City Barbeque: What to Order and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

What City Barbeque serves and where to find locations

City Barbeque is a regional chain with multiple locations across South Carolina that specializes in slow-smoked meats, sides, and sandwiches. The restaurants operate as casual counter-service spots where you order at the register and pick up your food, then seat yourself in a dining room or take your meal to go. Each location serves the same core menu but may have slight variations in hours and daily specials.

City Barbeque locations are concentrated in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions, with restaurants in Columbia, Lexington, Aiken, and Charleston. You can find current addresses and hours on their website or by calling ahead, since hours sometimes shift seasonally or for special events. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though some close earlier on Sundays.

Key Takeaways

• City Barbeque smokes pork, beef brisket, and chicken over hickory wood and serves them by the pound or on sandwiches.
• Sides include traditional options like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread, plus regional specialties that vary by location.
• Pricing runs roughly $15 to $25 per person for a full meal with meat, two sides, and cornbread or a roll.
• The restaurant operates as counter-service with dine-in and takeout options, and most locations accept both cash and cards.
• Catering is available for events and can be ordered in advance through the restaurant directly.

The smoked meats and how they're prepared

City Barbeque smokes all its meat on-site using hickory wood, which gives the finished product a distinct smoky flavor and tender texture. The pork shoulder is pulled and shredded, the beef brisket is sliced thick, and the chicken is smoked whole or in halves. You can order any meat by the pound if you want to build your own plate, or choose a sandwich that comes with your choice of meat on a bun.

The pulled pork is the most popular item and works well on its own or piled onto a sandwich with coleslaw. The brisket appeals to diners who want something heavier and more substantial, and it pairs well with the restaurant's vinegar-based sauce. Smoked turkey and ribs appear on some menus depending on the location and the day, so ask what's available when you arrive.

Sides and what pairs well with your meat

City Barbeque offers traditional Southern sides that complement the smoked meats. Collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread appear on every menu. Some locations also serve sweet potato casserole, fried okra, or hushpuppies depending on availability. Coleslaw comes as a standard side with most sandwiches and can be ordered separately as well.

A typical plate includes your choice of meat, two sides, and cornbread or a roll. The collard greens and mac and cheese are hearty enough to satisfy on their own, but many diners order one vegetable side and one starch. The baked beans have a slightly sweet flavor that works especially well with pulled pork, while the coleslaw cuts through the richness of brisket.

Sauces and how to customize your order

City Barbeque provides sauce at the counter and lets you add as much or as little as you want to your meat. The house sauce is vinegar-based with a slight sweetness, which is typical of South Carolina's Lowcountry style. Some locations also offer a spicier sauce or a mustard-based option, so ask what's available when you order.

You can request sauce on the side if you prefer to control how much you use, or ask for extra sauce to take home. The restaurant does not charge extra for sauce, and staff will usually give you small containers if you're taking your meal to go. Many regulars bring their own hot sauce or prefer the meat unsauced, so there's no pressure to use the house sauce if it's not your preference.

Pricing and what a typical meal costs

A full plate with meat, two sides, and cornbread or a roll typically costs between $15 and $25 depending on which meat you choose and your location. Pulled pork is usually the least expensive option, while brisket and specialty meats cost a bit more. Sandwiches run slightly less than full plates and come with one side included.

Sides ordered separately cost a few dollars each, and drinks are priced like standard restaurant beverages. Catering orders for groups or events are priced per person and require advance notice. Most locations accept both cash and credit cards, though it's worth calling ahead if you're planning a large order or catering event.

Catering and special orders for groups

City Barbeque offers catering for parties, corporate events, and family gatherings. You can order by the pound or by the person, and the restaurant will provide serving containers and utensils. Catering orders typically need to be placed at least a day or two in advance, so call the location nearest you to discuss your event size and date.

Catering packages usually include your choice of meats, a selection of sides, cornbread, and sauce. The restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions if you mention them when you order. Pricing for catering is similar to dine-in pricing but may include delivery fees depending on how far the event is from the restaurant.

Dining experience and what to expect

City Barbeque locations are casual and family-friendly, with a counter where you order and a dining room with tables and booths. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, and the restaurants attract a mix of regulars, families, and tourists. Most locations are clean and well-maintained, with simple decor that focuses on the food rather than ambiance.

Service is quick once you order, usually within 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak hours. Lunch and dinner rushes can mean a short wait, especially on weekends. The restaurants are designed for efficiency rather than lingering, so they work well if you're in a hurry or want to take your meal elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order City Barbeque online or for delivery?

Some locations accept online orders through their website or third-party delivery apps, but not all do. Call your nearest restaurant to ask whether they offer online ordering or delivery, since this varies by location. Takeout is always available if you prefer to pick up your order in person.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

City Barbeque is a meat-focused restaurant, but most locations can prepare a plate of sides without meat. Collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread are typically vegetarian, though you should confirm how they're prepared when you order. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs.

What's the best meat to order if I've never been before?

Pulled pork is the most popular choice and a good introduction to City Barbeque's style. It's tender, flavorful, and works well on a sandwich or as part of a plate. If you prefer beef, the brisket is thick-sliced and substantial. Ask your server what's fresh that day if you want a recommendation.

Can I bring my own sauce or seasoning?

Most City Barbeque locations don't restrict what you bring to your table, but it's polite to ask. The house sauce is designed to complement the meat, but many diners customize with their own hot sauce or seasoning. Bring what you like and enjoy your meal your way.

Are there any seasonal menu items I should know about?

City Barbeque's core menu stays consistent year-round, but some locations feature seasonal sides or special meats depending on availability. Ribs and turkey appear occasionally, and holiday specials sometimes show up around major holidays. Call ahead or ask when you visit if you're looking for something specific.