pork, brisket, and ribs plate with fried okra and sweet potato fries as sides. Don't forget the sweet tea! The worst thing I can say about this experience was that the fried okra was "just ok." EVERYTHING else was biblical! The wait was only 30 minutes despite a large group of people already waiting. The service was top notch with the hostesses and waitresses being very attentive and helpful. The food came out quickly and, my God, it was amazing! The ribs? Tender. The pulled pork with vinegar sauce? Succulent. The brisket? Delectable! The fried okra? Well, not the most notable thing. The sweet potato fries with confectioner's sugar and honey? Holy Mother! The inside of the joint is a shrine to the Church of Barbecue Done Right with some weird stuff like a small plane hanging upside-down inside one of the rooms with it's propeller spinning. Look for the small metal pig sign with "BBQ" written on it when driving down the road and you'll know you've found Heaven on Earth. read more

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Occasionally a place just simply has the mojo flowing perfectly... these guys have reached that point. BBQ nirvana... The crowds prove it. No doubt this place is running on all cylinders. The pulled pork was excellent. Great smoke. Every piece was lean. Great sauces. Large servings. What's to improve? I had their brunswick stew... served hot and spicy. It was also great. My only complaint here is that there were some large chunks of potatoe in my cup of stew. Let's chalk that up to luck of the draw. I'm not too concerned though since it was going to be tough to finish it all anyway, and I was hungry to start with. This was a lot of food. The banana pudding was excellent. Lots of crispy vanilla wafers. Lots of banana. Excellent creamy filling. Too good to leave any - and by this time I was definitely pushing my limits. The Iced tea was good... That can be a deal breaker for me. Good service too. Our waitress was careful to keep our glasses full and checked to see if we needed anything often. The place was crowded and a bit noisy, but that simply shows that it's popular. No doubt about it, I would go back. read more

My bf's parents live nearby and treated us to BBQ last weekend and what a treat it was! Absolutely delicious melt-in-your-mouth sliced beef brisket, homemade buttery roll, crispy sweet and salty sweet potato fries and deep fried corn on the cob. Wow, an indulgent dinner, for sure, even if I did only eat 1/3 the meat and fries as they were so generously portioned. On the menu board, there are plates and platters. The plates include one meat and your choice of two sides (some are considered premium sides with a small upcharge like my corn on the cob), and the platters feature two meats plus two sides. Unless you are really hungry or sharing, a plate is plenty for most appetites! Here's the deal: you wait in line to order (this can take a while as this place is so popular), pay, and a team member guides you to a table and brings you your drink. Just a few minutes later, they bring the food to your table and refill drinks etc. A blend between quick service and a casual full service restaurant, but it doesn't matter, everyone was very friendly and service focused using a team approach for every table. When they heard it was our first time there, they even brought out the peach cobbler and banana pudding for free for us to try! read more

The Smokin Pig - Beef brisket with fried corn on the cob and sweet potato fries - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

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We could not love this restaurant more! We have taken all of our out-of-town guest to several of the Smokin Pig restaurants in the upstate. We're never worried about where we should take our gas because this is always the obvious choice. The brisket is by far the best meat that they serve. However, all of the sides are exceptionally made and delicious. If you're going for the first time, I highly recommend that you have the jalapeño cheese grits and sweet potato fries. They make the very best! (if you love dessert, their cobbler is a must!) read more

The sides, sauces, and service were great. However I got the brisket, pulled pork, and ribs and they were all 3 dry. It was like they were cooked elsewhere and held for too long causing the meat to become dry. read more

Smoking Pig, I heard, is a local favorite. It's one of those restaurants you go to just pig out and not worry about the messes you're going to create. The inside is very chaotic and it just screams a place that is loved. Writing is everywhere, advertising their own instagrams and who hearts who, saying hi to future customers, etc. It's hard to notice the menu when you first walk in, but there's a smaller one behind the register and a larger one on a chalkboard like set up to the right of the entrance. I got the glazed ribs with sweet potato fries and banana pudding. My boyfriend got the pork and brisket with cobbler and fried okra. The ribs are good, but it was too dry. I've been spoiled by ATL's Fat Matt's, so I wanted fall off the bone goodness. I chose the glazed over the dry rub just because dry rub always seemed too salty for my tastes. The banana pudding and sweet potato fries were amazing. One of the best banana puddings I've ever had. The fries were also just one of the best. With a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a drizzle of honey, they were still crispy and not limp even at the end of my meal. My boyfriend's meal was pretty good too. The brisket was so good. I think I would've liked that more over the tough meat of some of my ribs. The pork was just pulled pork so I was never the biggest fan of that. Just a note, the cobbler comes at the end because it comes with ice cream. The food is good, but it didn't blow me away. I wished the ribs were more tender and just fell off the bone. The sides were super great and delicious. I sometimes think about that banana pudding... read more

The Smokin Pig - Glazed ribs with sweet potato fries and banana pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

