Top 30 BBQ Spots In North Carolina Ranked
Growing up in North Carolina, I learned that barbecue isn’t just food – it’s a way of life.
After spending countless weekends driving across the state with my dad searching for the perfect pulled pork, I’ve tasted my way through smokehouses from the mountains to the coast.
North Carolina takes its barbecue seriously, with fierce debates over eastern versus western style sauce that can end friendships faster than you can say “vinegar-based.”
Here are the 30 best BBQ joints that’ll make your taste buds sing Dixie.
1. Lexington Barbecue – The Holy Grail Of Pork
Walking into Lexington Barbecue feels like stepping into barbecue heaven, where the aroma of hickory smoke has been perfuming the air since 1962. Wayne Monk’s legendary establishment serves up western-style barbecue that’s so good, it should come with a warning label for addiction.
The pulled pork here gets kissed by that famous Lexington red slaw and tangy sauce that’ll make you question every other barbecue joint you’ve ever visited. Locals call this place “Monk’s” and treat it like a sacred temple of meat.
Don’t even think about leaving without trying their hush puppies – they’re crispy golden orbs of cornmeal perfection that pair beautifully with their legendary pork shoulders.
2. Skylight Inn BBQ – Where Whole Hogs Rule Supreme
Pete Jones didn’t mess around when he opened Skylight Inn in 1947, and neither do the current owners who still cook whole hogs over wood coals the old-fashioned way. This Ayden institution makes eastern North Carolina barbecue purists weep tears of joy.
The chopped pork here comes with nothing but vinegar-pepper sauce, because when you’re this good at cooking pig, you don’t need fancy fixings to hide behind. Their cornbread is legendary, and the atmosphere screams authentic barbecue joint.
Fair warning: if you’re expecting bells and whistles, look elsewhere. Skylight Inn focuses on one thing – perfect barbecue – and they’ve mastered it better than anyone else in the eastern part of the state.
3. B’s Barbecue – Greenville’s Best Kept Secret
B’s Barbecue proves that sometimes the best treasures come in the most unassuming packages, housed in a tiny building that looks like it might blow away in a strong wind. Bill Ellis started this joint in 1978, and it’s been serving up incredible eastern-style barbecue ever since.
The chopped pork here is so tender it practically melts on your tongue, and their Brunswick stew could make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices. Don’t expect fancy dining – this is barbecue at its most authentic.
Word of advice: bring cash and patience, because B’s operates on barbecue time, not your schedule. Trust me, the wait is worth every smoky, delicious bite you’ll experience.
4. Sam Jones BBQ – Carrying On The Family Legacy
Sam Jones didn’t just inherit his grandfather’s barbecue legacy at Skylight Inn – he took it and ran with it, opening his own place that honors tradition while adding modern touches. This third-generation pitmaster knows his way around a whole hog better than most people know their own kitchens.
The barbecue here maintains that classic eastern North Carolina style, but Sam’s attention to detail elevates every bite to artwork status. Their sides deserve special mention, especially the mac and cheese that’s become legendary among locals.
What sets Sam Jones apart is the perfect balance of respecting barbecue traditions while creating an atmosphere that welcomes both barbecue veterans and newcomers to the wonderful world of North Carolina pig.
5. Clyde Cooper’s – Raleigh’s Barbecue Institution
Since 1938, Clyde Cooper’s has been serving up barbecue in downtown Raleigh, surviving everything from the Great Depression to modern food trends that come and go like bad haircuts. This place sticks to what works: excellent barbecue and no-nonsense service.
Their eastern-style chopped pork comes with that signature vinegar-based sauce that’ll wake up your taste buds and make them dance. The atmosphere feels like stepping back in time, complete with checkered tablecloths and that authentic barbecue joint vibe.
Pro tip: try their barbecue nachos if you’re feeling adventurous, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with the classic chopped pork plate that’s been making Raleigh residents happy for over eight decades.
6. Southern Smoke BBQ – Garner’s Rising Star
Southern Smoke BBQ burst onto the scene and immediately started giving the old-timers a run for their money, proving that newcomers can master the ancient art of barbecue with enough passion and skill. Owner Brandon Holt treats barbecue like a science experiment that always ends deliciously.
