Omg... if I could give more stars I would. This place is absolutely amazing! Loving staff, atmosphere makes you feel at home, and the fooooddd??? Exquisite! The price matches perfectly for what's included in your meal. And don't get me started on the dessert. 2/4 desserts have been devoured and I'm ready to try the next two. I'm telling you this will be our date/regular BBQ spot for years to come! Btw, I want to add how wonderful it feels and the care that's put into the BBQ when the Pit-Master comes to ask how everything tastes. It genuinely shows that he cares about the quality of his product. And man does it show! GO TRY THIS PLACE NOW! 10/10!!! read more

Great bbq. Brisket was tasty and ribs were well done. Very pleasant, helpful and attentive service. In town from philly and will go back if I'm ever back this way in the future. read more

Went by on my lunch break today because I wanted some brisket. I've been trying to find who has the best brisket around here and this is my new leader. Really, really good. The reason for 4 stars is that they forgot my potato wedges and Texas toast. Sweet tea was excellent too. read more

Railroad Bbq - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Absolutely amazing barbecue and staff was extremely friendly. I had the ribs and brisket with Mac and cheese and baked beans with cornbread. My friends had all 4 meats. This is a must stop if you are tourist like us or a local. read more

We just stopped for lunch on our way to Asheville NC. Great bbq. Brisket was so tender. Ribs were outstanding. Nice people nice family atmosphere. We even got a train to pass by as we were eating. Fantastic. read more

Was super excited about trying this new bbq joint based off the reviews. The atmosphere inside as outside is super cool but unfortunately due to Covid you cannot eat inside right now. The service (the Cashier lady) was so nice and took our order very promptly and payment but after she brought out the food she literally same back after one minute (she had to bring napkins back) and asked how it was and that was it! At that time we had not made it to trying anything yet because everything is in Togo containers and it just took a second to get setup. Well not even 30 seconds after she leaves the Pitt master came out to introduce hisself (super friendly and nice) and ask how everything was and I told him we have not had a chance to try anything yet but that it looked good. Well, after that NOBODY came back to check on us. We even had to go back in to ask for refills, bummer since I already tipped because we were asked if we wanted to go ahead and pay after we ordered and since she asked I thought sure- lesson learned there. I was looking forward to giving them my feedback so that I could praise them on one of their sauces(the vintager based one)/brisket but tell the waitress or Pitt master about the ribs. The ribs were so DRY and tough that I could not pull them off the bone. I even took them home to my husband and he said the same and we threw them away. The brisket was very tender but did not have a lot of flavor. My mom loved her pulled pork and beans and the potato wedges, slaw and macaroni were just ok. So for the lack of customer service and the ribs they get a 3 from me. However, everyone was super nice. read more

Railroad Bbq - Ribs The L and C Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

We were on our way home from a weekend trip to Hilton Head and were ready to get out of the car and have one more good meal. I searched for restaurants near me and this showed up with nothing but good reviews. I don't know when I've ever seen Columbia so quiet but we followed the directions to this little place downtown and were excited to see what this unique place had to offer. First off I smelled hickory smoke then saw stacks of wood and smokers which is the first thing that I look for when in search of real bbq. When we went in there was so many things to look at I had to take a minute to focus on the menu. I made the easiest choice of a pulled pork sandwich with green beans and my husband chose a pulled pork plate with macaroni and cheese and fries. I hadn't eaten all day so my stomach wasn't ready for a big meal but it didn't affect his. The place was just so interesting, filled with paraphernalia so much that I couldn't even look at my food-the tables, walls and ceiling were covered with pictures of everything and everybody from Martin Luthier King, Nelson Mandela to Lynne's Skynard, Bon Jovi and Jimmy Carter and flags hanging from the ceiling of Carolina, Clemson, Furman University etc. there wasn't a lot of seats but they all were full and there was seating at the bar where you placed your order and waited for your order or ate. Everything was delicious, fresh, hot and obviously made to order. The staff was on top of what everybody ordered and was fast to deliver everything from drinks to utensils and offer refills or anything you could think of. The staff all wore shirts that said best bbq on both sides of the tracks. read more

The food is incredible, the people are amazing. The brisket was the best I've had in the 5 years I've been in South Carolina. Can't wait for the next trip back! read more

This location is a for authentic southern BBQ. They also include mustard and tomato based sauce to represent each region of SC. The staff is wonderful in assisting with meal decisions depending on your pallet. Second to none! read more

I met some friends for lunch and I was 5 minutes behind them. I had to go and feed the meter as after 45 minutes I still did not have my food. All I ordered was a BBQ sandwich. Very disorganized establishment. Seem to be very nice people, but someone needs to realize that there are better ways to put orders in and get them out than what they have now. To their credit, the pulled pork was very good. I would rather have it on a plain white bread bun and not a brioche roll though read more

Great food. I got the ribs with rice and fries. Cake for desert. All delicious. I'll be back again.

