
Smoke On the Water
A cozy downtown taproom serving classic Southern comfort food and barbecue with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Smoke On the Water

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy downtown taproom serving classic Southern comfort food and barbecue with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
"A reliably great southern meal in a great location."
Try popular Southern dishes
Don't miss out on flavorful options like salmon or the well-loved shrimp and grits.
Consider outdoor seating
Enjoy the downtown vibe from their charming outdoor area, perfect for pleasant weather.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Southern, BBQ
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reliably Great Southern Meals
A welcoming taproom offering classic Southern dishes and barbecue in a cozy atmosphere.

Signature Shrimp and Grits
A highly recommended dish, known for its flavorful preparation and satisfying taste.

Cozy Downtown Dining Experience
Offers a warm atmosphere and is noted for its reasonable prices in a prime downtown location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try popular Southern dishes
Don't miss out on flavorful options like salmon or the well-loved shrimp and grits.
Consider outdoor seating
Enjoy the downtown vibe from their charming outdoor area, perfect for pleasant weather.
Patience for food delivery
Some diners note longer wait times, so be prepared for potential delays.
Dog-friendly patio
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try popular Southern dishes
Don't miss out on flavorful options like salmon or the well-loved shrimp and grits.
Consider outdoor seating
Enjoy the downtown vibe from their charming outdoor area, perfect for pleasant weather.
Patience for food delivery
Some diners note longer wait times, so be prepared for potential delays.
Dog-friendly patio
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smoke on the Water offers a mixed dining experience. While many praise its warm atmosphere, reasonable prices, and certain signature dishes like shrimp and grits, others report issues with flavor inconsistencies, lack of seasoning, and disjointed service. The restaurant's location and accommodating staff are often highlighted as positives, but some guests found the food to be average or lacking. It seems best to focus on specific recommended dishes for a more consistently satisfying meal.
"Food was good, our waiter was super kind, and sense it was our first time there we got free desert! The bill wasn’t bad at all for what we ordered. It was a really nice time. I definitely want to come back in the summertime and sit outside.
Fried okra was great!"
Rachel Murphy
"This was not our first choice for dinner, but it was close to where we wanted to go.
I ordered a delightful Red, White and Bleu salad which came with perfectly cooked steak medallions.
I have to admit I’m pretty harsh on BBQ so I avoided this option! Hubs on the other hand dove right in…and was disappointed.
He got the pulled pork with Mac & Cheese and the Skin On Fries. The Mac was great. The fries were nothing special and the BBQ was drowning in water.
Once hubs pointed out the watery mess on his plate the waiter basically took his unfinished meal and brought the check!"
Charity
"Hubby and I were in town for a couple of hours and stopped here to eat. First mistake. When I reached out to a local friend and she described this place as "decent" that should've been my cue. I ordered fried catfish, greens and baked beans with brisket. None of it had flavor or a lick of seasoning. This is not cornmeal style breading like southerners eat. It was almost tempura style in consistency and texture. My husband had shrimp (remove the tails yourself) and grits and was rather pleased. We also ordered the sausage platter which was served cool- almost cold. No heat or warmth to be found. The desserts- fried bread pudding and fruit crisp (we were told peach but received berry- only the topping was eaten)- were beautiful but fell short on flavor. The fried banana's Foster was pretty good. But we only ate the pastry portion. All in all, if you want shrimp n grits and bananas foster, try them. I personally wouldn't go back."
Chassid Mcbrayer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many diners recommend the shrimp and grits. Other popular choices include salmon, pulled pork, and barbecue platters.
Yes, Smoke on the Water has comfortable outdoor seating, which is great for enjoying the downtown atmosphere.
Yes, the restaurant is noted for having gluten-free options, such as Shawarma Chicken.
Prices are considered reasonable, especially for a downtown restaurant location.
Some reviews mention longer wait times for food and occasionally disjointed meal service.
The atmosphere is generally welcoming, and they have accommodated large groups and families.
Yes, they offer a dog-friendly patio where your pets are welcome.
