14 Hidden North Carolina Spots With The Best Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I’ll never forget the road trip I took through North Carolina with my friends, cruising down the Blue Ridge Parkway, and stumbling upon a tiny barbecue joint in a small town that served the most incredible pulled pork sandwiches we’d ever had.
It was a revelation – the tender meat, the tangy slaw, and the soft, fluffy bun all combined to create a flavor experience that left us speechless.
From that moment on, I was on a mission to explore the state’s hidden barbecue spots, and I’ve spent years tracking down the best of the best.
In this article, I’ll share with you my top 14 picks for the most hidden, yet amazing, pulled pork sandwich spots in North Carolina.
Whether you’re a native Tar Heel or just visiting, these secret spots are sure to become your new favorite destinations.
1. Skylight Inn BBQ In Ayden
Whole-hog barbecue done right is an art form, and this legendary pit stop has mastered it since 1947.
Located at 4618 Lee St in Ayden, the place keeps things refreshingly simple with just pork, cornbread, and coleslaw on the menu.
Oak-pit chopped pork gets dressed with a vinegar kick that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the smoky meat.
Lines form early because locals know that when the pork runs out, the doors close for the day.
The no-frills approach lets the quality shine through every single bite.
Generations of families have made pilgrimages here, creating memories around picnic tables that have seen decades of satisfied customers.
You won’t find fancy sauces or complicated sides, just honest-to-goodness barbecue that respects tradition.
Cash is king here, so leave the credit cards at home and bring your appetite instead.
2. Sam Jones BBQ In Raleigh
Carrying on a family legacy that spans generations, this spot brings authentic whole-hog tradition to the capital city.
Find it at 502 W Lenoir St in Raleigh, where the Jones family recipe continues to draw crowds daily.
Deep smoke penetrates every strand of tender meat, creating layers of flavor that make each sandwich unforgettable.
The lively, no-frills setting buzzes with energy as diners pile in for lunch and dinner service.
What sets this place apart is the commitment to doing things the old way, with patience and respect for the craft.
Sides like hush puppies and collard greens round out the meal perfectly, though the pork remains the undisputed star.
Weekend waits can stretch long, but nobody seems to mind when the reward tastes this good.
Grab extra napkins because this sandwich demands your full attention and gets delightfully messy.
3. The Pik-N-Pig In Carthage
Watching small planes take off while devouring exceptional barbecue creates an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Nestled at 194 Gilliam McConnell Rd in Carthage, this airport-adjacent joint embraces its unique location with pride.
Wood-smoked pulled pork arrives juicy and flavorful, piled high on soft buns that barely contain the generous portions.
Aviation enthusiasts and barbecue lovers unite here, creating a diverse crowd that keeps the atmosphere fun and unpredictable.
The quirky setting adds character, but the food quality keeps people returning week after week.
Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the show as pilots land and take off just yards away from your picnic table.
My cousin swears the pork tastes better when a vintage plane roars overhead, and honestly, he might be onto something.
Don’t skip the banana pudding for dessert, because balancing smoky and sweet flavors makes perfect sense here.
4. B’s Barbecue In Greenville
Some places earn cult status through decades of consistency, and this roadside favorite certainly qualifies.
You’ll spot it at 751 State Rd 1204 in Greenville, where loyal locals form lines that snake around the building.
Eastern-style pork gets chopped to perfection, maintaining just enough texture while absorbing that signature vinegar tang.
The bare-bones setup focuses entirely on what matters most: incredibly delicious barbecue that never disappoints.
Cash-only transactions keep things moving quickly despite the steady stream of hungry customers.
Limited hours mean you need to plan ahead, because missing out would be a genuine tragedy.
Regulars arrive before opening time, knowing that prime cuts disappear fast on busy days.
The simplicity of the menu reflects confidence in the product, and that confidence is completely justified with every savory bite.
5. Grady’s Barbecue In Dudley
Tiny spaces can produce enormous flavors, and this old-school pit spot proves that theory beautifully.
Located at 3096 Arrington Bridge Rd in Dudley, the modest building houses serious barbecue talent.
Hand-chopped, vinegar-kissed pork steals the show with its perfect balance of smoke, tang, and tender texture.
Family recipes passed down through generations guide every decision made in the kitchen and at the pit.
The intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere where strangers often strike up conversations about their favorite menu items.
Pit masters here take pride in maintaining traditions that many modern restaurants have abandoned for convenience.
Portions might seem modest at first glance, but the richness of flavor means a little goes a long way.
Visiting feels like stepping back in time, when barbecue was simpler but somehow tasted more authentic and memorable than ever.
6. Stamey’s Barbecue In Greensboro
Lexington-style tradition runs deep at this Greensboro institution that has satisfied cravings since 1930.
Find it at 2206 W Gate City Blvd in Greensboro, where the aroma of smoking pork greets you from the parking lot.
Perfectly smoked pork gets dressed with a balanced dip that highlights rather than hides the meat’s natural flavors.
Red slaw provides the ideal crunchy, tangy counterpoint to rich, tender pork in every satisfying bite.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about consistency and quality that never wavers across decades.
Families gather here for celebrations, knowing that great barbecue brings people together like nothing else can.
Hush puppies arrive hot and crispy, providing the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra sauce from your plate.
Service stays friendly and efficient even during the lunch rush, when tables fill with everyone from construction workers to business executives.
7. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge In Shelby
Western North Carolina barbecue shines brightest at this classic lodge where shoulder-smoked pork reigns supreme.
Situated at 2000 E Dixon Blvd in Shelby, the restaurant has anchored the community since 1946.
Slightly sweet red sauce distinguishes Western-style barbecue from its Eastern cousin, creating devoted fans who swear by this approach.
Locals pack the dining room during lunch hours, creating a lively buzz of conversation and clinking silverware.
The lodge atmosphere feels welcoming and comfortable, like visiting a favorite relative who always feeds you too much.
Pit-cooked pork develops a beautiful bark on the outside while staying impossibly moist and tender inside.
Last summer, my neighbor drove two hours just to bring back sandwiches for a family reunion, and nobody complained about the trip.
Banana pudding and peach cobbler provide sweet endings that complement the savory main event perfectly every single time.
8. Little Richard’s Bar-N-Que In Winston-Salem
Neighborhood joints earn loyalty through generous portions and consistent quality, both of which this place delivers effortlessly.
Located at 109 S Stratford Rd in Winston-Salem, the restaurant has become a community gathering spot over the years.
Lexington-style portions arrive piled so high that finishing everything becomes a delicious challenge worth attempting.
The loyal following includes everyone from college students to retirees who have eaten here for decades.
Prices remain remarkably reasonable considering the amount of food that lands on your table.
Friendly staff members remember regular customers by name and often know their usual orders by heart.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over meals, turning quick lunches into extended conversations with fellow diners.
Takeout orders stay popular for people feeding hungry crews or bringing barbecue home to families who appreciate authentic flavors and generous servings.
9. Midwood Smokehouse In Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood
Urban settings can produce exceptional barbecue when pit masters respect tradition while embracing modern touches.
Find this gem at 1401 Central Ave in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood, where old meets new deliciously.
Impeccably smoked pork shoulder gets a modern twist without sacrificing the authentic flavors that make barbecue special.
The industrial-chic atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd of young professionals and barbecue purists who appreciate quality craftsmanship.
Multiple sauce options let diners customize their experience, though the pork tastes incredible even without extra dressing.
Craft soda selections provide refreshing accompaniments that cleanse the palate between bites of rich, smoky meat.
Weekend brunches feature creative barbecue applications that surprise and delight adventurous eaters looking for something different.
The restaurant proves that respecting tradition doesn’t mean refusing to evolve or experiment with new ideas and flavor combinations.
10. Lexington Barbecue In Lexington
When a town becomes synonymous with a barbecue style, you know something special happens within its borders.