Their brisket rivals anything you’ll find in Texas, while their pulled pork stays true to North Carolina traditions. The burnt ends here are so good, they should probably be illegal in several states.
What really sets Southern Smoke apart is their willingness to experiment with flavors while respecting barbecue fundamentals. Their loaded mac and cheese has achieved legendary status among locals who know good food when they taste it.
7. Grady’s BBQ – Dudley’s Hidden Gem
Grady’s BBQ operates in the tiny town of Dudley, where everybody knows everybody, and the barbecue is so good it draws people from hours away. Stephen Grady runs this place like barbecue is his religion, and honestly, after tasting his food, you might convert too.
The eastern-style barbecue here gets cooked over hardwood coals, resulting in meat so tender it falls apart if you look at it wrong. Their fried chicken deserves an honorable mention for being crispy perfection that rivals the barbecue for attention.
Don’t let the small-town location fool you – Grady’s serves barbecue that could hold its own against any big-city joint. Just remember to bring your appetite and your patience, because good barbecue takes time.
8. Bum’s Restaurant – Ayden’s Other Barbecue Legend
Bum’s Restaurant shares Ayden with the famous Skylight Inn, creating a barbecue rivalry that benefits everyone who loves perfectly smoked pork. Latham “Bum” Dennis opened this place in 1960, and it’s been serving up incredible eastern-style barbecue ever since.
The chopped pork here comes with that classic vinegar-pepper sauce that defines eastern North Carolina barbecue, but what really sets Bum’s apart is their fried chicken that’s crispy enough to make angels weep. Their cornbread deserves its own fan club.
Eating at Bum’s feels like joining a family dinner where everyone’s welcome and the food is always perfect. The atmosphere is pure small-town charm, and the barbecue lives up to every bit of hype it receives.
9. Wilber’s Barbecue – Goldsboro’s Crown Jewel
Wilber’s Barbecue has been making Goldsboro famous for all the right reasons since 1962, when Wilber Shirley decided the world needed another place to get perfect eastern North Carolina barbecue. Spoiler alert: he was absolutely right.
Their whole hog barbecue gets chopped to perfection and served with that tangy vinegar sauce that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. The Brunswick stew here could warm your soul on the coldest winter day.
What makes Wilber’s special is their commitment to doing things the traditional way, even when modern shortcuts tempt them. Their banana pudding provides the perfect sweet ending to a meal that’ll have you planning your next visit before you finish eating.
10. Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q – Willow Spring’s Best
Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q operates out of Willow Spring like a barbecue oasis in the middle of nowhere, drawing crowds who’ve heard whispers about their incredible food. The Stephenson family treats barbecue like an art form that requires patience, skill, and lots of love.
Their pork shoulders get smoked to perfection, creating meat so tender you could cut it with a plastic fork. The eastern-style sauce here strikes the perfect balance between tangy and spicy, complementing the meat without overpowering it.
Don’t sleep on their sides – the coleslaw provides the perfect cool contrast to the smoky meat, and their hush puppies are golden nuggets of cornmeal happiness. This place proves that great barbecue can thrive anywhere passion meets skill.
11. Parker’s Barbecue – Wilson’s Time-Tested Favorite
Parker’s Barbecue has been serving Wilson since 1946, proving that some things really do get better with age, like fine wine or perfectly smoked pork shoulders. The Parker family built this place on the foundation of excellent barbecue and genuine hospitality.
Their eastern-style barbecue maintains that traditional chopped texture and gets dressed with vinegar-pepper sauce that’s been perfected over decades. The fried chicken here deserves special recognition for being crispy outside and juicy inside.
What sets Parker’s apart is their consistency – you can visit on any day and expect the same high-quality barbecue that’s made them a Wilson institution. Their sweet tea is legendary, and their banana pudding provides the perfect finishing touch.
12. Morris Barbecue – Ahoskie’s Best Kept Secret
Morris Barbecue operates in Ahoskie like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by barbecue enthusiasts willing to venture off the beaten path. The Morris family has been perfecting their craft for generations, and it shows in every bite.
Their whole hog barbecue gets cooked over hardwood coals, creating that distinctive smoky flavor that defines great eastern North Carolina barbecue. The chopped pork here is so good, it could convert vegetarians to the dark side.
