Jo Jo's Backyard BBQ: Lowcountry Smoke and Sides in Beaufort

What to expect at Jo Jo's Backyard BBQ

Jo Jo's Backyard BBQ is a casual counter-service spot in Beaufort that smokes meat over wood and serves it with the kind of sides that anchor a meal—collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, baked beans. The restaurant operates out of a modest space with picnic tables and a no-frills atmosphere where the focus stays on the food itself. You order at the counter, grab a number, and eat in or take out.

The menu centers on whole hog and brisket, both smoked low and slow. Pulled pork sandwiches come on a plain bun with vinegar-based sauce on the side. Ribs are sold by the rack or half-rack. Chicken and turkey are available most days. Portions are generous, and the meat pulls apart easily—a sign the smoke time was long enough.

Beaufort's location on the coast and its deep ties to Lowcountry cooking mean Jo Jo's draws on regional tradition: whole hog barbecue was the standard across the Carolinas before regional styles split into different camps. The restaurant's approach leans toward the vinegar-forward, less-sauce-heavy end of that spectrum, which is common in the coastal regions of South Carolina.

Key Takeaways

• Jo Jo's serves smoked whole hog, brisket, ribs, and chicken with traditional Lowcountry sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
• The restaurant is counter-service only, with picnic table seating and a take-out option for those eating elsewhere.
• Sauce is served on the side rather than applied to the meat, letting the smoke flavor come through.
• Beaufort's location and Jo Jo's menu reflect the Lowcountry barbecue tradition that shaped South Carolina's coastal food culture.

Hours and location

Jo Jo's Backyard BBQ is located in Beaufort, a town on Port Royal Island about 40 minutes south of Savannah, Georgia, and roughly 90 minutes from Charleston. Beaufort's downtown sits along the Beaufort River, and the restaurant is within walking distance of shops, galleries, and other dining options along Bay Street.

Hours vary by season and day. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and early dinner, closed Mondays, and may have reduced hours in winter months. Call ahead or check their current schedule before making the drive, especially if you are traveling from out of town.

What to order

Start with the pulled pork sandwich if you want to taste the smoke without committing to a large plate. The meat is tender enough to eat with a fork, and the vinegar sauce cuts through the richness. Pair it with a side—collard greens are a reliable choice, cooked with salt pork and served in a small container.

If you are hungry or feeding a group, the half-rack or full-rack ribs show the kitchen's skill with timing and temperature. The meat should pull cleanly from the bone without shredding. Brisket is leaner and denser than pork; it works well for those who prefer beef or want something different from the standard pulled-pork experience.

Mac and cheese is creamy and mild, a good counterweight to the smoke and salt of the meat. Cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly. Baked beans are slow-cooked and savory. Order one or two sides per person; portions are large enough that you will have leftovers unless you are very hungry.

Pricing and payment

Barbecue plates at Jo Jo's are moderately priced for the portion size and quality. A pulled pork sandwich runs less than a full plate of ribs or brisket. Sides are usually a dollar or two each, and combo plates that bundle meat and two sides are often the better value if you want a full meal.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. There is no table service, so you pay when you order and pick up your food at the counter. Tipping is optional but common for counter-service restaurants.

Parking and accessibility

Parking in downtown Beaufort is street parking or small municipal lots. The area is walkable, and most lots are within a block or two of restaurants and shops. During peak tourist season (spring and fall), parking can be tight on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday may be easier.

The restaurant itself is ground-level with a counter entrance. If you have mobility concerns or need specific accessibility information, call ahead to confirm what the space can accommodate.

Why Beaufort matters for barbecue

Beaufort has been a port town since the 1700s, and its food culture reflects centuries of Lowcountry cooking—a blend of African, European, and Native American traditions shaped by the region's rice plantations, coastal waters, and subtropical climate. Whole hog barbecue was a way to use every part of the animal and feed large groups, making it central to community gatherings and celebrations.

Today, Beaufort draws visitors for its historic district, art galleries, and waterfront parks. Jo Jo's fits into that landscape as a place where locals and travelers eat the same food—no tourist markup, no simplified menu. It is the kind of restaurant that has been in the same spot for years, serving the same recipes, because the food speaks for itself.

When to visit

Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit Beaufort. Temperatures are mild, and the town is busy with visitors without being overwhelmed. Summer is hot and humid, which is typical for the Lowcountry, and winter is mild but can be rainy.

Jo Jo's is a lunch-and-early-dinner spot, so plan to eat between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. depending on the day. If you are combining it with other Beaufort activities—a walk through the historic district, a visit to the Beaufort Museum or Hunting Island State Park—plan a half-day or full-day trip to make the most of the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Most barbecue restaurants operate on a first-come, first-served basis at the counter. Call ahead to ask if Jo Jo's takes phone orders or if you should expect a wait during peak hours. Lunch (around noon to 1 p.m.) is usually busier than mid-afternoon or early evening.

Is Jo Jo's good for groups or families?

Yes. The picnic table seating and large portions make it easy to feed a group. Order a mix of meats and sides, and everyone can share. There is no table service, so cleanup is minimal, and kids are welcome in the casual atmosphere.

What if I do not eat meat?

Jo Jo's is a barbecue restaurant, so the menu is meat-focused. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and baked beans are available, but they may be cooked with meat stock or seasoning. Call ahead to ask about vegetarian options or preparation methods if that matters to you.

How far is Jo Jo's from Charleston or Savannah?

Beaufort is about 90 minutes from Charleston and 40 minutes from Savannah, Georgia. It is a reasonable day trip from either city, or a stop on the way between them. The drive is mostly highway, and Beaufort's downtown is easy to navigate once you arrive.

Does Jo Jo's have a website or social media?

Many small barbecue restaurants have limited online presence. Check Google Maps or Facebook for current hours, photos, and customer reviews. If you cannot find recent information online, calling the restaurant directly is the fastest way to confirm they are open and what the wait time is.