Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que in South Carolina: What to Expect and Where to Find It

What Famous Dave's Serves and Where the South Carolina Locations Are

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que is a regional barbecue chain with restaurants across the Southeast, including two locations in South Carolina: one in Columbia at Harbison Boulevard and one in Myrtle Beach near the North Kings Highway area. The menu centers on slow-smoked meats—ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken—cooked over hickory and oak wood. Sides run to the expected: mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and baked beans.

The chain's signature item is its ribs, which come in full racks or half racks and are available in a few sauce styles. Brisket is sold by the pound, and pulled pork comes as sandwiches or platters. The restaurant also serves wings, burnt ends, and combo platters that let you sample multiple meats in one order. Prices sit in the mid-range for barbecue dining—a full rack of ribs runs between $20 and $30, depending on the location and current pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Famous Dave's has two South Carolina locations: one in Columbia and one in Myrtle Beach, both open for lunch and dinner most days of the week.
• The menu focuses on hickory and oak-smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, with traditional sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
• You can dine in, order takeout, or call ahead to reserve a table, especially on weekends when the restaurant fills up quickly.
• The restaurant offers catering for events, which you can arrange by calling the location directly or visiting their website.

Dining In and Takeout Options

Both South Carolina locations operate as full-service restaurants with indoor seating and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The Columbia location tends to draw a steady crowd during lunch hours and on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Myrtle Beach location, situated near the tourist corridor, sees higher traffic during summer months and around holidays.

Takeout is straightforward: you can call ahead to place an order, pick it up at the counter, or order through the restaurant's website if online ordering is available at your location. Wait times for takeout typically run 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours (lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., dinner between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.). If you plan to dine in on a Friday or Saturday night, arriving before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m. usually means shorter waits.

What the Atmosphere and Service Are Like

Famous Dave's maintains a casual, laid-back barbecue-joint aesthetic with wood-heavy décor, neon signs, and a bar area that serves beer and soft drinks. The noise level is moderate to high during busy periods, making it a social rather than intimate dining experience. Staff are generally attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and the pace of service is steady without being rushed.

The restaurant works well for families with children, groups of friends, and solo diners. High chairs and booster seats are available at both locations. The restrooms are clean and accessible. If you have dietary restrictions or questions about ingredients, the staff can usually answer them or direct you to a manager who can.

Catering and Private Events

Famous Dave's offers catering for parties, corporate events, and family gatherings. You can order platters of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sides for delivery or pickup. Catering minimums and pricing vary by location and event size, so you will need to call the specific restaurant to discuss your needs and get a quote.

To arrange catering, contact the Columbia or Myrtle Beach location directly by phone. Many customers order catering for tailgates, reunions, and office parties. Lead time of at least a few days is typical, though the restaurant may accommodate shorter notice depending on availability.

Hours, Contact Information, and Parking

The Columbia location is typically open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The Myrtle Beach location follows similar hours but may extend during peak summer season. Hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so calling ahead or checking the website before your visit is wise.

Both locations have dedicated parking lots with ample space. The Columbia restaurant sits in a shopping center with easy access from Harbison Boulevard. The Myrtle Beach location is situated near other retail and dining options, making it convenient if you are exploring that part of the Grand Strand. Parking is free at both sites.

Menu Highlights and Pricing

Beyond the signature ribs and brisket, Famous Dave's offers several items worth trying. The pulled pork sandwich is tender and well-seasoned, and the burnt ends—crispy, caramelized pieces of brisket—are a popular add-on or standalone order. Chicken is available as a half or whole bird, and wings come sauced or dry. Combo platters let you choose two or three meats, which is a good way to sample the kitchen's range if you are visiting for the first time.

Sides are substantial and made in-house. The collard greens are cooked with a savory broth, the mac and cheese is creamy, and the cornbread is slightly sweet. Baked beans, coleslaw, and sweet potato fries round out the options. Most platters come with two sides and cornbread. Pricing for individual meats ranges from about $12 for a half rack of ribs to $18 to $22 for a full rack, with brisket sold by the pound at roughly $16 to $20 per pound depending on current market rates.

What to Know Before You Go

Famous Dave's accepts cash and all major credit cards. The restaurant does not take reservations for regular dining, though you can call ahead to place a takeout order. During peak times—Friday and Saturday evenings, holiday weekends, and summer Saturdays in Myrtle Beach—expect to wait 30 to 45 minutes for a table if you arrive without calling first.

The restaurant is not the place for a quick meal during lunch rush, but it is ideal if you have time to relax and enjoy barbecue without hurrying. If you are sensitive to smoke, note that the dining area can carry the scent of the smoker, which is part of the experience but worth knowing in advance. The restaurant is generally wheelchair accessible, though you may want to call ahead to confirm specific accommodations at your chosen location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No, Famous Dave's operates on a first-come, first-served basis for regular dining. However, you can call ahead to place a takeout order, which speeds up your pickup. For large groups or catering events, you should contact the restaurant directly to discuss your needs.

What are the best times to avoid a long wait?

Weekday lunches between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and weekday dinners after 7:30 p.m. typically have shorter waits. Weekends and holidays are busier, especially Friday and Saturday evenings. Summer weekends in Myrtle Beach are the busiest times of the year.

Can I order Famous Dave's for delivery?

Delivery through third-party apps may be available depending on your location and the app's coverage area. Your best option is to call the restaurant directly to place a takeout order for pickup, which ensures accuracy and avoids delivery fees.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused, but sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and sweet potato fries can be ordered as a meal. Call ahead to discuss what vegetarian combinations the kitchen can prepare for you.

What is the dress code?

There is no dress code. Famous Dave's is casual dining, and customers come in everything from athletic wear to business casual. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.