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Buttermilk's BBQ: Smoked Meats and Catering for South Carolina Events

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Buttermilk's BBQ offers for your event

Buttermilk's BBQ is a catering operation that specializes in smoked meats and traditional barbecue for events across South Carolina. They handle the cooking and delivery, so you order by the pound or by the person, and they arrive with the food ready to serve. The menu centers on brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken smoked over wood, along with sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.

The operation works best for backyard gatherings, corporate events, family reunions, and wedding receptions where you want authentic barbecue without running a smoker yourself. You contact them directly to discuss your guest count, preferred meats, and event date, and they quote you a price based on what you order.

Key Takeaways

  • Buttermilk's BBQ smokes their meats on-site or delivers them ready to serve, so you do not need kitchen equipment or barbecue experience to host.
  • Pricing is based on the weight of meat and number of sides you choose, not a flat per-person rate, so you can adjust the order to your budget.
  • They handle events of various sizes, from small family dinners to large corporate gatherings, and you should contact them early if your event is during peak season.
  • The menu includes traditional smoked proteins and Southern sides, but you can ask about custom requests or dietary accommodations when you call.

How to place an order

Contact Buttermilk's BBQ directly by phone or through their website to discuss your event. Tell them your date, the number of guests you expect, and which meats and sides interest you. They will walk you through portion sizes—typically a quarter to half pound of meat per person is standard for a main course—and give you a total price.

Once you agree on the menu and price, you will confirm your event date and any special instructions, such as delivery time or setup preferences. Most caterers ask for a deposit to hold the date, with the balance due before or on the day of the event. Ask about their cancellation policy and whether they provide serving utensils, plates, or napkins, or if you need to supply those yourself.

Meats and sides on the menu

The core smoked meats are brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. Brisket is tender and sliceable, pulled pork shreds easily for sandwiches or plates, ribs come fall-off-the-bone tender, and chicken is leaner and milder. You typically choose one or two proteins for your event, though larger gatherings sometimes order a mix so guests have options.

Sides usually include mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, cornbread, and coleslaw. These round out the plate and reflect South Carolina's barbecue tradition. If you have guests with dietary restrictions—vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergies—ask when you call whether they can accommodate substitutions or if you should plan to bring a separate dish.

Event sizes and timing

Buttermilk's BBQ works with events ranging from 20 to several hundred guests. Smaller gatherings might be a single order of pulled pork and sides; larger events often include multiple meats and a full spread. The time it takes to smoke the meat means they need advance notice—typically at least two to four weeks for most dates, and longer during peak season (spring and summer, plus holiday weekends).

Delivery and setup time varies by location and event size. Ask whether they deliver to your venue, set up the food, and stay to manage serving, or whether they drop off and leave you to plate and serve. Some venues have restrictions on outside catering or require the caterer to carry liability insurance, so confirm those details with your venue before booking.

Pricing and payment

Buttermilk's BBQ prices by the pound of meat and by the side, not by a flat per-person rate. This means you have control over how much you spend—you can order leaner portions if your budget is tight, or add premium sides and extra meat if you want to go all out. A typical order might run anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small family gathering to several thousand for a large corporate event, but the exact price depends on what you choose.

Ask about any additional fees, such as delivery charges based on distance, setup fees, or gratuity expectations. Some caterers include serving utensils and basic supplies; others charge extra or expect you to provide them. Clarify what is included in the quoted price so there are no surprises on the invoice.

What to expect on the day of your event

Buttermilk's BBQ will arrive at your agreed-upon time with the smoked meats in heated containers to keep them warm. If they are handling setup, they will arrange the food on serving tables with utensils and sides. If you are serving yourself, they will show you how to portion and plate so the food stays hot and looks appetizing.

The food is ready to eat immediately—no additional cooking or reheating needed on your end. Smoked meats hold their temperature well, so even if guests eat over an hour or two, the food stays warm. If your event runs longer than expected, ask in advance whether they can stay to refresh the food or whether you should plan to cover it and reheat it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Buttermilk's BBQ cater to dietary restrictions?

Most barbecue caterers can work around common restrictions like vegetarian sides or gluten-free options, but you need to ask when you call. Some sides like mac and cheese or baked beans may contain dairy or gluten, so discuss your guests' needs upfront so they can plan accordingly or suggest alternatives.

What if I want to add or change my order close to the event date?

Changes are possible but depend on how close you are to the event date and how busy they are. Call as soon as you know you need to adjust—adding more meat or sides might be straightforward, but reducing an order may not reduce your cost if they have already purchased and prepared the food.

Do they provide plates, napkins, and utensils?

This varies by caterer and by contract. Some include basic serving utensils and napkins; others do not. Ask specifically what is included in your quote so you know whether to buy or borrow plates, forks, and napkins, or whether the caterer will provide them.

Can they cater at a venue with outside catering restrictions?

Many venues require caterers to carry liability insurance or sign a catering agreement. Buttermilk's BBQ may already have this in place, but confirm with your venue first and then let the caterer know about any requirements so they can decide whether they can work there.

How far in advance should I book?

Two to four weeks is typical for most dates, but peak season (spring through summer and holiday weekends) fills faster. If your event is during a busy time, book as soon as you know the date. For smaller events or off-season dates, you may have more flexibility, but calling early is always safer.