What’s Good Here: Hudson’s Smokehouse

In Lexington, S.C., when folks hear the name “Hudson,” they think of two things: automobiles and barbecue.

That’s in large part thanks to the the family of Robin Hudson, founder of Hudson’s Smokehouse on U.S. 378 near the Target shopping center. Although Robin passed away last fall, his sons Clint and Clay are keeping his dream alive, offering up award-winning barbecue every day and working the company’s successful 16-year-old catering business.

Of course, a smokehouse wouldn’t be in business without offering classic pork barbecue and ribs. Hudson’s slow cooks theirs in Southern Pride smokers for 16 hours before it is fall-off-the-bone ready.

“We have been voted best barbecue and ribs numerous times by many different publications,” Clint said. “Our North Carolina family-recipe vinegar-pepper sauce and our signature rib rub and sauce are some of the house favorites, along with the collard greens and mac ’n’ cheese. We are always trying new things at the restaurant and the catering department.”

The restaurant may be best known, however, for its barbecue and calabash buffet, offered daily at lunch and dinner and offering everything from a variety of meats and casseroles to salads and desserts.

How did Hudson’s get its start?

The Smokehouse on 378 opened in 2004, five years after the Hudson family began the catering arm of the business.

Robin Hudson actually began a career in the car business and helped open Hudson Brothers automotive in Lexington, where he managed the truck accessories department.

“But eventually, his hobby of catering got out of hand while catering for friends and family and doing barbecue competitions,” said son Clint. “So he started catering pretty much out of our garage, and eventually, after cleaning out his piggy bank, he worked his way to a kitchen off Platt Springs Road that was also available for take-out on the weekends.”

Robin also purchased an old Coca-Cola trailer and converted it to a mobile kitchen, which he used for shows like the Sportsman Classic. After success there, he opened the smokehouse on U.S. 378 in 2004.

“Dad eventually talked me into coming on full-time towards the end of 2005, and my younger brother Clay joined us about 2007,” Clint said.

After adding on to the main restaurant numerous times over the years – including the addition of the full daily buffet – the Hudsons opened a separate catering facility to serve as the home of Hudson’s Classic Catering. The restaurant also expanded to open Hudson’s Smokehouse Express on Old Two Notch Road in Lexington.

“I believe just over the years, providing a quality product at a fair price has a big role in our success, as well as staying involved as much as we can in the community,” Clint said.

What else?

Everything offered on the dine-in menu is also available through Hudson’s Classic Catering, plus many more options, including casual, down-home meals; uptown hors d’oeuvres; chef-inspired cuisines; and made-to-order items that aren’t featured on a menu. Holiday catering options include prime rib, Lowcountry shrimp and grits, and a country pot roast, while bulk items such as smoked salmon and a whole smoked turkey are available as well. In the fall, tailgating packages start at $19.95.

What does the place look like?

Hudson’s decor fits the theme of down-home country cooking with a rustic cabin feel, complete with wooden floors, ceilings and walls and an open patio on the front.

Who eats here?

Everyone in Lexington and beyond. Hudson’s has long been a hangout for area politicians and political movers and shakers, as well as professionals, families and large groups.

Janet Jones Kendall, Special to Go Columbia

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 5:19 PM.