Experience the Best BBQ in North Carolina

Grady’s BBQ, Dudley, NC

Grady’s, a cash-only establishment of Wayne County, is tucked away in Dudley, but well worth the drive. An authentic dining experience, taste a bit of the South with barbecue smoked in the back that has been featured in Our State Magazine and USA Today. Apart of the North Carolina Historic Barbecue trail, Grady’s has been serving tender, mouthwatering barbecue and sides since 1986. For the true experience, order your barbecue with a side of fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, or a sweet tea.

Skylight Inn BBQ, Ayden, NC

Opened in 1947, Skylight Inn BBQ is home to old-fashion barbecue that has been pleasing since opening day. Cooked over wood, the barbecue of Skylight Inn has been praised repeatedly as some of the best barbecue in the United States by Southern Living, People magazine, and National Geographic to name a few. Even President Reagan and Vice President Bush had their fair share of praise. You may have even spotted Skylight Inn BBQ on television: The History Channel, Food Network, and the Travel Channel. Dig into the barbecue tray that comes with both slaw and bread or buy the barbecue by the pound.

B’s Barbecue, Greenville, NC

Greenville landmark B’s Barbecue has been family owned and thriving for more than two decades. This old-school barbecue joint serves your choice of barbecue sandwiches, barbecue plates and sides to pair—slaw, boiled potatoes, beans, and bread. The eastern-style barbecue goes quick and before lunch, it’s likely a line has already formed for the brilliant, inexpensive lunch. 

Parker’s Barbecue, Wilson, NC

Famous with locals and for good reason, Parker’s Barbecue serves southern comfort food to make you feel right at home. The barbecue is warm and seasoned with vinegar and pepper sauce. Stop in for some of the best barbecue in North Carolina for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The fast, kind service, delicious food, and nostalgic atmosphere will bring you back.

Ole Time Barbecue, Raleigh, NC

A cozy joint in Raleigh, Ole Time Barbecue offers great barbecue and sides. The pork is sure to melt in your mouth. The menu is full of southern options. The lunch and dinner plates can be ordered as a barbecue, barbecue sandwich, rib, fried chicken, barbecue chicken, chicken pastry or hamburger steak plate. The sides include, but are not limited to coleslaw, collard greens, baked beans, green beans, French fries and more. Everything is homemade and worth a try if you are in the area.

High Cotton Barbeque, Kitty Hawk, NC

Home to authentic, simple southern food, High Cotton serves Eastern North Carolina barbecue, delicious, traditional sides, and sweet tea. Dine with the best service and enjoy delicious, southern food. The barbecue is tender and flavored to perfection and the sides make the meal. Choose between slaw, baked beans, green beans, fried okra, fries, applesauce, or hushpuppies to pair with the barbecue. One of the best spots in town, it may be busy but you won’t be left waiting for too long.

Pik-n-Pig, Carthage, NC

Hickory-smoked barbecue that is slow cooked over natural wood fire overnight, sink your teeth into juicy barbecue of Carthage. Dine in or take out the barbecue, ribs, or smoked chicken as well as the variety of sides. The menu is full of options, all of which are affordable. Family friendly and only the best staff, Pik-n-Pig is great for not only the barbecue but the southern atmosphere. 

Corolla Village BBQ, Corolla, NC

“The best Eastern Carolina barbecue on the Outer Banks”, the famous barbecue of Corolla is made with a vinegar sauce. For the barbecue plate, grab not on the delicious barbecue, but also sweet cornbread and two sides. Choose between baked beans, candied yams, coleslaw, macaroni salad and potato salad. The plates can also consist of either barbecue chicken or pork ribs. The sauces are made at the joint and pulled pork sandwich is a must-try. An amazing, cozy experience and inexpensive food are sure to make this your new stop to fulfil your craving for barbecue. 

Red Bridges, Shelby, NC

Home to award-winning North Carolina barbecue, Red Bridges is often full of food enthusiasts as soon as the doors open. The barbecue is juicy and tender, fantastic sides and southern hospitality make this a must-stop when you are in Shelby. The food is made fresh daily and recognized by many publications. To name a few, Red Bridges has been featured in Our State Magazine several times, was in 2012 Southern Living Magazine and is listed on The North Carolina Historical Barbecue Trail. 

Picnic, Durham, NC

First-come, first serve at Picnic of Durham! The pulled pork comes with smoke and is seasoned to please. The sides are great and really compliment the pork. Choose between sandwiches or plates that will hit that southern sweet spot in your heart. Picnic is also equipped with a bar with great non-acholic options as well as beer and wine. 

Key Insights at a Glance

• North Carolina is known for its amazing barbecue joints.
• There are different styles of barbecue to choose from, such as Lexington-style, Eastern-style, and pork ribs.
• Grady's in Dudley, Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, B's Barbecue in Greenville, Parker's Barbecue in Wilson, Ole Time Barbecue in Raleigh, High Cotton Barbeque in Kitty Hawk, Pik-n-Pig in Carthage, Corolla Village BBQ in Corolla, Red Bridges in Shelby, and Picnic in Durham are some of the best barbecue joints in North Carolina.
• These joints offer delicious barbecue, traditional sides, and a taste of southern hospitality.
• Many of these joints have been featured in magazines and on television for their amazing barbecue.
• Each joint has its own unique atmosphere and menu options, but all offer a true taste of North Carolina barbecue.