Pig Out BBQ in Columbia — Smoked Meats and Low-Country Sides

What Pig Out BBQ serves and where to find it

Pig Out BBQ is a barbecue restaurant in Columbia located at 2410 Two Notch Road, near the Five Points area. The restaurant specializes in smoked pork, beef brisket, and chicken cooked over wood fire, served with traditional sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and baked beans. The menu centers on whole plates and sandwiches, with options to build your own platter by choosing a meat and two sides.

The space has a casual, counter-service setup where you order at the front and seat yourself. Pig Out operates as a lunch and dinner spot, though hours vary by day, so calling ahead at (803) 771-7427 or checking their current schedule before you go is worth doing. The restaurant draws a steady mix of local diners, families, and people stopping by after work.

Key Takeaways

• Pig Out BBQ smokes its meats daily over wood fire and serves them with Low-Country sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
• The restaurant uses a counter-service model where you order at the front and can build your own plate by choosing a meat and two sides.
• Located on Two Notch Road near Five Points in Columbia, Pig Out is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours change seasonally.
• The price point is moderate — most plates and sandwiches fall in the range you would expect for smoked-meat restaurants in the area.

The smoked meats and how they are prepared

Pig Out cooks its barbecue using wood-fire smoking, a method that takes hours and requires attention to temperature and smoke type. The restaurant smokes pork shoulders for pulled pork, beef briskets for sliced brisket, and whole chickens or chicken parts. The smoking process imparts a deep, smoky flavor and creates the tender texture that defines good barbecue.

The pulled pork is the signature item — it shreds easily and absorbs the smoke throughout. Brisket comes sliced thick or thin depending on your preference, and the chicken is available as halves, quarters, or individual pieces. All meats come with a choice of sauce on the side or mixed in, letting you control how much sauce you want.

Sides and what pairs well with the meats

The side dishes reflect Low-Country cooking traditions common throughout South Carolina. Collard greens are cooked with smoked meat for depth, mac and cheese is creamy and rich, and the baked beans have a slightly sweet, smoky edge. Cornbread comes warm and buttered, and most plates include two sides, so you can try different combinations.

A common pairing is pulled pork with collard greens and mac and cheese, which gives you the smoke from the meat, the earthiness of the greens, and the richness of the cheese. Brisket pairs well with baked beans and cornbread. The sides are substantial enough that two sides plus a meat makes a full meal, and many people take leftovers home.

Ordering and what to expect on your visit

When you arrive, you walk up to the counter, look at the menu board, and order your meat and sides. Staff will ask how you want your meat cooked (pulled, sliced, or chopped) and whether you want sauce. You pay at the counter, and the kitchen prepares your order while you find a seat. Wait times are usually short during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) and longer during lunch and dinner rushes.

The dining area is simple — picnic-style tables and booths with paper towels and napkins at each table. Pig Out does not have a full bar, though some locations may have beer or tea available; call ahead if that matters to your visit. The restaurant is casual enough that you can come in work clothes or after an outdoor activity, and the focus is on the food rather than ambiance.

Dietary considerations and menu flexibility

Most of Pig Out's menu centers on meat, so vegetarian options are limited. The sides — collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread — can form a meal on their own if you order several, though this is not a standard offering and you may need to ask. The restaurant does not advertise vegan or gluten-free preparations, so if you have dietary restrictions, calling ahead to discuss what is possible is the best approach.

The restaurant can accommodate requests for no sauce, extra sauce, or sauce on the side. If you have allergies or specific preparation needs, speaking directly with staff when you order gives them a chance to help or let you know what is not possible.

When to visit and what the area offers nearby

Pig Out is located in the Two Notch corridor, which has grown as a dining and shopping area in Columbia. The Five Points neighborhood nearby has coffee shops, breweries, and other restaurants, so you can make a longer outing of it. The restaurant is open most days for lunch and dinner, making it accessible whether you are stopping by on a weekday or planning a weekend meal.

The area is accessible by car, with parking available in the lot. If you are exploring Columbia's barbecue scene, Pig Out represents the wood-fire smoking tradition that defines much of South Carolina's barbecue culture. It is a straightforward, no-frills spot where the focus stays on the meat and the cooking method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Pig Out BBQ for a group or party?

Many barbecue restaurants offer catering or large orders for groups. Call the restaurant directly at (803) 771-7427 to ask about party platters, bulk orders, or catering options. They can tell you what sizes are available and how much advance notice they need.

What are the hours of operation?

Hours vary by day and may change seasonally. The best way to confirm current hours is to call (803) 771-7427 or check their social media pages. This saves a trip if you are planning to visit at a specific time.

Is there a kids menu?

Most barbecue restaurants offer smaller portions or simpler plates for children. Call ahead to ask what options are available for kids, or ask the staff when you arrive — they can often make adjustments to standard plates.

Do you need cash or do you take cards?

Most restaurants in Columbia accept both cash and cards, but payment methods can vary. Calling ahead or checking their website or social media will confirm what they accept, especially if you prefer one method over the other.

Can I get my meat without sauce?

Yes. You can order any meat plain or with sauce on the side, letting you control how much you use. Just let the staff know when you order.