Barbecue restaurants in the Upstate

(Credit: Ken Osburn)

When summertime rolls around, the barbecue sauce starts flowing. Whether you like tomato-based, vinegar-based, or mustard-based sauces; pork, beef, or chicken, everybody’s got a favorite. And when I set out to find the best BBQ joints in the Upstate, I heard a lot of opinions. And I listened. Then I set out on my own tour. Sure, this isn’t a complete list of everywhere in the Upstate, but if you’re looking for good BBQ, here’s a pretty good start.

Best pulled pork, best mustard-based sauce and best dessert: Bucky’s Bar-B-Q, Greenville
One of the biggest BBQ debates in town is Bucky’s vs. Henry’s. They’re both pretty tasty, but when it comes to pulled pork, Bucky’s does it best. Tender, smoked meat, your choice of sauce, and soft, delicious white bread. Try it with their Carolina Gold sauce. If you’ve never had a mustard-based BBQ sauce, you have no idea what you’re missing. Or for the trifecta, get a side of their Sweet Potato Crunch. It’s heaven.

Best ribs and best tomato-based sauce: Henry’s Smokehouse, Greenville and Simpsonville
When it comes to ribs, Henry’s does it best. They’re slow-smoked and fall right off the bone. Whether you want ’em dry or drenched in sauce, Henry’s has ribs down pat. I also prefer their tomato-based sauce, too. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes for some awesome soppin’.

Best pulled pork sandwich: Charlie’s Bar-B-Que, Greenville
Charlie’s is an unassuming little joint at the end of a strip mall at Pelham and 14. But they serve up some damned good BBQ. And they’re known for their pulled pork sandwiches. They do a strong lunch business, so get there early if you want a table.

Best BBQ turkey: Ole Country Smokehouse, Anderson
Contrary to popular belief, what actually makes meat barbecued isn’t the sauce or the grill; it’s low, indirect heat for several hours. Which is exactly how they serve up the turkey at the Ole Country Smokehouse. You’ll see why turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore.

Best chicken and best collards: Smoke on the Water, Greenville
There’s something about sticking a beer can up a chicken’s butt that makes it absolutely delicious. And the folks at Smoke know exactly how to do it. It’s tender, juicy, and half of an entire chicken. Personally, I don’t think it needs a bit of anything, but they’ll gladly give you your choice of sauce if you want it. And make sure you get collards on the side. Your mama would be proud.

Best beef brisket and most unique sauce: Smokin’ Stokes, Greenville
Even though beef brisket is usually a Texas thing, Smokin’ Stokes proves that South Carolina folks know something about it, too. Their brisket is perfectly smoked with just that right ring of smoke on the outside. Get it with some of their Cheerwine-based sauce, and you can’t go wrong. Oh yeah, don’t miss the macaroni and cheese while you’re there.

Best beans: Mike and Jeff’s, Greenville
Like most great BBQ and baked beans, Mike and Jeff’s serves it up in a shack. I don’t know what they do to their beans, but I ain’t asking questions. They’re awesome. The BBQ’s pretty tasty stuff, too.

Best slaw: Reedy River Smokehouse & Grill, Greenville
It’s another one of those great hole-in-the-wall places in the middle of nowhere, but their slaw is worth the drive. Even people who don’t like cole slaw like this stuff. I can usually take it or leave it, but this is one place where I don’t leave a bite behind.

Best chain and best BBQ nachos: Sticky Fingers, downtown Greenville, Woodruff Road Greenville
Some people swear by Sticky Fingers’ ribs. Sure, they’re good. But they’re not my favorite. As far as chains go, though, they’re probably the best around. And usually pretty consistent. The nachos are pretty tasty, too. They’re basically pulled BBQ chicken, cheese, chips and sauce. What could be wrong with that?

Of course, this is all my opinion, and I'm sure you disagree with a few of these. So let us know what you think below in the comments section.