When it comes to BBQ, Bucky's gets few complaints from diners, who rave about the flavorful meat, tangy red and yellow sauces, and rotation of side dishes such as mac and cheese, green beans, potato salad, baked beans and cole slaw. Guests enjoy helpful, efficient service and may eat in the casual dining room or outdoors.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Bucky's has been an Upstate mainstay for years and you understand why when you taste the barbecue.
Libby's expert tip: Bucky's has four locations, with Roper Mountain serving as the home base, and Fountain Inn, Donaldson Center and Lake Forest rounding out the rest.
Somehow, the rustic log cabin that houses this restaurant seems an apt setting for the smoky flavor of good barbecue. Mutt's is right on target with their pork and chicken, prepared daily on the premises. Customers reap the benefits of this care, digging into sandwiches, plates (with two sides), or even racks of lean ribs. And among sides, the sweet potato crunch, baked with plenty of brown sugar, is the undisputed king. If you've got a hefty appetite, or want to sample a bit of everything, try the buffet.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Mutt's is a local favorite for good barbecue and one of few spots that offer a buffet.
10Best's expert tip: Mutt's has two other locations, one in Mauldin and one in Easley, if you're too far from Greer.
Local Cue is not a conventional BBQ joint; it's so much more. Serving as a favorite gathering spot for locals, the restaurant offers a bar (nice place to watch sports), board games, foosball, dartboards and pool. On top of all that, they serve up their unique take on good barbecue. You can still get a traditional pulled pork sandwich here, but you could also order a pulled pork shepherd's pie or pork and collard spring rolls.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Local Cue serves good BBQ, sometimes with an unexpected twist.
10Best's expert tip: Since this is a bar and a BBQ place, you must be 21 or older to get in.
For over 30 years, Little Pigs has kept local BBQ fans coming back for sandwiches and platters. This popular eatery offers great food three ways: dine-In, carry-out, or drive-thru. Its pulled pork is the real deal, and Greenville 'cue aficionados will stand up for Little Pigs every time a heated debate about barbecue ensues (which is often). The chopped pork and unique sauce make this BBQ different from all the others. A kids' menu also offers grilled cheese sandwiches, corn dogs and chicken nuggets.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Little Pigs has outstanding chopped pork, and they're one of few in the Upstate that can make that claim.
Libby's expert tip: Little Pigs doesn't offer much in the way of veggies, so don't expect green beans or sweet potatoes. Their amazing hush puppies make a great substitute!
Sure it's a small shack-size joint, but regulars agree there's nothing small in taste about Mike & Jeff's. Enjoy some great Upstate barbecue in one of the city's best hidden secrets. The menu is expansive, as are the portions, offering ribs, burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and chopped chicken. Old school and simplified – let these folks show you what's meant by wood-smoked meat and homemade sauce.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Mike & Jeff's is a hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint that keeps it simple and satisfying.
Libby's expert tip: Mike & Jeff's currently closes at 4 pm, so plan accordingly.
Locals keep coming back to this casual joint for generous portions of scrumptious pulled pork, barbecued chicken or brisket, with tempting sides like mac and cheese and sweet potato casserole. A few hush puppiesalso accompany each sandwich plate, which is definitely an extra we can get behind. The sauce choices here are vast and inspired including two variations of vinegar, a sweet mild and a World Championship Cheerwine sauce. The ribs, burgers and hot dogs are good, too.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Tom's cooks up consistently great BBQ, and offers a good choice of sides and an outstanding selection of sauces.
Libby's expert tip: Tom's is somewhat hidden away and can be difficult to find if you've never been before. Look for Stanton Optical and you'll find Tom's in the small shopping center right next to it.
Widely proclaimed as the best barbecue in town, Henry's is Greenville's great equalizer, seating business and government types alongside guys in jeans and work boots. Such a response isn't surprising when you sample the tender, succulent meat (and your choice of sauce) served with sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, fries, cole slaw, sweet potato casserole or hash and rice. It's a classic Southern lunch, and you can readily gauge its popularity by the crowds. The decor at Henry's isn't fancy and seating is somewhat limited but, after the first bite, you'll know where the restaurant has directed its attention.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Henry's offers solid barbecue at three different locations with long hours, making it one of the best and most accessible BBQ options in the Upstate.
Libby's expert tip: Henry's is one of the few BBQ joints in the area that's open on Sunday afternoons.
This tavern next door to Earth Fare on Pelham Road draws diners of all ages, who come to sample Chef Anthony Gray's farm-to-table fare. The chef cures his own meats and smokes heritage pork on-site over local peach wood. On the menu, diners will find appealing dishes from house-made hot dogs, crafted from local, grass-fed beef, to wild South Carolina shrimp and grits. The atmosphere is boisterous and casual, with seating augmented by the deck out back.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Meat is the specialty at Bacon Bros, and they take great pride in doing everything exactly right, including their barbecue.
10Best's expert tip: Many locals insist on ordering the meat board for a good sampling of what Bacon Bros has to offer. It's especially great if you're with a large group. The portions are decent and there's a little something for everyone.
Winner of our Readers' Choice contest for Best BBQ Pork Sandwich in South Carolina, Smoky Dreams couldn't be more aptly named. You might find yourself fantasizing about this unbelievably delicious barbecue, not to mention the accompanying sides. Owned and operated by one of the sweetest families you'll ever meet, you'll be sorry you didn't discover this place sooner! Smoky Dreams offers a nice selection of smoked favorites, including their award-winning pulled pork, brisket, chicken, wings and even hot dogs. Sides consist of southern fare like green beans, mac and cheese, baked beans, potato salad and our all-time favorite, sweet potato crunch. Don't be fooled by the restaurant's shack-like exterior; there's plenty of seating to be found inside the attached dining room, or at the outdoor picnic tables if the weather's nice.
Recommended for Barbecue because: Smoky Dreams really is what barbecue dreams are made of, and their award-winning pulled pork proves it.
10Best's expert tip: There are four sauces to choose from here: tomato, mustard, vinegar and white –and you don't have to limit yourself to just one. Order what intrigues you and don't be afraid to mix and match.
