Russell's Smokin' Good BBQ in Myrtle Beach — Slow-Smoked Meats and Local Flavor

What Russell's Smokin' Good BBQ serves and where to find it

Russell's Smokin' Good BBQ is a casual barbecue restaurant in Myrtle Beach that focuses on slow-smoked meats cooked over wood. The menu centers on pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken — all smoked in-house — served with traditional sides like coleslaw, beans, cornbread, and mac and cheese. The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot where you order at the front, grab a table, and eat in a relaxed dining room with a neighborhood feel.

The location sits on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, making it accessible whether you're staying near the beach or passing through on your way inland. Parking is available on-site, and the space is family-friendly, so you can bring kids or a group without formality. The atmosphere is unpretentious — the focus is on the food, not the décor.

Key Takeaways

• Russell's smokes all its meats daily using wood, with pulled pork and ribs as the standout items.
• The restaurant operates counter-service, so you order and pay at the front before sitting down.
• Sides are traditional barbecue fare — beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread come with most plates.
• The location on North Kings Highway is convenient for both tourists and locals, with ample parking.
• Pricing is moderate for Myrtle Beach, and portions are generous enough to share or take home leftovers.

The smoked meats and how they're prepared

Russell's builds its reputation on the quality of the smoke. The pulled pork is tender enough to fall apart with a fork, with a smoke ring visible just under the surface of the meat. The ribs come fall-off-the-bone tender, and the brisket is sliced thick and holds its shape while staying moist. All three are smoked low and slow over wood, a process that takes many hours and requires constant attention to temperature and smoke level.

The restaurant doesn't rely on heavy sauce to cover up the meat — the smoke flavor is the main event. That said, Russell's offers sauce on the side, so you can add as much or as little as you prefer. The chicken is also smoked, not grilled, which gives it a depth that roasted chicken doesn't have. If you're new to the restaurant, the sampler platter lets you try pulled pork, ribs, and brisket on one plate, which is a good way to see what appeals to you most.

Sides and what comes with your order

Every meat plate comes with two sides, and the options are the classics: baked beans (slow-cooked with a slight sweetness), creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, cornbread, and sometimes collard greens depending on the day. The cornbread is made fresh and has a slight sweetness that pairs well with the savory smoke. The mac and cheese is creamy and rich, not the boxed version — it's a comfort-food side that holds its own.

The beans are worth ordering even if you think you don't like beans. They're cooked with a bit of smoke flavor and a touch of sweetness, and they're thick enough that they don't slide off your plate. If you're feeding a group, the sides are also sold by the pint or quart, so you can order extra to share without buying a second full plate.

Pricing and portion sizes

A full plate of smoked meat with two sides runs in the moderate range for Myrtle Beach — not the cheapest option in town, but not upscale pricing either. Individual sandwiches are available at a lower price point if you want something quick and lighter. Plates are generous; most people either finish with leftovers or share a plate between two people without leaving hungry.

The restaurant also offers family packs if you're feeding a group, which bundle several meats and sides at a per-person rate that's better than ordering individual plates. Drinks and desserts are available but not the focus — this is a place where the meat is the star, and everything else supports it.

When to go and what to expect

Russell's is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours can vary seasonally. Lunch is typically less crowded than dinner, especially on weekdays, so if you prefer a quieter meal, arriving before noon or between 2 and 5 p.m. is a good strategy. On weekends and during peak tourist season (May through September), expect a wait during dinner hours, particularly between 6 and 8 p.m.

The counter-service format means you're not waiting for a server, but you are waiting in line to order. During busy times, that line can extend out the door, though it usually moves fairly quickly. If you're in a hurry, calling ahead to place a to-go order can save time. The restaurant is casual enough that you don't need to dress up, and it's a good option for families with kids who might be restless in a formal dining setting.

How Russell's fits into Myrtle Beach's barbecue scene

Myrtle Beach has several barbecue restaurants, but Russell's stands out for its focus on wood-smoked meat without heavy sauces or shortcuts. The restaurant doesn't try to be fancy or trendy — it's straightforward barbecue done well, which appeals to both locals who know the difference and tourists looking for authentic regional food. The North Kings Highway location puts it slightly away from the tourist corridor, which means it draws a mix of visitors and people who live in the area year-round.

If you're exploring Myrtle Beach's food scene, Russell's is worth a stop whether you're a barbecue enthusiast or just hungry for good smoked meat. It's the kind of place where the owner cares about the quality of the smoke and the tenderness of the meat, not about how many tables can turn over in an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Russell's for a large group or party?

Yes. The restaurant offers family packs and catering options for groups. Call ahead to discuss the size of your group and any dietary needs, and they can prepare a bulk order for pickup or delivery depending on the size and your location.

Are there vegetarian or non-meat options?

The menu is meat-focused, but the sides — beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cornbread, and collard greens — can be ordered separately. If you're vegetarian, you can build a meal from sides, though the restaurant is primarily designed around smoked meats.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Russell's operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. During busy times, you may wait in line, but the counter-service format keeps the line moving. For large groups, calling ahead to place a to-go order is recommended.

What's the best meat to order if I've never been?

The pulled pork and ribs are the most popular items and a good introduction to what Russell's does well. If you want to try everything, the sampler platter includes pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, which gives you a sense of the range.

Is there parking, and is it easy to find?

Yes, parking is available on-site at the North Kings Highway location. It's a straightforward spot to find and park, which makes it convenient whether you're stopping by on your way through Myrtle Beach or making a dedicated trip.