South Carolina BBQ Spot Named No. 1 Best by Food Experts
Who doesn’t love a good dose of barbecue? Thankfully, here in South Carolina, and North Carolina, for that matter, we have plenty of great spots to get your barbecue on. Now, one Texas food expert has tasted BBQ from all over the country, and he’s picked his favorite spots throughout the U.S. What’s really cool is that one South Carolina spot has been named the No. 1 best BBQ spot in the U.S. by this expert.
South Carolina BBQ Spot is Hot
Daniel Vaughn is a reporter with the Texas Monthly. They know their BBQ down in Texas, of course. He has spent countless days, weeks and months eating across America in search of the best Texas-style barbecue in the country that isn’t in Texas. He ate at 149 food spots in 37 states and picked the 53 best spots. According to the publication, it’s “his first-ever list of 53 national barbecue joints that excel in the time-honored craft of slow-cooked meats smoked with the full flavors of hardwoods like hickory and oak.It’s a craft in which the meat, especially beef, shines and brisket is king.”
“What I hope people can see from the list is the power of Texas barbecue itself and how influential it has become across the country,” Vaughn said. “When I first started [my career], I couldn’t find fifty Texas-style barbecue joints, period, but now, there are too many to be able to get to them all.”
Almost all of his top picks, named the United States of Texas Barbecue, were in the southern areas of the country, but it’s worth noting that one stop in New York state and one in Los Angeles, California, made the cut. Moo’s Craft Barbecue in Los Angeles came in at No. 4 on the tally, while Southern Junction in Buffalo, New York, came in at No. 6.
So, which South Carolina spot made the cut as the best in America? No. 1 on his tally is Palmira Barbecue in Charleston, South Carolina. On their official website, they state, “A menu at Palmira BBQ in Charleston that produces high quality items from top to bottom. Serving high quality meats and flavorful, carefully crafted sides.” The restaurant is located at 2366 Ashley River Road Building 1 in Charleston. Also, No. 2 on the roster is Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, North Carolina, and No. 3 is Owens & Hull in Smyrna, Georgia. It’s great to see all of these locally-owned spots getting some love, including one so close to home. Now, I want some BBQ.
4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants
Safer Bets & Convenience
One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you’re in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it’s there. It’s that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.
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Familiarity & Nostalgia
For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It’s like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.
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Affordability
Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef’s specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn’t want to feel like we’ve emptied our pockets for a single meal. That’s why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.
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Seating & Space
Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you’ve got more than four people in your party. Unless you’ve made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone’s a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.
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