If you’ve been to South Carolina before, you know there’s little we love more than good food. When it comes to tasting Southern culture, barbecue packs in a lot. It blends traditional family secrets, regional diversity and fresh innovation, unlike any other cuisine. Barbecue sauce may as well run in our veins (though depending on where you’re from, the meat itself may stand alone.)
What follows is the expert guide to Barbecue in Old 96 District, from a rockin’ rack of ribs to the tastiest sauces, delectable desserts, and everything in between. Greenwood, South Carolina features several stops along our BBQ trail. Feel free to start on either end, working your way through the local fare and checking out all there is to do on the way.
We might be getting hungry just from writing this.
Plan your trip to include The Old 96 District BBQ Trail and experience true Southern hospitality, on a plate. You’ll leave hungry for more, and we’ll be waiting to welcome you back.
These locations are listed in order based on the route, so you can easily map them!
The Carolina Tavern
No visit to the BBQ Trail in Greenwood is complete without stopping at The Carolina Tavern—especially for their legendary Big Pig Sandwich. This giant sandwich is stacked with multiple types of meat, including applewood-smoked bacon, all layered on a soft potato roll. It’s the kind of sandwich that demands both hands and leaves you dreaming about it later. There are plenty of other pork options, from the BBQ pork nacho appetizer to the classic Pulled Pork Sandwich or the Ribs & Pulled Pork combo.
The Carolina Tavern has more than just barbecue, though. It’s a popular sports bar with plenty of TVs to watch the game, beers on draft, and a full bar. It’s a go-to spot for casual food options, a family-friendly atmosphere, and great service. People also love their wings and burgers.
521-A Bypass 72
Greenwood, SC 29647
864.538.0538
On the Run BBQ
One of the newest additions to the Greenwood BBQ scene, On the Run BBQ is already earning a loyal following. This spot serves up large dinner plates featuring all the BBQ staples like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, along with a lineup of burgers, wings, and sandwiches.
They also have rotating dine-in specials throughout the week. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic combo plate or something a little different (like brisket egg rolls), you’ll find plenty of options to keep you coming back for more.
464-D Bypass 72 NW
Greenwood, SC 29647
864.407.4154
Little Pigs Barbecue
A true South Carolina staple, Little Pig’s Barbecue has been family-owned since 1964 and serves up tried-and-true favorites in both Greenwood and Anderson. Every menu item is made from proprietary recipes at this no-frills BBQ joint and the quality of their food is always top-notch.
Whether you’re craving a jumbo BBQ sandwich, a hearty BBQ plate with classic sides, or a tender rack of ribs, Little Pig’s delivers. Have someone in your group that isn’t in the mood for BBQ? They also serve burgers, a few seafood options, salads, and chicken.
414 Montague Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29649
864.229.1314
Fat Daddy’s BBQ
Fat Daddy’s BBQ is a local favorite with not one, but two locations on this trail—each offering its own twist on the menu with slightly different recipes. Both spots are well worth a visit and you’ll find one of our favorite desserts at the Cross Hill location.
Known for hearty portions and consistently high-quality food, Fat Daddy’s serves up everything from saucy ribs and juicy burgers to a variety of pulled pork plates. You won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure. Their dog-friendly patio makes it a great stop if you’re traveling with a four-legged friend.
115 Hampton Ave
Greenwood, SC 29646
SouthSide BBQ & Hash
Southside BBQ brings a Southern classic to the BBQ Trail with their Meat & 3 plates. Choose from tender pulled pork, smoky ribs, or brisket, then round it out with three sides—think mac and cheese, collards, baked beans, and more. They have other meat options like chicken stew and hash on the menu, which add a homestyle touch you don’t always get at a BBQ place.
Not in the mood for a full plate? Southside also serves up wings, BBQ sandwiches, and even tacos for a quicker bite. Whatever you order, make sure to save room for some of their banana pudding.
623 Ninety Six Highway
Greenwood, SC 29649
864.669.7373
Lee’s Barbecue & Catering Service
Lee’s Barbecue & Catering Service was inspired by Owner Sid Lee’s father’s homemade hash. The recipe was so popular in the neighborhood that Sid expanded the cookbook into a full menu of delicious, creative, Southern BBQ recipes. Located near Lake Greenwood, it’s the perfect stop after a day on the water.
Lee’s operates as a buffet, so one price gets you all-you-can-eat access to a selection of BBQ, chicken tenders, fried fish, and more plus a full salad bar and dessert. Sides include things like mac & cheese, okra, broccoli casserole, and sweet potato soufflé but the menu is always changing.
16994 Highway 72 W.
Waterloo, SC 29384
864.998.3411
Fat Daddy’s BBQ and Hash House
The second Fat Daddy’s location—Fat Daddy’s BBQ and Hash House—is located in Cross Hill and absolutely worth the drive. While you’ll still find classic barbecue favorites here, this spot is especially known for its hash. You don’t want to miss out on dessert here either, though. Their Peach Cobbler gave us an awakening.
12360 Highway 39
Cross Hill, SC 29332
803-971-1385
This article was revised by Anna Cook in May 2025. She loves outdoor adventures and showcasing her trips across the US. You can follow her latest exploits on her blog.