Don’t expect fancy decorations or trendy atmosphere – Morris Barbecue focuses entirely on what matters most: incredible food served with genuine warmth. Their cornbread is fluffy perfection, and their barbecue will haunt your dreams in the best possible way.
13. Red Bridges Barbecue – Shelby’s Western Style Champion
Red Bridges Barbecue has been flying the flag for western North Carolina barbecue in Shelby since 1946, serving up pork shoulders with that distinctive red sauce that makes western-style barbecue special. The Bridges family knows their way around a smoker better than most people know their own backyards.
Their pulled pork gets topped with red slaw and served on buns that somehow manage to contain all that delicious mess. The sauce here strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, complementing the smoky meat beautifully.
What makes Red Bridges special is their commitment to western North Carolina traditions while maintaining the highest quality standards. Their hush puppies are crispy golden perfection, and their barbecue represents everything great about Piedmont-style cooking.
14. Ed Mitchell’s Que – Raleigh’s Whole Hog Master
Ed Mitchell brought his whole hog expertise from eastern North Carolina to Raleigh, creating a barbecue destination that honors traditional methods while serving urban crowds. Mitchell’s reputation as a pitmaster precedes him like smoke from his legendary fires.
The barbecue here gets cooked the old-fashioned way – whole hogs over hardwood coals – resulting in meat so tender and flavorful it’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about barbecue. Their vinegar-based sauce lets the pork shine.
Mitchell’s commitment to traditional methods extends to his sides, where cornbread and coleslaw complement the barbecue perfectly. This place proves that authentic barbecue can thrive anywhere passion and skill intersect, regardless of location or modern trends.
15. The Pit – Raleigh’s Upscale Barbecue Experience
The Pit brings barbecue to downtown Raleigh with an upscale twist that somehow manages to honor traditions while creating a modern dining experience. This place proves that barbecue can be both authentic and sophisticated without losing its soul.
Their whole hog barbecue maintains eastern North Carolina traditions, but the presentation and atmosphere elevate the entire experience. The bourbon selection here rivals many dedicated whiskey bars, creating perfect pairings with smoky meat.
What sets The Pit apart is their ability to attract both barbecue purists and newcomers to the genre. Their sides are elevated comfort food, and their desserts provide sweet endings that complement the savory perfection of their barbecue beautifully.
16. Prime Barbecue – Knightdale’s Modern Marvel
Prime Barbecue opened in Knightdale with big ambitions and the skills to back them up, quickly establishing themselves as serious players in the competitive North Carolina barbecue scene. Their modern approach respects traditions while embracing innovation.
The brisket here rivals anything you’ll find in Texas, while their pulled pork stays true to North Carolina roots. Their burnt ends are crispy nuggets of smoky perfection that disappear faster than free samples at Costco.
What makes Prime special is their attention to detail in everything from meat preparation to side dishes. Their mac and cheese has achieved legendary status among locals, and their barbecue nachos represent creative comfort food at its finest.
17. Haywood Smokehouse – Mountain Barbecue At Its Best
Haywood Smokehouse brings serious barbecue to the North Carolina mountains, proving that great smoked meat isn’t limited to the coastal plains or Piedmont regions. Their location in Waynesville puts them in beautiful surroundings that match their beautiful food.
The barbecue here combines traditional North Carolina methods with mountain influences, creating unique flavors that reflect their geographic location. Their ribs fall off the bone, and their pulled pork maintains perfect texture and flavor balance.
Mountain barbecue might sound like an oxymoron to some folks, but Haywood Smokehouse proves that passion and skill can create excellent barbecue anywhere. Their sides reflect local influences, and their atmosphere captures mountain hospitality perfectly.
18. Midwood Smokehouse – Charlotte’s Barbecue Destination
Midwood Smokehouse brings authentic barbecue to Charlotte’s urban landscape, creating a neighborhood joint that feels like it’s been there forever despite being relatively new. Their commitment to quality barbecue shines through in every dish they serve.
The brisket here gets smoked to perfection, developing that coveted bark while maintaining tender, juicy meat inside. Their pulled pork honors North Carolina traditions, and their ribs could make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices.
