Have a thing for BBQ? You’re not alone. It’s hard to resist the temptation of tender, tangy, succulent pork or chicken slow-cooked to perfection over a wood-fired pit. So hard in fact, that you may find yourself licking your lips and plotting a road trip soon to get some for yourself.

One of our favorite BBQ joints is located a little off the beaten path, but oh-so worth the journey! Prepare for a road trip that will take you to a farmhouse out on a country road between Holly Hill and Eutawville — stopping only a few miles short of Lake Marion.

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That’s where you’ll find Sweatman’s BBQ. In 1977, Bub and Margie Sweatman bought an old farmhouse and turned it into Sweatman’s BBQ. That was 42 years and countless delicious meals ago. The old farmhouse looks cozy, worn — and most of all, loved. It’s the kind of spot that, upon your first arrival, you may be torn between going in or going home.

Google Maps/Nikola Budisavljevic

Like many of the BBQ joints in South Carolina, Sweatman’s is royalty when it comes to publicity. They once hosted Anthony Bourdain for “No Reservations.” They’ve been featured on “Food Paradise,” and “Bar-B-Que Crawl.” And have been raved about in scores of online and print publications. And it’s always all about the food, of course.

Facebook/Sweatman’s BBQ

The menu here is simple. They have ribs (even an all-you-can-eat ribs option), you can order up a BBQ sandwich, or go through the buffet line and pick your items as you move through.

TripAdvisor/Carla C

Aside from their delicious slow-cooked pork and chicken, you’ll find it hard to decide among the sides, which include banana pudding, cole slaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, green beans, and rice and hash.

TripAdvisor/Adora L

The old farmhouse is converted into a huge dining room where you’ll always be surrounded with smiling, satisfied people. It may take a little while to get to Sweatman’s but the wait is worth it!

Google Maps/Manny Steiner

Weather permitting, our favorite spot to dine is probably outside on one of the few tables on the shady porch. Why?

Google Maps/Sudeep Rajpoot

We love staring at the huge cornfield across the street!

Google Maps/Sudeep Rajpoot

The endearing old farmhouse known as Sweatman’s BBQ may not look like much but just wait until you try the food!

Google Maps/Manny Steiner

Haven’t tried Sweatman’s BBQ yet? What are you waiting for?

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Google Maps/Nikola Budisavljevic

Facebook/Sweatman’s BBQ

TripAdvisor/Carla C

TripAdvisor/Adora L

Google Maps/Manny Steiner

Google Maps/Sudeep Rajpoot

Sweatman’s is located at 1427 Eutaw Rd., Holly Hill, SC 29059. It’s open Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn more on the official website!

More in the mood for pizza today? Check out this bucket list of South Carolina pizza joints that are a must-try!

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