10 North Carolina BBQ Buffets Locals Consider Their Go-To Spots

North Carolina takes its barbecue seriously, and locals know exactly where to find the best all-you-can-eat spreads. From vinegar-soaked pork to smoky ribs and all the fixings, these buffets serve up authentic flavors that keep families coming back generation after generation.

I’ve gathered the top spots that locals swear by for a true taste of Carolina barbecue tradition.

1. Ralph’s Barbecue

Since 1941, Ralph’s has been perfecting the art of whole hog barbecue in Weldon. Pork shoulders cook low and slow over oak and hickory wood, creating meat so flavorful it needs nothing but their tangy vinegar sauce.

Brunswick stew simmers alongside the main attraction, thick with vegetables and smoky meat. I find that three generations of perfecting their craft shows in every single bite you take at this legendary establishment.

2. Bum’s Restaurant

Four generations have kept the fires burning at Bum’s in Ayden, where whole hogs still cook overnight in brick pits. Cash is the only payment they accept, which tells you everything about how traditional this place really is.

Yellow cornbread and collard greens round out plates piled high with signature chopped pork. The authentic atmosphere transports you back decades, making every visit feel like stepping into North Carolina’s barbecue history.

3. Grandsons Buffet

Walking into Grandsons feels exactly like attending a massive family reunion in Hope Mills. Pulled pork displays a beautiful smoke ring that barbecue enthusiasts dream about, proving the meat was cooked low and slow to perfection.

Country-style steak and hand-breaded chicken give you options beyond traditional barbecue. Save room for their banana pudding crowned with fresh meringue that towers like fluffy clouds over creamy custard and vanilla wafers.

4. Casey’s Buffet BBQ & Home Cooking

Coastal Wilmington has a treasure that locals guard like a secret recipe. Casey’s brings Eastern North Carolina’s signature style to the table with perfectly tender pulled pork that practically melts on your tongue.

The fried chicken here rivals anything your grandmother ever made, with a golden crust that crackles with every bite. Crowds pack this place regularly, so arriving early means you’ll get first dibs on the freshest batches straight from the kitchen.

5. Fuller’s Old Fashioned BBQ & Buffet

Fayetteville locals have gathered at Fuller’s for years, treating it like a second home. Whole hog barbecue cooks low and slow until the meat achieves that perfect balance between tender and smoky.

Crispy fried chicken competes for attention alongside the star attraction, while Southern sides complete every plate. Both visitors and longtime residents pack the tables here, creating a bustling atmosphere that proves authentic Carolina barbecue never goes out of style.

6. McCall’s BBQ & Seafood

Goldsboro’s McCall’s does something brilliant by combining land and sea on one spectacular buffet. Eastern North Carolina’s vinegar-based barbecue meets fresh-caught seafood, creating a spread that satisfies every craving you might have.

Pulled pork shares space with golden fried shrimp and crispy hush puppies that crunch perfectly. Homestyle sides bridge the gap between barbecue tradition and coastal cuisine, making this spot unique among Carolina buffets.

7. Gardner’s Barbecue (Flagship 301)

Since 1972, Gardner’s has anchored Rocky Mount’s barbecue scene with unwavering dedication to Eastern-style whole hog. Fresh meat comes properly smoked with that distinctive tang from their vinegar sauce cutting through the richness.

Sweet tea flows freely, washing down bites of homemade cornbread that crumbles just right. I appreciate how they’ve maintained their standards for over fifty years, never cutting corners or chasing trendy flavors.

8. Sims Country Bar-B-Que

Western North Carolina’s style shines at Sims in Granite Falls, where tomato-based sauces replace the Eastern vinegar tradition. Smoked meats get glazed with distinctive red sauce that’s sweeter and thicker than what you’ll find along the coast.

Friday nights transform dinner into entertainment when live bluegrass music and clogging performances take the stage. Food and culture blend seamlessly here, creating an experience that feeds both your stomach and soul.

9. Parker’s Barbecue

Family recipes passed down through generations keep Parker’s at the top of local favorites lists. Wood-smoked whole hog gets chopped by hand, ensuring every piece carries that perfect smoke flavor and tender texture.

Coleslaw provides cool contrast to rich barbecue, while cornbread sticks offer the ideal vehicle for soaking up sauce. I love how they’ve stayed true to traditional methods even as barbecue trends come and go around them.

10. Wilber’s Barbecue

Wilber’s reputation extends far beyond its hometown, drawing barbecue pilgrims from across the state. Pit-cooked whole hog receives the respect it deserves, emerging tender and infused with smoke after hours over burning coals.

Vinegar pepper sauce adds just enough kick without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor. Traditional Southern sides complete the experience, reminding you why Eastern Carolina barbecue earned its legendary status among barbecue styles nationwide.