Best Barbeque in Bluffton

#1 Choo Choo BBQ Express

A stone’s throw from the historic district of Bluffton, you’ll discover an unassuming barbeque joint at 129 Burnt Church Rd. that happens to be our #1 pick in Bluffton for barbeque. Choo Choo BBQ Express! For nearly 20 years, the Corey family has been winning the hearts and mouths of locals with pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken sandwiches, ribs, and brisket. 

With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, you won’t have trouble finding a seat for you and your loved ones upon your arrival. Outside, to the left of the main restaurant, you’ll see the famous red train car the business is named after. Inside, you can place your order at the counter, where you’ll find seating in the main dining area and to your right in an additional room.

Select a half or full rack of ribs (both come with two sides), pork, chicken, and brisket sandwiches, and your favorite sides. Baked beans, coleslaw, collard greens, potato salad, green beans, french fires, man-n-cheese, sweet potato casserole, and Brunswick stew!  Choo Choo BBQ Express won us over with their perfectly cooked chicken and Carolina Mustard sauce that couldn’t have been mixed better. With the right amount of kick and flavor, their sauce has the right balance to keep you wanting to take another bite over and over!

#2 Bluffton BBQ

After consuming the best of the best in Bluffton, our number 2 spot is Bluffton BBQ. Owner Ted Huffman and his wife can be found in the kitchen cooking long before most of us have finished our morning coffee. A barbeque connoisseur, Ted understands what separates great barbeque from good barbeque.  The type of wood you use (hickory) and the time you spend smoking the meat (8 to 12 hours) are two critical elements to successful pork. Without attention to detail, Ted says, “you’re just cooking roast pork”.

Is there a secret sauce? You betcha! Ted’s process involves dry rub, no injections, and smoking at the right temperature. Stitch the mascot (an ornamental pink pig outside the front entrance) is most likely Ted’s secret to success. You can’t miss Stitch! When you come to the front door, you’ll see Stitch and her famous wardrobe.

What should you eat if you go? Try their award-winning pulled park sandwich with Texas toast and a slice of tomato or if you’re hankering for something bigger (and you have the appetite of a giant) try the Fat Basturd Plate. This plate comes with a half-pound of bbq, 3 ribs, half a chicken, and two sides (we recommend the Brunswick stew and seasonal greens).

Ted’s moto; A product of quality creates its own demand. That’s all you need to know. Expect nothing but a great experience when you visit Bluffton BBQ.

Remember, Bluffton BBQ is open only Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday through Friday they’re open from 11 – 7ish and Saturday from noon until 7ish. And bring your big boy pants…Ted doesn’t like sissys!

#3 Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

After a long day at work tryn’ to make a livin’, it’s time to enjoy a cold beer and one of the best barbeque sandwiches in Bluffton. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is the perfect spot to meet friends, enjoy a great meal and a specialty cocktail. Known for its southern charm, this barbeque joint has been serving up smiles since 1985. Many will say it’s one of the best barbeque joints in Bluffton, SC (Jim ‘Nick’s started in Alabama).

With multiple choices from their menu, you’ll find a little something for everyone in the family. Bar-B-Que, Lunch Specials, Small Plates, Soups, Salads and Potatoes, Plate Meals, Burgers & Sandwiches, Kids, Family Dinners and Trimmings. No matter what you like, Country or Western, you’ll find your groove.

Let’s start with one of our favorite pork barbeque plates! Classic Pulled Pork, Carolina-Style Pork, Beef Brisket, Bar-B-Que Chicken, and Classic Spare Ribs. We’ve had them all and haven’t been disappointed with any of our choices. All sandwiches come with two scratch-made trimmings and a choice of sauces. Try the white sauce with chicken; if you have never had the Carolina style sauce, it’s a must! This mustard-based sauce has the right mix of spice and sweetness.

 

Located at 872 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910, Jim ‘N Nick’s is close to Target, Markel’s Gift Shop, and the Kroger Grocery Store. If you’re on your way into town for vacation, order ahead and pick up curbside or try their drive-thru. Either way, Jim ‘N Nick’s has fast, friendly service.

 

Address: 872 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: (843) 706-9741