Antley's Bar-BQ in Beaufort: Low Country Barbecue and Sides

What to expect at Antley's Bar-BQ

Antley's Bar-BQ is a casual barbecue restaurant in Beaufort that serves pulled pork, ribs, and brisket alongside traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the front and eat in a simple dining room or take food to go. Portions are generous, and the meat is smoked on-site, which means the flavor changes slightly with the season and the wood used.

The restaurant has been a fixture in Beaufort for years and draws both locals and visitors looking for straightforward, no-frills barbecue. The atmosphere is unpretentious—expect worn wooden tables, simple décor, and a focus on the food rather than ambiance. Antley's does not take reservations, so timing your visit around meal rushes can mean a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

• Antley's serves smoked pork, ribs, and brisket with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread in a casual counter-service setting.
• The restaurant is located in Beaufort and does not take reservations, so arriving during off-peak hours can reduce wait times.
• Meat is smoked on-site, so flavors and availability may vary by day and season.
• The dining room is simple and casual, but takeout is a practical option if you want to eat elsewhere in Beaufort or nearby.

Menu highlights and what to order

The pulled pork sandwich is a popular choice and comes with your choice of sauce—most customers choose the house vinegar-based sauce, which is tangy and pairs well with the tender meat. The ribs are meaty and fall off the bone, and the brisket is available by the pound if you want to take a larger portion home. Sides are ordered separately, so you can mix and match depending on what sounds good that day.

Collard greens are cooked with a savory broth and are a staple of Low Country cooking. Mac and cheese here is creamy and rich, and cornbread is baked fresh. Beans and other sides rotate, so ask what is available when you order. Portions of sides are substantial enough to share or to have leftovers, which makes Antley's a good choice if you are planning to eat more than one meal from your visit.

Location and hours

Antley's is located on Lady's Island in Beaufort, which is just across the bridge from downtown Beaufort. The restaurant sits in a small strip of shops and is easy to find if you know the address, though signage from the main road is minimal. Parking is available in the lot shared with neighboring businesses.

Hours vary by season and day of the week, so it is worth calling ahead or checking their current schedule before making the trip. The restaurant is closed on certain holidays and may have reduced hours during slower months. During peak tourist season in spring and fall, expect longer waits during lunch and dinner hours.

Pricing and payment

Barbecue plates at Antley's are moderately priced, with pulled pork and ribs in the mid-range for the Beaufort area. Brisket by the pound costs more than pulled pork. Sides are ordered and priced separately, so a full meal with meat and two or three sides will cost more than the entrée alone. Most people spend between $12 and $20 per person for a full meal.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments at the counter. There is no table service, so you pay when you order and receive your food at the counter. Takeout orders are prepared the same way and are ready within a few minutes of ordering.

Why Antley's fits into Beaufort's food scene

Beaufort has a strong tradition of Low Country cooking, which blends African American, Gullah, and Southern coastal influences. Barbecue is part of that heritage, and Antley's represents the casual, neighborhood version of that tradition rather than a tourist-focused restaurant. The food is cooked the way it has been cooked in the Lowcountry for generations—slow-smoked, seasoned simply, and served with sides that reflect the region's agricultural history.

The restaurant sits alongside other casual dining spots in Beaufort and serves as a counterpoint to the fancier restaurants downtown. If you are exploring Beaufort's food culture, Antley's shows you how locals eat rather than how restaurants present the region to visitors. The lack of frills is intentional and part of the appeal.

Visiting Antley's as part of a Beaufort trip

Antley's works well as a lunch or dinner stop if you are spending time in Beaufort exploring the historic district, waterfront, or nearby attractions like Hunting Island State Park. The restaurant is a short drive from downtown, so you can easily fit it into a day of sightseeing. Many visitors grab food to go and eat at a park or on the waterfront rather than staying in the dining room.

If you are visiting Beaufort for multiple days, Antley's is worth a return visit because the daily specials and smoked meat selection change. The restaurant is also a good option if you are traveling with people who have different food preferences, since the simple menu and generous portions make it easy to order what you want without complicated substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation at Antley's?

No. Antley's operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. Arriving during off-peak hours—mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays—usually means a shorter wait than lunch or dinner rush times.

Can I order online or call ahead?

Policies vary, so call the restaurant directly to ask whether they accept phone orders or online ordering. Some days they may hold orders for pickup, while other times they prefer walk-in customers only.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The menu is meat-focused, so vegetarian options are limited to sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Call ahead to ask what sides are available on the day you plan to visit, since the menu rotates.

Is Antley's good for families with children?

Yes. The casual atmosphere and simple menu work well for families. Portions are large, so you can order one plate and share, or order smaller portions for children. The counter-service format means less waiting than a full-service restaurant.

What is the difference between the pulled pork and brisket?

Pulled pork comes from the shoulder and is tender and shreds easily. Brisket comes from the chest and is leaner and denser. Pulled pork is milder and works well on a sandwich, while brisket has a stronger smoke flavor and is often ordered by the pound for people who want to take it home.