Skylight Inn BBQ
Skylight Inn is usually mentioned as North Carolina’s greatest BBQ. Since 1947, Pete Jones’ family-owned BBQ restaurant has served delicious food. Skylight Inn’s commitment to Eastern North Carolina BBQ sets it distinct. Here, simplicity, excellent ingredients, and generations-old skills are emphasised.
Skylight Inn BBQ’s whole hog barbecue is the highlight. Pitmasters pick local hogs and slow-cook them over oak and hickory wood for hours until delicate and delicious. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef with a unique spice combination and smokiness. Every mouthful recalls artistry and tradition, taking guests back to a time when barbecue was a lifestyle.
Simple BBQ is Skylight Inn’s speciality. Eastern North Carolina barbecue lets the meat shine, unlike other regional versions that use elaborate rubs or sauces. Skylight Inn emphasises pork’s inherent flavours through gradual smoking and seasoning. This devotion to purity puts Skylight Inn at the top of the state’s barbecue scene.
Skylight Inn serves you classic Southern sides to go with their famous whole hog barbecue. From tangy coleslaw to savoury cornbread, each addition is carefully made to enhance the barbecue experience and satisfy customers.
Skylight Inn BBQ’s community and culture may set it different. Locals, barbecue fans, and travellers have congregated at this simple restaurant for decades. A welcoming atmosphere and kind personnel treat every client like family. Skylight Inn makes everyone feel welcome, whether they’re tourists or regulars.
Lexington Barbecue
Lexington Barbecue, founded in 1962 in Lexington, a Piedmont hamlet in North Carolina, is a local favourite. This legendary restaurant’s commitment to maintaining and improving North Carolina barbecue’s oldest ways sets it different. Lexington-style BBQ is known for its delicate, smokey pork shoulders slow-cooked over hardwood fires. This tried-and-true method, a secret spice combination, and a tangy vinegar-based sauce create a savoury, somewhat sweet, and irresistible flavour.
Lexington Barbecue’s pitmasters take delight in performing the art of barbecue with care. Every cut of meat is hand-selected, seasoned, and slow-roasted in handcrafted pits. Its tender, juicy, and flavorful barbecue makes it one of North Carolina’s greatest BBQ establishments. Lexington Barbecue has delicious chopped pork sandwiches, juicy ribs, and luscious smoked chicken to fulfil any barbecue need.
Customers come return for more than simply the great meal. Lexington Barbecue has a Southern hospitality vibe. The smell of hickory smoke and the staff’s smiles welcome you as soon as you enter. First-timers and regulars are treated like family, which enhances the eating experience.
Beyond cuisine and service, Lexington Barbecue values excellence as a cultural institution. It is beloved by residents and visitors as one of North Carolina’s oldest and most esteemed barbecue joints. Families have celebrated, reunited, and eaten at Lexington Barbecue for generations, making memories around the table. Lexington Barbecue delivers great barbecue and maintains a culinary tradition for future generations.
North Carolina barbecue is competitive, making “best BBQ” a big deal. Yet Lexington Barbecue has continuously won awards and earned the admiration of barbecue fans everywhere. Lexington Barbecue’s melt-in-your-mouth pork, delectable ribs, and down-home atmosphere make it exceptional. It shows the longevity of real Southern-style barbecue and the commitment of those who keep it going.
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que
To appreciate why Allen & Son Bar-B-Que is often touted as North Carolina’s greatest BBQ, one must understand Carolina barbecue. Slow-cooked pork shoulders or entire pigs with vinegar-based sauce are the hallmark of North Carolina barbecue. In this culinary world, Allen & Son differentiates out by sticking to these traditional methods and flavours.
Allen & Son’s dedication to excellence and authenticity distinguishes them from other North Carolina barbecue restaurants. Visitors enter a rural world that takes them back in time. The smell of smoke and sizzling meat evokes memories and anticipation.
