$12 cake plate of chopped gristle passed off as brisket dinner. Sides were fine, hence the 1 star.

Excellent ribs and sides. Don't have to go the mustard route cause the sexy lady sauce is wonderful. Hit the spot!

I was here for dinner on Saturday night and was so disappointed. Our first impression was a greeting, well, lack thereof, by a woman at the counter who never uttered a word. No hello, no welcome, not even a what do you want. She looked at us, got out her pen and pad and stared at us until we ordered. Then I'm thinking, well some places are like that, you endure crappy personalities in order to enjoy really great food. Eh, not here. The chopped pork and the hash were pretty good. The mac and cheese and green beans were not. And the chicken was truly horrid. I was hoping for a juicy smoked piece of chicken, but it was more like it had been microwaved for two hours. No flavor at all and we could barely cut it with a steak knife. All of the food was lukewarm. My recommendation would be to not bother with this place unless you're just getting some chopped pork to go. read more

This is hands down the best BBQ I have had. Super friendly and super delicious!!!! The Baby back ribs had a great smoke taste and the sauce was perfect. Bring your hearty appetite. read more

This is a cool little spot to get bbq. they have a smoker right out front that smells amazing! The collards and Chop pork are ON POINT!!! the turkey wing and chicken (Dark Meat) were a little dryer than we liked but the flavor is delicious! the mac n cheese has something funky in it or maybe we got a bad cut. GET THE HASH AND RICE!!!! my girl doesnt like it but i say its PHENOMINAL!!!! read more

Unbelievable ribs and the sexy sauce was incredible! Definitely recommend. ..just fyi they don't take amex though...stop here ..you won't be disappointed read more

This place is unbelievable. Give it a shot! I'm not huge on ribs, but I saw them on the smoker the first time I went and tried them. I can't get enough. read more

So this place has some LEGIT pulled pork! As soon as you pull up to the restaurant you can smell the BBQ on their outdoor grill. We tried a combo plate for two when we went so we got smoked chicken, pulled pork, and riblets. On the side we got their awesome hash and rice (seriously the best I've ever eaten), Mac and cheese and collard greens. I thought the riblets and chicken were pretty dried out though. If you go, just get the pulled pork. That was definitely the star of the show! My only gripe is that they don't give you enough sauce. We only got two tiny little ramekins and I am a sauce hog! read more

If you find yourself anywhere close to Columbia SC., and have a taste for good BBQ, you need to try this place out. The Z plate was outstanding value, and you get to try 3 of the offerinsgs. No alchohol sales, s be warned. Make sure you try all three sauces, especially their "sexy sauce" read more

I went in with the intentions of ordering a chopped BBQ sandwich with a side, but they wanted to charge 3 extra dollars (side and drink) that is about $10 total. I ended up getting the small chopped meat dinner that includes 2 sides and rice/hash for the same price. I ordered the mac/cheese and greens beans. That may sound like a lot of food, but the portions were really small! Bread was also NOT included with the dinner. The food was only ok, but is overpriced for the taste, in my opinion. I probably will not go back. read more

I grew up down the way from the famous Big-Bob-Gibson's in Alabama, and have been disappointed with the majority of my barbecue experiences since moving away. So be forewarned: I'm not speaking with low standards when I tell you that these Carolina boys at True BBQ do - it - RIGHT! On the approach, my expectations were immediately set high. They have their smoker out front and were in the middle of a cook, confirming what I had read here regarding the authenticity of the food. I could smell the wood smoke in the air with the anticipation only rising upon entering the front door. As anyone who loves BBQ knows, the best 'cue joints are the most unassuming ones. There were a few folding chairs in front of the register, a handful of tables off to the side, and various plants surrounding the exterior border of the dining area. This all reminded me, in a way, of those great fellowship dinners after Sunday services that feed your belly and soul so full. I'm really starting to get anxious to dig into some food when the lady behind the register asks what I would like. After combing the menu momentarily, I ordered the "Z combo" which consists of 3 meats, two sides, and their "hash and rice". The meat selections include various forms of pork (chopped, spare ribs, baby backs, and more), chicken (white and dark meat while it lasts, apparently; they only had dark by the time I arrived), and I believe I recall a turkey item there as well. I ordered the spares, chopped pork, and chicken with potato salad, collard greens, and a sweet tea. To start, I was glad to see upon the arrival of the food that there was no sauce on any of the meats (that I ordered, anyway). The meat came out in all it's nude glory with nothing but a deep smoke dressing it, which usually indicates the food is going to be really, really good. My suspicions were confirmed with my first bite as the meat was packed with flavor to the point that you really don't need sauce at all. However, I was trying things out so I had previously requested some of the pretty lady and sexy lady sauces (one is a tomato base and the other a mustard base, but I don't remember which is which). Though the tomato base did have an interesting, front-loaded zing to it, I would by far recommend their mustard based sauce. Either way you go, there was a nice, round spiciness on the back end that I quite enjoyed. They also offer a vinegar based sauce that I did not try. As for the meats, all three had a very thick smoke flavor on them. I saw some other reviewers say it was too much, but if you don't want smoke why would you even come here? Take yourself to Applebee's! The chicken was moist, the ribs were very tender, and the chopped pork had my favorite flavor of the three. My only, small criticism would be that when the chopped pork was first served it was very moist, but it dried up within just a couple of minutes of being served. This may have just been because of how small they were cutting it, or perhaps they didn't allow the meat to rest sufficiently? At any rate, this tiny complication was easily overlooked because... There was simply no TIME to nitpick. I had my weight in side dishes to consume! Working my way around the plate clockwise, the potato salad jumped at me. "Oh man, this is good as grandma's," I thought to myself. Hurriedly shoving the next item into my mouth, my first ever exposure to 'hash and rice' was jaw dropping. I know why they serve it with every meal; this stuff is down right life altering. Finally, the collard greens which were served simple and tender, not tough or too fancied up like some places. Right about here, the anxiety left me and was replaced with joy. I reclined and took a deep gulp of the super-sugary, bordering-syrupy-sweet-tea. It was JUST LIKE IT SHOULD BE. You heard me. If you don't double your diabetes risk when drinking sweet tea in the south, it ain't right. I stuffed myself and still took half my food in a to-go box which is good and bad. It's good because, hey, free lunch tomorrow. But it is bad because that means I won't get to go back and try their wings before I have to leave town. If you're looking for something delicate and high-end, don't bother. This is hearty, down-south, made with love, working class cuisine. And that's what makes it special. I'd end it there, but everyone was so extremely friendly and made me feel right at home, so I can't not mention the service at least briefly. In particular the girl who took my order / brought my food was a gem. I also managed to catch the attention of the cook as he was coming in from tending the fire out front. I told him how much I enjoyed the food, and then we swapped some shop talk before me going about my way. Great food, great experience, great employees. I'll be supporting this business every time I get within 30 miles of them going forward. read more

