Doc's Barbeque and Southern Buffet

Doc's Barbeque and Southern Buffet is a barbecue restaurant in Columbia, SC, serving classic Southern cuisine with a focus on quality, tradition, and community. Known for its slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and generous buffet, the restaurant caters to locals and visitors alike, including business professionals, military personnel, students, and families. Located just off Shop Road in the historic Dreher packing plant, it offers a welcoming atmosphere rooted in authenticity. With a 4.40 rating and over 1,000 reviews, the restaurant is consistently praised for its flavorful food, fair pricing, and genuine hospitality.

Founded in 2006 by Jimmy Stevenson, Kirkman Finlay III, and Trae McCarthy, Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet was inspired by the values of Dr. J. Frank Martin, known as “Doc”, a man whose life centered on family, sports, and honest meals. The restaurant’s mission is to deliver the best southern cuisine using fresh ingredients, rejecting speed and low cost in favor of craftsmanship and flavor. The name “Doc” is more than a tribute, it’s a standard for every dish, every interaction, and every aspect of the dining experience. The menu features smoked meats, seasonal sides, and a full buffet, available for dine-in, takeout, or catering.

The restaurant sits on Shop Road, about a mile from the State Traffic Management Center and the Curtiss-Wright Hangar, with the Bluff Road intersection just a short distance away. Nearby landmarks include the Gemini Arts center and the Carolina Playmakers sports center, both within a half-mile radius. The location is also conveniently accessible from I-77 and the State Fairgrounds, making it a popular stop for travelers and locals alike.

Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet stands out for its consistent quality, strong reputation, and deep roots in the Columbia community. Its well-documented online presence and clean, readable website ensure that customers can easily access information, menus, and details about its offerings. The restaurant’s long-standing commitment to doing things right, both in food and service, has earned it a trusted place in the Midlands.

In a city known for its rich culinary traditions, Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet remains a defining destination for Southern comfort, serving up honest, hearty meals that bring people together.

Services:

• Barbecue and Southern Cuisine
• Catering Services
• Game Day Specials