Pari's Kitchen

First time going to Railroad BBQ. The second my family walked in I noticed every wall and table was covered with historical pictures. I could have stayed all day looking at them all. The food was fantastic and service was great. The young man that waited on us pointed out the best options for first timers. We had pulled chicken, pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. With a choice of three sauces, of course we tried them all. They were excellent!! For our sides we had collards and kale, potato wedges, mac-n-cheese, along with choice of Texas toast or cornbread. We had the cornbread; it was amazing. For those who don't like sugar in their cornbread, take the Texas toast, but you will certainly miss out on a treat. We tried the banana pudding for dessert, it was good, but I'm a little more partial to mine. 😁 Thankfully it wasn't "the old-time meringue topped, baked in oven to brown the meringue" kind. lol I can truthfully tell you this was an enjoyable meal and we look forward to going back.

My son and I are in Columbia for a weekend trail racing event. While here, we decided to find a good place to eat. It was a toss up between Railroad BBQ and a gourmet hamburger place. After some discussion we decided to go to Railroad BBQ, and we're glad we made that choice! When in an unfamiliar town looking for a good place to eat, I always hope for the best but am often disappointed with over-hyped reviews for an underwhelming place. This was not the case with Railroad BBQ. It far exceeded our expectations. We've eaten at several barbecue places in the state and have our favorites, but Railroad BBQ surpassed them all. First, let's talk about the place. Railroad BBQ is located next to an actual working railroad track. The naming of the place is genius. If you can remember the barbecue place next to a railroad track, you will remember the name. The building looks as if it used to be a gas station in days gone by. But whatever it used to be, it's now a beautiful barbecue restaurant that is interesting and welcoming. Inside are several tables, booths, and counter service, and the outdoor area provides patio seating. The indoor dining area is filled with pictures, drawings, posters, sports pennants, banners, and more that reflect the personality, passions, and pursuits of the restaurant's founder, Kevin Gray. Next, let's talk about the people. We were welcomed by a friendly young lady at the counter who took our order. We were invited to sit wherever we wished, and soon our food arrived. The same young lady visited our table a couple more times to check on us and ask if we needed drink refills or anything else. Another man also came by to check on us, and a third man also checked with us asking how everything was. This is outstanding service for a counter-service restaurant, better than most "full service" restaurants provide. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. Finally, let's give the food its due. Simply put, it was outstanding. My son and I love barbecue, and this really is the best we've had in South Carolina. It may be the best I've had anywhere! The brisket was moist and flavorful, the pulled pork simply delicious, and the chicken was the best I've had in a barbecue place. All the meat selections were moist and smoky, and the chicken and pork were pulled perfectly. Our sides were also good. The collards were very flavorful (I got the mild variety - they evidently have spicy collards, too). The mac and cheese was great and the potato salad tasted like the homemade stuff you'd get at a church supper. Since we both got the combo plates, we were very full, but could not resist dessert. So, we ordered their banana pudding and sweet potato pie. Both were very good, but I especially liked the pudding. It was creamy, full of banana flavor, and was so fresh that the wafers didn't have time to get soggy. The only issue I have with Railroad BBQ is that it is three hours from where I live! Now I have to find some reasons to visit Columbia so I can eat at my new favorite barbecue restaurant.

So… we’re from Charlotte NC and was traveling from Georgia. I did a search on Yelp for BBQ (I had been craving BBQ for at least a week… my husband makes the most amazing brisket but I wanted it so I searched for a BBQ joint) …. My search lead me to several options and we happened to choose Railroad BBQ. We almost decided against it but went ahead anyway regardless if it was 6 miles off the interstate… Can I say…. Thank goodness we went!!! Hands down the best BBQ we’ve had at any restaurant that we’ve been to thus far!!! We couldn’t think of one thing that we could critique in a negative light!! The food The level of customer service The CAKE The cleanliness The atmosphere Everything was absolutely amazing!!! The food was so moist the flavor was on point and the baked beans and Mac n cheese was “smack ya mama” good!!! Oh and the sauces…. All of them DELICIOUS!!! We will be back!!!

I was intoxicated by the smell of the bbq cooking when I came in the front door. This place has excellent brisket! You can tell by the bark on the brisket they know what they are doing. Even the mac & cheese was really good. I met the pit master and the owner when they came by to see how I was doing. The first person I met was an out of towner from Virginia Tech. He immediately told me this was the best brisket he had ever had. Later, I talked to the owner, Kevin Gray, and we swapped bbq war stories. He has traveled the Southeast looking at different bbq equipment and tasting bbq everywhere he gets a chance! He his totally committed as he strives for excellence. Everyone was so friendly. I will be back again!!!