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A man in a baseball cap stands at a pit smoker.
Garate inspects his beef cheeks at Palmira Barbecue.
Mike Ledford

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Tour Palmira Barbecue’s Colorful New Digs in West Ashley

Pitmaster Hector Garate brings together the flavors of Texas, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico in his recently opened restaurant

by Erin Perkins
Photography by Mike Ledford
Erin Perkins is the editor of Eater Carolinas.

What started as a hobby for pitmaster Hector Garate, smoking brisket for his family, became pop-up Palmira Barbecue, which turned into a food stall, and is now a brick-and-mortar establishment in West Ashley (2366 Ashley River Road). Highly anticipated restaurant Palmira Barbecue opened its doors last week to much fanfare.

Garate pulls the best bits of flavors and techniques from Texas, North Carolina, and his native home Puerto Rico, to create his menu of juicy beef cheeks, smoky pulled pork, and rich barbacoa. With the new space, he will be able to serve more customers and experiment more with specials.

Walking up to the building, customers are greeted with a stunning mural from Karl Z Creations. Once inside, they will find warm, welcoming woods with pops of green, yellow, and red. The walls are covered in family heirlooms, including a photo of Garate’s abuela.

“Palmira Barbecue has come to life in a great space designed with talented artists, where we bring craft barbecue to the Lowcountry and share our story,” says Garate.

Palmira Barbecue is open Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or until it sells out of product.

A yellow wall reading “Palmira Barbecue” with a woman carrying a flaming shovel.
A fun mural from Karl Z Creations.
Mike Ledford
A wooden counter with menus behind it.
Customers order at the counter.
Mike Ledford
Wooden shelves filled with hats and t-shirts.
There’s. plenty of Palmira merch to take home.
Mike Ledford
Wooden tables with aluminum chairs and walls full of framed pictures.
The walls are filled with family photos and pictures of Garate working with other pitmasters over the years.
Mike Ledford
A wooden dining room with green walls.
Customers have plenty of space to spread out.
Mike Ledford
A view of the counter with menus on the wall.
The restaurant has been over a year in the making.
Mike Ledford
A black-and-white photo of a woman holding a gun.
Garate’s abuela hangs on the wall.
Mike Ledford
Garate in the pits.
Mike Ledford
A man with a beard leans against a brick wall.
Palmira Barbecue is now open in West Ashley.
Mike Ledford

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