Side Bar

Side Bar is a restaurant in Sumter, SC, specializing in authentic Texan-style smoked meat. Since 2015, the establishment has focused on bringing this specific culinary tradition to the local area. All meats are smoked in-house using two dedicated pieces of equipment: a 1,000-gallon smoker named Big Daddy and a 500-gallon smoker named Lil' Smokey. The menu features a BBQ plate that includes smoked sliced brisket, ribs, homemade baked beans, slaw, and corn hushpuppies. Housemade sandwiches are prepared with fresh ingredients, and the bar offers 30 bourbons along with rotating craft beers. Side Bar is part of the Quixote Hospitality group and operates with a first-come, first-serve policy, meaning it does not accept reservations.

The dining experience is supported by specific weekly specials, including Tini Tuesday for house martinis, Wing Wednesday, Burger Thursday, and Frozen Friday for daily cocktails. Saturday brunch is available from 10 am to 2 pm. Desserts are sourced from the sister bakery, Confectionary and Company, while produce is supplied by Farmer's Pantry and Bradford Farms. The restaurant serves indoor, outdoor, and take-out dining from Tuesday through Saturday, with lunch hours from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and dinner hours from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Policies include an hour and a half time limit when operating on a wait, a 20% service gratuity for parties of six or more, and a 10% service fee on to-go orders.

The business sits on N Main St in Sumter. It holds a rating of 4.60, reflecting a positive reception from the customers who have reviewed it. Side Bar stands out in Sumter for its in-house smoking of brisket and ribs on large, named smokers, offering a dedicated Texan barbecue experience.