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On the Town: Smokin' Hot

Wednesday, February 1, 2017


Beef brisket, Texas hot guts, ribs, smoked turkey, and more from Lewis Barbecue; photograph by Ruta Elvikyte

February 1, 2017

Smokin’ Hot
In our newly released Food + Drink issue, Charleston chefs reveal their favorite spots to grab real Southern barbecue


For decades, the question pertaining to barbecue in the Lowcountry was all about the sauce—vinegar, mustard, or sweet and tangy tomato. These days, with a veritable Barbecue District having formed in the NoMo industrial area, now it’s about what style and protein you crave. From whole hog to smoked turkey to Texas brisket and beef ribs, not to mention the eagerly awaited Rodney Scott’s Barbecue (please open soon!), there’s something for every palate and penchant. Here’s the lowdown on the places some local chefs frequent when they’re craving the best barbecue in town.


Lewis Barbecue: I’m partial to Texas brisket after living there for 10 years.” —Marc Collins, Circa 1886

“Scott’s or Sweatman’s: When it comes to ’cue, yardbird is king. Scott’s chicken is the best I’ve had in South Carolina, and his sauce is exactly like we ate growing up in Alabama. Sweatman’s has the quintessential Carolina mustard ’cue, and all the sides are great!” —Chris Stewart, The Glass Onion

“Swig & Swine: The brisket sandwich special with pimiento cheese and pickles on griddled jalapeño cheddar bread alone is worth the trip!” —Scott Lovorn, Circa 1886

“Lewis Barbecue: The overall dining experience is really fun, not to mention the brisket is smoky, savory deliciousness—the perfect balance of everything you want out of barbecue.” —Amalia Scatena, Cannon Green

“Home Team stole my heart a long time ago; they are like family. Lewis’s is an amazing addition. And Rodney Scott—you are a badass!” —Emily Hahn, Warehouse

“They don’t call John Lewis a ‘pitmaster’ for nothing. His smoked turkey was the best Thanksgiving turkey I’ve ever had.” —Reid Henninger, Edmund’s Oast

“The family platter at Swig & Swine is pretty damn hard to beat. A little bit of everything for a great value.” —Chelsey Conrad, Butcher & Bee

“Swig & Swine’s awesome brisket! And those smoked wings are insane!” —Nico Romo, the forthcoming Nico’s on Coleman Boulevard

Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ: 126 Williman St., (843) 225-7427; 1205 Ashley River Rd., West Ashley, (843) 225-7427; & 2209 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, (843) 883-3131; www.hometeambbq.com
Lewis Barbecue: 464 N. Nassau St., (843) 805-9500, www.lewisbarbecue.com
Rodney Scott’s BBQ: To open late January 2017 at 1011 King St., www.rodneyscottsbbq.com
Sweatman’s BBQ: 1427 Eutaw Rd., Holly Hill; (803) 496-1227; www.sweatmansbbq.com
Swig & Swine: 1217 Savannah Hwy., West Ashley; (843) 225-3805; www.swigandswinebbq.com


To read the rest of our “Chef’s Food + Bev Faves” feature, click here.