Some of the BEST ribs I have ever had, great hash and rice. Great little joint, they smoke all meats right in front of the store. Exceptional employees. read more

Best BBQ and hash (basically brunswick stew on top of rice) I've had outside of Texas and Columbus, GA. Sauces are good, chopped pork excellent. Hash not to be missed. Not the most efficient restaurant, but worth it. read more

First experience the true barbecue was off the chain. Great attitude great food great service. This time not so much. Ribs dry chicken dry portions for the price... wow! And the attitude of the old lady at the front counter my God... Madia would be jealous! It's worth the try once if all the other barbecue places are closed. read more

Best barbrque in south carolina, i promise u!!!

SC has quite a few Barbecue joints. So glad I picked True. Service was spot on. The food was great! First time having rice and hash, yummy! Baby back ribs cooked just right and the Sexy Lady sauce made them super tasty. Collards & Mac Cheese pretty special to. read more

We love this place. The prices are reasonable. You get hash & rice plus 2 sides. The staff are so friendly. Just don't get the corn, tastes a little old. Everything else is unbelievable. Highly highly recommend. read more

True BBQ is worth the drive, period. We drove nearly sixty plus miles, one way. The BBQ and ribs were some of the best I've ever had. In other reviews about the workers and owner being incredibly polite, friendly and hospitable, we agree. For the environment is like Sunday dinner with family. Oh, even though the meats did not need any sauce due to the smoke flavor, the mustard base sauce was my favorite. The only caution that I would have is "come with an appetite", for there was lots of food on one plate to consume. God's Blessing to the management and staff of True BBQ. Evangelist M Sanders read more

Wow! This BBQ is delicious and smoky - the ribs and chop are mouth watering. The service is equally awesome.

A TRUE EPICUREAN DELIGHT!! We r so excited to have discovered this place! Thank GOD for modern science, the internet and Yelp. My husband was driving and we were in route from Charlotte to Charleston. I was working the iPad in search of a good place to eat BBQ when up pops True BBQ. It had 4.5 Stars and $$. I started reading the reviews out loud and we decided to give it a try. As we drove into the parking lot of the restaurant we saw smoke rising from a large black smoker that was surrounded by a group of white ceramic pigs of various sizes . The aroma confirmed that we had found the right place. When we walked into the restaurant 70's & 80's Motown sounds were coming from the kitchen? We went up to the counter, perused the menu and ordered the chopped pork. I asked for both the Sexy Lady & the Pretty Lady Sauces to see which one I liked best and loved them both. The chopped pork was served with a side of delicious meat hash served over rice ...really delicious. They offered the traditional sides with the hash and coleslaw being the Stars. We sat down at a table in the down home dining room awaiting our food and were surrounded by quite a few locals. We could hear someone in the kitchen singing to a Marvin Gaye tune....then out strolls the Pit master Ernest in a cooks apron wearing a black leather western hat singing and snapping his fingers to the beat of the music. He stopped by our table introduces himself, makes us feel most welcome and heads out the front door to tend to the smoker. Its a must for us stop for us every time we r in town. It's not just a meal, it is an experience...and a happy one. It's family owned and everyone that works there is family or friends of the family. You leave feeling satisfied and happy. read more

Great smoky taste which will last for hours in your mouth. Portions are what I consider little small for the price but no complaints on the taste. They have 3 varieties of sauces for the ribs and can't remember the names but they taste good. Might go back again to feel the smoke. They are not open everyday so better check the hours before you go. read more

True BBQ was so highly recommended, that I just had to try it. They are only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I asked the person at the counter what she would order if he could only eat there once. So I ended up with baby back ribs, southern hash and potato salad. The sides were outstanding. I limited my portions because of all the carbs, but I could easily have finished them. The problem was the ribs. They were well cooked but almost too salty to eat. The sexy sauce almost made up for the salt, but not quite. I'll have to try some other things when we pass through again next Autumn. read more

Nothing fancy here....just good BBQ. We had the Z sandwiches with hash and collards. Everyone cleaned their plate. Saw the mac n cheese at the next table and having regrets for not ordering it. The tables filled up quickly for Saturday lunch. read more

All week, my colleagues and I were discussing BBQ and what it means to different people. We came for lunch, and although the menu was a bit limited (I came for chicken and could only have turkey wings), the food was excellent. The sides were all cooked to perfection and tasted like BBQ should. read more

Terrific Hash, Rest OK I think that I could eat the hash and rice from True BBQ every day for the rest of my life. It is absolutely delicious. The hash and rice as well as a couple of other sides come with each main barbecue item. So, in addition to a plate of meat, there is a large place filled with all these sides. Regarding the side dishes, the collards were fine. The mac & cheese was only OK and the green beans were mushy and tasteless. For the meats we had chicken and baby back ribs. The ribs were fine, but nothing particularly special. The chicken was overcooked and tough. You order at the counter and the meal is brought to your table. But good luck getting someone to come over again to bring more water or sauce or whatever. read more

This locally owned restaurant hits a home run every time. You know you are at the right place when you drive up and see the smoker in the parking lot. Smell that true BBQ! Portions are large and all the sides offered are excellent and taste homemade. You get your choice of BBQ sauces too! The staff is always smiling and friendly. I live near by and eat here a couple times a month. Try it once and you will be back!! read more

1st Time, Got the baby back ribs, mac & cheese, potato salad & green beans!!!! Outstanding food large portions (enough to 2 meals).My new spot, Lemon cake was also delicious!!! Sauce was spicy with hint of sweet....Made My Day!! read more

Terrible service, rude order takers (they think they are doing you a favor but it's not that kind of bbq) slow to assemble a plate of pre-made food. Last time I went I asked if they had ribs. They said yes. 15min later they brought me a plate of old, grey ribs fresh out of a 15min microwave ride. They were literally melting the plate. I won't be returning. read more

It was pretty good. I got the chopped pork with mustard sauce, green beans, Mac and cheese, and hash. The best part of the meal was the meat. It had a strong smoke flavor and was very juicy. read more

Well done True BBQ. I got the big Z's pork sandwich and the Sexy sauce. Love the cole slaw too! I'm in town for wedding, and am planning to hit this place again before I leave Cola. read more

I don't know how they smoke the barbeque so well, but it was a great mix of smokey but still moist pulled pork. The "sexy lady" sauce that I had was good. Not my favorite sauce, but very good. I'll need to go back and try the others. The decor was pretty strange. I really enjoyed the experience overall though and will recommend it to friends. read more

Good menu with daily specials. Three sauces - red, mustard and vinegar. Their best is the mustard. We were offered a taste of their delicious hash over rice. Had the chopped pork with collards, slaw and green beans. Very good! The best part of our visit was Milton, the owner. He was very friendly and checked on us during our lunch. We will be back when in the area. read more

No muss. No fuss. Slap yo mamma good BBQ! What are your questions? read more

The only reason this is not five stars is because I love Eastern style sauce. The meat was fantastic, moist, hint of smoke but not over powering letting the flavor of the pork shine through. Sauce was mustard style and was really very good and we used the spicy vinegar on the greens. Mac&Cheese had a golden brown crust and plenty of cheese, yummy. BBQ hash over rice, oh my.... I will stop in here every time I am in Columbia just for a bowl of hash. This is a family run place, you will feel the love :-) read more

Amazing. Perfect hole in the wall place. You can taste the passion they have for the place and food. Whole staff made you feel at home.

Great BBQ!! All the meats are smoked & tender. Good selection on sauces. Hash & rice is the bomb.

I actually passed the place on my way and smelled it before I saw it. I turned around and followed the smoke right into the parking lot. Best dang ribs I've ever put in my mouth hole. A little slow getting orders but they were super busy. As they should have been with food that good. Definitely will go back next time I'm in town. read more

A special place: wonderful food and wonderful people. The meat is tender and needs no sauce, but then the sauce is so damn good. I had the platter with three meats and two sides, shared it with my 7-year old chowhound of a daughter and still had some leftover for a snack this afternoon. Make yourself happy and get some True Q. read more

The food was delicious. Don't pass up the sweet potato pie. I'm not usually a fan of anything sweet potato but this was great!

I got the baby back ribs, rice, hash, macaroni and cheese, and cole slaw. The best I've ever eaten. I like the sexy lady sauce (mustard base) but the others were good too. read more