What sets Midwood apart is their ability to create authentic barbecue atmosphere in a city setting. Their beer selection complements the smoky meat perfectly, and their sides are elevated comfort food that enhances rather than competes with the barbecue.
19. The Smoke Pit – Concord’s Barbecue Surprise
The Smoke Pit operates in Concord like a barbecue oasis that locals want to keep secret from the rest of the world. Their unassuming exterior hides some of the best smoked meat you’ll find anywhere in the Charlotte metro area.
Their pulled pork maintains perfect texture and gets enhanced by house-made sauces that complement rather than mask the smoky meat flavors. The brisket here develops beautiful bark while staying tender and juicy inside, creating barbecue perfection.
Don’t expect fancy atmosphere or trendy decorations – The Smoke Pit focuses entirely on what matters most: incredible barbecue served with genuine hospitality. Their sides are comfort food classics, and their prices won’t break the bank while delivering maximum flavor.
20. Backyard BBQ Pit – Durham’s Neighborhood Favorite
Backyard BBQ Pit serves Durham like a neighborhood joint where everyone’s welcome and the barbecue is always on point. Their name suggests casual dining, but their commitment to quality barbecue is anything but casual or ordinary.
The pulled pork here gets smoked to tender perfection and served with sauces that enhance the meat’s natural flavors. Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and their brisket rivals anything you’ll find in barbecue capitals.
What makes Backyard BBQ special is their consistency and genuine hospitality that makes every customer feel like family. Their sides are comfort food classics executed perfectly, and their atmosphere captures everything great about neighborhood barbecue joints done right.
21. Mr. Barbecue – Winston-Salem’s Barbecue Institution
Mr. Barbecue has been serving Winston-Salem since the 1980s, building a reputation for consistent quality and generous portions that keep customers coming back for more. Their commitment to traditional barbecue methods shows in every bite they serve.
The pulled pork here gets smoked over hickory wood, developing deep flavors that pair perfectly with their house-made sauces. Their ribs are meaty and tender, falling off the bone with minimal effort while maintaining perfect texture.
What sets Mr. Barbecue apart is their ability to maintain high standards while serving large crowds efficiently. Their sides complement the barbecue beautifully, and their prices remain reasonable despite rising costs that plague many restaurants in today’s economy.
22. Countryside BBQ – Marion’s Mountain Gem
Countryside BBQ brings authentic barbecue to Marion, proving that excellent smoked meat can thrive in North Carolina’s mountain regions just as well as anywhere else. Their location provides beautiful scenery to accompany their beautiful food.
The barbecue here reflects both traditional North Carolina methods and mountain influences, creating unique flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. Their pulled pork is tender and flavorful, enhanced by house-made sauces that complement the smoky meat perfectly.
Mountain barbecue might surprise some folks, but Countryside BBQ demonstrates that passion and skill can create excellent barbecue anywhere. Their sides reflect local influences, and their atmosphere captures mountain hospitality that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
23. OkieDokie’s – Swannanoa’s Quirky Barbecue Joint
OkieDokie’s brings personality and excellent barbecue to Swannanoa, creating a dining experience that’s as memorable for the atmosphere as it is for the food. Their quirky name hints at the fun you’ll have eating their serious barbecue.
The smoked meats here get prepared with care and attention to detail that shows in every bite. Their pulled pork maintains perfect texture, and their ribs are tender enough to fall off the bone while retaining great flavor.
What makes OkieDokie’s special is their ability to combine great barbecue with a fun atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration. Their sides are comfort food classics, and their hospitality reflects the best of North Carolina mountain friendliness and genuine warmth.
24. Phil’s BBQ – Black Mountain’s Hidden Treasure
Phil’s BBQ operates in Black Mountain like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by barbecue enthusiasts exploring North Carolina’s beautiful mountain regions. Their commitment to quality barbecue rivals any joint in the state, regardless of location.
The barbecue here gets smoked using traditional methods that create deep, complex flavors in every bite. Their pulled pork is tender and juicy, enhanced by house-made sauces that complement rather than overpower the smoky meat flavors.
