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Scott's Bar-B-Que in Hemingway: Low Country Barbecue and Tradition

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Scott's Bar-B-Que offers

Scott's Bar-B-Que is a family-run barbecue restaurant in Hemingway, South Carolina, about 45 minutes northeast of Charleston. The restaurant serves whole hog barbecue prepared in the Low Country style—meat smoked over hickory and oak, then chopped and seasoned with a vinegar-based sauce that's characteristic of the Pee Dee region. The menu centers on barbecue plates with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread, along with sandwiches and family-size portions for takeout.

The restaurant operates as a casual, counter-service spot where you order at the front and find a seat in the dining room. Scott's has been a fixture in Hemingway for decades, drawing both locals and travelers passing through on Highway 501. The atmosphere is straightforward—wood-paneled walls, simple tables, and the smell of smoke—with no frills but genuine hospitality.

Key Takeaways

  • Scott's serves whole hog barbecue in the Pee Dee tradition, with a vinegar-based sauce that differs from mustard-based barbecue found in other parts of South Carolina.
  • The restaurant is located in Hemingway, a small town in Williamsburg County, making it a destination stop rather than a casual neighborhood spot.
  • Sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread, and the restaurant offers family-size portions for takeout.
  • Hours and pricing vary seasonally, so calling ahead before a visit is wise, especially on weekdays or during off-season months.

The Low Country barbecue tradition at Scott's

Scott's barbecue reflects the cooking methods and flavors of the Pee Dee region, which straddles the South Carolina–North Carolina border. Whole hog barbecue—where the entire pig is smoked rather than just the shoulder or ribs—is the standard here, and the meat is chopped fine and mixed with its own juices and a thin, vinegar-forward sauce. This style differs markedly from the mustard-based sauces of the Midlands or the tomato-based sauces of the Lowcountry's coastal areas.

The smoking process at Scott's uses hickory and oak wood, a combination that produces a lighter smoke flavor than pure hickory alone. The result is meat that absorbs smoke without becoming overpowering, a balance that takes years of practice to achieve. The vinegar sauce—made from vinegar, pepper, and minimal sweetness—cuts through the richness of the pork and is meant to be applied generously, not sparingly.

Getting to Hemingway and planning your visit

Hemingway sits in Williamsburg County, roughly 45 minutes from Charleston and about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach. If you're traveling from Charleston, take US-17 North toward Georgetown, then head inland on SC-261 or SC-527 toward Hemingway. From Myrtle Beach, take US-501 South directly into town. The drive is straightforward but rural—you're moving through farmland and small communities, not along a major highway corridor.

Scott's is not a destination you'll stumble upon by accident; it requires intention. Many visitors combine a trip to Scott's with other stops in the region—the Williamsburg County Museum in Kingstree (about 20 minutes away) or a drive through the Francis Marion National Forest. If you're passing through on US-501, Scott's makes a natural lunch or dinner stop.

What to order and what to expect

The barbecue plate is the main draw: chopped whole hog barbecue served with two or three sides. Collard greens and mac and cheese are reliable choices, and the cornbread is made fresh. Barbecue sandwiches are also available for a lighter meal. The portions are generous, and the price point is modest—typical for a family-run barbecue restaurant in a rural area.

If you're feeding a group or planning a gathering, Scott's sells family-size portions and whole hogs by advance order. Call ahead to discuss what you need and how much notice they require. The restaurant's counter-service model means you won't wait long once you've ordered, though during peak lunch hours (around noon on weekdays and Saturdays) there can be a line.

Hours, seasons, and what to know before you go

Scott's operates year-round but hours can shift with the season and day of the week. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and Saturdays, but Sunday hours and winter schedules may differ. Calling ahead—especially if you're making a special trip from out of town—ensures you won't arrive to find the doors closed or a long wait.

The restaurant accepts cash and card, though it's worth confirming payment methods when you call. If you're planning to order a large quantity or a whole hog, give them at least a few days' notice. During summer months and holiday weekends, Scott's can get busy with both locals and tourists, so arriving early or calling to check wait times is a smart move.

Why Scott's matters in South Carolina barbecue culture

Scott's represents a specific and increasingly rare tradition in South Carolina barbecue—the whole hog, vinegar-sauce style of the Pee Dee region. As barbecue restaurants consolidate and modernize, family-run spots like Scott's that stick to traditional methods and recipes become more valuable as cultural anchors. The restaurant has fed generations of Hemingway residents and has become a known stop for barbecue enthusiasts exploring regional variations across the state.

The Pee Dee style is less famous than the mustard-based barbecue of Columbia or the coastal Low Country traditions, but it's deeply rooted in the area's history and agricultural past. Visiting Scott's is a way to taste that history directly, without the marketing or the modern trappings that come with larger, more famous barbecue destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scott's Bar-B-Que open every day?

Scott's operates year-round but hours vary by day and season. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and Saturdays, but Sunday hours and winter schedules may differ. Call ahead to confirm hours before making the drive, especially if you're visiting on a weekend or during an off-season month.

Can I order a whole hog from Scott's?

Yes, Scott's sells whole hogs by advance order for gatherings and catering. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss your needs and how much notice they require. Pricing and availability depend on the season and their current schedule.

What's the difference between Scott's barbecue and barbecue from other parts of South Carolina?

Scott's serves whole hog barbecue with a vinegar-based sauce, which is the traditional style of the Pee Dee region. Other parts of South Carolina use mustard-based sauces (Midlands) or tomato-based sauces (coastal areas). The Pee Dee style is lighter and more acidic, meant to complement rather than mask the smoke flavor of the meat.

How far is Scott's from Charleston or Myrtle Beach?

Scott's is about 45 minutes from Charleston and roughly 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach. It's located in Hemingway, a small town in Williamsburg County, so it's not a casual neighborhood stop but rather a destination worth planning for if you're interested in regional barbecue traditions.

Does Scott's have vegetarian or non-barbecue options?

Scott's is a barbecue restaurant, so the menu centers on whole hog barbecue and traditional sides. If you're not a barbecue eater, the sides like collard greens and mac and cheese can be ordered separately, but the restaurant's strength and focus is on its smoked meat. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs.