This post from guest lecturer and barbecue obsessive, Wilton Stribling:
Earl Dukes’ BBQ in Orangeburg, SC is a specific style of Q, which has evolved right in the Orangeburg County area. I went to church with Mr Earl and his family in the 60s, and grew up on this Q.
I saw mention of Antley’s BBQ in your blog, so I thought I should throw in my opinion. I went to school at Edisto with the Antley boys, and they’re good guys and their Q is also very good.
I have to say, though, that my favorite BBQ in Orangeburg (and, of course, the world) is at Earl Dukes BBQ on Whitman St (across from the Pepsi plant, a block off 301N). It is the original location where Mr Earl made his Q famous. there have been a number of “Earl Dukes” establishments over the years, since Earl sold it out, including Earl Jr’s. Most of them, unfortunately, did not do the style justice, and actually hurt the genre.
A close second best for me is Sweatman’s BBQ (started by Miss Margie Sweatman)at Crane Pond between Holly Hill and Eutawville in Orangeburg County. Sweatman’s has much better atmosphere, set in an old farmhouse in large oak trees, in the country. Very nice atmosphere, and great food as well.
All of these Qs are the lowcountry-style pulled pork with mustard based sauce, cole slaw, “hash and rice”(more of a sauce and rice), fresh pork skins as long as they last, and best eaten with light bread and sweet tea. In the past 20 years or so, other foods have shown up on the bar, such as fried chicken, etc.
As far as I know, all these places are “take what you want, eat what you take”, and still priced well under $10/person.
With the cultural erosion of the past 20 years or so (downright lack of manners), the format of returning for seconds has been strained by people loading up purses, etc, and taking food with them. They’re still sticking with it, though, and it’s all you can eat, but no taking leftovers.
So, there’s a brief intro of Orangeburg BBQ. As has been alluded to, the best is according to where you are and what you like. I’ve found that the best pork is Orangeburg, the best ribs Memphis area, and the best beef brisket around Center, TX. There’s my two cents’ worth!
Cue Confessions 