Dukes Bar-B-Que Aiken

Dukes Bar-B-Que Aiken

4248 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803, United States

+1 844-536-9836

Barbecue restaurant, Buffet restaurant, Restaurant
(1907)
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About This Place

Nestled along Whiskey Road in Aiken, South Carolina, Dukes Bar-B-Que Aiken stands as a vibrant testament to classic Southern barbecue traditions complemented by a buffet-style dining experience that delights both locals and visitors alike. This barbeque restaurant embraces the rich, smoky flavors that define Southern comfort food, serving up an extensive variety of dishes that evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and genuine satisfaction.

Upon entering Dukes Bar-B-Que, guests are greeted by a welcoming, casual atmosphere where the enticing aromas of smoked pork, sizzling ribs, and spiced chicken immediately whet the appetite. The buffet itself offers a generous and colorful spread, showcasing signature dishes such as tender Pulled Pork, fall-off-the-bone BBQ Ribs, flavorful Pork Chop Rib & Flounder Fish, and succulent BBQ Chicken Breast. Each plate radiates the unmistakable essence of slow-smoked meats infused with bold, balanced seasonings that highlight the culinary craft behind every bite.

Dukes Bar-B-Que truly shines in its variety and attention to detail, serving not only expertly prepared meats but also an impressive array of Southern sides that elevate the meal to a soulful feast. From the creamy Mac and Cheese and velvety Mashed Potatoes with rich gravy to the crisp Fried Okra and the tangy, vinegary Okra & Tomatoes stew, every side offers its own burst of flavor and texture. Signature items like Hushpuppies, Collard Greens, and Black Eyed Peas further deepen the authentic Southern experience, while traditional Banana Pudding and Peach Cobbler provide a sweet finish that comforts the palate.

For those who prefer customization, the sandwich options—ranging from a basic Sandwich to Sandwiches with one or two items—allow diners to mix and match, tailoring their meal to their cravings. Whether you’re savoring a single sandwich piled high with smoky BBQ Pork or a hearty plate laden with multiple sides, each choice promises a satisfying and hearty Southern meal.

The buffet offers excellent value, appealing to visitors eager to sample an assortment of well-executed dishes in one sitting. Customer feedback reflects this balance of quality and choice: while some mention variability in certain side dishes, the overall consensus praises the robust flavors, particularly the expertly seasoned meats and the generous variety of vegetables and sides. The occasional use of fresh fried chicken is noted as a standout, adding a crispy, juicy contrast to the smoky buffet offerings.

Beyond the main meals, Dukes Bar-B-Que Aiken enhances the dining experience with thoughtful touches like a convenient handwashing station upon entry—a small but significant nod to customer comfort and cleanliness. The venue’s spacious parking and clean, modern interior combine to provide an inviting environment whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed dinner.

Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado eager to indulge in traditionally smoked ribs and pulled pork, or someone seeking a hearty Southern buffet bursting with comforting classics, Dukes Bar-B-Que Aiken offers a genuinely satisfying taste of Southern hospitality and culinary heritage. Its diverse menu, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere make it an essential dining destination in the heart of Aiken.

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great dessert Great tea selection Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
All you can eat Beer Comfort food Private dining room Quick bite Salad bar Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids Changing table(s) High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    10:30 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Thursday
    12:00 PM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    10:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:30 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Daniel Montgomery
    1 month ago

    We are always looking for good BBQ, especially on a buffet, and in SC they abound in generally good quality. Most are dressed 'down-home' with a moderate selection. And, in SC a lot of them are called Duke's. Some are related, others are not. I don't know the affiliation of this one. The location is out-of-the-way, the building looks recent and parking is plentiful. The late-lunch crowd was large and energetic and the dining area was crowded. But the staff was very helpful to find seats for us and bring drinks. There was lots of Styrofoam and plastic, on par for the cuisine. The buffet selection was very nice with side including hash and rice, a couple of bean choices and, of course, fresh Mac & Cheese. They had BBQ and fried chicken and I tried both. Large pieces, delicious and very juicy without being sloppy. The pulled pork BBQ and ribs were fresh and very tasty with a decent offering of sauces (although I prefer to taste the meat first). Even with the drive, this Duke's will be a regular for us.

  • Joseph Marshall
    1 month ago

    It's a buffet and is both good and not ideal for all the things that make a buffet. Lots of variety of vegetables and sides. Some are amazing and some taste straight out of a can. If there is fresh fried chicken it is hard to beat, if it's not fresh it is hard. The ribs run out pretty fast. The BBQ sauces are good. Cole slaw is good and they have banana pudding.

  • Karen Fiery
    2 month ago

    This is a review of the breakfast buffet. I think it's only on Saturday mornings, but I could be wrong. It's got all the hallmark qualities of a Dukes lunch/dinner buffet: tons of options, good taste, and super clean. They had pancakes, French toast sticks, biscuits and gravy, grits, several different egg casseroles and scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage links and patties, breakfast potatoes, chicken, a fruit bar, yogurt parfaits, cereal, and a coffee bar. They also have that "good ice." No complaints here--the atmosphere is warm and inviting, the food is fresh, and the drinks were however you wanted them. If you are looking for a fast, in-and-out breakfast that isn't fast food, this is definitely worth a try.

  • Pete Drummond
    2 month ago

    I ordered a pork plate here after traveling to Aiken work one day after getting recommendations from locals and it was very good. The meat was seasoned well and chopped to a decent size. The mashed potatoes and black eyed peas were seasoned very well but the okra and tomatoes were over salted. The hush puppies were a surprise (and good) since I didn’t think the plate came with bread. The takeout process was very simple. Highly recommend.

  • Erika dorsey
    2 month ago

    We decided to try Duke’s BBQ while visiting Aiken, based on the many positive reviews. One thing I appreciated right away was the handwashing station conveniently located at the check-in where you pay—such a thoughtful touch! The food selection was impressive, offering everything from classic Southern fried favorites to barbecue chicken, ribs, chopped pork, and all the fixings. There were even three different dessert options and fresh fruit available. I also liked that the price included a drink—no extra charge, which is rare for a buffet-style restaurant. For the price, I felt it was a good value overall. However, if you’re a serious barbecue foodie, the flavor might fall a bit short of expectations. One downside to our visit was that the air conditioning was broken, making the restaurant uncomfortably warm and taking away from the overall dining experience.

  • Jackee
    3 month ago

    Love it every time we come. Nice environment. Comfortable and spacious. The food is hot and delicious. Great choice of drinks. The staff is so friendly and helpful.

  • Andrew Jenkins
    3 month ago

    This place is very nice all you can eat BBQ. We have found our new place. Hopefully it stays nice.

  • Chris Mercer
    4 month ago

    Good bbq. Actually cooked on a real smoker.the sides were great old school cooking. Lima beans..squash casserole. Fried potatoes. Ribs and pulled pork. The star of the day was the fried pork chops really good stuff. My only criticism would be the banana pudding was just pudding with some Nilla wafers crushed on top. Very basic compared to the rest of the buffet.

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