If you are looking for a family-friendly BBQ restaurant near Columbia that delivers on atmosphere AND food, 518 Smokehouse in Chapin is the real deal. This guide covers what to eat, the best weekly deals, the gorgeous pond-view patio, and why it works for families with kids of any age.
518 Smokehouse knows what it is doing. The moment you pull into the lot off Chapin Road, you get a sense that this place was built for lingering: a soaring roofline, a sprawling covered patio, and the kind of laid-back Southern energy that says stay a while. We had heard so much about this spot from friends in the Columbia area, and honestly? Everything they said was true.
Quick Facts: 518 Smokehouse
- What: Family-friendly BBQ restaurant with full bar, live music, and outdoor spaces
- Where: 673 Chapin Rd, Chapin, SC 29036
- Hours: Mon to Thu 11 am to 10 pm; Fri 11 am to 11 pm; Sat 9:30 am to 11 pm; Sun 9:30 am to 10 pm
- Phone: (803) 740-3473
- Best weekly deals: Kids eat free Wednesdays; $1 wings Mondays
- Reservations: Available at 518smokehouse.com
- Drive time from Columbia: About 25 minutes via I-26 West
- Website: 518smokehouse.com
Jump to: The Space | The Food | The Deals | Events and Live Music | How to Visit | FAQ
The Space: Big, Breezy, and Built for Families
518 Smokehouse is one of those restaurants that genuinely fits every occasion. The interior is spacious with a soaring roof that gives the whole room an open, airy feel, and there is plenty of room to spread out even on a busy Saturday night. It is the kind of place where you can actually hear the people you came with, which counts for a lot.
The outdoor setup is where things get really special. The covered patio is enormous, with shade and a breeze that makes outdoor dining in South Carolina actually enjoyable. And if you need a private space for a birthday, a team dinner, or a big family gathering, the restaurant offers covered cabanas that overlook a large pond. It is a genuinely beautiful setting and it elevates the experience well beyond your average BBQ joint.
Cornhole is set up outside, which means you can hand the kids something to do while you wait for your food and settle into that second drink. No complaints from this corner of the table.
The Food: Slow-Smoked and Seriously Good
518 Smokehouse built its reputation on slow-smoked meats, and the menu backs that up. Everything here leans into Southern comfort done thoughtfully, with farm-to-table sides alongside the classics you would expect from a proper smokehouse. These are not frozen-from-a-bag sides. You can taste the difference.
Some standouts worth ordering:
- Smokehouse Nachos — enormous, shareable, and exactly the kind of thing the whole table ends up fighting over
- Brisket and Short Rib Burger — two of the best cuts on the menu combined into one seriously good patty
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends — rich, caramelized, and exactly as good as they sound
The drink menu is extensive, with a full bar, cocktails, and solid tap beer. The large drink menu pairs well with the cornhole and the live music vibe.
The Deals Worth Putting on Your Calendar
Two weekly specials make 518 Smokehouse even easier to love. First: $1 wings every Monday. Not a limited-time offer, not a seasonal thing. One dollar. The wings have a real fan base in the Chapin area, and regulars swear by pairing them with the fried mac.
Second: kids eat free on Wednesdays. Two reasons to plan ahead. Monday wings for the adults, Wednesday dinner for the whole family. Write it down.
More Than Just Dinner: Live Music and Events
518 Smokehouse hosts live music and kid-friendly events regularly, and the outdoor space is genuinely built for it. A live music night on the covered patio with views of the pond is a pretty ideal way to spend a Friday or Saturday evening with the whole family in tow. Check their social media or website for the current schedule, since dates and acts vary.
Private events are available too. The pond-view cabanas can be booked for groups, which makes this a solid option for birthday parties, team dinners, or any celebration that deserves more than a reservation at a standard table.
Tip: For groups of 15 or more, call ahead or make a reservation so the team can give your party the full 518 experience. A quick call goes a long way.
How to Visit 518 Smokehouse
518 Smokehouse is located at 673 Chapin Rd in Chapin, SC, about 25 minutes from downtown Columbia via I-26 West. Reservations are available online through the restaurant’s website. Walk-ins are welcome, but the patio fills up quickly on weekends, so a reservation is smart if you have a particular spot in mind.
- Address: 673 Chapin Rd, Chapin, SC 29036
- Phone: (803) 740-3473
- Website: 518smokehouse.com
- Online ordering (pickup/delivery): Order via Toast
- Reservations: Via 518smokehouse.com
FAQ: 518 Smokehouse in Chapin, SC
Is 518 Smokehouse kid-friendly?
Yes. 518 Smokehouse is relaxed, spacious, and genuinely welcoming to families. There is cornhole outside, plenty of room to spread out, live music events the whole family can enjoy, and a kids-eat-free deal every Wednesday. The casual vibe means kids are welcomed, not just tolerated.
What should I order at 518 Smokehouse?
The smokehouse nachos are enormous and great for sharing — start there. The brisket and short rib burger and the pork belly burnt ends are fan favorites. On Mondays, $1 wings are the obvious answer. [⚠️ VERIFY menu items are current before publishing]
Does 518 Smokehouse have outdoor seating?
Yes, and it is one of the better outdoor setups near Columbia. There is a large covered patio with pond views, plus private cabanas available to rent for groups and events.
How far is 518 Smokehouse from Columbia, SC?
About 25 minutes from downtown Columbia, heading west on I-26 toward Chapin.
Does 518 Smokehouse have weekly specials?
Yes. $1 wings on Mondays and kids eat free on Wednesdays are two recurring specials worth knowing about.
Does 518 Smokehouse have live music?
Yes, live music events are hosted regularly. Check the 518 Smokehouse website or their social media for the current schedule, as dates vary.
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