Little Pigs B-B-Q of Travelers Rest: Slow-Smoked Barbecue in Upstate South Carolina

What Little Pigs B-B-Q serves and where to find it

Little Pigs B-B-Q sits on Main Street in Travelers Rest, a small town in Greenville County about 20 minutes north of downtown Greenville. The restaurant specializes in whole-hog barbecue smoked over hickory wood, along with traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The menu also includes pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, with options to order by the pound or as part of a plate with two sides and cornbread.

The space itself reflects the casual, no-frills approach common to serious barbecue joints in the Upstate. Seating is simple, and the focus stays on the food rather than atmosphere. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the front and find a table inside or on a small porch area when weather permits.

Key Takeaways

• Little Pigs B-B-Q smokes whole hogs over hickory wood, a traditional method that produces meat with distinct flavor and texture.
• The restaurant is located on Main Street in Travelers Rest, making it accessible from Greenville and the surrounding Upstate region.
• Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread, all made in-house to pair with the smoked meats.
• You can order by the plate with two sides included, or purchase meat by the pound if you want to take it home or feed a larger group.

The whole-hog smoking process

Whole-hog barbecue is a regional tradition in the Carolinas, and Little Pigs B-B-Q follows this approach rather than focusing on individual cuts. The restaurant sources whole pigs and smokes them low and slow over hickory wood, a process that takes many hours and requires constant attention to temperature and smoke flow. The result is meat that pulls cleanly from the bone and carries the deep, smoky flavor that hickory imparts.

This method differs from restaurants that smoke individual cuts like brisket or ribs. With whole-hog smoking, the different parts of the animal cook at different rates—the thicker shoulder and hip take longer than the ribs and belly—so the pit master has to manage the placement and timing carefully. The payoff is a range of textures and flavors across a single order, from the tender, fatty belly meat to the leaner, more intensely flavored shoulder.

Sides and what pairs with the meat

Little Pigs B-B-Q makes its sides from scratch rather than relying on shortcuts. Collard greens are cooked with traditional seasonings, mac and cheese is creamy and substantial, and cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet. These sides are designed to balance the richness of smoked pork and to soak up the juices and smoke flavor from the meat.

When you order a plate, you choose two sides to go with your meat and cornbread. Many regulars pair the pulled pork with collard greens and mac and cheese, though the ribs or brisket work equally well with any combination. If you are ordering by the pound to take home, you can purchase sides separately or skip them entirely and focus on the meat.

Ordering options and pricing structure

Little Pigs B-B-Q offers two main ways to order. The first is by the plate: you select a meat (pulled pork, ribs, brisket, or whole-hog), choose two sides, and receive cornbread. This format works well if you are eating in the restaurant or want a single meal to take home. The second option is ordering by the pound, which lets you buy as much or as little meat as you need without committing to sides.

Pricing varies depending on the cut and current market costs for pork, so it is worth calling ahead if you are planning a large order or want to know the exact cost before you arrive. The restaurant can also handle catering requests for events, though you should contact them directly to discuss quantities, timing, and any special arrangements.

Hours, location, and how to get there

Little Pigs B-B-Q is located at 3 Main Street in Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690. The restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Travelers Rest, a walkable area with other shops and restaurants nearby. From Greenville, take Interstate 385 north toward Travelers Rest, then exit onto Main Street; the restaurant is easy to spot once you are in the downtown area.

Hours vary by season and day of the week, so calling ahead is a good idea before making the drive. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner during the week and weekend, though it may close earlier on slower days or adjust hours during winter months. You can call the restaurant directly to confirm hours and to place large orders in advance.

Why Travelers Rest matters as a barbecue destination

Travelers Rest has become a small but growing food destination in the Upstate, with a cluster of restaurants and breweries that draw visitors from Greenville and beyond. The town's location—nestled between Greenville and the Blue Ridge Mountains—makes it a natural stop for people heading to hiking trails, waterfalls, or mountain getaways. Little Pigs B-B-Q fits into this landscape as a place where locals and visitors alike can eat serious barbecue without the formality or high prices of larger restaurants.

The restaurant also reflects a broader trend in South Carolina barbecue: a return to traditional whole-hog smoking and regional techniques that had been fading as chain restaurants and faster methods took over. By focusing on this method, Little Pigs B-B-Q connects to the state's barbecue heritage while serving the contemporary Upstate community.

What to expect on your visit

When you walk into Little Pigs B-B-Q, expect the smell of hickory smoke and a straightforward ordering process. There is no table service; you order at the counter, pay, and then find a seat. The staff can answer questions about the meat and sides, and they can help you decide on portions if you are unsure whether to order a plate or by the pound.

The restaurant does not have a full bar, though it may offer bottled drinks or tea. The focus is entirely on the food, so plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes from arrival to eating, depending on how busy the restaurant is. If you are ordering a large quantity by the pound, you may want to call ahead so the pit master can set aside what you need and have it ready when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Little Pigs B-B-Q for a catering event or party?

Yes, the restaurant handles catering orders. Contact them directly to discuss the size of your event, the date you need the food, and any special requests. They will work with you on pricing and logistics, though you should reach out as far in advance as possible for large orders.

What is the difference between ordering a plate and ordering by the pound?

A plate comes with your choice of meat, two sides, and cornbread—it is a complete meal. Ordering by the pound lets you buy just the meat in whatever quantity you want, without sides. By-the-pound is useful if you want to take food home to cook with, feed a group, or skip the sides.

Is Little Pigs B-B-Q good for takeout?

Yes, takeout is a common way to order. The meat travels well and stays warm for a reasonable amount of time. If you are taking it more than 20 or 30 minutes away, ask the staff to wrap it in foil to help retain heat.

Do I need to make a reservation?

For regular dining, walk-ins are welcome and no reservation is needed. For large catering orders or if you want to may provide a specific quantity of meat is ready when you arrive, call ahead to place your order.

What makes whole-hog barbecue different from other barbecue styles?

Whole-hog barbecue smokes an entire pig rather than individual cuts, producing a range of textures and flavors in a single order. Different parts cook at different rates and have different fat content, so you get tender belly meat alongside leaner, more intensely flavored shoulder meat all in one serving.