D & H Bar-B-Que in Hemingway: Low Country Barbecue and Sides

What to expect at D & H Bar-B-Que

D & H Bar-B-Que is a casual barbecue restaurant in Hemingway, South Carolina, serving whole hog barbecue and traditional sides in a no-frills setting. The restaurant focuses on the low country style of barbecue—whole pigs cooked over wood, chopped and served with mustard-based sauce, the regional standard across the Pee Dee area. You order at the counter, grab a seat at picnic tables or booths, and eat family-style portions.

The menu centers on barbecue plates with your choice of meat, two sides, and cornbread. Sides rotate but typically include collard greens, mac and cheese, red rice, and coleslaw. Iced tea and soft drinks come with meals. The space is straightforward—no tablecloths or ambient music—which keeps the focus on the food and the people at your table.

Key Takeaways

• D & H serves whole hog barbecue prepared in the low country tradition, chopped and dressed with mustard sauce.
• Plates come with two sides and cornbread, and portions are large enough to share or take home.
• The restaurant is located in Hemingway, a small town in Williamsburg County about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach and 30 minutes from Kingstree.
• Hours and days of operation vary seasonally, so call ahead before making the drive.

The barbecue and sauce

Whole hog barbecue means the entire pig—shoulders, ribs, belly—is cooked together over wood smoke for hours, then chopped into a single batch. This method produces meat with varied texture and fat content, which is what gives low country barbecue its distinctive flavor. D & H chops the meat fine and mixes it thoroughly, so each bite carries smoke and seasoning evenly.

The sauce is mustard-based, which is standard in South Carolina's Pee Dee region. Mustard sauce tastes sharp and tangy compared to the tomato-heavy sauces used in other parts of the state. Some people add extra sauce at the table; others prefer the meat's natural smoke flavor. Cornbread comes on every plate and works well for soaking up sauce or eating alongside the meat.

Sides and what to order

Two sides come with every barbecue plate. Collard greens are cooked with pork fat and seasoning, a staple at low country tables. Mac and cheese is creamy and rich. Red rice—rice cooked with tomato and sausage—is a Lowcountry dish with roots in Gullah cooking. Coleslaw provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm meat and other sides.

Most people order a single plate and share, or order two plates with different side combinations to try more. The portions are substantial. If you are eating alone, one plate often leaves you with leftovers. Takeout is available and common, especially for family gatherings or events.

Location and how to get there

Hemingway is a small town in Williamsburg County in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. From Myrtle Beach, take US 501 west toward Conway, then continue on US 701 south. The drive takes about 45 minutes. From Kingstree, D & H is roughly 30 minutes south on US 701. GPS coordinates or a phone call to the restaurant will get you the exact address and confirm they are open.

Hemingway itself has little tourism infrastructure—no hotels, no gift shops—so most visitors come for the food and return to a larger town for lodging. The area is rural and agricultural, which is part of its character. Bring cash or ask about card payment when you call.

Hours and planning your visit

D & H operates on a limited schedule that can shift with the seasons and the owner's availability. Many small barbecue restaurants in rural South Carolina close on certain days or operate only for lunch. Before driving out, call the restaurant to confirm they are open and ask about their current hours.

Lunch is typically the busier time. Arriving early—around 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.—usually means shorter waits and a full selection of sides. If the restaurant runs out of a particular side, they will tell you what is available instead. Takeout orders can be called in ahead of time, which is useful if you are planning a picnic or family meal.

Why low country barbecue matters in South Carolina

Whole hog barbecue and mustard sauce are not trendy—they are the traditional way barbecue was cooked in the Pee Dee and low country regions for generations. This style reflects the agricultural history of the area and the way families and communities gathered around food. Small restaurants like D & H keep that tradition alive, often run by people who learned the craft from family members.

Visiting a place like D & H is a way to eat regional food in its original context, not a modernized or tourist version. The restaurant does not have a website or social media presence; it exists because people know about it and come back. That word-of-mouth reputation is how these places survive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No, D & H operates on a walk-in basis. However, if you want to order a large quantity for an event or party, call ahead to discuss what they can prepare. For regular meals, just show up during operating hours.

What is the difference between D & H's barbecue and barbecue from other regions of South Carolina?

D & H serves whole hog barbecue with mustard sauce, which is the low country and Pee Dee style. Other regions of South Carolina use different sauces—tomato-based in the Midlands, vinegar-based in the Piedmont—and may cook only certain cuts of meat. The whole hog method and mustard sauce are specific to this area.

Can I bring my own drinks or outside food?

Call the restaurant to ask about their policy. Most casual barbecue restaurants do not allow outside food, but policies vary. They sell drinks and tea on-site.

Is the restaurant accessible for people with mobility issues?

Call ahead to ask about parking, entrance, and seating. The restaurant is casual and may have limitations, so it is worth confirming before you visit.

What should I do if I cannot find the restaurant?

Call D & H directly for directions. GPS can sometimes route you incorrectly in rural areas. The restaurant staff can guide you from a nearby landmark or main road.