A sampling of four great BBQ restaurants on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

In the Southern United States, barbeque is a major part of the cuisine. Even on an island on the South Carolina Coast, where seafood is a mainstay, ribs and pulled pork dripping with sweet or tangy sauce are a great change of pace.

The Hilton Head Island area has hundreds of restaurants, including many great seafood, steak and ethnic restaurants. Four restaurants specializing in barbeque satisfy a craving for a meaty lunch or dinner for the family. This being Hilton Head Island, they also offer seafood selections as well.

Southern Barbeque

There are two main types of southern barbeque. Most fans of ribs are familiar with a tomato based sauce, which can run the gamut from sweet to downright hot. This sauce goes under a number of names, including Memphis style.

East Carolina barbeque sauce is vinegar based. Be sure you know what sauce comes on your ribs for full enjoyment. No matter what type of sauce, sweet tea is a favorite beverage to wash it down.

Restaurants in the Hilton Head area are non-smoking.

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers is a regional barbeque chain with a location mid-island at 34 Palmetto Bay Road. (843-686-RIBS). Specializing in Memphis Style Ribs, Sticky Fingers has a number of sauces to try, including Carolina Sweet or Habanero Hot.

There is a rib sampler if you want to try them all. Sauces are also available in a take-home carton. There is another location in Savannah.

One Hot Mama’s

This is a newer restaurant with ribs, wings and an extensive menu. One Hot Mama’s has a sports bar atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Many of restaurants in Hilton Head take advantage of great weather by having large windows that can be opened during tourist season.

OHM, as it is also known, is located mid-island, in Hilton Head Plaza near Sea Pines Circle. Phone 843-682-6262. Another location is just off the island in the nearby town of Bluffton.

The Smokehouse Bar & House of BBQ

The Smokehouse prominently displays a picture of ribs on the sign outside and also offers barbeque shrimp, pulled pork and Texas brisket. The Smokehouse is housed in a former fast food restaurant, which provides a cozy atmosphere.

Located near the Coligny beach access, the restaurant is at 102 Pope Avenue, (843-642-4BBQ). Many of the restaurants in Hilton Head come and go, but The Smokehouse has been serving up barbeque for many years in the same location.

Do-si-do’s

A small restaurant with a loyal following, Do-si-do’s is located just off the Island in Moss Creek Village (843-837-3674). Diners can choose large portions of ribs or the pulled pork, along with salads and sandwiches.

Hilton Head Barbeque Restaurants

National chains also offer barbeque on Hilton Head, including Longhorn and Applebee’s. No matter what restaurant you choose, a trip to South won’t seem complete without sampling a delicious rack of ribs in the Lowcountry.