Iron City Bbq Co. — Restaurant in Blacksburg

Great food and service right here in Cherokee County!

Being well-traveled, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying a lot of different styles of barbecue all across the United States. Over the years I’ve developed my own personal top five and top 10 lists.

Sadly, the barbecue choices in Cherokee County and just over the line in North Carolina are, for the most part, disappointing. Even the reviews on Google tend to portray very average places as great, when they’re just not.

Iron City BBQ is something special. It’s located just five minutes or so off of interstate 85 in downtown Blacksburg, South Carolina. The restaurant was clean and inviting and had a strong local vibe. I was particularly impressed to learn they had recently fed breakfast to linemen and utility workers who were in town helping to get power restored to our local communities in the aftermath of hurricane Helene.

As for my first experience, I had the pork sandwich, with macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and banana pudding.

Before I tell you about the pork, let’s talk about the sides. The macaroni and cheese was good. Definitely tasted homemade. Great consistency and cheesy. The coleslaw was fresh. I prefer a sweeter slaw, which this was not, but the crisp freshness of it won me over and I would certainly get it again. The banana pudding was okay. -Before our visit, a number of locals had really talked up the pudding, so I think I was expecting something a few rungs higher (while it is homemade, the pudding is instant), but I would still prob get it again.

Now onto the main event… The pork is pulled. When I asked if they did chopped pork (my preference), they said they would be happy to chop it for me. It’s a minor thing, but their willingness to make sure I was happy and come back was made clear. The meat is a lean, dry meat, not dripping with grease as others I’ve experienced, yet moist and very tasty, and is served on a fresh brioche bun. The initial flavor is smoky, then just a hint of heat. They offer several sauces of which the sweet and smoky is the one I tried. It’s a thin sauce, is homemade, and is, in fact, both sweet and smoky. It’s something they are proud of and I certainly enjoyed it.

That said, those who really appreciate barbecue know that a good tasting pork stands on it’s own and doesn’t require loads of sauce to get it down. That is precisely what Iron City BBQ serves up. Their pork does not require any sauce. In fact, while the sauce was good, I could take it or leave it and be perfectly happy.

Iron City BBQ has made my top five list (nationally) and I look forward to many more return visits.

Average BBQ is everywhere. Great BBQ is hard to find. Try Iron City BBQ. You won’t be...

I don’t usually leave reviews, but after my experience at Iron City BBQ, I had to. Not only because the Brisket practically made me see God, but because the owner Jason Merritt deserves sainthood… or at least a key to the city.

Let me paint the scene: I walk in on a busy Saturday night—place is packed, smells like heaven dipped in hickory smoke. I’m nervous. I’ve got Tourette’s and sometimes my tics get loud, unpredictable, and let’s just say... occasionally inappropriate. Think “yelling ‘MEAT SWEATZ!’ at a baby shower” level.

I was worried people would stare. That I’d get kicked out. That someone would throw leftover chicken at me.

But then Jason—angel of a man, with the patience of a golden retriever therapist—comes over, kneels down beside my table like he’s proposing a slow-cooked dream, and says, “You take all the time you need, my friend. We don’t rush greatness here.”

Y’all. I nearly cried into my rolls.

He even personally explained the menu to me in slow, soothing tones like I was at a day spa for smoked meats. Every time I shouted something like “TOASTED HAM HUGS!” or “BRISKET BOMB!”, he just nodded kindly like it was the most reasonable thing he’d heard all day.

The food? Transcendent. The Chicken fell apart like it was trying to escape the plate to give me a hug. The mac and cheese could legally qualify as a controlled substance. And the banana pudding? Let’s just say I would commit minor crimes for it.

Iron City BBQ isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a safe haven. It’s a temple. It’s a place where your soul gets fed along with your stomach.

Jason, if you're reading this: thank you for not flinching when I yelled “SMOKED CHICKEN MOTHERSHIP!” in line. You're a real one.

I give Iron City BBQ 5 stars, and if I could give Jason a sixth, I’d carve it in mesquite wood myself.

Below is a photo of me and the other photo is my sexy grandson with this handsome worker! 🤤 Thank you Jason and the awesome crew at...

My husband and I have been going to see Iron City BBQ since they were just considered a "food truck." There was a building, but it was in complete remodel. Everything about this place is absolutely amazing! The food is top notch and the staff couldn't be any more helpful and friendly! If you haven't tried them yet, then you are definitely missing out! my personal recommendation... Well, it's really hard to say. I'm a little stuck between a brisket spud, a brisket Frito bowl, and chicken nachos! It would be impossible for me to just pick one! My husband says to go for the wings, and you can't go wrong! Every time we go, we purchase enough to eat on for at least 2 days! The food is just as good, if not better, rewarmed, especially when you let the sauce seep in! Don't let me forget to mention, this is a small business, in a small town. Support local. My husband and I also own and operate a small business in this small town. We know how it is. If possible, no matter where you're from, ALWAYS support your local businesses! Especially the ones in YOUR town! They are the heartbeat of your local community. So, if you decide to go enjoy Iron City BBQ (it will be an experience that you will never forget), let them know that Powell Automotive sent you! Also, don't forget dessert and...