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One Hot Mama's BBQ: Low Country Barbecue in Murrells Inlet

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at One Hot Mama's BBQ

One Hot Mama's BBQ is a casual barbecue restaurant in Murrells Inlet, near Myrtle Beach, where the meat is smoked on-site and the sides follow Low Country tradition. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot—you order at the front, grab a number, and eat at picnic tables indoors or on the patio. The menu centers on pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken, all smoked over hickory and oak, with sauce options ranging from vinegar-based to tomato-based depending on what you order.

The space itself is unpretentious: wood tables, casual décor, and the smell of smoke that tells you the barbecue is real. Portions are generous, and the restaurant draws both locals and tourists year-round. Peak times are lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), especially on weekends, so arriving early or during off-peak hours means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • One Hot Mama's BBQ smokes meat on-site daily and serves it at picnic tables with a casual, walk-up ordering format.
  • The restaurant is located in Murrells Inlet, about 20 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, making it accessible from most Grand Strand accommodations.
  • Pulled pork, brisket, and ribs are the standout items, and you can order by the pound or as part of a combo plate with two sides.
  • The patio is open year-round, but weather in winter months (December through February) can be cool, so dress accordingly if you plan to eat outside.
  • The restaurant does not take reservations, so groups should expect to order and seat themselves at available tables.

Menu highlights and what to order

The pulled pork is the signature item—tender, lightly seasoned, and finished with a vinegar-based sauce that lets the smoke flavor come through. It comes shredded and ready to pile onto a bun, or you can order it by the pound if you want to take some back to your hotel or rental. The brisket is thick-cut and holds a good smoke ring, and the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender without being mushy.

Combo plates come with your choice of meat, two sides, and cornbread or a roll. The sides rotate but typically include mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw, and sweet potato fries. The collard greens are cooked Low Country style—slow-simmered with a bit of meat for flavor—and the mac and cheese is creamy and substantial enough to be a meal on its own. Cornbread is made fresh daily and arrives warm.

If you are eating with a group, the family packs offer good value: they come with multiple meats, several sides, and cornbread, and are designed to feed four to six people. Desserts are limited but usually include peach cobbler or banana pudding, both made in-house.

Location and hours

One Hot Mama's BBQ sits on Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet, a small coastal town that sits between Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach. The address is easy to find, and there is ample parking in the lot. From central Myrtle Beach, the drive takes about 20 to 25 minutes heading north on Highway 17.

Hours are typically 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, though hours may shift seasonally or for special events. It is worth calling ahead during winter months or holidays to confirm they are open, as some barbecue restaurants adjust their schedules during slower periods. The restaurant is closed on major holidays.

Pricing and payment

Combo plates run in the mid-range for barbecue restaurants on the Grand Strand—expect to spend between $12 and $18 per person for a plate with meat, two sides, and cornbread. If you order by the pound, prices vary by meat type, with pulled pork and chicken on the lower end and brisket on the higher end. Family packs are priced to serve multiple people and offer better value than ordering individual plates.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. There is no table service, so tipping is not expected but is common at the counter if you wish to leave one. Takeout orders are available and are packed to travel well, making them a good option if you are staying nearby and want to eat at your accommodation.

Why Murrells Inlet matters for barbecue

Murrells Inlet has a long history as a fishing village and a stop along the coastal highway between Charleston and Wilmington. The town's restaurant scene reflects that history—it is known for fresh seafood, but barbecue joints like One Hot Mama's have become part of the local food culture over the past two decades. The restaurant sits in the middle of a stretch of Highway 17 that includes other casual dining spots, making it easy to combine a barbecue meal with other activities in the area.

The Low Country barbecue style—vinegar-based sauces, whole hog traditions, and slow smoking—is rooted in South Carolina's coastal regions, and One Hot Mama's follows that tradition without trying to reinvent it. If you are exploring the Grand Strand and want to eat where locals eat rather than at a chain, this is the kind of place that delivers.

Nearby attractions and planning your visit

Murrells Inlet is home to Huntington Beach State Park, a 2,500-acre park with salt marshes, maritime forest, and a boardwalk trail that takes about 45 minutes to walk. The park is free to enter and is a good way to spend an hour before or after eating. Pawleys Island, a quiet beach town known for its hammocks and laid-back vibe, is just south of Murrells Inlet and worth a short drive if you want to see a different side of the Grand Strand.

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a boardwalk along the inlet with shops, galleries, and other restaurants, and it is a pleasant place to walk off lunch. Many visitors combine a barbecue meal at One Hot Mama's with a walk on the MarshWalk or a visit to Huntington Beach State Park, making it easy to spend a half-day in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a reservation for a large group?

One Hot Mama's does not take reservations. For groups larger than six, it is best to call ahead and let them know you are coming so they can be prepared for the order volume. Arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays) will mean shorter waits for large parties.

Is the restaurant good for families with young children?

Yes. The casual, picnic-table format works well for families, and the menu includes simple options like pulled pork sandwiches and chicken that appeal to kids. High chairs are available, and the patio is fenced, making it safe for children to move around. The restaurant is not loud or formal, so young children are welcome.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The restaurant can accommodate vegetarians by offering sides only—collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and sweet potato fries make a filling meal. For other restrictions, call ahead to discuss what is available. The staff is generally accommodating and can tell you which items contain common allergens.

Is there a kids menu?

One Hot Mama's does not have a formal kids menu, but smaller portions of any meat and sides can be ordered. Prices for smaller portions are adjusted accordingly, and the staff will work with you to create a meal that fits a child's appetite.

Can I order online or by phone for pickup?

Call ahead to place a phone order for pickup. Online ordering is not available, but calling gives the kitchen a heads-up and can speed up your order when you arrive. This is especially useful if you are short on time or want to avoid the wait during peak hours.