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Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven: Lowcountry Smoke and Fresh Catch

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What you'll find at Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven

Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven sits on the outskirts of Columbia in the small community of Blythewood, combining two South Carolina food traditions under one roof: slow-smoked barbecue and fresh seafood. The restaurant splits its menu between a full barbecue operation—brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken cooked over wood—and a seafood counter stocked with daily catches. You can order a plate of smoked meats with traditional sides like collard greens and cornbread, or pivot to shrimp, flounder, crab, and oysters prepared fried, steamed, or grilled.

The space itself reflects its dual identity. One side holds the barbecue pit and counter service for smoked meats; the other operates as a seafood market and restaurant. This setup lets you buy raw fish and shellfish to take home or eat prepared plates at tables. The casual, no-frills atmosphere draws locals and travelers willing to drive outside the city center for the combination of quality and value.

Key Takeaways

  • The restaurant operates as both a barbecue joint and a seafood market, so you can order smoked meats or fresh fish prepared to order.
  • Blythewood is a 20-minute drive north of downtown Columbia, making it a destination stop rather than a casual lunch spot.
  • Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread come with barbecue plates and reflect Lowcountry cooking traditions.
  • The seafood counter sells whole fish and shellfish by the pound if you want to cook at home, or you can order prepared dishes.

The barbecue menu and smoking method

The barbecue side of the menu centers on whole-animal smoking. Brisket is smoked low and slow until the meat pulls apart; pulled pork comes from pork shoulders cooked for hours until it shreds. Ribs and chicken round out the protein options. Portions come as plates with two or three sides—collard greens, mac and cheese, green beans, cornbread, and hushpuppies are standard. Sauce is available on the side, letting you control how much you want.

The operation uses a wood-fired pit, which means availability can shift based on what's been smoked that day. Peak hours—lunch and early dinner—are when the full range is most likely to be available. If you're driving out specifically for brisket or a particular cut, calling ahead to confirm they have it is worth the five minutes.

Seafood options and daily inventory

The seafood side stocks what's available from regional suppliers and what's in season. Shrimp, flounder, crab, and oysters appear regularly; other fish rotate based on the catch. You can order fried seafood plates, steamed shrimp by the pound, grilled fish, or raw oysters at the counter. Fried shrimp and flounder are the most consistent offerings and come with fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies.

Because inventory changes, the best approach is to ask what came in that day rather than arriving with a specific fish in mind. The staff can tell you what's fresh and how it's best prepared. Prices are typically lower than seafood restaurants in downtown Columbia, partly because you're buying closer to the source and partly because the overhead is lower in Blythewood.

Hours, location, and what to expect when you arrive

Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven is located on Blythewood Road in the Blythewood community, roughly 20 minutes north of downtown Columbia via I-77. Hours are typically lunch through early evening, though it's worth calling to confirm before making the drive, especially on Sundays or Mondays when some barbecue restaurants close or run limited hours.

The restaurant operates on a counter-service model. You order at the counter, pay, and either eat at tables in the dining area or take your food to go. There's no table service or reservations. During lunch rush (around noon to 1 p.m.) and early dinner (5 to 6 p.m.), expect a line and a wait of 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the pit is.

Why locals make the drive to Blythewood

The draw is the combination itself. Most barbecue restaurants in the Columbia area focus only on smoked meats; most seafood spots don't have a serious barbecue operation. Blythewood offers both, which means a group with mixed preferences can eat together without compromise. A barbecue purist can get brisket and ribs while someone else orders fried shrimp, and both are getting food made in-house by people who know what they're doing.

The location also matters. Blythewood sits on the way to or from other destinations—Lake Murray, the Congaree National Park area, or points north on I-77. It's become a natural stop for people already traveling through the region rather than a destination you'd plan a special trip around, though some do.

Pricing and what to budget

Barbecue plates typically run in the moderate range for the region—less than a sit-down restaurant, more than fast food. A pulled pork or brisket plate with two sides costs less than $15 in most cases. Seafood plates are similarly priced, though ordering by the pound (shrimp, crab, oysters) can add up depending on how much you want. A pound of shrimp or crab will cost more than a plate but less than ordering the same amount at a seafood restaurant in the city.

Cash and card are both accepted. There's no delivery or online ordering, so you have to visit in person or call ahead if you want to place a large order for pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in an order?

Yes, calling ahead is a good idea, especially if you want a specific cut of meat or want to confirm the seafood selection for the day. You can place an order and pick it up, which saves time during busy hours. The staff can also tell you what's available before you make the drive.

Is there a kids menu?

The restaurant doesn't advertise a formal kids menu, but smaller portions and simpler items like fried shrimp or pulled pork are available. Call ahead if you want to confirm what works for younger eaters, or ask at the counter when you arrive.

Do they sell whole fish or shellfish to cook at home?

Yes. The seafood counter sells raw fish and shellfish by the pound. You can buy flounder, shrimp, crab, oysters, and other items to take home and prepare yourself. Prices are typically lower than prepared plates because you're buying the raw product.

What's the best time to go if I want to avoid a wait?

Mid-afternoon (around 2 to 4 p.m.) is usually quieter than lunch or early dinner. If you go at 11:30 a.m. or after 6 p.m., you'll likely wait longer. Weekday afternoons are generally less crowded than weekends.

Is the restaurant accessible by car, and is there parking?

Yes, there is parking on-site. The location is accessible by car via Blythewood Road. It's not on a major commercial strip, so GPS or a phone call with directions is helpful if you haven't been before.