Allen & Son’s BBQ, made using generations-old traditions, is its draw. Slow-cooking the pork over hardwood flames gives it an unmatched flavour and softness. Each serving of pulled pork, chopped pig, or luscious ribs showcases the pitmasters’ skill and passion.
No North Carolina barbecue debate is complete without Allen & Son’s vinegar-based sauce, which is famous. Tangy and somewhat spicy, it enhances the meat’s smokiness without dominating it. Every mouthful is a flavour symphony, the result of decades of development.
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que’s sincerity sets it different. In a day of shortcuts and compromises, this establishment stays faithful to its roots. Authentic, soul-satisfying barbecue made with love and respect for tradition is served here.
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que’s honours highlight its role as a preserver of North Carolina’s barbecue history as well as its great food. Allen & Son is a trip for many, an opportunity to connect with a centuries-old culinary history.
In North Carolina barbecue, being named “Best BBQ in North Carolina” is a big deal. However, Allen & Son’s longevity and success speak loudly. It’s a monument to its barbecue’s ageless appeal, pitmasters’ passion, and customers’ loyalty.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
Authenticity and history are what make The Pit one of North Carolina’s best BBQ restaurants. The seductive smell of slow-cooked meats tantalises your senses and promises a unique gastronomic experience from the moment you enter.
The Pit’s success comes from its commitment to barbecue. The pitmasters here are genuine artists, carefully handling each piece of meat. Every taste of their delicate pulled pork, luscious brisket, or expertly smoked ribs shows their barbecue expertise and devotion.
It’s not just about the meat at The Pit—it’s the whole experience. Step inside to experience a warm, friendly environment from a simpler period. The rustic decor and gentle Southern hospitality make dining here seem like returning home to a family gathering where delicious food and company rule.
The sauce—the crown jewel of any good barbecue joint—is next. The Pit’s sauce is a labour of love, not merely a condiment. Made with a secret spice combination and cooked to perfection, each bite is a flavour symphony that leaves you wanting more.
Whenever feasible, The Pit sources the best ingredients locally, which may set it distinct. They carefully pick every ingredient, from pasture-raised pork to farm-fresh veggies, to maximise flavour and quality. This meticulousness makes their BBQ renowned and keeps customers coming back.
No Pit discussion would be complete without addressing their legendary sides. From creamy mac and cheese to zesty coleslaw, each accessory is made with the same care as the main event, delivering a balanced dinner that fulfils every appetite.
The Pit’s awards may prove its title as North Carolina’s best BBQ. Local evaluations and national recognition on respected lists agree: The Pit is the best for true North Carolina BBQ.
Despite its success, The Pit stays humble and focused on what matters most: delivering delicious barbecue that brings people together. Because ultimately, it’s about the memories and tales shared over a meal of properly smoked pork.
Buxton Hall Barbecue
What distinguishes Buxton Hall Barbecue from the many North Carolina BBQ joints? A variety of elements contribute to its well-deserved reputation as one of the state’s greatest BBQ restaurants. Quality is paramount. From selecting the best meat to making house-made sauces and sides, every step of the cooking process is painstaking.
The pit room’s hickory smoke will entice you into Buxton Hall Barbecue. Here, experienced pitmasters care to the coals, bringing out the smokiness of North Carolina BBQ. Star of the show? Traditional whole-hog barbecue honours the region’s BBQ history. Slow-cooked over hardwood flames for hours yields soft, luscious meat with layers of flavour that melt in your mouth.
However, Buxton Hall Barbecue doesn’t rest. Whole-hog BBQ is the speciality, but the menu has something for everyone. Smoked chicken, turkey, pit-cooked brisket, and ribs are all available. Southern sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread complement the main course.
No BBQ establishment is complete without delicious sauces. The house-made sauces at Buxton Hall Barbecue are the right mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy. There’s a sauce for every taste, from vinegar-based to spicy.
