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Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse: Slow-Smoked Meat and Sides in Chesnee

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What You'll Find at Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse

Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse is a casual barbecue restaurant in Chesnee, South Carolina, located along Highway 27. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats cooked over wood, with a menu built around pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken. Sides include traditional options like collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. The space is informal—picnic tables and a counter-service setup—and the focus stays on the food rather than atmosphere.

The smokehouse operates as a destination for people driving through the Upstate or living nearby who want barbecue made the traditional way. Portions are generous, and prices are moderate for the amount of meat you receive. The restaurant does not take reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served.

Key Takeaways

  • Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse serves wood-smoked pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken with classic barbecue sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
  • The restaurant is located in Chesnee along Highway 27 and operates on a counter-service model with picnic-table seating.
  • No reservations are taken, so arrive early during peak hours if you want to avoid a wait.
  • The menu is straightforward and meat-focused, with limited options for vegetarian diners.

Menu and What to Order

The pulled pork is the signature item—tender, lightly seasoned, and smoky without being overpowering. It comes as a sandwich on a soft bun or by the pound if you want to take it home. The brisket is thick-cut and holds smoke well, making it a solid choice if you prefer beef. Ribs come as a half-rack or full-rack and are fall-off-the-bone tender without tasting boiled.

Sides matter at a barbecue restaurant, and Hwy 27 does not skimp. The collard greens have a proper pot-liquor base, the mac and cheese is creamy and not overly cheesy, and the baked beans have a slight tang. Cornbread is served warm and buttered. Most people order a meat, two sides, and cornbread as a plate. Iced tea and soft drinks are available; there is no alcohol.

Hours, Location, and Parking

Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse is in Chesnee, a small town in Spartanburg County about 20 minutes south of Spartanburg city center. The restaurant sits directly on Highway 27, making it easy to spot from the road. Parking is in a gravel lot adjacent to the building, with space for roughly 15 to 20 cars.

Hours vary by season and day of the week—call ahead to confirm before making the drive, especially on Sundays or holidays. The restaurant is closed on some Mondays. During peak lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.), waits can run 20 to 30 minutes, particularly on weekends.

What to Expect When You Arrive

You order at a counter inside the front door. A staff member will ask what meat you want, how many sides, and whether you want cornbread. Payment happens at the same counter, and most places take cash and card. You then find a seat at one of the picnic tables, either inside or outside depending on weather and availability.

Food comes out in a paper boat or on a foam plate, depending on whether you are eating in or taking it to go. Napkins and wet wipes are usually stacked at the counter. The restaurant does not have table service, so you handle your own trash when you leave.

Nearby Attractions and Why People Stop Here

Chesnee is not a major tourist destination, but the town sits on the route between Spartanburg and the foothills. People often stop at Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse while driving to or from hiking areas in the mountains, or while exploring Spartanburg County's rural areas. The restaurant is also a regular spot for locals who live in the surrounding communities.

If you are in the area for other reasons—visiting Spartanburg's downtown arts district, exploring Cowpens National Battlefield, or driving through the Upstate—Hwy 27 BBQ Smokehouse makes a logical lunch or dinner stop. The food is consistent, the portions are large, and the price is fair for wood-smoked barbecue.

Takeout and Bulk Orders

The restaurant sells meat by the pound if you want to take it home and reheat it, or order a full plate to go. Bulk orders for groups or events can sometimes be arranged, but you should call ahead to discuss quantity, timing, and pickup. The restaurant does not deliver.

Leftovers reheat well in a low oven or microwave. Pulled pork and brisket keep in the refrigerator for three to four days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?

No. Seating is first-come, first-served. During busy times, you may wait 20 to 30 minutes. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you decide when to arrive.

Is there a vegetarian menu?

The menu is meat-focused. Vegetarian options are limited to sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and baked beans. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what is available.

Can I order for a group or party?

Bulk orders may be possible with advance notice. Call the restaurant to discuss the size of your group, the date, and what you want to order. Pickup timing and payment terms can be arranged directly.

What payment methods do you accept?

Most locations accept both cash and card. Confirm payment options when you call to check hours or place a large order.

How far in advance should I arrive to avoid a wait?

Lunch rush runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Arriving before 11:15 a.m. or after 2 p.m. usually means shorter waits. Weekends are busier than weekdays.