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This place is still as good as it gets. The best BBQ and sides I have ever had. The pulled pork is heaven. The sweet potato crunch? It's a must. I went back recently and was disappointed in the new menu structure. I'm fine waiting in the line, the foods worth it! But an * next to a side means a $.50 surcharge. Just about every side had this! The plate prices had gone up, now a side surcharge? And charging for a cup of water? You're better than that! read more

The Smokin Pig - Pulled pork plate with fries and sweet potato crunch - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

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HOURS: Thurs, Fri, Sat, 11am-9pm All smoked meats are juicy with dry rub and sauce is on the table perfect way to serve any good BBQ because the smoked meat tastes perfect without any sauce. Ribs are large 3 bones and the meat falls right off. Rating should be awesome but I ran out of stars!! So here is the official rating ************************* ! read more

The Smokin Pig - Outdoor photo - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

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Wow! What a find! We ordered the pork, brisket, chicken and ribs between the 2 of us. Every single bite is delicious! Tip - order the ribs glazed instead of the dry rub. You will not be sorry. The sides were good (loaded potato casserole, okra, coke slaw and sweet potato fries - with honey and powdered sugar) but we could have just had the meat and left satisfied without feeling like we would explode. The only negative was that the tea had a little bit of chlorine taste to it. Bring a Sharpie to write on your wall or table while waiting for your meal. : ) read more

The Smokin Pig - Inviting fire pit next to the outdoor seating area. - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

Great place with good food!!!! The loaded potato casserole and the sweet potato fries were great side choices. Will be back when in town again!!!!! read more

Simply amazing. Try the fries and Brunswick stew! I love the decor and the vibe of this place. Everyone driving towards Clemson needs to go here it's a MUST GO! read more

The Smokin Pig is great BBQ. I'd even go so far as to say it's up there in the top three I've ever had. They also have all the sides you would expect from a great BBQ place. The banana pudding and macaroni and cheese were both amazing. You have to stop here if you're in the area. If not, you're really missing out. read more

THE BEST BBQ IN THE US!!!! Not even kidding. It's not close. This bbq (and sauces (vinegar is the best!!)) and brisket and all the insanely delicious sides. It's amazing they hit it all on the head. Not just one thing is good here they nail it all. Just go and you'll see! I struggle every time because I can't order everything I want in one sitting lol that's my only complaint. The brisket and pulled pork plate is our go to and we split it so the price really isn't bad and we are perfectly full from that. The meats are fall apart, melt in your mouth goodness and I can't hype it enough. The sauces are all good but the vinegar is where it's at! my favorite sides are the sweet potato crunch!, fried corn!, Cole slaw! (Which isn't normally my thing except for here), the jalepeno cheese grits!, sweet potato fries and regular fries. And let's not forget the rolls and sweet tea! read more

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Finally made it by on one of my trips back from Charlotte. Only slightly off the expressway, and worth the stop (just check the day/time - they are only open Thurs-Sat). I got a pound of pulled pork to go and a bag of pork rinds. The meat is nice and smokey, not dry. The sauce is southern - ketchup and brown sugar based, thick, but not too sweet with good balance. I didn't look too closely in the bag when I left, so I didn't realize that a bag of pork rinds to go is a BIG bag. It lasted for several days with Hubs and I fighting over it. They sprinkle a BBQ seasoning on the pork rinds, which is delicious, but I would have liked more of it (some skins were bare, other coated). Service was friendly and fast. The restaurant is like an airy barn with picnic tables, aka "BBQ chic". I hope to be back soon with Hubs in tow. read more

Best brisket I have ever had, by the way I do not like sweet potato's but their fries are the best!!!! Honey and powder sugar.... Lord give me more!!!! Worth the two hour drive for this friendly delicious place. read more

The Smokin Pig - Barbeque Near Me - Pendleton, South Carolina

Great food and service. Can't beat it for BBQ. Nice atmosphere and there is an area outside that allows dogs.

Love this bbq joint!!!! The reviews of this joint speak for themselves, amazing bbq!!! It takes a bit to get here but well worth the trip! We ordered a sampling of bbq pork, brisket, and ribs. I think we almost ordered every side off the menu!!!! The bbq was fantastic!! Light smoke, juicy and flavorful! The ribs were my favorite!!!! The sauce on the ribs was perfectly glazed! The sides... well couldn't find a fault in any of them!!! We will be back and back again!!! read more

I haven't been disappointed yet! Food is always hot and amazing. And the service is great too! Somehow I always end up over eating!!

We gave our college daughter a gift card for this very well known and popular BBQ restaurant that we love to eat at. The back of the gift card says expires 1 year after "last use". Daughter had never used it (became a vegetarian in college lol) so our family decided to use it for her graduation lunch on May 6, 2021 with all of our family in town who love BBQ. They would not honor the card. Apparently "last use" means from the that it was purchased not when it was "used last". VERY disappointed that they would not honor the card. College students are busy enough and having to worry about a gift card expiration is ridiculous. They need to put an expiration date on it! Very poor customer service and we will not be revisiting and will share this review in the Clemson University parents page so that no other parents will ever waste their money buying their kids gift cards from here. read more

Absolutely the best BBQ I've had! We are visiting Clemson from Chicago and we're told to eat here. Such a fun atmosphere and the best food!