15 North Carolina BBQ Joints Every True Barbecue Fan Should Visit
North Carolina isn’t just famous for barbecue – it practically invented the art of slow-smoked perfection.
From tangy vinegar-based sauces in the east to tomato-kissed flavors out west, this state serves up some of the most mouthwatering ‘cue on the planet.
1. Skylight Inn BBQ
Whole hog heaven exists in Ayden, and it’s been smoking since 1947. The Jones family doesn’t mess around with fancy sides or complicated menus – just perfectly chopped pork with their signature vinegar sauce.
That iconic dome roof? You can spot it from miles away. Grab a tray, load up on cornbread, and prepare for barbecue nirvana that’s kept folks coming back for generations.
2. Lexington Barbecue
Wayne Monk turned this spot into a legend, earning it the nickname “Honey Monk’s” among locals who basically worship here. Since 1962, they’ve been serving Lexington-style ‘cue with that famous red slaw on top.
The pork shoulder gets hickory-smoked low and slow, then chopped to tender perfection. One bite explains why presidents and celebrities have made pilgrimages to this unassuming building on the edge of town.
3. Allen & Son Bar-B-Que
Chapel Hill’s best-kept secret isn’t actually a secret anymore – food critics have spilled the beans about Keith Allen’s incredible hickory-smoked magic. His father started the tradition, and now Keith’s carrying the torch with serious dedication.
The hush puppies alone deserve awards, crispy outside and pillowy inside. Come hungry because the portions are generous, and leaving food behind feels like a crime against barbecue.
4. B’s Barbecue
Blink and you’ll miss this tiny shack in Greenville, but your nose won’t let you pass by. Bill Ellis runs out of food almost daily because everything’s cooked fresh each morning until it’s gone.
No frills, no reservations, no fancy dining room – just sublime eastern North Carolina barbecue that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. Show up early or risk heartbreak when they hang the “sold out” sign.
5. Wilber’s Barbecue
Since 1962, Wilber Shirley’s vision has fed hungry travelers cruising down Highway 70 in Goldsboro. This place doesn’t do subtle – the portions are massive, the flavors are bold, and the barbecue speaks for itself.
Politicians campaign here because voters gather here, drawn by whole-hog eastern style done right. The Brunswick stew deserves equal billing, thick and hearty enough to qualify as a full meal itself.
6. Grady’s BBQ
Grady Robinson started slinging barbecue in 1986, and his family’s still keeping the fires burning in Dudley. The secret? Patience, quality wood, and refusing to rush perfection no matter how long the line gets.
Their collard greens have a cult following almost as devoted as the barbecue fans. Everything tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house – if your grandma happened to be a pitmaster extraordinaire.
7. The Pit Authentic Barbecue
Raleigh’s downtown scene needed serious barbecue, and The Pit delivered with style to spare. Don’t let the polished atmosphere fool you – these folks take their whole-hog tradition as seriously as any roadside shack.
The whiskey selection pairs beautifully with smoked meats, creating an experience that’s both refined and authentically North Carolinian. Date night just got a whole lot smokier and more delicious around here.
8. Stamey’s Barbecue
Warner Stamey basically invented Lexington-style barbecue back in 1930, and his descendants are still serving his legendary recipes in Greensboro. That’s nearly a century of smoking expertise passed down through generations.
The red slaw-topped sandwich hits different when you know you’re tasting history. Fun fact: Many famous North Carolina pitmasters actually trained under the Stamey family before opening their own joints.
9. Buxton Hall Barbecue
Asheville’s craft beer scene finally got the barbecue partner it deserved when Elliott Moss opened Buxton Hall. This isn’t your grandpa’s barbecue joint – it’s whole-hog tradition meets mountain town creativity and culinary innovation.
The banana pudding has achieved legendary status, ending meals on a sweet note that’ll haunt your dreams. James Beard Award recognition proved what locals already knew: exceptional barbecue thrives everywhere, even in hippie mountain towns.
10. Parker’s Barbecue
Wilson’s claim to barbecue fame since 1946, Parker’s feeds crowds with efficient, delicious precision. The cafeteria-style setup moves lines quickly, but nobody’s rushing through their plates of perfectly seasoned pork.
Eastern North Carolina style shines here – vinegar-based sauce lets the meat’s natural flavor dominate every bite. Locals and travelers alike pack this place during lunch, creating a buzzing atmosphere that feels genuinely welcoming and community-focused.
11. Bridges Barbecue Lodge
Red Bridges opened shop in 1946, and his family’s still manning the pits in Shelby with the same commitment to excellence. Western North Carolina barbecue gets its moment to shine here, tomato-tinged and absolutely irresistible.
The onion rings are legendary – crispy, golden, and dangerously addictive as a side. Celebrities and regular folks sit elbow-to-elbow in booths, united by appreciation for barbecue done the old-fashioned, right way.
12. Sam Jones BBQ
Sam Jones carries serious barbecue DNA – his grandfather founded the legendary Skylight Inn, and now Sam’s making his own mark. Winterville’s getting third-generation pitmaster skills with a slightly modern twist that respects tradition.
Whole hogs still smoke over wood coals, but the menu expands beyond the basics without losing authenticity. The crispy pork skin snacks? Pure genius that’ll convert even the pickiest eaters into instant believers.
13. Hursey’s Bar-B-Q
Burlington’s barbecue treasure since 1964, Hursey’s keeps Piedmont traditions alive with hickory-smoked shoulder and that distinctive red slaw. The Hursey family built their reputation on consistency – every visit delivers exactly what you’re craving.
Their sauce strikes the perfect balance between vinegar tang and tomato sweetness. Grab extra bottles on your way out because you’ll definitely want to drench everything at home in this magical concoction.
14. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Started in 1979, Smithfield’s expanded across North Carolina while maintaining quality that rivals the one-location legends. Their combo approach – barbecue and fried chicken – gives indecisive eaters the best of both worlds on one glorious plate.
The hush puppies come sweet and abundant, perfect for soaking up that tangy eastern sauce. Multiple locations mean you’re never too far from satisfaction when barbecue cravings strike unexpectedly.
15. Little Richard’s BBQ
Winston-Salem locals guard this gem fiercely, hoping tourists won’t discover their go-to spot for Lexington-style perfection. Richard Berrier’s been smoking shoulders since 2002, building a loyal following that borders on obsessive devotion.
The meat arrives tender and flavorful, needing barely any sauce to shine brilliantly. Prices stay reasonable, portions stay generous, and quality stays consistently excellent – the trifecta every barbecue lover desperately seeks and rarely finds.
