Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse now open in the heart of Downtown Spartanburg. Located directly above Underpin Lanes ‘N Lounge @ 127 W. Main St.
Bar opens daily @ 4PM
Dinner Starts @ 5PM
Closed on Mondays
Specializing in Upscale Southern Barbecue with something for everyone. Full bar with a plethora of Whiskey options available.
Based on 287 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.7 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout
Address:
127 W Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Phone: (864) 707-2183
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–3 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Reviews
Ellen M.
Me, my sister and my niece decided to go into Spartanburg to do some grocery shopping and grab breakfast after church. After an online search, we decided on Initial Q. It was a lovely, sunny day so we opted to sit outside, which was delightfully comfortable in the shade and with an umbrella as extra sun protection. The service was excellent (our waitress was something like Seeyarah; please excuse misspelling). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. My niece and I had the brisket Benedict, although hers was as stated with the potatoes as her side, which she said were crunchy and well seasoned. I’m doing an elimination diet with no sugar and empty carbs so had mine without the biscuits and enjoyed bacon as my side. (Super easy to customize my order; and the herbed hollandaise was excellent.) My sister had the Piggie & Pancakes and said they might be the best pancakes she’s ever eaten, so soft and fluffy, and the pork was tender and delicious. We liked that carafes were left on the table so we could replenish our own water when needed. They both had coffee drinks that they enjoyed. Overall, very nice experience and we’re already talking about going back.
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Chris B.
Out of all the places for our work outing, we decided to go to IQ. This was my first time to the area, but a few of my coworkers had been here before so apparently the food is good because they all wanted to come back. The atmosphere and decor was very nice and surprising to me because it was not the typical bbq joint atmosphere I was expecting. And what a surprise to get a whole plate of freshly made pork rinds. I am a lover of pork rinds so it was a plus. The eggnog martini was outstanding! More of a dessert for me, but yummy and perfect for the holidays!
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Olga S
Went here for a Sunday lunch date with my husband and we absolutely loved it! The food was amazing. Husband’s brisket was perfect, along with fried okra and mashed potatoes. Oh and that biscuit! Never tried a better one. My salad with chicken was just as delicious. Bloody Mary was top notch, and you can’t beat bottomless mimosas with 3 different kinds of juices! Last but not least, the bread pudding was phenomenal! Our waitress was super sweet and very attentive. We had an amazing experience overall and will be back for sure! Loved it. 10/10
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Ax M
Great food! Relaxing atmosphere. Great location with a small walk due to street blocked off. Will definitely be back
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Elizabeth Gajdosik
Sunday brunch was fabulous! We were promptly and enthusiastically greeted at the front. Our server, Maia, was stellar. Both my friend and I ordered Duck, Duck, Grits and shared a bottle of champagne for mimosas. De-li-cious!
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John Mullis
What a great place to have drinks downtown Spartanburg. The staff is very friendly and very attentive. They have all kinds of specialty drinks and good beer on tap. Will have to come back and try the BBQ the have burnt ends in the menu!
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Joseph Yandel
Great food with great service! Kristin was the best waitress and the food was delicious. The IQ platter is the best deal for two!! The burnt ends are awesome! Thanks and can’t wait to return!!
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Suzanne Modder
Rode over from Greenville for an outing and enjoyed lunch at Initial Q. I chose pulled pork, that was tender and moist, piled high on a brioche bun, and served with fabulous coleslaw. It was a great choice. Served with with a side of Pepper Jack Grits. The presentation was perfect. All that aside, visiting downtown Spartanburg the first Saturday of the month, be prepared to hear the firehouse siren. Apparently it’s tested on that day, at 1:00 pm. Didn’t know if it was an air raid or bomb warning alert.
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Roger Byars
We had a good visit, our first time. Any place that serves pork rinds right out of the gate is fine with me. We had the Between the Buns and the Grits and Pepper with Shrimp. Smoked shrimp with BBQ sauce and creme on grits is awesome, who knew. The chicken between the buns was smoked and tasted just right for us. BBQ, to me, is like someone’s favorite color, its different for everybody. I would highly suggest Initial Q if you are in town for a visit. We will go back and work our way through the menu.
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Jennifer Lynch
The food was okay. The waitress was nice and attentive but not exceptionally knowledgeable about the food. The sauces, pulled pork, and banana pudding were delicious. The pork rinds were a bit stale but provided a good opportunity to try all the sauces.
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