It is a shame that we have never talked pig before. Personally, I am a vinegar based bar-b-q girl, I don’t want any of that mustard based stuff. Living in Columbia was very stressful. The three local places we frequent for bar-b-q are:
1) Rogers. The location is convenient. My only complaint is that for some reason I am always really hot in there, maybe it is the spicy bbq. I also love the catfish that is usually on the buffet as well. My FAVORITE thing is their bar-b-q chicken though. I love to get this to go…. hmmm…too bad it is Tuesday!
2) Cains. Less crowded and excellent service, but for some reason we don’t go here that often.
3) Schoolhouse. Of course Schoolhouse is a drive, but the food is excellent. My one complaint is that while I think it is great in theory that they let different groups of youth volunteer as service staff, it annoys me. The reality is that I have never been that I didn’t get my own refills, etc. I know they are just kids, but if I am just giving money away, I have my own youth group. It is annoying to have no service after I have driven all the way out there. The last time I went the kids didn’t even pretend to work, they just sat around and talked to each other.
If I had my way, we would head to Brown’s over in Kingstree, but I am just not going to drive that far when we have good options right here! I have also heard that Steve and Donna’s has good bar-b-q but I have not had the good fortune of eating there on the day they serve it.
So, what are your preferences? Best place in the Pee Dee for bar-b-q? Sound off.
(Non native Florentines: Bar-b-q here is a noun, not a verb. It is a type of slow cooked pork that is all dressed up in sauce.)
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
All three of those are very good! Cain’s because it is closer to the house… Rogers because it is a little better bar-b-q…
You’re probably hot in Rogers BBQ because they have the tables spaced 3 inches apart! I hate the way they are crammed in there. Seems like it ought to be a violation of fire codes or something!
My favorite is Woodstone. It used to be called Jakies, but Jakie sold it to Roger, the former owner of Roger’s BBQ. I actually liked the flavor of Jakie’s BBQ better, but we went to Woodstone last weekend and he had some pulled pork out on the buffet that was incredible. If you miss the “old” Rogers before he sold it, give Woodstone a try!
Wait, WHERE is Woodstone?! I need to know this. And you are right about the spacing.
Oh is that the one across from Cains? I saw that yesterday and wondered what happened to the previous one, but couldn’t remember the name.
Schoolhouse won WIS’ Best bbq in the state a few years back. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but I’d definitely give it the best buffet in the state. Rogers, Cain’s and Jakie’s are have pretty good bbq, but Schoolhouse’s buffet is on another level.
Yep, that’s across from Cain’s. And, btw, they used to have student servers one night of the week, but when Roger bought it, he stopped that.
I think that Cain’s has the best bbq:) We come from Myrtle Beach as often as we can for Cain’s!!
Check out Fatback’s right on U.S. 52 in Coward. For those who don’t know, it is the reincarnation of the old Country Cousins in Scranton. Still the best, in my opinion.
Well, everyone needs to try THE SMOKEHOUSE in Turbeville SC,
Buffet is really great , and for the price $6.50 all you can eat includes tax and drink.
Steaks are great also, actually everything.
Try us out! hwy 378.
This is the first time that I have even heard about bbq around here. Since I have lived here, I have always gone to Batesburg-Leesville for some Shealeys…that is until now. My brother-in-law has been an afficianado of bbq for a while. He really studies it, and recently, he bought a smoker. A REALLY BIG smoker and he is turning out some AMAZING pork! I think that he really has something going, and will eventually get a restaurant in Florence, but since he is new, he is starting small, just to see how other people like it. He has been serving his BBQ at West Florence Home Baseball games, to which there is one tonight. You wanna know if a good resturant has a future here in Florence? Try it! 6:30 tonight!
Country Cousins was the best, i have had fatbacks but it just did not seem the same, i’ll have to try them again.
I’ll have to agree with JRP on the schoolhouse, the bar-b-q is ok, but their buffet is the best. I’ll also have to agree with the flossip on the service at the schoolhouse, some groups are better than others, some might as well not even be there.
There are a few other places not in Florence that are worth a try if you are in the area: Eddie’s in Turbeville, those going to the lake via Manning: D&H (good), McCabes (Better), and please do not disown me ye people of the pee dee for this one: Lonestar Bar b Que in Santee (mustard based, I think it is a nice change, and great atmosphere).
