Big Dave's All American BBQ in South Carolina — What to Expect

What Big Dave's All American BBQ offers

Big Dave's All American BBQ is a casual barbecue restaurant where you order at the counter and eat in a relaxed dining room or on the patio. The menu centers on smoked meats — brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken — served with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Sauces range from vinegar-based to tomato-based, and you can ask for them on the side or mixed in.

The restaurant operates as a walk-up counter service, so there is no table service or reservations. You pay when you order, receive a number, and pick up your food when it is ready. The space itself has the feel of a neighborhood spot — casual enough that families with children fit in easily, but the food quality keeps it interesting for people who take barbecue seriously.

Key Takeaways

• Big Dave's serves smoked meats and traditional barbecue sides in a counter-service format with no reservations needed.
• The restaurant has indoor seating and an outdoor patio, making it suitable for casual meals or small group gatherings.
• Prices are moderate for barbecue, and portion sizes are generous enough that many people split entrees or take leftovers home.
• Peak times are lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.), so arriving outside those windows means shorter waits.

Menu highlights and what to order

The brisket is the signature item — smoked for hours until it pulls apart easily, with a smoke ring visible on the outside. It comes as a half-pound or full pound, and most people find the half-pound substantial enough as a main course. The pulled pork is tender and works well on a sandwich or as a standalone plate.

Ribs come as a half-rack or full rack, and the meat separates cleanly from the bone without being dry. The smoked chicken is leaner than the pork or brisket but still flavorful, and it is a good choice if you want something lighter. For first-time visitors, ordering a sampler plate with small portions of three or four meats lets you taste what the restaurant does best without committing to a full entree.

The sides deserve attention — the mac and cheese is creamy and not overly heavy, the baked beans have a slight sweetness without tasting canned, and the cornbread is moist and buttery. Coleslaw comes as a standard side and balances the richness of the smoked meats. Asking for sauce on the side lets you control how much you use and compare the different styles the restaurant offers.

Location, hours, and parking

Big Dave's is located in a standalone building or small shopping center depending on which South Carolina location you are visiting — the restaurant has multiple locations across the state. Check the website or call ahead to confirm the address and hours for the specific location nearest you, as hours vary by location and may change seasonally.

Parking is typically available in a lot adjacent to the building, and the entrance is accessible from the parking area. The restaurant is easy to spot from the road, and GPS navigation works reliably for finding it. If you are traveling with a group, arriving early or calling ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up about party size can help them prepare.

Pricing and what to bring

Entrees range from moderate to mid-range for barbecue — a half-pound of brisket or pulled pork typically costs between $12 and $18, depending on the specific cut and current pricing. Sides are usually $3 to $5 each, and combo plates that bundle a meat with two sides cost slightly less than ordering them separately. Drinks and desserts are available but not the focus of the menu.

Big Dave's accepts cash and card payments. The restaurant does not have a full bar, though some locations may offer beer or soft drinks. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, the counter staff can tell you which items contain common allergens or can be modified — ask before ordering if you have concerns.

When to go and what to expect

Lunch service runs from around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from around 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., though these times vary by location. The busiest periods are midday on weekdays and early evening on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, arriving right when the restaurant opens or going mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner service means shorter lines and faster seating.

The dining room is casual and informal — you will see families, construction workers, and groups of friends all eating together. The noise level is moderate, and the atmosphere is friendly without being loud. The patio is weather-dependent but pleasant on mild days, and it is a good option if you want to eat outside or if the indoor seating is full.

Takeout and group orders

Big Dave's handles takeout the same way as dine-in — you order at the counter and pick up when ready. Takeout containers are sturdy enough that food stays warm during a short drive home. If you are ordering for a group or party, calling ahead gives the kitchen time to prepare and prevents a long wait when you arrive.

The restaurant does not require a minimum order for takeout, so ordering for two people or twenty works the same way. If you are planning a gathering and want to feed a crowd, asking about bulk pricing or party platters when you call can sometimes save money compared to ordering individual entrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Big Dave's operates on a walk-up, counter-service basis with no reservations. You order when you arrive and pick up your food when it is ready. For large groups, calling ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up is helpful but not required.

What if I have a food allergy?

Tell the counter staff about your allergy before ordering. They can tell you which items contain common allergens and whether dishes can be prepared separately to avoid cross-contact. Always confirm directly with staff rather than assuming based on the menu description.

Can I get food delivered?

Delivery depends on the specific location and whether third-party delivery services operate in your area. Call the restaurant directly or check their website to see if delivery is available from the location you want to order from.

What time should I arrive to avoid a long wait?

Arriving right when the restaurant opens or between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. typically means shorter lines. Lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.) are the busiest times, especially on weekends.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused, but sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread can be ordered as a meal. Call ahead if you want to confirm what vegetarian options are available at your specific location.