PawPaw's Barbeque in Beaufort: Low Country Smoked Meat and Sides

What to expect at PawPaw's Barbeque

PawPaw's Barbeque in Beaufort serves whole-hog barbecue smoked over oak and hickory, with a menu built around pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. The restaurant operates as a casual counter-service spot where you order at the front, grab a table, and eat family-style. Portions are large, prices are moderate, and the sauce—a thin, vinegar-forward blend—comes on the side so you control how much you use.

The space itself is unpretentious: wooden tables, paper towels for napkins, and a no-frills approach that lets the food speak. PawPaw's draws both locals and visitors, especially families and groups who want to eat a lot without ceremony. The restaurant sits in downtown Beaufort, walkable from the waterfront and historic district, so you can combine a meal here with a morning at the Beaufort History Museum or an afternoon stroll along the river.

Key Takeaways

• PawPaw's serves whole-hog barbecue smoked over oak and hickory, with pulled pork, ribs, and brisket as the main proteins.
• The restaurant is counter-service and family-style, designed for groups and people who want large portions without table service.
• Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans—all made in-house and meant to be shared.
• The location in downtown Beaufort puts it within walking distance of the waterfront, historic homes, and other dining options.
• PawPaw's does not take reservations, so arrive early on weekends or plan for a short wait during peak lunch and dinner hours.

The meat and how it's cooked

PawPaw's smokes whole hogs low and slow, a method that takes 12 to 14 hours and produces meat that pulls apart without shredding. The pulled pork comes chopped fine, mixed with a small amount of the cooking liquid to keep it moist, and served by the pound or in sandwiches. The ribs are meaty and tender, with a light smoke ring and enough chew to know you're eating real barbecue, not fall-off-the-bone tenderness that means the meat has lost its structure.

Brisket appears on the menu when available, usually as a weekend special. The restaurant also offers a combination plate that lets you try pulled pork, ribs, and brisket in one meal—useful if you're new to PawPaw's or dining with people who want different things. All meat comes with the house sauce on the side; the sauce is thin and vinegar-based, designed to complement rather than mask the smoke and salt.

Sides and what to order

PawPaw's sides are made fresh daily and meant to be shared. Collard greens come cooked with smoked meat for depth, mac and cheese is creamy and rich, cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbly, and beans are slow-cooked with bacon and onion. A single order of each side easily feeds four people, so order strategically based on your group size. First-time visitors often order one meat plate and three or four sides, then eat family-style.

Hushpuppies—fried cornmeal balls—are a good choice if you want something to eat while waiting for the main order. Sweet tea comes in large glasses and refills are free. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but the nearby Beaufort waterfront has bars and restaurants within a five-minute walk if you want a drink before or after.

How to visit and what to know about timing

PawPaw's is located on Lady's Island, just off the main Beaufort downtown area. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the restaurant; during peak lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.) on weekends, the lot fills and you may need to circle or park on the street. The restaurant does not take reservations, so groups larger than six should arrive early or call ahead to ask about wait times.

Hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours vary seasonally. The restaurant is closed Mondays. If you're visiting Beaufort during a festival or holiday weekend, arrive before noon or after 2 p.m. to avoid the longest waits. The counter line moves quickly even when full, because the staff knows the menu and takes orders efficiently.

Pairing PawPaw's with other Beaufort attractions

Beaufort's downtown sits within a ten-minute drive or fifteen-minute walk from PawPaw's, making it easy to combine a meal with other activities. The Beaufort History Museum, housed in a 1795 federal-style house, tells the story of the Lowcountry through artifacts and exhibits. The waterfront park has benches overlooking the Beaufort River, a good spot to walk off a large meal and watch boats pass.

If you're visiting on a weekend, the Beaufort Farmers Market (Saturday mornings, year-round) offers local produce, baked goods, and crafts within walking distance. For dinner, eat at PawPaw's, then stroll the historic district to see antebellum homes and Spanish moss hanging from live oaks. Several galleries and antique shops line the streets, and many stay open until 5 or 6 p.m. on weekends.

What makes PawPaw's different from other Lowcountry barbecue

South Carolina barbecue varies by region: the Midlands favors mustard-based sauce, the Pee Dee uses vinegar and pepper, and the Lowcountry leans toward vinegar with a touch of heat. PawPaw's follows the Lowcountry style—thin, tangy, and meant to enhance rather than dominate. The whole-hog approach (as opposed to pork shoulder only) produces a more complex flavor because the meat includes different cuts and fat levels, all contributing to the final taste.

The restaurant's commitment to smoking over oak and hickory, rather than gas or electric heat, is visible in the color and texture of the meat. Whole-hog barbecue also requires more skill and planning than shoulder-only operations, because the cook must manage different cooking times for different parts of the animal. PawPaw's has been doing this long enough that the process is refined, and the results are consistent week to week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order PawPaw's barbecue for catering or takeout?

Yes. PawPaw's offers takeout from the counter and can handle catering orders for groups. Call ahead to discuss quantities, delivery options, and timing. Catering orders are usually prepared with sides in disposable containers, making them easy to transport and serve.

Is PawPaw's good for families with young children?

Yes. The casual, counter-service format means no long waits at the table, and the food is straightforward—kids typically enjoy pulled pork sandwiches and mac and cheese. High chairs are available, and the restaurant is used to families eating together. Portions are large, so one adult plate can feed two young children.

What if I don't eat meat?

PawPaw's is a barbecue restaurant, so the menu centers on smoked meat. Sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans can be ordered separately and make a vegetarian meal, though the greens and beans are cooked with meat for flavor. Call ahead if you want to confirm which sides are prepared vegetarian.

How much should I budget for a meal?

A single meat plate (pulled pork, ribs, or brisket) costs between $12 and $16. Sides are $3 to $5 each. A meal for two—one or two meat plates plus three sides—typically runs $30 to $45 before tax and tip. Prices may vary; call or check the website for current pricing.

Does PawPaw's have a website or social media where I can check hours?

PawPaw's maintains a presence on Facebook where hours, specials, and occasional updates are posted. Hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so checking before you visit is a good idea, especially if you're traveling from out of town.