Located at 100 Smokehouse Ln in Lexington, this Piedmont classic defines what Western-style chopped pork should taste like.
Red slaw pairing isn’t just suggested here but considered essential for the complete barbecue experience.
The restaurant has influenced countless other establishments trying to capture the magic that happens in these kitchens.
Tourists and barbecue pilgrims make special trips just to taste the legendary sandwiches that have earned national recognition.
Simple wooden tables and straightforward service keep the focus squarely on the food, where it belongs.
Ordering can feel overwhelming for first-timers, but staff members patiently explain options and make helpful recommendations.
Leaving without trying the hush puppies would be a mistake, as they rank among the best in the entire state.
11. Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue In Raleigh
Historic downtown establishments carry stories in their walls, and this joint has accumulated nearly a century of them.
Situated at 327 S Wilmington St in Raleigh, the restaurant has served generations of families and government workers.
Old-school chopped pork sandwiches taste exactly like they did decades ago, which is precisely what loyal regulars demand.
The vintage atmosphere transports diners back to simpler times when barbecue meant straightforward, honest food done right.
Politicians and construction workers sit elbow-to-elbow at communal tables, united by their appreciation for exceptional pork.
My grandmother used to bring my dad here as a kid, and now he brings my niece, continuing a delicious family tradition.
Brunswick stew and collard greens round out traditional plates that satisfy both stomach and soul completely.
The restaurant’s survival through economic ups and downs proves that quality and consistency always find an appreciative audience.
12. The Redneck BBQ Lab In Benson
Competition barbecue teams bring serious skills to the table, and this award-winning crew decided to share theirs permanently.
Located at 12101-B NC Hwy 210 in Benson, the roadhouse atmosphere celebrates barbecue culture with pride and personality.
Excellent pulled pork reflects lessons learned on the competition circuit, where perfection separates winners from also-rans.
Trophy displays remind diners that the pit masters here have earned respect from judges and fellow competitors nationwide.
The transition from weekend competitions to full-time restaurant has blessed locals with consistent access to championship-quality barbecue.
Creative sides and house-made sauces show the innovation that competition cooking encourages among talented pit masters.
Friendly staff members happily discuss smoking techniques and recipe secrets with curious customers who appreciate the craft.
Catering services bring the same quality to events, making any gathering feel special with food that impresses even skeptical barbecue snobs.
13. Southport Smokehouse In Southport
Coastal towns surprise barbecue lovers when they deliver smoky excellence that rivals inland pit masters.
Find it at 1102 N Howe St in Southport, where the ocean breeze mingles with wood smoke aromas.
Smoky pulled pork earns devotion from both visitors exploring the charming waterfront and locals who know quality when they taste it.
The roadhouse vibe feels relaxed and welcoming, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring historic downtown streets.
Nautical touches in the decor remind you of the coastal setting without overwhelming the focus on serious barbecue.
Tourists often stumble upon this place by accident and immediately start planning return visits before finishing their meals.
Portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites, fueling afternoon adventures or providing comfort after long beach days.
The combination of location and quality makes this spot a hidden treasure that rewards those who venture off typical tourist paths.
14. Backyard BBQ Pit In Durham
Durham staples earn that status by consistently delivering what the community craves without unnecessary frills or pretension.
Located at 5122 NC-55 in Durham, this pit keeps things refreshingly straightforward and deliciously authentic.
Great chopped and pulled pork options let diners choose their preferred texture while enjoying the same excellent flavor.
Authentic Southern sides like mac and cheese, green beans, and potato salad complete meals that taste like Sunday dinner.
The no-frills approach means your money goes toward quality ingredients and proper smoking techniques rather than fancy decorations.
Regular customers develop favorites among the menu options but often experiment because everything tastes reliably good.
Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices that make frequent visits financially feasible for everyone.
Takeout orders stay popular with people feeding groups or bringing comfort food home after long, exhausting days at work.