Local Eats in South Carolina: Lowcountry Classics, Barbecue Traditions & Southern Soul
In South Carolina, food means flavor—and every bite carries a story of heritage, hospitality, and heart. Whether you’re savoring seafood on the coast or enjoying BBQ in the Midlands, local eats in South Carolina showcase a deliciously diverse culinary identity that spans centuries.
Why South Carolina’s Cuisine Is a Deep Dive into Southern Hospitality and Coastal Heritage
South Carolina’s culinary landscape is defined by its historic ties to the Gullah-Geechee culture, its abundant coastal resources, and its BBQ diversity. It’s a state where rice is more than a side—it’s a foundation, where mustard sauce has cult status, and where locals say “yes, ma’am” with a side of sweet tea.
Exploring Local Eats Across South Carolina Regions
Each region brings a signature flavor and cultural spin to the Southern table.
Lowcountry Flavor in Coastal SC
Iconic Coastal Dishes
- Shrimp and grits – Creamy stone-ground grits with sautéed shrimp and gravy
- She-crab soup – Creamy crab soup with crab roe and sherry
- Oyster roasts – Steamed oysters served communal-style, with crackers and hot sauce
Gullah-Geechee Influences
- Red rice – Rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and smoked sausage
- Okra stew – A slow-simmered medley of okra, tomatoes, and meat or seafood
- Benne wafers – Thin sesame seed cookies with a nutty sweetness
Midlands Meals and Capital City Cuisine
Must-Try Midlands Bites
- Chicken bog – A chicken, rice, and sausage dish from Carolina swamp country
- Fried catfish and hush puppies – A Midlands fish fry staple
- Carolina Gold rice-based dishes – Elevated Lowcountry plates made with heritage grains
Southern Comfort in Diners and BBQ Joints
- Hash and rice – Slow-cooked pork offal stew over white rice
- Fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese
- Cornbread, collards, and black-eyed peas
Upstate Southern Staples
Mountain-Inspired Comfort
- Flaky buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy
- Country ham and red eye gravy
- Pimento cheese sandwiches on white bread
Fusion & Modern Southern
- Shrimp tacos with slaw and remoulade
- Craft burgers with local pimento cheese
- Gourmet grits bowls and brunch menus
Pee Dee Region Eats
Hearty, Heritage-Based Food
- BBQ hash over rice – a Pee Dee specialty
- Liver pudding and chicken stew – seen in diners and markets
- Stewed greens, corn fritters, and hot cakes
Roadside Favorites
- Boiled peanuts – Salted and simmered green peanuts
- Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream
- Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches with slaw
Signature South Carolina Dishes You Must Try
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Shrimp and Grits | Creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and gravy |
| Chicken Bog | A slow-cooked dish of rice, chicken, and sausage |
| BBQ Hash | Pork offal stew served over rice, unique to SC |
| She-Crab Soup | Creamy crab soup flavored with sherry and roe |
| Benne Wafers | Crisp sesame cookies from Charleston tradition |
Small Town Food Gems Across South Carolina
- Aiken – Historic cafés and comfort food diners
- Camden – Meat-and-three spots and Southern bakeries
- Bluffton – Oyster roasts and shrimp shacks
- Walhalla – Appalachian-style breakfasts and fried pies
South Carolina BBQ Styles & Sauces Explained
- Mustard-Based (Midlands) – The golden standard, tangy and sweet
- Vinegar-Pepper (Lowcountry) – Sharp and spicy, used in whole hog BBQ
- Tomato-Based (Upstate) – Similar to ketchup-based sauces with molasses notes
- White Sauce (Rare, But Found) – A mayo-based dip for chicken, borrowed from Alabama roots
SC Diners, Meat-and-Threes & Seafood Shacks
- All-day breakfast diners with biscuits, eggs, and hash browns
- Meat-and-three plates: choose a protein and three sides like mac & cheese, okra, and cornbread
- Crab shacks along the coast with fried seafood baskets and hush puppies
Food Festivals & Culinary Events in SC
- Charleston Wine + Food Festival – A showcase of SC chefs and food culture
- SC Peach Festival (Gaffney) – Peach desserts, tastings, and contests
- Gullah Festival (Beaufort) – Gullah food, music, and heritage
- BBQ & Bluegrass Festivals – Held in towns like Greenwood and Columbia
Using Our SC Eats Finder Tool by City or Region
Use our easy tool to find local eats in South Carolina by flavor, location, or craving—whether you’re hunting for hash in the Pee Dee or oysters in the Lowcountry.
Why Supporting Local in SC Fuels Community & Culinary Culture
- Preserves Gullah-Geechee foodways and traditions
- Supports family-owned BBQ pits and soul food diners
- Strengthens local seafood and farm-to-table networks
- Builds regional pride through heritage cooking
Tips for Dining in South Carolina
- Order BBQ by the pound and add sides separately
- Always say yes to sweet tea—it’s almost always homemade
- Fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese are standard starters
- At seafood boils, expect to eat with your hands—bib optional
FAQs About Local Eats in South Carolina
Q1: What’s the difference between SC BBQ and other Southern BBQ?
A: South Carolina BBQ is distinct for its mustard-based “Carolina Gold” sauce and wide use of hash over rice.
Q2: What is chicken bog?
A: A hearty mix of chicken, sausage, and rice cooked together in a flavorful stock.
Q3: Are benne wafers sweet or savory?
A: Sweet—crispy sesame seed cookies from Charleston’s historic kitchens.
Q4: Where is the best place to try she-crab soup?
A: Coastal cities like Charleston and Beaufort are famous for their versions.
Q5: Is pimento cheese only a dip?
A: Nope! It’s used as a sandwich filling, burger topping, or cracker spread.
Q6: What sides come with BBQ plates in SC?
A: Common sides include mac & cheese, slaw, rice and hash, collards, and cornbread.
Final Bite: From Rice Fields to BBQ Pits, SC Delivers Authentic Flavor
From the shrimp docks of the Lowcountry to the smoky BBQ joints of the Midlands, local eats in South Carolina are steeped in tradition, seasoned with soul, and served with unmistakable Southern charm. This is food that tells stories—and invites you to stay a while.