Smoked with Purpose near the Heart of Clemson
Just a half-mile from Clemson University, Roller Mills Smokehouse brings old-fashioned BBQ to town with an unmistakably personal touch. Run by husband-and-wife team Wil and Allye Lamb—both Clemson grads—the place blends scratch-made Southern cooking with wood-smoked tradition, all anchored by a faith-driven mission.
Wil’s vision for the smokehouse started early. “The good Lord gave me a dream at 14 to move to Clemson and create the next nostalgic restaurant,” he wrote. “Seventeen years later, here we are well on our way.”
The Story Behind the Smoke
Roller Mills isn’t just a name—it’s a commitment to doing things the hard way, on purpose. Wil handles every meat and sauce, smoking over hickory wood and turning out plates that don’t hide behind condiments. “Finally a BBQ that doesn’t need sauce,” as he puts it.
Meanwhile, Allye runs the kitchen, crafting every side, dessert, and slice of cornbread from scratch. No MSG, no preservatives, no shortcuts. It’s a full-flavored, from-scratch operation, rooted in family and fueled by faith.
The result? A smokehouse with soul.
What’s on the Smoker
At the heart of the menu are the classics, done right:
- Pulled pork, made from pork butts and served with confidence
- Baby back ribs
- Half chickens, smoked to order
On any given day, you might also find specials like brisket, smoked turkey, or wings. Their smoked chicken salad offers a flavorful twist on a Southern staple, and hash and rice—distinctively reddish-orange in color—round out the lineup with a nod to regional tradition.
Everything is smoked over hickory wood, a choice that adds depth and boldness without overpowering the meat.
Sauce & Sides, Scratch-Made
Roller Mills takes sauces seriously, offering a full range to satisfy just about every preference:
- Tangy vinegar-pepper
- Light tomato
- Classic mustard
- Rich heavy tomato
- Alabama-style white sauce
All made from scratch, just like the sides. Most of the side dishes are actually vegan-friendly—except the beans—and everything is prepared in-house. Allye’s homemade desserts and cornbread round out the meal with just the right touch of comfort.
A Local Spot with Deep Roots
Rooted in faith, family, and a love for honest food, Roller Mills Smokehouse brings something rare to the table: BBQ with a purpose. Whether you’re a Clemson student, a local, or just passing through, this spot serves up slow-smoked Southern fare with heart—and without compromise.
What Folks Are Saying
Google Review
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Brandon Williams challenged Roller Mills Smokehouse’s owner up front and left agreeing with him:
I asked the owner how good are his ribs? He said “I’ve been everywhere, eaten at some of the best rib places around, and I think, in my honest opinion, my ribs are the best.”
I thought “yeah right, everybody thinks their ribs are the best.” I figured his ribs were probably solid at best. But oh my God, those ribs were amazing. They were perfectly glazed with a sweet and smoky flavor. They were cooked beautifully where the meat could be gently pulled off.
The cornbread was sweet and moist. The apple sauce was delicious. It’s hard to spend 21 bucks on food and feel like you got your money’s worth, but that dude legit had the best BBQ in the area. Side note: I had a nice conversation with the owner. He’s a good guy. You could tell he loved cooking food.
Yelp Review
Over on Yelp, Chuck B rates everything he and his wife got from Roller Mills Smokehouse:
Roller Mills was outstanding. I will review what we ordered on a scale of 1-10:
- The baby backs were massive and absolutely delicious, i give it a 10
- The pulled pork sandwich was great, my wife gives it a 9.5
- The sweet potato crunch was beyond amazing, i give it an 11 (yes, on a scale of 1-10)
- The coleslaw was very good, not enough jalapeno, but still a 9
- The mac n cheese was terrific, my wife gives it a 10
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More
Map
Directions
Contact Roller Mills Smokehouse
323 Old Greenville Hwy
Clemson, SC 29631
Hours of Operation
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features
Cards and Cash, Hash, Heavy Tomato Sauce, Light Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce, Vinegar Pepper Sauce, White Sauce
