12 North Carolina Banana Pudding Stops So Good You’ll Want To Take A Detour

North Carolina has perfected the art of banana pudding, turning a simple dessert into a sweet, creamy obsession.

From classic family recipes to inventive takes layered with flavor, these stops serve bowls that locals and travelers rave about.

Each spoonful is rich, indulgent, and packed with nostalgia, making it impossible to pass by without stopping.

A quick detour becomes a delicious adventure, and every bite reminds you why banana pudding holds a special place in the state’s heart.

1. Skylight Inn BBQ — Ayden

Whole hog barbecue made this place famous back in 1947, but locals know the real secret is saving room for dessert. Their banana pudding follows a no-frills recipe that hasn’t changed in decades.

Thick vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and homemade custard come together in perfect harmony.

No fancy toppings or trendy additions, just pure Southern comfort in every spoonful. The portions are generous enough to share, but you probably won’t want to.

2. Parker’s Barbecue — Greenville

Family recipes are sacred at Parker’s, where three generations have perfected their banana pudding formula.

What sets theirs apart is the meringue topping, baked to golden-brown perfection with crispy peaks. The custard underneath is silky smooth, made from scratch every morning.

Fresh bananas get sliced thick, so you actually taste the fruit instead of just mush. College students from nearby ECU have been known to skip class just to grab a serving.

3. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge — Shelby

Since 1946, this lodge-style restaurant has been serving up Carolina-style barbecue and unforgettable desserts.

Their banana pudding recipe came from the original owner’s grandmother, and the family guards it fiercely. What makes it special? Extra vanilla extract and a hint of cream cheese mixed into the custard.

The texture is incredibly smooth, almost mousse-like. First-timers always ask for the recipe, and the staff just smiles and shakes their heads politely.

4. Barbecue Center — Lexington

Lexington-style barbecue gets all the attention here, but smart diners know to order banana pudding immediately. The waiting staff serves it in old-fashioned glass dishes that let you see every delicious layer.

Crushed vanilla wafers create a cookie-crumb texture throughout instead of whole cookies.

The banana slices are perfectly ripe, never mushy or brown. Some customers claim it tastes even better than their grandmother’s version, though they’d never admit that out loud at family gatherings.

5. Hursey’s Bar-B-Q — Burlington

Operating since 1949, Hursey’s treats banana pudding like the art form it truly is. Their version features extra-thick custard that coats your spoon like velvet.

Real whipped cream tops each serving, made fresh throughout the day rather than squirted from a can.

The banana-to-wafer ratio is spot-on, ensuring you get both in every bite. Regular customers often call ahead to make sure they haven’t run out before making the drive over.

6. Wilber’s Barbecue — Goldsboro

Wilber’s has been a Goldsboro institution since 1962, and their banana pudding has achieved near-mythical status among dessert lovers. The secret ingredient?

A splash of bourbon in the custard for depth and complexity. Don’t worry, it’s subtle enough for kids but noticeable enough to make adults curious.

The presentation is simple and homestyle, served in small bowls that somehow disappear way too quickly. Many visitors buy whole pans to take home for special occasions.

7. Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue — Wilmington

Coastal Carolina meets classic comfort food at Jackson’s, where the banana pudding has a lighter, airier texture than most. They fold whipped cream directly into the custard, creating something almost cloud-like.

Fresh bananas come from local markets, sliced thin and layered generously. The vanilla wafers stay surprisingly crunchy even after sitting in custard.

Beach-goers often stop here on their way home, grabbing dessert for the road and dreaming about their next visit before they’ve even finished eating.

8. McCall’s Bar-B-Q & Seafood — Goldsboro

McCall’s proves that barbecue and seafood restaurants can absolutely nail dessert too. Their banana pudding strikes the perfect balance between sweet and creamy without being cloying.

The custard has a subtle caramel undertone from using real butter and brown sugar. Generous banana chunks provide natural sweetness and fruity flavor.

Local military families from nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base consider this a mandatory stop before deployments, stocking up on comfort food memories to take overseas.

9. Little Richard’s Bar-N-Que — Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem’s beloved barbecue spot serves banana pudding that tastes exactly like what your grandmother would make if she were a professional chef. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

They use extra egg yolks in the custard for richness and a beautiful golden color. The meringue topping gets torched slightly for a toasted marshmallow flavor.

Regulars know to arrive early on weekends because they often sell out by mid-afternoon, leaving late arrivals disappointed and planning their next visit.

10. Prissy Polly’s BBQ — Kernersville

The name might sound fancy, but the food here is down-home delicious. Prissy Polly’s banana pudding comes in individual mason jars, making it perfect for eating while you drive.

Each layer is visible through the glass, showing off the careful construction. The custard is extra thick, almost pudding-pie consistency rather than runny.

Crushed pecans sprinkled on top add unexpected crunch and nutty flavor. It’s become such a hit that they now sell them by the dozen for parties and events.

11. Sweet Lew’s BBQ — Charlotte

Charlotte’s barbecue scene got a serious upgrade when Sweet Lew’s opened, bringing innovative twists to classic dishes. Their banana pudding respects tradition while adding contemporary flair.

Caramelized banana slices on top provide smoky sweetness and visual appeal. The custard incorporates cream cheese for extra tang and richness.

Crushed Biscoff cookies replace some vanilla wafers, adding spiced complexity. Food bloggers constantly feature this dessert on social media, making it one of Charlotte’s most Instagrammed treats.

12. Ole Time Barbecue — Raleigh

Raleigh’s capital city dining scene includes plenty of fancy restaurants, but Ole Time Barbecue keeps things refreshingly simple. Their banana pudding is cafeteria-style comfort food at its absolute finest.

Served in shallow pans and scooped onto plates, it’s unpretentious and utterly satisfying. The vanilla wafers soften just enough while maintaining some texture.

Fresh whipped cream gets dolloped on at serving time. State legislators and construction workers sit side-by-side here, united by their love of this classic dessert.