My husband and I drive from Florence to Lake City to eat at Pop’s Bar b que. The seating is outdoors, they have a drive up so you don’t have to get out if you don’t want to, and the food is great. It is relatively new, only been around for a year or two. They have homemade barbecue, chicken bog, chicken and dumblings, and more.
It is on the main rode about halfway through lake city.
I forgot about Steve and Donna’s on Irby Street. It used to be Ebbie’s, but he sold it. Steve is the owner of the original Woody’s BBQ recipe. (I had no idea I knew so much about Florence’s Bar-B-Que business deals!)
Lisa, you really are quite the expert!!
I’d have to say Brown’s BBQ in Kingstree. I live in Florence, but work in Kingstree. Our Rotary club meets there every Monday!!!
Roger’s BBQ is the best in Florence and everything else on the bar is excellent as well. We go every single Sunday we are in town – yummy!
I will have to give a vote to Brown’s BBQ too! We live in Florence, but would gladly drive to Kingstree for that! YUMMY!!
Pop’s in lake City is way good yummy the best BOG too, but by far Brown’s in Kingstree is the best!
Well, from a native Florentine, who has moved to the far country, where THEY think THEY are Bar-B-Que Kings, I will tell you that for my 50th birthday party, my husband had CAIN’s shipped all the way to TEXAS for 300 people!!!! We have spent many dollars having Cain’s shipped to my brother in Florida for a Christmas gift. I will schedule my visits to friends in Florence around Cain’s schedule. I have eaten Bar-B-Que all over and it definitely still gets my vote–best taste–consistently–and good service with a nice homey atmosphere!
I have to say my favorite in Florence County is School House. I miss my true Pee Dee BBQ in Columbia, but there are few places that I’ll settle for when I can’t get the real stuf. In no particular order, Doc’s BBQ, Palmetto Pig, Little Pigs BBQ, and Hudson’s Smokehouse will suffice. I have say to Joshua Mason that I’ve had Shealy’s, but School House is better and is the best bang for the buck on the buffet.
Williamsburg County is where it’s at, lol. Not that I would know, being a vegetarian, but I have to support the BBQ restaurants in my hometown of Hemingway, Kenny’s BBQ & Scott’s (no relation) BBQ.
Unlike Florence, we don’t have a Wal-Mart or a Target, a mall, or a Starbucks. We have Basketball & BBQ going for us, and after not making it to the championship this year, we’re sure not going to lose the last one
.
I would have to say that I don’t eat BBQ in Florence. I would much rather drive to Scranton and eat at Schoolhouse. There hasn’t been one day that they don’t hold up to there name. They have been around forever and its well worth the drive. Their whole buffet is good, but I normally just pile up on bbq b/c its so yummy! And I love the decor and its great for a big family to just sit and eat over great conversation. Kinda makes you feel at home.
I would have to say that I don’t eat BBQ in Florence. I would much rather drive to Scranton and eat at Schoolhouse. There hasn’t been one day that they don’t hold up to there name. They have been around forever and its well worth the drive. Their whole buffet is good, but I normally just pile up on bbq b/c its so yummy! And I love the decor and its great for a big family to just sit and eat over great conversation. Kinda makes you feel at home. Thanks!
I would have to say that I don’t eat BBQ in Florence. I would much rather drive to Scranton and eat at Schoolhouse. There hasn’t been one day that they don’t hold up to there name. They have been around forever and its well worth the drive. Their whole buffet is good, but I normally just pile up on bbq b/c its so yummy! And I love the decor and its great for a big family to just sit and eat over great conversation. Kinda makes you feel at home. Thanks and good eatin!
WOW! Sorry about the 3 back to back posts. It said it wouldn’t go through. Maybe a glitch in your system. Sorry!
I’ve not seen anyone say Shuler’s BBQ…they’re on Highway 38 South, near Latta…GREAT BBQ, DELICIOUS RIBS, great buffet…short drive from Florence….30 minutes!
Being from the area, I would agree with the previous posters about The Schoolhouse. Not only BBQ, but lots of yummy sides as well. Also give two thumbs up to Woodstone..the original “Rogers” owner offers a mighty fine buffet that ranks up there with grandma’s cookin’! (and a peach cobbler to DIE FOR!)