Yelp names best barbecue in the country: These Greenville, Anderson BBQ spots made the list

When it comes to eating barbecue style in the South, there are high expectations for a finger licking good time.

That’s because barbecue is a big deal here, and you can find it just about anywhere. While strolling the neighborhood on a summer afternoon, you can smell its aroma thicken the air, causing your stomach to growl in wanting.

There are also many barbecue joints throughout the state, with menu offerings like baby back ribs, baked beans, pulled pork shoulder, and potato salad.

Yelp released a list of top 100 Barbecue Spots in 2024 in the U.S. Four South Carolina favorites made the list.

What SC BBQ restaurants made the Yelp list?

∎ No. 51: Swig & Swine 1217 Savannah Highway, Charleston

∎ No. 69: The Smokin' Pig Multiple locations across South Carolina, including Anderson, Easley and Pendleton

∎ No. 81: The Dixie Pig 2007 Celanese Road, Rock Hill

∎ No. 91: Smoky Dreams Barbecue and Catering 2131 Woodruff Road Ste 9, Greenville

What does BBQ stand for?

The acronym BBQ stands for "barbecue,” a word derived from the language of a Caribbean Indian tribe known as the Taino. Their word for grilling on a raised wooden platform is “barbacoa,” according to The Ethical Butcher . In 1526, the word made its first appearance in print in a Spanish explorer’s account of the West Indies.

What's the difference between a BBQ and cookout?

There has long been debate regarding what the difference is between a barbecue and a cookout. To southerners, a cookout involves grilling finger foods like hamburgers and hot dogs outside. Barbecue, on the other oven mitt, is when you slow cook meat over a fire to a sizzling perfection, invited guests mingling as they take in the delicious smell of the food being prepared. Depending on where you come from, barbecued foods include North Carolina pulled pork, Texas beef brisket, or even a whole hog. Whatever your style, one thing is for certain ― barbecued food means something hot and juicy to sink your teeth into.

What is the difference between broiled and grilled?

When it comes to cooking methods, there are a few similarities between broiling and grilling: Both use intense direct heat during cooking, require careful attention to avoid burning food, and use charring and caramelization to give the food its unique taste. With that said, there are differences between broiling and grilling, as highlighted by Spruce Eats :

Broiling

∎ Indoor cooking for charred, caramelized foods

∎ Intense direct heat from an oven broiler

∎ Temperature is controlled by the oven's thermostat

∎ Fat and grease drips away through the use of a preheated broiler pan

∎ Fat must be trimmed to prevent smoke

Grilling

∎ Outdoor cooking for charred, caramelized foods with "grill" flavor

∎ Intense direct heat from charcoal and propane

∎ Cooking temperature is monitored by the chef

∎ Fat and grease drips away from the use of grate

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Yelp names best barbecue in the country: These Greenville, Anderson BBQ spots made the list