It is no secret that North Carolinians love their barbecue, and one might say the long history of eating this smoky, tender treat has made them connoisseurs. So when they offer up their most-recommended barbecue restaurants — you might want to pay attention. Without further ado, here are seven of the choicest BBQ restaurants in the state.

1. Parker's Barbecue, Wilson

Parker's Barbecue, 2514 US-301, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Parker's Barbecue Wilson/Facebook
Amazingly, Parker’s has been serving outstanding chicken, barbeque, and sides for more than 75 years.
This yummy fried chicken platter comes in white or dark meat.
Parker's Barbecue Wilson/Facebook
It is also available by the bag — chicken livers too.

2. Prissy Polly's BBQ Restaurant, Kernersville

Prissy Polly's BBQ, 729 NC Highway 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284, USA
Prissy Polly's BBQ Restaurant/Facebook
Prissy Polly’s has everything you would expect from an excellent barbecue restaurant.
Some of our favorites are the southern sides of collards and fried okra, and the onion rings are out of this world.
Prissy Polly's BBQ Restaurant/Facebook

3. Morris Barbecue, Hookerton

Morris Barbeque, 891 Morris Bbq Rd, Hookerton, NC 28538, USA
Sean L/FourSquare
Morris Barbecue is so good it has lasted almost 67 years, beginning with the owner selling his barbeque down the streets of Hookerton on his mule and cart.
Full of cherished memories and stories from diners, it still has folks lining up today.
Morris Barbecue
By the slab, the plate, or the pint, orders can be called in throughout the week to dine in or carry out on Saturday only.

4. Wilbers BBQ, Goldsboro

Wilber's Barbecue, 4172 US-70, Goldsboro, NC 27534, USA
Wilbers BBQ/Facebook
Wilber’s staff cooks whole hogs all night long in open pits over glowing oak embers.

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Meals include two sides and hushpuppies.
Wilbers BBQ/Facebook
Can you just imagine the deliciousness of these ribs followed by a sip of an ice-cold brew?

5. The Redneck BBQ Lab, Benson

The Redneck BBQ Lab/Facebook
Since 2017, the lab owners have focused on North Carolina barbecue with a scientific twist, featuring innovations and new recipes.
Meats come on the bone, boneless, or on bread, and you can up your orders with juicy homemade sides.
The Redneck BBQ Lab/Facebook

6. Little Richard's Barbeque, Clemmons

Little Richard's Bar-B-Que, 6470 Stadium Dr, Clemmons, NC 27012, USA
Little Richard’s Bar-N-Que, 109 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA
Little Richard's BBQ, 5182 Reidsville Rd, Walkertown, NC 27051, USA
Little Richards Smokehouse BBQ, 916 S State St, Yadkinville, NC 27055, USA
Little Richards BBQ, 455 Frederick St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA
Little Richard's Barbeque/Facebook
Founded in 1991, Little Richard's offers a total of five cozy barbecue houses in the area, so more folks can experience the smoky love.
From Pitmaster Plates to sandwiches, Mexican entrees, and sides, it is tempting to skip the yummy appetizers.
Little Richard's Barbeque/Facebook

7. JD's Smokehouse, Connelly Springs

JD's Smokehouse, 2731 Morganton Blvd SW, Lenoir, NC 28645, USA
JD's Smokehouse, 500 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, USA
JD's Smokehouse/Facebook
The family-owned restaurant and catering service offers some of the best barbecue around as all of the smoked meats are dry rubbed.
The plates come with two sides, sauce and bread.
JD's Smokehouse
Enjoy ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket, on sandwiches and other combinations.

Have you chosen one of the most recommended BBQ restaurants in the state to try? And if that’s not enough, take the most delicious North Carolina road trip to nine hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants:

The Most Delicious North Carolina Road Trip Takes You To 9 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants

 

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More to Explore

Dining In North Carolina

Beth C. | March 12, 2024

What are some of the best restaurants to try in North Carolina?

When it comes to unique places to dine, North Carolina is a definite contender. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of some of the best restaurants to try in NC:

  • Double D's Coffee & Desserts in Asheville
  • Little Richard's Bar-N-Q in Winston-Salem
  • Daniel Boone Inn in Boone
  • Mike's Farm in Beulaville
  • Floyd's 1921 Restaurant in Morehead City
  • B's BBQ in Greenville
  • Pass The Salt in Currituck
  • Hillbilly Hide-A-Way in Walnut Cove
  • Gary's Down East Seafood in Arapahoe
  • Angus Barn in Raleigh

 

Of course, these are just a handful of the unique restaurants you can visit in NC. Curious about what you can expect from each of the places we listed above? Head on over to our full article outlining some of the most unique and best restaurants in North Carolina.

Where can I find the best BBQ in North Carolina?

It's no secret that North Carolina is known for its mouthwatering barbecue. For the best BBQ in North Carolina, check out any of the following establishments:

  • Green River Bar-B-Que in Saluda
  • Ray's Country Smokehouse Grill in Gastonia
  • Jon G's Barbecue in Peachland
  • Studds and Sons BBQ in Carthage
  • Grady's Barbecue in Dudley
  • B's Barbecue in Greenville
  • Bunn's Barbecue in Windsor
  • Currituck BBQ Company in Barco
  • Sooey's BBQ and Rb Shack in Nags Head

 

There's just nothing like homemade barbecue -- and all the delicious sides it's served with! To learn more about what makes each of the above eateries so special, check out our full guide to the best barbecue in North Carolina. And don't forget your appetite!

What foods are famous in NC?

There are certain foods that are downright iconic in North Carolina, including the following:

  • Barbecue
  • Fried green tomatoes (often served with pimento cheese)
  • Deviled eggs
  • Seafood from the coast
  • Shrimp and grits

 

One thing's for sure -- you'll love all the homemade Southern food that North Carolina has to offer!

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