House-smoked, Southern-style BBQ has a way of awakening the animal inside us all. There’s something overwhelmingly alluring about the smell of smoked pork, especially when it’s billowing out of an old-school Mom and Pop shop on the outskirts of sunny Myrtle Beach. Artisanal BBQ sauce can make anything taste like gold. No utensils are necessary—it’s just you and that rack of ribs or super-stuffed brisket sandwich, globbed with a sweet and sassy sauce. While the Grand Strand is widely regarded as a coastal haven, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find mouth-watering BBQ in Myrtle Beach at nearly every turn. Sands Resorts’ fleet of villas, suites, and condos line the city’s North Shore, only minutes away from a tray of saucy, smoky meats, creamy mac and cheese, Grandma’s baked beans, and, you guessed it, fried okra.
The Best Smoked BBQ in Myrtle Beach
While you tie an adult-sized BBQ bib around your neck (you’re going to need it), it’s important to note that the tastiest BBQ in Myrtle Beach is readily available for curbside pick-up. However, if you’re in the mood for a no-frills, down-to-earth dining experience, feel free to arrive unannounced. The smoky goodness will enter your nostrils immediately and nearly bring you to tears. Alright, enough preamble—it’s time to run through the three best BBQ joints on the Grand Strand, starting with North Myrtle Beach’s “Brisket.”
Brisket
Texas transplant Jeff Vallancey knows a thing or two about Southern BBQ. He had the gall to name his restaurant “Brisket”—nothing more, nothing less. And it worked. People instinctively flocked to this rustic, Texas-style outpost in search of the most tender brisket in South Carolina. Vallancey’s custom-made BBQ pit holds up to 750 pounds of meat at one time. Sauce doesn’t touch the brisket until the tray is laid out in front of you. At that point, you get to decide between four house-made sauces. And you really cannot go wrong.
Pop Pop’s Pit BBQ
Pop Pop’s is sleeker, saucier, and sassier than Brisket. The spice level can be amped up to 11 if you so desire. Meanwhile, you’ll be happy to discover a variety of eats on Pop Pop’s extensive menu, including racks of ribs, bowls (for those on a diet), extra-large brisket sandwiches, girthy wings, and, of course, family-style meals complete with all of the fixin’s. Pop Pop’s has locations in Myrtle Beach (near Socastee) and Murrells Inlet, perfect for those who are visiting the Grand Strand’s southern rim, with stops at Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Beach State Park, or TPC Myrtle Beach.
Simply Southern Smokehouse
Simply Southern is a straightforward, buffet-style eatery that slings grub tasting a lot like Grandma’s home-cookin’. The concept is relatively simplistic: you’ll grab a plate and choose between nine sides, a bevy of entrees, and an ice-cold beverage. Then repeat. Leave room for dessert, because Simply Southern crafts some of the yummiest peach cobbler in Horry County. We recommend visiting during dinner hours (after 4 p.m.) when the smothered BBQ ribs arrive.
Family-Friendly Oceanfront Hotels in Myrtle Beach
After devouring some of the tastiest BBQ in Myrtle Beach, return to your seaside haven for some much-need relaxation. Sands Resorts owns several properties along the ocean’s edge, including Sand Dunes Resort and North Shore Oceanfront Hotel. You’re bound to find a villa, suite, or condo that perfectly fits your family’s size, style, and budget. On-site amenities include free water park passes, semi-exclusive beach access, an arcade, a mini-golf course, ocean-view balconies, and on-site dining. Spacious accommodations start at just $64 for a limited time. Book now to begin saving!
