Spartanburg Restaurant Named to South’s Best New Barbecue Joints List by Southern Living

Smoking Butt Heads, Popular Spartanburg BBQ Restaurant Earns Recognition

Smoking Butt Heads, a cherished local barbecue restaurant in Spartanburg, scored a significant win as it found its name in the 2024 South’s Best New Barbecue Joints list curated by Southern Living. The regional magazine’s list, reflecting the epicurean landscape of the southern states, spanned great barbecue joints from Texas to Virginia, enlisting 22 of the most notable establishments.

Criteria for Selection

The selection benchmarks were a blend of the joints’ overall experience, ambience, food presentation, sauces, and the fidelity to the Southern regional authenticity. “They are traditionalists, using wood-fired pits, and have embodied and advocated the established specialties of their regions,” opined Robert Moss, the contributing barbecue editor. “These establishments brilliantly mesh rich cultural heritage and innovative culinary experiments, perfectly enhancing the legendary flavors of the South.”

Where Does Smoking Butt Heads Rank?

Home to four other esteemed South Carolina restaurants, Smoking Butt Heads secured its spot at number 16 on the list. The restaurant, located at 111 W. Main St. in downtown Spartanburg, delves into providing high-grade competition-style barbecued meats and homemade sides including mac and cheese, baked beans, greens, coleslaw, and more. With a history rooted in the historic Greenewald’s Building in Spartanburg, the restaurant has been serving award-winning barbecue since August of 2023.

Smoking Butt Heads Owner Boasts Impressive Background

Todd Smith, the owner of Smoking Butt Heads, is a seasoned barbecue competitor with over a decade’s experience in the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) circuit. Under his stewardship, Smoking Butt Heads has bagged no less than four regional and national competitions since 2014.

Attractive Menu Highlights

Food enthusiasts rave about Smoking Butt Heads’ popular smoked dishes, with St. Louis-style ribs, prime burg ends, pork medallions, hot links, and brisket being some of the crowd favorites. Drawing significant attention is The Judge’s Plate, a mouth-watering platter featuring samples of all these award-winning meats, accompanied by homemade cornbread and a side dish. Along with a fascinating appetizer palette and well-loved dessert options, Smoking Butt Heads offers a comprehensive, enjoyable dining experience.

Other South Carolina BBQ Joints on Southern Living’s List

• #1 – Palmira BBQ, Charleston, SC
• #4 – City Limits Barbecue, Columbia, SC
• #5 – King BBQ, Charleston, SC
• #14 – Rancho Lewis, Charleston, SC
• #16 – Smoking Butt Heads, Spartanburg, SC

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