Low and Slow in the Golden Strip: The Ultimate Local BBQ Tour

When it comes to Southern comfort food, there is one culinary tradition that holds an undisputed crown in the Upstate: low-and-slow, wood-fired barbecue. Fortunately for residents across Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn, some of the finest pitmasters in the Carolinas have set up shop right in our backyards.

Whether you swear by a traditional South Carolina sweet mustard sauce, lean toward a savory tomato base, or crave the pristine simplicity of Texas-style brisket, the Golden Strip has a smokehouse tailored to your exact cravings.

Here is your hyper-local guide to the best barbecue joints keeping the pits burning across our community.

Mauldin: Buffet Classics and Neighborhood Staples

Mauldin’s barbecue scene perfectly blends nostalgia with a casual, family-centric atmosphere:

• Mutt’s BBQ (214 E. Butler Rd.): A true community institution, Mutt’s was founded by Randy Jones in 1998 on a simple principle: “If you have a great product, people will come.” Operating as a classic Southern buffet, Mutt’s allows families to load up on exceptional pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone ribs, mac and cheese, and their legendary sweet potato crunch. It’s the ultimate stop for a hungry crowd that wants a little bit of everything.

• Little Pigs Bar-B-Q (109 S. Main St.): Positioned right in the heart of town, this casual neighborhood spot delivers no-nonsense, reliable Carolina pork, hash and rice, and traditional sides that have kept commuters pulling off Main Street for years.

Fountain Inn: Pitmaster Artistry and Main Street Smokehouses

Fountain Inn has rapidly earned a reputation as a major culinary destination in the Upstate, and its barbecue offerings are leading the charge:

• Bobby’s BBQ & Seasoning (1301 N. Main St.): For those who take their wood smoke seriously, Bobby’s is a mandatory pilgrimage. Their award-winning meats are smoked for 8 to 14 hours using 100% oak wood inside massive, decommissioned 1,000-gallon propane tanks brought all the way from Texas. Fusing Texas-style brisket technique with low-sodium, MSG-free signature Southern rubs, Bobby’s serves up melt-in-your-mouth bark and scratch-made sides like corn pudding. If you visit on a Saturday, keep an eye out for their special Whole Hog events.

• Bucky’s Bar-B-Q (103 N. Main St.): Located right in the middle of downtown’s historic footprint, Bucky’s serves up fresh, never-frozen chopped pork smoked for 16 to 18 hours over hickory wood coals. Their menu highlights custom local recipes, including a tangy mustard base with a little vinegar kick and a hot pepper vinegar blend packed with fresh jalapeños and habaneros for true heat-seekers.

Simpsonville: Regional Flavors and Backyard Patios

While neighboring smokehouses satisfy traditional hankerings, Simpsonville serves as a fantastic bridge to wider regional styles and lively weekend environments:

• The Regional Hub: While traditionalists love local pit operations, Simpsonville residents frequently benefit from proximity to major regional heavyweights like Lewis Barbecue and Home Team BBQ located just along the city limits. These spots bring high-concept culinary twists—like Central Texas-style cut-to-order meats sliced right at the counter and elevated “white tablecloth” hospitality—to the casual backyard patio environment.

Editor’s Choice Top Sides: No matter which stop you make along the Golden Strip trail, a barbecue platter isn’t complete without the sides. For a sweet treat, don’t miss the scratch-made banana pudding at Bobby’s or the highly addictive Sweet Potato Crunch found at both Mutt’s and Bucky’s!