Sgt. White's Diner, Beaufort, South Carolina

Sometimes there are vacations where everything seems to go awry. There are times when impending vacation doom is only hours away, but the travelers move on with their plans blissfully unaware of the misfortune that the travel gods will throw upon them just around the next corner.

Such was the case with Poncho and Lefty's trip to Beaufort, South Carolina for a camping trip at Hunting Island State Park. Thanks to Tropical Storm Barry, which hit the South Carolina coast on the first official day of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, eating at a few favorite restaurant picks was the only good part about the trip!

On the way into Beaufort on Boundary Street sits Sgt. White's Diner; just in front of the local Piggly Wiggly. The story goes that Sgt, White was a drill sergeant at nearby Parris Island and cut his culinary chops preparing meals for the thousands of Marines who train at Parris Island each year.

The meat and three menu at Sgt. White's is heavy on the Bar-b-Que. There are BBQ ribs covered in a tangy sauce, smoked chicken, and pork. The Bar-b-Que is notable, but the side dishes were what really impressed Poncho and Lefty. We shared a remarkable yellow squash casserole that wasn't really like a casserole at all. The macaroni and cheese was one of our favorites, and the greens and butter beans were enough to make any home cooking connoisseur smile. These were the big, creamy beige butter beans; not to be confused with its little green butter pea cousin. The cornbread was star of the show. The bread has just the right amount of sweetness and a light texture. After just one bite, Poncho thought to herself, "This must be what Jiffy mix was shooting for?"

Sgt. White's is a good stop in Beaufort. If you have some extra time, visit beautiful Hunting Island State Park just over a few rivers and a couple of barrier islands. It's a wonderful place with beautiful beaches, a cool light house, and a charming history. Just be sure to check the tropics before you book your campsite!

If you're headed to the Beaufort area, be sure to check out our review of Barbara Jean's restaurant. The original Barbara Jean's is in St. Simons Island, Georgia but they have a new location in Beaufort as well.

Sgt. White's Diner
1908 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC 29901
(843) 522-2029