Xclusive's Barbecue in Columbia: Slow-Smoked Meat and Local Flavor

What Xclusive's Barbecue serves and where to find it

Xclusive's Barbecue is a Columbia-based smokehouse that specializes in traditional low-and-slow barbecue. The restaurant focuses on whole hog and brisket, smoked over hardwood in the style that defines South Carolina's Lowcountry barbecue tradition. The menu centers on meat plates served with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread, plus sandwiches built on the same smoked proteins.

The restaurant operates from a casual storefront location in Columbia's midtown area, designed for both dine-in and takeout service. Hours and exact location details change, so calling ahead or checking their social media before visiting ensures you catch them open and know what's available that day.

Key Takeaways

• Xclusive's specializes in whole hog and brisket smoked over hardwood, following South Carolina's traditional barbecue methods.
• The restaurant serves meat plates with classic sides like collard greens and mac and cheese, plus barbecue sandwiches.
• Both dine-in and takeout are available, making it convenient for quick meals or sit-down dining.
• Calling ahead or checking their social media confirms current hours and daily meat availability, since smokehouse menus vary by what's ready.

The barbecue style and smoking process

Xclusive's follows the whole hog tradition central to South Carolina barbecue, where the entire pig is smoked low and slow until the meat pulls apart easily. This method, common in the state's Midlands region, produces meat that is tender throughout and absorbs smoke flavor evenly. The process takes many hours—typically overnight or longer—which is why calling ahead matters; the restaurant cooks to readiness, not to a clock.

The brisket offering represents the Texas-influenced side of American barbecue, smoked separately to develop a dark bark and pink smoke ring. Both proteins are typically served with a light sauce on the side, letting the smoke and meat quality speak first. The sides—collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread—are cooked to complement the meat rather than overshadow it, which is standard practice in South Carolina barbecue restaurants.

Menu options and what to order

Meat plates are the core of the menu, usually offered in half-pound or full-pound portions. A typical plate includes your choice of whole hog or brisket, two sides from the daily selection, and cornbread. Sandwiches use the same smoked meat piled on a bun, often with slaw and sauce, and work well for a quicker meal or lighter appetite.

Sides rotate based on what's prepared that day, so the collard greens, mac and cheese, or other vegetables available when you visit may differ from another trip. This is normal for barbecue restaurants that cook fresh daily rather than holding prepared sides. Asking what's ready when you order helps you build a plate that matches what's actually hot and fresh.

Dining experience and atmosphere

Xclusive's operates as a casual, no-frills barbecue spot where the focus is on the food rather than decor or table service. The space is designed for efficiency—order at the counter, grab your food, and either eat at one of the few tables or take it with you. This style is typical of authentic South Carolina barbecue restaurants, where the smoking and cooking are the main event.

The restaurant draws a mix of local regulars and people seeking genuine smoked barbecue. Lunch is usually the busiest time, especially on weekends, so arriving early or calling ahead to place a takeout order can save wait time. The casual atmosphere means you're not paying for ambiance; you're paying for meat that's been smoked properly.

Pricing and payment

Barbecue plates at Xclusive's are priced in the moderate range typical of Columbia's smokehouse restaurants—usually between $12 and $18 for a full plate with meat and two sides. Sandwiches run slightly less. Prices can shift based on meat costs and availability, so calling ahead gives you a sense of what to expect that day.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments. Takeout orders can often be called in ahead, which is convenient if you want to grab food without waiting in line. Some barbecue spots offer family packs or bulk orders for groups; asking about these options when you call can save money if you're feeding several people.

Getting there and planning your visit

Xclusive's is located in Columbia's midtown area, accessible by car with street or lot parking nearby. Public transit options in Columbia are limited, so driving is the most practical way to reach the restaurant. The location is close to other midtown businesses and restaurants, so you can combine a barbecue meal with other activities in the area.

Hours vary, and the restaurant may close earlier than expected if meat sells out—another reason to call ahead. Weekday lunch is usually reliable, while weekend service can be busier and subject to earlier closing if the smoker runs empty. Checking their phone number or social media before you go takes two minutes and prevents a wasted trip.

South Carolina barbecue context

Xclusive's represents the whole hog tradition that defines South Carolina's Midlands barbecue style, distinct from the mustard-based sauces of the Lowcountry or the vinegar-forward approach of the Pee Dee region. The state's barbecue identity is built on this regional variation—what you eat in Columbia differs from what you'd find in Charleston or Florence, and that's intentional. Xclusive's honors that local tradition by smoking whole animals and letting the meat carry the flavor.

Visiting a local smokehouse like Xclusive's connects you to a food culture that's been part of South Carolina for generations. The slow-smoking method, the choice of wood, the sides served alongside—these are all rooted in how people in the Midlands have cooked barbecue for decades. It's not fast food or chain restaurant barbecue; it's the real thing, made fresh daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead or can I just show up?

You can show up, but calling ahead is smarter. Barbecue restaurants cook to readiness, not to a set closing time, so the meat might sell out before the posted hours end. A quick call confirms they're open and have what you want available.

What's the difference between whole hog and brisket?

Whole hog is smoked as one large piece and produces tender, flavorful meat throughout. Brisket is a single cut from the cow's chest, smoked separately, and develops a different texture and bark. Both are excellent; it's a matter of preference.

Can I order for a group or party?

Most barbecue restaurants can handle group orders if you call ahead. Ask about family packs or bulk pricing when you call. Giving them advance notice helps the kitchen plan and ensures they have enough meat ready for your group.

Are there vegetarian or non-meat options?

Xclusive's is a barbecue restaurant built around smoked meat, so vegetarian options are limited. The sides—collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread—can be ordered separately, but the restaurant's strength is in the meat. If you're dining with non-meat eaters, they may want to eat elsewhere or stick to sides.

What payment methods does Xclusive's accept?

The restaurant accepts both cash and card. Calling ahead to place a takeout order is convenient and works with either payment method. Some smaller barbecue spots are cash-only, so confirming payment options when you call prevents surprises at checkout.