Backyard Burger: South Carolina's Casual Grilling Spot

What Backyard Burger Is and Where to Find It

Backyard Burger is a fast-casual chain that started in Memphis, Tennessee, and has locations across the Southeast, including South Carolina. The restaurant focuses on customizable burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches made to order, with a stripped-down menu and straightforward pricing. You order at the counter, pick your toppings and sides, and eat in a casual dining room or take your food to go.

In South Carolina, Backyard Burger locations operate primarily in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The chain positions itself as a step above typical fast food but faster and less formal than a sit-down restaurant—think of it as the middle ground between a drive-through burger joint and a gastropub.

Key Takeaways

• Backyard Burger lets you customize your burger with your choice of toppings, sauces, and cooking temperature at the counter before ordering.
• The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and sides like fries and onion rings, with prices typically in the $8 to $14 range for a full meal.
• Most South Carolina locations are in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands area, with some presence in Charleston and the Lowcountry.
• The restaurant operates during standard lunch and dinner hours, with most locations open seven days a week.

The Menu and What to Order

Backyard Burger's core offering is the burger, and the chain gives you real control over how yours is built. You choose your patty size (usually a single or double), then walk through toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, mushrooms, and others. Sauces include mustard, ketchup, mayo, and house specials. You can also request your burger cooked to temperature—rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Beyond burgers, the menu includes hot dogs (which is why you may have arrived here from that category), chicken sandwiches, and a few salads. Sides are standard: hand-cut fries, onion rings, coleslaw, and sometimes seasonal vegetables. Drinks are fountain sodas and sweet tea, common throughout South Carolina. The menu is short enough that you can read it and decide in under a minute, which is part of the appeal for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Prices vary slightly by location and current promotions, but a single burger with fries typically runs $9 to $12, and a double burger meal is usually $12 to $15. Combo meals bundle a sandwich, fries, and a drink. The chain occasionally runs specials on specific days or items, so it is worth asking when you order.

The Backyard Burger Experience

Walking into a Backyard Burger location feels informal and unpretentious. The dining room is usually casual—booths and tables, sometimes a counter with stools—and the walls often feature local art or simple décor. There is no table service; you order at the counter, pay, and either wait for your number to be called or take a seat while your food is prepared.

The ordering process is interactive. Staff will ask how you want your burger cooked, what toppings you want, and whether you want a combo. This level of customization is one reason people choose Backyard Burger over a typical fast-food chain where options feel more fixed. The wait is usually 10 to 15 minutes during lunch or dinner rush, shorter during off-peak hours.

The restaurant is designed for eating in or taking out. If you are grabbing lunch on a weekday, you can eat quickly and leave. If you have time, the casual atmosphere makes it fine to linger. Many locations have outdoor seating or patio areas, which is pleasant during South Carolina's milder months.

South Carolina Locations and Hours

Backyard Burger has several locations across South Carolina, with the largest concentration in the Columbia area. The Midlands has multiple restaurants, making it easy to find one if you live or work in that region. Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry also have locations, though fewer than the Midlands.

Most Backyard Burger restaurants operate from late morning (around 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.) through evening (usually 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.), seven days a week. Hours can vary by location, so calling ahead or checking online before your first visit is a good idea, especially if you are planning an early lunch or late dinner. Some locations may have different hours on Sundays or holidays.

How Backyard Burger Compares to Other Casual Burger Spots

If you are deciding between Backyard Burger and other casual burger chains in South Carolina, the main difference is customization and speed. Backyard Burger emphasizes made-to-order burgers with visible toppings and cooking control, whereas chains like Five Guys or Shake Shack offer similar customization but at a higher price point and with a different atmosphere. Backyard Burger is also faster and less formal than a traditional burger restaurant.

Compared to fast-food chains like McDonald's or Burger King, Backyard Burger uses fresher ingredients and offers more topping choices, but it takes longer and costs more. The trade-off is quality and control over what goes on your burger. If you want a quick, cheap burger, a fast-food drive-through is faster. If you want a better burger and do not mind waiting 10 to 15 minutes, Backyard Burger is the better choice.

Local South Carolina burger spots and barbecue restaurants offer different experiences—often sit-down service, regional specialties, and deeper ties to local food culture. Backyard Burger is a reliable chain option when you want a customizable burger without the formality or wait time of a full-service restaurant.

Tips for Your Visit

Arrive during off-peak hours if you want the shortest wait. Lunch rush (noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner rush (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) are busy, especially on weekends. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon visits are usually quieter. If you are ordering during a rush, have your toppings and preferences in mind before you reach the counter—it speeds up the line.

Ask about any current specials or promotions when you order. Backyard Burger sometimes offers deals on specific items or combo meals, and staff will let you know if you ask. If you are a regular, some locations offer loyalty programs or punch cards, so ask whether yours does.

If you are unsure about cooking temperature, ask the staff for a recommendation. Most people order medium or medium-well for a burger, but Backyard Burger can cook to your preference. If you have never ordered a burger cooked to a specific temperature, the staff can explain what each level means.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Backyard Burger online or for delivery?

Some Backyard Burger locations offer online ordering through their website or third-party delivery apps, but availability varies by restaurant. Call your nearest location to ask whether they take online orders or work with delivery services. Not all locations participate in every platform.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Backyard Burger's menu is meat-focused, but most locations can make a veggie burger or a sandwich with just toppings and sauce. Ask at the counter what options are available at your location. Some restaurants may have a veggie patty on hand, while others can build a custom sandwich with available vegetables.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Backyard Burger operates on a walk-in, order-at-counter basis. There are no reservations or table service. You can arrive anytime during operating hours and order immediately, though you may wait 10 to 15 minutes during busy times for your food to be prepared.

What is the difference between a single and double burger?

A single burger has one beef patty, and a double has two. Both come with the same toppings and sides if you order a combo. A double is larger and more filling, and usually costs $2 to $3 more than a single. Most people find a single burger with fries filling enough for lunch or dinner.

Can I bring my own group or party?

Yes. Backyard Burger is casual and welcomes groups. There is no reservation system, so larger groups may experience a wait during busy times, but the restaurant can usually accommodate you. If you are bringing a large party during peak hours, arriving earlier or later can mean a shorter wait.