Mountain barbecue might seem unusual to some folks, but Phil’s BBQ proves that excellent smoked meat can thrive anywhere passion meets skill. Their atmosphere captures mountain charm perfectly, and their hospitality makes every customer feel like an old friend.
25. JD’s BBQ – Gamewell’s Local Favorite
JD’s BBQ serves the small community of Gamewell with big flavors and genuine hospitality that makes every customer feel like family. Their location might be off the beaten path, but their barbecue quality rivals anywhere in the state.
The smoked meats here get prepared with care and attention that shows in every tender, flavorful bite. Their pulled pork maintains perfect texture, and their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender while retaining all their smoky goodness.
Small-town barbecue joints like JD’s represent everything great about North Carolina’s food culture – genuine hospitality, quality ingredients, and cooking methods that honor traditions. Their sides are comfort food classics, and their atmosphere captures small-town charm that’s increasingly rare in today’s world.
26. Country BBQ – Greensboro’s Comfort Food Champion
Country BBQ brings down-home barbecue to Greensboro with generous portions and prices that won’t break the bank while delivering maximum flavor. Their commitment to traditional barbecue methods shows in every dish they serve to hungry customers.
The pulled pork here gets smoked to tender perfection and served with house-made sauces that enhance the meat’s natural flavors beautifully. Their ribs are meaty and tender, falling off the bone with minimal effort required.
What makes Country BBQ special is their ability to serve consistently good barbecue at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere. Their sides are comfort food classics executed perfectly, and their hospitality reflects the best of North Carolina’s barbecue tradition and genuine warmth.
27. Thig’s BBQ House – Local Legend Status
Thig’s BBQ House operates like a local legend that barbecue enthusiasts discover through word-of-mouth recommendations from friends who know good food when they taste it. Their reputation for excellent barbecue spreads faster than gossip in small towns.
The barbecue here gets prepared using time-tested methods that create consistently excellent results in every batch they smoke. Their pulled pork is tender and flavorful, enhanced by sauces that complement the smoky meat without overpowering it.
What sets Thig’s apart is their commitment to doing things the right way, even when shortcuts might be easier or more profitable. Their sides are comfort food classics, and their atmosphere captures everything great about authentic barbecue joints that focus on food over flash.
28. Ray Nathan’s – Barbecue with Heart And Soul
Ray Nathan’s serves barbecue with the kind of heart and soul that makes every meal feel like a family gathering where everyone’s welcome at the table. Their commitment to quality and hospitality shines through in every aspect of the dining experience.
The smoked meats here get prepared with care and attention that shows in every tender, flavorful bite they serve. Their pulled pork maintains perfect texture, and their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender while retaining all their delicious smoky goodness.
What makes Ray Nathan’s special is their ability to combine excellent barbecue with genuine hospitality that makes every customer feel valued and appreciated. Their sides complement the barbecue perfectly, and their atmosphere captures the warmth and friendliness that defines great barbecue joints.
29. The Smokehouse At Steve’s – Unique Barbecue Experience
The Smokehouse at Steve’s offers a unique barbecue experience that combines excellent smoked meats with an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and memorable for all the right reasons. Their approach to barbecue honors traditions while creating something distinctly their own.
The barbecue here gets smoked using methods that create deep, complex flavors in every bite they serve to appreciative customers. Their pulled pork is tender and juicy, enhanced by house-made sauces that complement the smoky meat beautifully.
What sets The Smokehouse apart is their attention to detail in everything from meat preparation to customer service that makes every meal special. Their sides are elevated comfort food, and their atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying excellent barbecue with friends and family.
30. 12 Bones Smokehouse – Asheville’s Barbecue Sensation
12 Bones Smokehouse put Asheville on the barbecue map with their innovative approach to smoked meats that honors traditions while embracing creativity. Their reputation extends far beyond North Carolina’s borders, attracting barbecue pilgrims from across the country.
The ribs here are legendary – tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection that makes every bite a revelation. Their pulled pork maintains excellent texture, and their brisket rivals anything you’ll find in Texas barbecue capitals.
What makes 12 Bones special is their ability to innovate while respecting barbecue fundamentals that have made North Carolina famous. Their sides are creative comfort food, and their atmosphere captures Asheville’s unique mountain culture perfectly while serving world-class barbecue.