Buxton Hall Barbecue delivers a warm, authentic eating experience beyond its cuisine. Its exposed brick walls, vintage signs, and communal seating give the 1920s roller skating rink-turned-restaurant a retro vibe. It’s where strangers bond over wonderful cuisine and companionship.
Buxton Hall Barbecue’s dedication to North Carolina BBQ may be its greatest strength. In an age of quick cuisine and transitory trends, this restaurant sticks to generations-old recipes and practices. It’s a devotion that shows in every taste why North Carolina BBQ is world-renowned.
Stamey’s Barbecue
Stamey’s commitment to quality and authenticity makes it one of North Carolina’s greatest BBQ restaurants. From the minute you enter, the pits’ tantalising aroma of slow-cooked meats tempts you to indulge in Southern cuisine.
The highlight of Stamey’s BBQ is their perfectly cooked pork. Stamey’s pitmasters smoke pork shoulders over hardwood embers for hours, creating soft, delicious meat that melts in your mouth. The restaurant’s dedication to North Carolina barbecue is evident in every bite’s deep smokiness.
Stamey excels beyond pork. The menu features succulent beef brisket, tender ribs, and smoked chicken. Each dish is meticulously prepared to create a flavour symphony that leaves customers wanting more.
No BBQ place is complete without delicious sides, and Stamey’s delivers. From creamy coleslaw to acidic baked beans to expertly seasoned hushpuppies, each side dish enhances the main course and elevates the eating experience.
The restaurant’s dedication to North Carolina barbecue’s heritage sets it distinct from the competition. While some restaurants may take costs or sacrifice quality for business, Stamey’s stays true to the ways that have made North Carolina barbecue a culinary heritage for decades.
Stamey’s pleasant and inviting atmosphere keeps customers coming back in addition to its excellence. The cosy, down-to-earth dining area, with friendly smiles and lively laughter, will make you feel at home whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular.
Stamey’s success may depend on its capacity to go beyond eating and become a neighbourhood staple. Stamey’s has been a spot where friends and families have eaten, spoken, and made memories for decades. It’s where strangers become friends and wonderful cuisine brings people together.
Wilber’s Barbecue
Unwavering authenticity and excellence distinguish Wilber’s as North Carolina’s Best BBQ. This family-owned barbecue joint, founded in 1962 by Wilber Shirley, has used traditional pit-cooking methods to make every bite delicious. Wilber’s pitmasters know that genuine barbecue is a labour of love that requires time, talent, and an instinctive grasp of the technique.
BBQ pork steals the stage at Wilber’s. The pork is soft, meaty, and smoked after hours of slow cooking over hickory wood. Smokiness, sweetness, and tanginess blend perfectly in each mouthful, whether chopped, sliced, or pulled. No surprise Wilber’s pork is famous, bringing BBQ fans from throughout the state and beyond.
Wilber’s doesn’t stop at pork. Their barbecue menu includes succulent beef brisket and delicious smoked chicken. Each meat is treated with respect and attention to detail, producing in dependably exceptional meals deserving of North Carolina’s Best BBQ distinction. No barbecue is complete without the classic sides, and Wilber’s delivers. Everything from creamy coleslaw to silky macaroni and cheese to zesty Brunswick stew is made with care and presented with Southern charm.
Wilber’s community and history distinguish it beyond its delicious meals. Wilber’s transports you to a simpler period when people shared meals and tales. Photos and memorabilia highlight Wilber’s rich history and honour the generations of families that have made it a treasured institution. The environment is lively and cheerful, with customers of all ages enjoying Southern cuisine.
Wilber’s Barbecue represents authenticity and heritage in a fast-food-dominated world. Time slows down as delicious food and company take centre stage. If you’re a regular or a first-timer, Wilber’s is a voyage into North Carolina barbecue’s heart and soul.
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge
The delicious food and rich history of Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge make it appealing. Since 1946, this family-owned restaurant has served authentic North Carolina barbecue using traditional methods and flavours. The scent of slow-cooked meats and Southern friendliness greet you as you enter Red Bridges, taking you back in time.
