South Carolina has one of best BBQ restaurants, ranking says

A Beaufort BBQ restaurant made Southern Living’s list of the best new BBQ restaurants in the South.

Southern Living Magazine’s Contributing Barbecue Editor Robert Moss picked 16 BBQ restaurants opened since 2024 as the best new ones in the South. Beaufort’s Bordertown BBQ, which opened in early 2025, made the list as one of two selected from the Palmetto State.

“What an absolute honor to be on Southern Living’s list of top new BBQ spots in the South since 2024,” Bordertown BBQ said in a Facebook post. “To be on this list with so many other great places is just surreal.”

But what about Bordertown BBQ earned it a spot on the list? Here’s what to know about Beaufort’s BBQ spot:

Bordertown BBQ’s style

Bordertown BBQ’s cow-skull logo and Western-inspired interior make it clear that it serves Texas BBQ. Texas BBQ focuses on beef brisket instead of the vinegar and mustard sauced pulled pork of Carolina BBQ. Bordertown BBQ also adds a twist on the traditional BBQ experience with a Tex-Mex menu offering Mexican entrées with Texas BBQ.

Bordertown BBQ in Beaufort on Sept. 15, 2026. Hayden Davis

Bordertown BBQ cooks its meats in a 1,000 gallon smoker, according to its website. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis with no reservations, as the restaurant serves fresh meats daily until they run out. It’s open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

And Bordertown BBQ doesn’t ignore local Lowcountry flavors. It serves shrimp caught locally by St. Helena’s Gay Fish Company in its grilled shrimp tacos. It also has a bar serving beer, wine and a variety of cocktails.

The menu

Bordertown BBQ’s menu offers a blend of Texas BBQ and Mexican cuisine favorites. Diners have their choice of meat including brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, barbacoa, turkey, chicken thighs and sausage. Meats come in half pound or one pound portions.

Entrées are divided between Tex and Mex. On the Mex side of the menu are appetizers including chips and guacamole, queso and nachos. The nachos come with your choice of smoked pork or smoked beef. For Mex entrées, Bordertown offers tacos with filling options including chopped brisket, carnitas, beef barbacoa, shrimp or crispy fish.

On the Tex side are sandwiches with your choice of brisket, smoked pork, beef barbacoa or turkey. There’s also a variety of sides ranging from tallow fries to cheese curds.

This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 5:30 AM.