Lone Star Barbecue and Mercantile

Only one star because it was closed today. Locals said it was only open weekends now ??? Are those winter hours?

If you are looking for a «Texas» style BBQ place, this is not it. I am only rating this place a three because it is not a typical BBQ restaurant. They do not serve brisket or ribs, at least not when I was there on a Sunday afternoon. It is «self-​serve» or «buffet» style restaurant. You stand in line, pay, serve yourself, find a table, and eat.

The owner greeted us at the door, the buffet was phenomenal, and the service was great. I highly recommend the red field peas and tomato pie.
The owner told us he is proud to salute the flag, say god bless America, and wish you a merry Christmas.

Great Southern cooking! Always eat too much. Real family atmosphere. We have used them for catering. Always a hit with our guests.

We were excited to try this place, especially reading previous reviews – but were very disappointed.
Service was strange. We were told to take any table, and the server came over right away to deliver drinks.
It was never clear if we should go to the buffet line, order from the waitress, or put the order in at the cashier.
Different members of our party did one of these.
Apparently we were supposed to go to the cashier to order. One person at our table asked for menus, and the waitress brought one menu for 4 of us… and never came back to see if we wanted to order.
The buffet was ok but not great.
Hush puppies were hard as a rock.
Chicken was dry and and overcooked. Potato salad watery.
Those of us who ordered the shrimp basket had to wait a very long time for food, long after the rest of our party had finished eating. Since there were only a handful of customers at the time, this was surprising. The shrimp was overcooked, and the rest of the food was adequate.
There was another server who was very good, coming by our table multiple times to deliver refills.
Overall this was not a good experience.

This was one of the great experiences of my recent trip south.
We were there on a Sunday afternoon and enjoyed the buffet as a bluegrass band played in the main dining room. We sat among the local folks and enjoyed our meal, the music and unique environment.
Yes, you can probably find yourself a Cracker Barrel, but at Lone Star what you get is authentic. The food, the décor, the people… don’t miss this.

Great little classic BBQ/​Southern home style cooking, right down to their awesome macaroni and cheese!
Enjoyed the rustic atmosphere, great food and live bluegrass entertainment on a Sunday evening:-)
Conveniently located down the road from Santee State Park too!

We stopped for the night in Santee on our drive from DC to Orlando and checked this place out based on the strength of other Unilocal reviews. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
The owner recommended we do the all-​you-​can-​eat buffet — excellent advice. My favorites were: the hush puppies (crispy outsides, moist, slightly spicy insides), the shrimp and grits (never had before in my life and I am now a believer), baked beans (just the right amount of sweetness) and chicken wings. Sweet tea was also lovely.
Hubby had the fried fish. He’s a tough critic and said it was excellent.
When we went (a Saturday night), there was live bluegrass/​blues. And the ambience is really cool.
Go here instead of one of the chain restaurants off the 95; you won’t regret it!

For good home cooking in a rustic country atmosphere. The fried chicken, crab cakes and shrimp & grits all good. I loved the southern style green beans and home style Mac & Cheese definitely not your store bought process cheese.
It is like stepping back 60 years into the past. The Carolina pulled Pork is melt in your mouth and the mustard base sweet BBQ Sauce is Delish!
Sunday Brunch had homemade Banana Pudding, Chocolate Pudding a candied pecan & berry pudding cake, brownies … I am so full. It all was so tasty!
This was my second time by and will be again!

Great lil’ find!!! Amazing history, the look and the ambience! Owners were very welcoming. Oh… And the southern food, delicious!!! Surprised at the reasonable prices!
Definitely try to stop if you are traveling on 95!

WOW!!!
the best barbecue in the WORLD!
More southern food you will not find anywhere.
2 min. Off interstate 95
On santee state park
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING this place is a most stop!
Super easy to get you inky need to make to turns.
We had a amazing time here.
Good good but the ppl here much better.
Southern hospitality 150% the best

We stumbled up Lone Star BBQ when we got stuck in more traffic then we had hoped for. We had planned on heading to Cracker Barrel but with two little boys, who had been cooped up in the car all day, an hour plus wait was not feasible. On to Unilocal we went and found this gem of a place and I really think God had planned it this way. We enjoyed good olé’ country cooking that was better then Cracker Barrel’s and service that was top notch!
My son has celiac disease and they worked with us to find fixings that he was able to eat. The servers entertained our boys talking about all the antiques the restaurant houses. My boys were in awe. Stumbling on Lone Star BBQ was the bright spot in our day and I am so thankful we stumbled upon it. I don’t know if future travels will bring us through Santee but if they do, we will definitely skip Cracker Barrel for some real Southern cooking and incredible service!
You must try!

This was the first bit of real BBQ I got to experience on my awesome roadtrip of the south. After driving over 800 miles in about 13ish hours I was due for a good plate. This place did not disappoint.
It is unassumingly tucked on a country road in what can only be described as three joined wooden shacks. The rustic look complements the fantastic down home eats inside.
It’s a buffet style set up with a ton of food options. I piled my plate high with savory tomato pie, gooey mac and cheese, crispy fried chicken, melt in your mouth BBQ pork, collards and yams. I washed it all down with sweet tea and of course I had to go back for dessert; peach cobbler with blueberries in it.
The staff was super friendly and the price was very reasonable. If I’m ever in the area again I will be sure to stop by!