A commitment to excellence drives Red Bridges’ appeal. Each mouthful is a symphony of flavours and sensations because every piece of beef is carefully picked and cooked. The pitmasters who work the smokers every day make every dish on the menu, from juicy pulled pork to luscious ribs.
Red Bridges, the Best BBQ in North Carolina, values tradition in every part of its business. Slow-cooking meats over hickory wood gives them a seductive, signature smokiness that the restaurant proudly follows. This tradition-keeping celebrates North Carolina barbecue’s rich culinary legacy, which has made it famous worldwide.
People return to Red Bridges because of the spirit of community and friendship that permeates the restaurant, not simply the cuisine. Regulars and first-timers are welcomed and treated like family from the start. This warm and friendly setting makes Red Bridges stand out and makes every meal unforgettable.
No Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge conversation would be complete without its famous sauce. A secret family recipe makes this tangy, slightly sweet sauce excellent for grilling. If spread on a sandwich or used as a rib dipping sauce, it elevates every dish.
Perhaps what distinguishes Red Bridges from the many other barbecue establishments in North Carolina is its dedication to quality. From the food to the pitmasters to the service, this famous restaurant does everything well. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge is North Carolina’s greatest BBQ because of its tireless pursuit of perfection.
Sam Jones BBQ
Sam Jones BBQ, located in Winterville, just outside Greenville, is known for maintaining and advancing Eastern North Carolina barbecue. This original North Carolina barbecue joint was founded by Sam Jones, a fourth-generation pitmaster whose family has been in the barbecue industry for over a century.
Sam Jones BBQ’s commitment to quality and history sets it different. Wood-fired pits and seasoned hardwoods give the restaurant’s meats a smokey flavour. This dedication to tradition infuses every meal with North Carolina barbecue’s rich history.
The Sam Jones BBQ cuisine celebrates simplicity and authenticity. Meat is carefully chosen and cooked to ensure quality. Each dish showcases the pitmasters’ prowess, from the delicate brisket to the delicious pulled pork.
Sam Jones BBQ is known for its vinegar-based sauce, which enhances the meat’s smokiness. The restaurant’s iconic sauce reflects North Carolina’s barbecue history and is passed down through generations.
Sam Jones BBQ has a cosy, nostalgic ambiance in addition to its delicious cuisine. The restaurant’s rustic design and communal seats provide a community-focused dining experience.
In addition to its great cuisine and environment, Sam Jones BBQ is known for its hospitality. Visitors are greeted with a grin and treated like family from the time they arrive. This commitment to customer service makes every Sam Jones BBQ visit unforgettable.
Grady’s BBQ
Grady’s passion to barbecue distinguishes it from other barbecue joints in the state. From the minute you enter, the kitchen smells of slow-cooked meats and savoury spices. The atmosphere is intimate and unassuming, like a Southern diner where the cuisine is the centre.
Grady’s BBQ uses only the best ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Each piece of beef is chosen for quality and flavour, making every mouthful a treat. Every meal is well prepared, including pulled pork, ribs, and brisket.
Grady’s sauces are typical of North Carolina’s Best BBQ. The acidic, sweet, and smokey flavours of their distinctive sauces compliment the rich meat flavours without dominating them. Grady’s provides a sauce for every taste, from spicy vinegar to sweet tomato.
Grady’s BBQ’s community-focused eating experience may be its most distinguishing feature. Staff smiles and customers chatting create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s where strangers bond over wonderful cuisine and companionship.
No Grady’s BBQ conversation would be complete without discussing their famous hush puppies. These golden morsels of fried bliss are legendary—crisp outside, soft and fluffy within, and addicting. A substantial Southern supper pairs well with them and a platter of barbecue and coleslaw.
However, Grady’s founder’s enthusiasm and commitment may be the key to its success. Grady, a lifetime BBQ enthusiast, spent years refining family recipes. Every dish reflects his dedication to quality and authenticity, preserving superb BBQ.