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As described by USA Today, “Some local foodies will claim there are better restaurants in Greenville, but even they take first-time Greenville visitors to Smoke on the Water, for a reliably great southern meal in a great location. While many local BBQ restaurants are no-frills joints with bright lights, Smoke on the Water quickly dispels that perception. Warm, cozy and welcoming, it’s a great place for lunch or dinner.
21 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Greenville, South Carolina
Located in downtown Greenville, Smoke on the Water is a Texas-inspired smokehouse that offers a wide range of bbq dishes and beers on tap. The restaurant specializes in brisket, and its flavorful smoke-cooked brisket tacos or brisket nachos are a must-try. The restaurant's rustic décor and wooden interior, combined with the smell of smoked meats, make for an enjoyable dining experience.
Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Greenville, SC
Smoke On the Water, 1 Augusta St #202, Greenville, SC: Smoke On the Water is a laid-back and inviting taproom that delights patrons with its relaxed ambiance and mouth-watering barbecue and Southern cuisine. With a charming outdoor seating area, it's the perfect spot to savor delicious food while enjoying the company of friends and furry companions.
20 of the best local restaurants in Greenville, SC
Smoke on the Water is a saucy Southern tavern dishing up uniquely different fare. Each dish has been specially crafted to meld with the correct sauces or seasonings—all of which are made in house from scratch. They also pride themselves on supporting local businesses by using local beers, spirits, and farm-to-table ingredients.
The Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in Greenville, SC
This great spot offers amazing food and customer service, along with a comfortable outdoor setting. Pups and their owners are more than welcome to dine al fresco while the staff greet all dogs with a bowl full of water to keep them hydrated. Due to its popularity, diners are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot.
Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in Greenville
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (1,763 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1 Augusta St Ste 202, Greenville, SC 29601-3525- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Most common restaurant cuisines in Greenville
The 6 Best BBQ in Greenville, South Carolina
Each dish at the Smoke on the Water is designed and crafted so that it goes well with the sauce and seasonings. Everything here is made from scratch, in-house. You’ll find all sorts of classic dishes here, from the Frogmore stew to the shrimp & grits, beer butt chicken, beef briskets, and more.
15 BEST Restaurants in Greenville, SC to Try!
Smoke on the Water serves up some of the best barbecue in Greenville, which is quite the claim to fame. It’s got all the glorious goods, like pulled pork, beef brisket, and beer butt chicken. With exposed brick walls and intimate booths, this cozy joint is always buzzing with a packed crowd.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Greenville, SC
The restaurant has comfortable outdoor seating where you can dine al fresco with your pups in tow and the staff greet your dogs with their own water bowl to stay hydrated. You’ll want to arrive early as the outdoor patio always fills up quickly during peak hours.
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Great portion size, I couldn't even finish it even without the bun!. No gluten-free bun, but they do have a gluten free lemon pound cake which I had to get to go. I took a couple little bites of it, comes with strawberries, some syrups and whipped cream...
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This saucy southern tavern is Greenville’s hub for classic, southern style barbecue and People & Places’ best pimento cheeseburger. Located between main street and Falls Park, it’s the perfect location for brunch or a fun night out on the town.
Pet Friendly Places & Activities in Greenville, SC
Smoke on the Water is a fashionable barbeque restaurant/tavern next to Falls Park on the Reedy River in downtown Greenville. There is a large patio area outside the restaurant with several tables where you can dine al fresco with Fido in tow.
Must Eats in Greenville
What it's known for: You can choose between four different barbecue sauces to top your smoky 'cue in this spot by the river. Sides and appetizers are tasty and interesting. And it's a short walk to the falls.
Greenville: Sports Bars and Microbrews
If you are sticking downtown, in addition to the other options that have been mentioned, I'll commend Smoke on the Water - for southern/BBQ cuisine.
Best Barbecue Joints In Greenville SC
A saucy Southern tavern popular for barbecue, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and more. Be sure to start with a Smoke N’ Jackets app.
Greenville Beer and Travel Guide
Smoke on the Water: A nice spot for BBQ in the heart of downtown. The food here is delicious and they also have a nice outside area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit