A popular West Columbia barbecue restaurant has once again been recognized as one of the best in the country.
Robbie Robinson, owner and pitmaster of City Limits Barbeque, has been named a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Award in the Best Chef: Southeast category. This is the second year in a row that Robinson has been a finalist for this prestigious award.
The James Beard Awards, often called the “Oscars of the food world,” will be announced at a ceremony in Chicago on June 16.
“This proves that all the hard work from me and my team has paid off,” Robinson said after learning he was a finalist. “We’re not doing this for awards though – we just want to serve the best food possible.”
From Food Truck to Award-Winning Restaurant
City Limits Barbeque started small as a food truck in 2016, quickly building a devoted following as it moved around to different locations. In 2023, the business expanded into a permanent restaurant building at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia.
The restaurant is only open on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), when customers line up for Robinson’s special mix of Texas and Carolina barbecue styles. Popular items include ribs, brisket, chopped pork, and various side dishes.
Growing National Recognition
City Limits has received several major honors recently:
- Named one of the South’s best new barbecue restaurants by Southern Living magazine (ranked #4 on their top 22 list)
- Selected as one of the 50 best restaurants in America by The New York Times, which called it “the place students of regional smoked meat dream of”
- Recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the best Texas-style barbecue restaurants outside of Texas
Robinson, who previously worked as an accountant before becoming a pitmaster, plans to attend the awards ceremony in Chicago.
“The accountant in me was worried that I bought this tuxedo last year and would only wear it once,” Robinson joked. “Now I get to use it again. I used to live in Chicago and I love the city.”
This could be the second James Beard Award for the Columbia area. Last year, Lula Drake Wine Parlour on Main Street won the award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
Watch Our Visit to City Limits Barbeque
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is City Limits Barbeque located? City Limits Barbeque is located at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia, South Carolina.
When is City Limits Barbeque open? The restaurant is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
What type of barbecue does City Limits serve? City Limits is known for blending Texas and Carolina barbecue traditions, offering items like ribs, brisket, and chopped pork.
What is the James Beard Award? The James Beard Foundation Awards are prestigious culinary honors often called the “Oscars of the food world.” They recognize excellence in the food industry.
Has the Columbia area won a James Beard Award before? Yes, Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Columbia won a James Beard Award last year for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
Keywords: City Limits Barbeque, Robbie Robinson, James Beard Award, West Columbia restaurants, Texas-style barbecue, Carolina barbecue, best barbecue restaurants, South Carolina dining, pitmaster
