Southside Smokehouse & Grill: Low Country Barbecue in Columbia

What Southside Smokehouse & Grill serves and where to find it

Southside Smokehouse & Grill is a barbecue restaurant in Columbia that specializes in slow-smoked meats and Low Country sides. The restaurant sits on the south side of the city and draws regulars for pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken smoked over wood. The menu includes traditional barbecue plates, sandwiches, and combination platters, along with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and beans.

The space itself has the feel of a casual neighborhood spot—the kind of place where people come back week after week. Seating is straightforward, service is quick, and the focus stays on the food rather than atmosphere or frills. If you are looking for a sit-down meal or takeout, both are available.

Key Takeaways

• Southside Smokehouse & Grill smokes meats daily using traditional methods, with pulled pork and brisket as standout items.
• The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout service, making it convenient for a quick lunch or a planned dinner.
• Sides include regional Low Country favorites like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread that pair with the smoked meats.
• The restaurant is located on Columbia's south side and operates during standard lunch and dinner hours most days of the week.

The smoked meats and how they are prepared

The barbecue at Southside is built on smoke and time. Meats are smoked over wood—a process that takes hours and requires attention to temperature and smoke type. Pulled pork comes from pork shoulders smoked until the meat shreds easily. Brisket is a tougher cut that benefits from long, slow smoking; when done right, it develops a smoke ring (the pink layer just under the surface) and pulls apart without falling apart.

Ribs and chicken round out the protein options. Ribs can be ordered by the rack or as part of a combination plate. Chicken is smoked whole or in pieces, depending on what you order. The restaurant does not rush the process—meat that spends the right amount of time in the smoker tastes different from meat that does not, and that difference is what keeps people coming back.

Sides and what pairs with the meat

Low Country cooking relies on sides that have history in the region. Collard greens are cooked with seasoning and often a bit of pork for flavor. Mac and cheese at a barbecue restaurant is usually creamy and rich, made with real cheese rather than a box mix. Cornbread is a staple—some places make it sweet, others keep it savory. Beans (usually pinto or black-eyed peas) are another standard, often cooked with onion and spice.

These sides matter because they balance the richness of smoked meat. A plate of brisket and collard greens, for instance, gives you protein, vegetables, and flavor in one meal. Most plates come with a choice of two or three sides, so you can build what you want rather than take what comes.

Pricing and portion sizes

Barbecue restaurant pricing varies by the cut of meat and whether you order a sandwich or a full plate. Pulled pork sandwiches typically cost less than brisket or ribs. Full plates—which include meat, two or three sides, and usually cornbread—run higher but feed you completely. Combination platters that include two or three different meats are available for those who want to try more than one thing.

Portions at neighborhood barbecue spots tend to be generous. A full plate is usually enough for one meal, and many people take leftovers home. If you are unsure what to order, asking the staff what is popular that day is a reasonable move—they know which meats came out of the smoker best.

Hours, location, and how to order

Southside Smokehouse & Grill operates during lunch and dinner hours most days, though hours can vary by season or day of the week. The restaurant is located on Columbia's south side, which is accessible by car. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby. If you are driving from downtown or another part of the city, a GPS search for the restaurant name will get you there.

You can walk in and order at the counter, or call ahead if you want to place a takeout order. Some barbecue restaurants get busy during lunch rush or on weekends, so calling ahead can save time if you are on a schedule. The restaurant does not typically deliver, so you will need to pick up or dine in.

What to expect on your first visit

Walking in, you will see a counter where you order and pay. The menu is usually posted on a board or printed on paper. Staff will ask what you want and how many sides you would like. If you are new to barbecue or unsure what to order, saying so is fine—people working there are used to helping first-timers decide.

Your food comes on a tray or in a container, depending on whether you are eating there or taking it home. Napkins are essential; barbecue is a hands-on meal. Drinks are usually available, and some places have sweet tea, which is a Low Country standard. Eat while the meat is still warm, and do not be shy about asking for extra napkins or sauce if the restaurant offers it.

Why Southside matters in Columbia's barbecue scene

Columbia has several barbecue restaurants, but Southside has built a reputation as a neighborhood spot that does the basics well. It is not trying to be fancy or trendy—it is trying to smoke meat the right way and serve it to people who live nearby. That consistency is what keeps a restaurant going in a competitive market.

The restaurant is part of Columbia's broader food culture, which includes everything from Lowcountry boils to soul food to fine dining. Barbecue, though, holds a particular place in South Carolina's identity. It is food that comes from tradition, patience, and craft. A place like Southside keeps that tradition alive in a neighborhood setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order barbecue for a group or party?

Many barbecue restaurants offer catering or large orders for groups. Call ahead to ask about party platters, minimum order sizes, and whether they can deliver or if you need to pick up. Some places require advance notice for large orders so they can plan their smoking schedule.

What if I do not eat meat?

Barbecue restaurants typically focus on smoked meats, but sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, beans, and cornbread can make a meal on their own. Call ahead or ask the staff what vegetable sides are available that day. Some restaurants can prepare sides without meat if you ask.

Is the food spicy?

Most barbecue is not intensely spicy—the flavor comes from smoke and seasoning rather than heat. Sauce, if offered, may have some kick, but you control how much you use. If you are sensitive to spice, ask the staff what the heat level is before you order.

Do you need a reservation?

Most neighborhood barbecue spots operate on a walk-in basis and do not take reservations. Calling ahead for a large group is a good idea, but for a regular meal, you can just show up. Lunch rush (around noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner hours can get busy, so timing matters if you want to avoid a wait.

What is the best thing to order if I am new to barbecue?

Pulled pork is a good starting point—it is flavorful, forgiving, and less expensive than brisket or ribs. Order it as a sandwich or on a plate with collard greens and mac and cheese. This combination gives you a sense of what the restaurant does well without overwhelming you with choices.