You can't go wrong at Railroad BBQ. The food absolutely delicious, the meat barely needs the plethora of BBQ sauce options they offer. Recommend preserving one of all the sides and chatting up the owner, a man of many backgrounds and I imagine stories for days. read more

My MIL chose to dine here on a whim and we're so glad she did. Really cool decor. Excellent customer service. Everyone was so helpful and willing to please. The head chef came out to great patrons. The food was superb and great portions for the price. We got full quick and left with plenty of leftovers. I had the Brisket Loaded Wedges and smoked, dry rub wings. My daughter had mac & cheese and I wanted it for myself lol. I love their sweet bbq sauce, but they do have the Carolina sauce for those who like that sort of thing lol. The strawberry shortcake and banana pudding was so good, we ordered more to go! Will absolutely be back. read more

Railroad Bbq - Brisket Loaded Wedges Smoked Wings - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Outstanding BBQ! Juicy full of flavor, properly cooked meats with ample portions. Quality sides. Decor full of history to take in. Friendly staff. read more

We were driving the interstate near Columbia and decided to Yelp for a good barbecue place for lunch. Yelp did not disappoint in bringing us into town for Railroad BBQ! The food and service were both outstanding. Our group of three shared the Tubman, which would easily feed 4 or more. The ribs were the star of the show for us. The bark on the ribs and brisket was to die for. Pulled pork, chicken, and sides were all terrific. Sauces were good, even the mustard sauce which I don't normally care for. The corn bread was also a star! read more

Railroad Bbq - The Tubman - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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We went up during the week to watch my son play soccer. Found a place close by to Columbia College. Food was good and atmosphere and service was excellent. read more

Literally everything was fantastic. The pit master greeted everyone in the restaurant to check on their experience and the woman behind the counter was kind and efficient. Best BBQ I've ever had. read more

Awesome pulled pork and the meatiest pork ribs! Excellent service and the cleanest BBQ place I've ever been in.

Ordered rib plate with two sides. My sides were fries and macaroni. Food was good. Portions was not the normal quantity I am use to receiving at two other bbq restaurants. There portions seem small compared to what I am use too. For the money seems as if I would have gotten more meat on the bones of the ribs too. Thus the four stars. read more

We came here after leaving from seasoned with soul. It was a much better experience here. We called in our order and we walked in the lady at the register was somewhat nice but looked overwhelmed. She packaged up our food rang us up and we went about our way. The food was pretty good. I had the pulled chicken with beans and mac with cornbread. The pulled chicken was pretty good had a nice flavor to it. The beans were just OK seemed like pork and beans and Pinto beans mixed with a spicy tangy sauce. The Mac and cheese I expected it to be really good based on looks I must have got the last part of the pan because it was mainly the crust and edge of the mac which was burnt. My fiance had the brisket, collard mix and beans. He said the brisket was bomb. The collard mix was different but good since the kale was mixed in. He agreed with the beans. We would eat here again definitely. read more

First time here before we went to a concert at Colonial Penn Arena. It was pouring rain. My friend got the smoked wings and I got the John Henry plate along with cornbread, coleslaw, & fries. Awesome to say the least. I let my friend try my pork, coleslaw, & cornbread. He liked the coleslaw so much he was going to order some and pay for it but they gave him a cup for free. He then tried some of my cornbread and did the same with the cornbread (i.e., intending to order & buy some) but to our amazement, they gave him some cornbread for free too! They were very friendly and kept asking if everything was okay and if we needed anything else (very good service). Unfortunately as I was putting my coat on and leaving, I knocked over my dirty serving container on the floor. They were so forgiving and didn't want me to clean it up but I felt so bad and cleaned it up anyway. The place has a lot of historical ambiance on the walls (looks cool) and nice bathrooms too. If I lived here in Columbia, I certainly go again (I live in California). read more

Mmm amazing! Great customer service and food was delicious! Glad we came upon this tasty bbq restaurant. Love the history and vibe. Got a taste of South Carolina bbq. Thank you! read more

We stopped while driving through on a road trip and are glad we did. Fantastic, best pulled pork we have ever had!

