Lunch Money: Sconyers Bar-B-Que

If you're checking out barbecue in the Augusta area, a mandatory stop is Sconyers Bar-B-Que, 2250 Sconyers Way, where they've been serving up pulled pork and hash since 1956.

The service is fast, the helpings are huge, and the barbecue is an Augusta tradition.

We visited on a recent Saturday. It was crowded, but the staff was efficient and we were quickly seated and served.

I had a pork plate ($10.25), and it was enough to feed two, overflowing with pork, hash and rice and coleslaw. Next time, I'll get the small plate ($8.50).

The slaw was cold and fresh, but the pork and the hash and rice were only lukewarm. I also had issues with the consistency of the hash, which seemed over-pureed. I prefer a hash with a bit more coarseness to it.

The hot sauce livened up the plate. It was vinegary and peppery, but not overpowering.

The unsweetened iced tea was cool perfection. Best of all, they left a pitcher at the table, where we finished it off.

The Sconyers staffers worked wonders in keeping the dining room clean and removing clutter promptly from tables. They were attentive and friendly.

Sconyers is usually open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, but the restaurant will be open for takeout only on Saturday for the Fourth of July holiday. It will be closed for vacation after Saturday, and will reopen Thursday, July 23. Call (706) 790-5411.

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THE LUNCH LINE

Here's a sampling of some barbecue restaurants Lunch Money visited in the past few months, rated on a scale of 0 (horrendous) to 5 (excellent):

BBQ Barn

Where: 605 Atomic Road in North Augusta

Ambience: It's got "Barn" in its name

Reason to go: Killer red hot sauce

Service: 3

Value: 4

Eats: 4 for barbecue and hash, 5 for hot sauce

Beat the clock: Out of there in less than 45 minutes

Call: (803) 278-7202

Maurice's BBQ

Where: 1223 Knox Ave. in North Augusta

Ambience: The walls are gold, like the sauce

Reason to go: Savory golden sauce

Service: 3

Value: 2.5

Eats: 3 for the barbecue, 4 for the sauce

Beat the clock: Out of there in less than 45 minutes

Call: (803) 279-4597.

Mot's Pit cooked Barbeque & Catering

Where: 3963 Columbia Road, Martinez

Ambience: Clean and comfortable

Reason to go: Overstuffed barbecue sandwich

Service: 3.5

Value: 4

Eats: 3.5 for the barbecue, 3 for the sides

Beat the clock: Takeout ready in 5 minutes

Call: (706) 650-3005

Cleve Edmunds Bar-B-Que

Where: 3935 Washington Road

Ambience: Early barbecue restaurant

Reason to go: Good food served up fast

Service: 3.5

Value: 4

Eats: 3.5 for the barbecue, 3 for the sides

Beat the clock: Takeout ready in 5 minutes

Call: (706) 863-4277

C.W.'s To-Go-B-Cue

Where: 604 Shartom Drive.

Ambience: Spartan strip mall

Reason to go: For $6, you get a Poor Man's Lunch, a combo that includes a massive barbecue sandwich, a homemade brownie, a bottled or canned drink, and a bag of chips

Service: 3

Value: 5

Eats: 4.5

Call: (706) 504-8701

Firehouse Bar-B-Que

Where: 2320 Lumpkin Road

Ambience: White bread on the table

Reason to go: Great hot red sauce

Service: 3

Value: 3.5

Eats: 3.5

Call: (706) 790-9411

See Lunch Money at blogs.augusta.com for full reviews.