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Little Pigs BBQ at Surfside Beach: Low-Country Barbecue and Seafood

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Little Pigs BBQ

Little Pigs BBQ sits on North Kings Highway in Surfside Beach, serving pulled pork, ribs, and brisket alongside Low Country seafood—shrimp, fish, and crab prepared in ways that reflect the coastal South Carolina kitchen. The restaurant operates as a casual counter-service spot where you order at the front, grab a table inside or on the patio, and eat without the formality of table service. Portions are generous, and the menu leans toward the kinds of meals people drive to the beach to find: smoky meat, cornbread, collard greens, and fried seafood.

The barbecue comes from an on-site smoker, and the seafood arrives fresh from local suppliers. Sides rotate seasonally but typically include mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and okra. The restaurant fills up quickly during summer weekends and holiday weeks, so arriving before noon or after 2 p.m. usually means a shorter wait. The space itself is unpretentious—wood tables, casual decor, the kind of place where sand on the floor is expected and nobody minds.

Key Takeaways

  • Little Pigs BBQ serves smoked barbecue and Low Country seafood at a counter-service restaurant on North Kings Highway in Surfside Beach.
  • The menu includes pulled pork, ribs, brisket, fried shrimp, and crab dishes, with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
  • The restaurant operates year-round but draws the largest crowds during summer and holiday weeks, when arriving off-peak helps avoid long waits.
  • Patio seating is available, and the casual atmosphere suits families, groups, and anyone stopping by on the way to or from the beach.

Menu highlights and what to order

The pulled pork sandwich is a standard order—tender, lightly sauced, and substantial enough to share or eat as a full meal with sides. Ribs come by the half or full rack, and the brisket is sliced thick and served with sauce on the side so you control how much you want. For seafood, the fried shrimp platter is a reliable choice, and the crab cakes are made in-house rather than frozen. The restaurant also serves a shrimp and grits dish that bridges the barbecue and Low Country seafood sides of the menu.

Sides matter as much as the main protein here. The collard greens are cooked with bacon and onion, the mac and cheese is creamy and not overly heavy, and the cornbread arrives warm. Hushpuppies come with most seafood plates. Portions are large enough that two people can comfortably share an entree and two sides, which is useful if you want to try multiple things without overcommitting. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but you can bring your own beer or wine—a common practice at casual beach restaurants in South Carolina.

Hours, location, and parking

Little Pigs BBQ is located at 1210 North Kings Highway in Surfside Beach, about a mile north of the main commercial strip. The restaurant is open year-round, typically from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, though hours may shift slightly in winter. It is best to call ahead during off-season months to confirm, as some casual beach restaurants adjust their schedules based on foot traffic.

Parking is available in a small lot directly in front of the restaurant, and overflow parking is usually available on the street. During peak summer season, the lot fills quickly at lunch and dinner, but turnover is fast because most people eat and leave within 45 minutes. The restaurant is a short drive from Surfside Beach Pier and the public beach access points, making it a logical stop before or after time in the water.

When to visit and what to know

Summer weekends and school holidays draw the largest crowds, particularly around July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning or in the shoulder seasons—April through May or September through October—when the weather is still pleasant but the beach is less crowded. Winter is the slowest season, and the restaurant may have shorter hours or close for a day or two for maintenance.

The restaurant is family-friendly and does not require reservations, but large groups (eight or more) should call ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up. The casual atmosphere means children are welcome, and high chairs are available. The patio can get loud during peak hours, so if you prefer a quieter meal, ask for an inside table or visit during off-peak times. The restaurant does not have a kids menu, but portions are large enough that children can share an adult entree, and simpler items like pulled pork or fried shrimp appeal to younger palates.

How Little Pigs fits into a Surfside Beach visit

Surfside Beach itself is quieter and less developed than Myrtle Beach to the south, making it a good choice if you want beach time without the amusement parks and high-rise hotels. The town has a fishing pier, a public beach access with a boardwalk, and several smaller restaurants and shops. Little Pigs BBQ works well as a lunch stop if you are spending the morning in the water, or as a casual dinner before heading back to your hotel or rental house.

The restaurant pairs well with a visit to Surfside Beach Pier, which is about a mile away and offers fishing, walking, and views of the Atlantic. If you are staying in the area for multiple days, Little Pigs is worth a return visit because the menu is large enough to try different things each time. The casual pace and generous portions also make it a good choice if you are traveling with extended family or a group and want everyone to find something they like without spending a lot of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No, Little Pigs BBQ operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. Large groups of eight or more should call ahead to let the kitchen know they are coming, but walk-ins are always welcome. During peak summer weekends, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during lunch or dinner hours.

Can I bring my own beer or wine?

Yes, the restaurant does not serve alcohol but allows you to bring your own beer or wine. Many visitors bring a cold drink to enjoy with their meal on the patio, which is a common practice at casual beach restaurants in the area.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

The staff can describe how dishes are prepared and what ingredients are used. If you have a severe allergy, speak directly with the kitchen staff rather than relying on a server. The menu includes vegetable sides, but the restaurant is primarily meat and seafood focused, so options for strict vegetarians are limited.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, Little Pigs BBQ has a patio with tables where you can eat outside. The patio is first-come, first-served, so during busy times you may be seated inside. The patio is covered in some areas but not fully enclosed, so weather can affect comfort during rain or extreme heat.

How far is Little Pigs from the main Surfside Beach attractions?

The restaurant is about a mile north of the main commercial area and Surfside Beach Pier. It is roughly a 10-minute drive from the pier and public beach access, making it convenient if you are spending time in the water or exploring the town.