Delicious BBQ, super friendly staff! Waited less than 10 minutes for food, even when the line never stopped.

This place is so good I should not be doing a review.... you know when you discover some tasty new place then months later you can't get into the parking lot cause it the new hot spot. Well this is what I expect for Railroad BBQ once people KNOW they will be so busy I will not even be able to get my favorite BBQ. So get in and get you some before they are DISCOVERED by everyone else. The service has been great with staff who seem to really care that you enjoy your visit - and you know that gotten to be rare! While there take notice of the history collected on the walls and you will know that your supporting a local up-and-coming business in our community. We will see you there, but you better save me a parking space and a seat on the patio! read more

Historic, and sports decor. Ambiance is welcoming with friendly staff. Food is delicious. Food was made to order. Disappointed that a couple of menu items were unavailable. Loved the brisket! read more

I stumbled upon this place for a quick bite while on a work lunch break. I have been back 5 times since my first visit over a month ago. Everything is good, the staff is nice, parking isn't terrible, place is clean, and plenty of seating. I have had the loaded fries, bbq sandwich with potato wedges, and tried the Mac and cheese. Nothing is disappointing. read more

A solid BBQ joint. Good food. Not a fan of the outdoor seating, but that is Covid's fault. It is a bit warm for sitting outside. I recommend take-out until things get back to normal. read more

Friendly people, delicious barbecue with a couple different sauces, green beans are particularly good and decor both inside and out is so interesting with quite the collection of history and memorabilia. I'd drive a few minutes out of my way to go here! read more

This is a destination restaurant!! Top three BBQ I've ever eaten. All the meats were excellent. I recommend the Tubman to get a little of everything. Also, the greens and Kale were amazing!!! read more

I was hungry after leaving the office. Tried for the first time. Just had the baked beans and smoked wings. Bomb. Go get some.

Awesome service! Great people. Great food. The patio was great! The owner is so nice! Super cute on the inside with so many posters with news about Columbia, national championship signs etc. Makes you feel like it's been around forever and really a community place! read more

This was one of the best brisket places I've ever had. My friend had the ribs and the rub on them was perfect. I was delightfully surprised and will definitely be back. The portions were a good size so come with an appetite. read more

If I could give a million stars I would. This place is very family oriented, historical, and the food is PERFECT. We had the most amazing customer service EVER. Highly recommend this place! read more

Not only was the food excellent but the customer service was second to none. The most polite people. The wings were possibly the best I've ever had. Collard greens and cornbread too. Ribs were perfect. Pork was tender and full of flavor. Brisket was just as it should be. Without a doubt, I will be back. Did I mention the wonderful customer service? read more

What an amazing restaurant! The atmosphere, employees, customer service, and design of this place was awesome. I loved the display of all the football teams and other sports. The food was amazing above expectations. The banana pudding by far was my favorite part next to the pull pork sandwich. I also loved the fact it was a black owned business! can't wait to return on my next trip to Columbia!! read more

one of the best restaurants i have ever been to. the vibe is incredible. music is awesome. the inside of the building is decked out to fit the theme. every single person working here is just amazing. they greet you at the door and really try to understand you as a customer. they are informative and they really provide that feel-good authentic african american cooking vibe. the food is absolutely delicious every single time. you can immediately taste the freshness and the love that was put into it. the cornbread is to die for. please please come try this restaurant. you won't regret it. read more

I would like to as a first time customer and a big fan of BBQ, that I was grateful to find this place on a day trip to Columbia. The food was excellent, BBQ was very tender and delicious. The cole slaw was perfect which is very hard to find where I'm from. The staff was very polite and helpful without being to crowding. I like to eat in peace but also want to have my drinks refilled. They met the perfect balance and were very friendly. Staff is definitely an A++ read more

Southern Food done right. Sits next to the railroad tracks, and I got to enjoy a train go by while dining outside. Perfect!

Having tried over 25 BBQ restaurants from Arizona, across the south and much of Texas, my wife and I agreed that Railroad BBQ had the best ribs and brisket. The overall presentation and customer service was the best we have experienced so far. You get what you pay for is true in this case. We want to thank them for everything!! read more