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Mutt's BBQ of Easley: Slow-Smoked Meats and Sides in Upstate South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Mutt's BBQ

Mutt's BBQ is a casual barbecue restaurant in Easley that serves slow-smoked pork, beef, and chicken alongside traditional sides. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the front, then find a seat in the dining room or on the patio. Mutt's focuses on straightforward barbecue—pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken—without elaborate sauces or trendy riffs. The portions are generous, and the prices sit in the moderate range for the Upstate barbecue scene.

The space itself is unpretentious. Easley's location means you're in a working part of the Upstate, not a tourist district, so the restaurant draws regulars and families rather than crowds seeking an Instagram moment. The patio is a genuine draw on warm days, offering a low-key place to eat without the noise of a packed dining room.

Key Takeaways

  • Mutt's serves smoked pork, beef, and chicken cooked over wood, with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.
  • The restaurant operates counter-service, so you order at the front and carry your food to a table or the patio.
  • Easley is about 15 minutes south of Greenville, making Mutt's a reasonable drive from downtown or the Clemson area.
  • The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week.

The meat and sides

Pulled pork is the backbone of the menu. Mutt's smokes it until it shreds easily, then serves it on a bun or by the pound. The meat has a mild smoke ring and holds its own without heavy sauce, though sauce is available on the side. Brisket appears on the menu when available, cut thick and served with minimal embellishment. Ribs come as a full rack or half rack, and the meat pulls cleanly from the bone.

Chicken—whole halves or breasts—rounds out the protein options. It's smoked rather than grilled, so it carries smoke flavor without drying out. Sides include mac and cheese made in-house, collard greens cooked with meat stock, baked beans, and cornbread. The sides are substantial enough to share or to build a meal around if you're not a heavy meat eater.

Location and getting there

Mutt's sits on Main Street in downtown Easley, a town of about 30,000 people roughly 15 minutes south of Greenville. If you're coming from downtown Greenville, take I-385 south toward Clemson, then exit onto SC-123 toward Easley. The restaurant is walkable from other downtown Easley shops and restaurants, so you can combine a meal here with browsing the town's antique stores or visiting nearby parks.

Parking is street parking or in a small lot adjacent to the restaurant. On weekends, downtown Easley can fill up, so arriving early or during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on a weekday) makes parking easier. The Clemson University campus is about 10 minutes further south, so Mutt's is also a reasonable stop if you're traveling to or from the college.

Hours and what to bring

Mutt's is typically open for lunch and dinner, though hours shift with the season and day of the week. It's worth checking ahead by phone or online before making the drive, especially on Sundays or holidays when hours may be reduced. The restaurant accepts both cash and card.

This is a casual spot, so dress is informal. Barbecue is messy eating, so wear something you don't mind getting sauce on, and napkins are plentiful. If you're planning to eat on the patio, bring sunscreen or a hat during warm months—there's limited shade.

Pairing with other Easley attractions

Easley's downtown has grown in recent years, with new shops and restaurants opening alongside established businesses. After eating at Mutt's, you can walk to antique stores, local coffee shops, or browse the Easley Community Center if an event is happening. The town hosts farmers markets and seasonal festivals, so timing your visit around those events can make for a fuller day out.

If you're visiting Clemson University or passing through on the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mutt's is a natural stop. The restaurant is close enough to Clemson to serve as a game-day meal spot, though on football Saturdays the restaurant can get busy in the hours before kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most barbecue restaurants in the Upstate operate first-come, first-served, and Mutt's is no exception. You order when you reach the counter. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is reasonable, but the restaurant typically does not hold orders. Arriving during off-peak hours—mid-afternoon on a weekday—usually means a shorter wait.

Are there vegetarian or lighter options?

Mutt's is a barbecue restaurant, so the menu centers on smoked meat. Sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans are available, and you can order sides without meat. If you're looking for a full vegetarian meal, this may not be the best fit, but sides alone can make a satisfying lunch.

Is the patio open year-round?

The patio is typically open during warm months, though weather and season affect when it's actively used. Winter months in South Carolina are mild enough that outdoor seating may still be available, but it's not heated. Call ahead if outdoor seating is important to your visit.

How far is Mutt's from Greenville or Clemson?

Mutt's is about 15 minutes south of downtown Greenville via I-385, and roughly 10 minutes north of Clemson University. If you're staying in Greenville or visiting the college, the drive is short enough to make it a reasonable meal stop without a major detour.

What's the price range for a meal?

Barbecue plates—meat plus two sides—typically run in the moderate range for the Upstate. Exact prices vary by meat choice and portion size, so calling ahead or checking online gives you the current pricing. Sides alone are less expensive if you're looking for a lighter meal.