Duke’s Bar-B-Que in Aiken Enjoys Robust Re-Opening Weekend

When Duke's Bar-B-Que in Aiken burned down last summer it felt to me like the CSRA lost a family member. I thought maybe I was the only one who felt that way, but judging from the size of the crowd that I witnessed Saturday night for their grand re-opening weekend, I most definitely was not!

Aiken's iconic all-you-can-eat Bar-B-Que buffet re-opened to a grateful and hungry public last week with record busting numbers. Wednesday's opening day saw a whopping 2k plus of patrons. And in fact, it was so well received that management had to cease take out orders on Thursday afternoon so the restaurant would have enough food to get through the weekend.

Despite the challenges of such an overwhelming volume of customers, the Duke's staff greeted everyone with a smile and a bit of amazement at the turnout. A few snags in the game plan were to be expected as for any opening weekend, but the issues were all addressed and resolved as quickly as they sprang up.

Since I was with my mom who has difficulty standing for long periods of time I was a little concerned when I saw the line spilling out of the front door when we arrived. Fortunately, we realized the line was moving very quickly. And I think her excitement at getting to eat at one of her favorite restaurants kept her from getting too fatigued.

The brand spanking new decor was lovely. It wasn’t overdone as some chains like to do. The food was just as good as I remembered. Honestly, I don't know how my tiny little mom managed to put away as much hash and rice as she did. But I couldn't say no when she asked me to go and get her some peach cobbler to finish up with.

The barbecue -pork and chicken- was delicious and the vegetables were the perfect southern home-style offerings you would find at your grandma's Sunday dinner. What struck me the most was how pleasant and helpful the staff were despite the overwhlming crowd. I do hope if the volume keeps up at this location that the helpful and friendly attitude remains.

Overall, Duke's Grand Re-Opening has to be called a great success! Seeing a small town restaurant do such tremendous business in these trying economic times was truly heart-warming. May they enjoy many years of living high on the hog!

We all know that when it comes to food in the CSRA, we have a lot to pick from.  Just like the Mexican restaurants you voted on a few months back, bar-b-que is no different.

Who has the best Bar-B-Que in Augusta and the surrounding area? We decided to ask that question on Facebook, and once again, you didn't disappoint us by sharing your favorite spots!

We all have our pick of the style of Bar-B-Que we like.  Memphis Style, Kansas City Style, Mustard, Vinegar, and the list goes on and on.  That subject alone could start a debate that lasts forever.  We all know the mustard-based is the best, right?

Now in Texas, it's a whole different world.  Bar-B-Que is so big in Texas, that Texas A&M University offers ANSC 117, Texas Barbecue.  Yes, a course on Texas Barbecue.  Now that's taking it to a whole new level.

This is another subject we could debate all day, but these are the most popular parts of the hog:

Personally my favorite is just a good old fashion chopped BBQ sandwich and the burnt ends of the brisket

We polled the audience, and you all had a lot to say!  There were so many bar-b-que restaurants mentioned.  But they can't all make the top of the list, to be voted best Bar-B-Que in Augusta, that's hard task.  These are the ones that were mentioned, but didn't quite make the cut for a favorite spot in the CSRA.

And any of these locations are places that I would pay money to eat, and have, because the food is off the chain.  There could only be 6.  So here they are, as voted on by you... The best bar-b-que in Augusta.

Located  at 2006 1/2 Martintown Road, Clarks Hill.  This place was one of most talked about.  Not just voted but people saying how good it is!

At 10298 Atomic Rd, North Augusta you will not find a better smoked turkey breast or desserts any where.  I can speak on the goodness of both

Located at 109 Main Street In New Ellington, you will find a buffet full of all your Bar-B-Que favorites and southern sides.  If you've not been, it's worth the trip

Smoke Show is a food truck.  When you see this truck parked ANYWHERE, stop!  Thank us later.

After a devastating  fire in the summer of 2022, Dukes is just about to start serving that Aiken County BBQ that we've all missed for over a year.  I hope  they let me in line first on day one!

So many memories have been made at Sconyers since they opened in  1956.  Their food as been served at the White House, the Georgia Governors Mansion just to name a few.  This is the go to for Bar-B-Que In Augusta Georgia and you voted it #1