City Limits Barbeque is known for its blend of Texas and Carolina barbecue traditions.
Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, SC, has been nominated for the prestigious Best Chef in the Southeast award at the 2025 James Beard Awards. This marks his second consecutive nomination, showcasing the culinary talent emerging from the area. Robinson has gained recognition for his unique blend of Texas-style brisket and Carolina-style pork barbecue, making City Limits Barbeque a local and national favorite. The awards ceremony will take place on June 16 in Chicago, where culinary stars will gather to honor excellence in the food industry.
West Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as one of its own, Robbie Robinson, chef and owner of City Limits Barbeque, has received a prestigious nomination for the Best Chef in the Southeast at the 2025 James Beard Awards. This marks the second consecutive year Robinson has been honored with this incredible recognition, and locals couldn’t be prouder!
The esteemed James Beard Awards are widely regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world; they celebrate talent and dedication across the food industry. The awards celebrate not just chefs, but also food media industry professionals, all while promoting a thriving food culture. The anticipation is certainly building as the nominees were announced at a live event held at Conrad Los Angeles, adding to the excitement of this year’s festivities.
Robinson stands as South Carolina’s sole nominee among the contenders for the 2025 James Beard Awards. His recognition is especially significant as this year coincides with the awards’ 35th anniversary, a milestone highlighting the various contributions to American food culture over the decades. The nominees reflect the rich landscape of culinary innovation and passion. It’s a true celebration of excellence!
Originally starting as a food truck in 2016, City Limits Barbeque quickly gained a loyal fan base eager for Robinson’s delicious offerings. The flavor-packed menu blends Texas-style brisket and Carolina-style pork barbecue traditions, paired with homemade sausages and sides. Thanks to its popularity, the BBQ joint moved to a permanent location at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia in 2023.
Even now, City Limits Barbeque sticks to a unique schedule, only opening its doors on Saturdays and Sundays, which often leads to long lines of eager patrons before they even start serving! The excitement is palpable, and the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen add to the allure.
It’s not just the locals who rave about Robinson’s culinary creations. City Limits Barbeque has garnered national recognition, recently being featured on The New York Times list of the best restaurants in America. It was also named one of the South’s best new barbecue joints, further cementing its place in the competitive food scene.
As the awards ceremony approaches, Robinson humorously notes the costs associated with getting spruced up in a tuxedo for the event. The ceremony is set to take place on June 16 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, where Robinson and other culinary stars will gather to celebrate remarkable contributions to the world of food.
Last year, Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Columbia took home the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, showcasing the rich culinary talent in the region. Robinson’s nomination this year not only showcases his own vision for barbecue but celebrates the thriving food culture sweeping across South Carolina.
With his dedication to the craft and love for flavors, Robbie Robinson embodies the spirit of culinary innovation. As he prepares for the awards ceremony, the anticipation grows—both for him and for the community that has rallied behind him. Here’s to hoping that West Columbia brings home the gold this year!
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