This North Carolina Eatery’s Fried Pickles Are Stealing The Show This Month
Honestly, there are few moments in life more surprising than biting into a perfectly fried pickle while watching a Cessna touch down on an active runway. That’s exactly what happened to me during my first visit to Pik N Pig, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Located in the rolling countryside at 194 Gilliam McConnell Rd, Carthage, this family owned barbecue joint sits right beside a working airstrip where small planes taxi up for lunch like they’re pulling into a drive through. Where North Carolina flavor meets Southern charm, this restaurant has it all.
The menu features everything from tender brisket to smoked chicken, but lately, their fried pickles have been stealing the spotlight and turning first time visitors into regulars. Crispy, tangy, and served with homemade ranch, they’re the kind of appetizer that makes you order a second round before your main course arrives.
After a devastating fire in 2021, the community rallied to bring this beloved spot back, and it reopened in February 2023 with the same warmth and flavor fans remember.
1. The Fried Pickles That Started It All
Walking up to the counter, I noticed nearly every table had a basket of these golden beauties. The pickles arrive hot, coated in a light tempura batter that shatters with the first bite.
Each chip delivers that perfect contrast between crunchy exterior and tangy, juicy center that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
What sets these apart is the homemade ranch dressing served alongside. Creamy, herby, and just the right amount of garlicky, it cools down the slight heat from the frying oil.
The kitchen uses a seasoned batter that adds subtle spice without overwhelming the natural pickle flavor.
I watched a family at the next table order three baskets in one sitting. Their youngest daughter kept reaching across the table for more, and her dad eventually just slid the whole basket her way.
That’s the kind of addictive quality these pickles possess.
Servers recommend them as a starter, but honestly, they could be a meal on their own. The portion is generous, easily enough for two or three people to share.
Pair them with sweet tea, and you’ve got the ultimate Southern snack experience.
2. Hickory Smoked Brisket Worth The Drive
Brisket at Pik N Pig isn’t just meat on a plate. It’s a labor of love that starts hours before the doors open.
Each cut gets rubbed with a proprietary blend of seasonings, then settles into the smoker where hickory wood works its magic slowly and steadily.
The result is tender, juicy slices with a beautiful smoke ring around the edges. I ordered the brisket plate on my second visit, and the first bite made me close my eyes.
The meat practically melted on my tongue, releasing layers of smoky, peppery, slightly sweet flavors that built with each chew.
Several reviewers mentioned choosing brisket over other meats, and after tasting it myself, I understand why. The fat renders perfectly, keeping everything moist without being greasy.
The bark on the outside provides just enough texture to complement the tender interior.
Pair it with their vinegar based sauce or enjoy it plain. Either way, you’re getting authentic Carolina barbecue that respects tradition while delivering bold flavor.
One pilot who flew in from Florida specifically for lunch called it the best brisket he’d had outside Texas, and I’m inclined to agree.
3. Dining On An Active Airstrip
Imagine enjoying pulled pork while a Piper Cub rolls past your table. That’s the everyday reality at this place, and it never gets old.
The outdoor seating area sits mere feet from the runway, giving diners a front row view of aviation action throughout their meal.
During my visit, three planes landed within an hour. Each time, conversations paused as everyone turned to watch the approach and touchdown.
Kids pressed against the railing, pointing excitedly, while adults snapped photos and videos.
The covered patio features overhead heaters for cooler days, making it comfortable year round. Tables are spaced generously, and servers navigate the area with practiced ease, balancing trays of food while keeping an eye on incoming aircraft.
It’s organized chaos in the best possible way.
Inside seating offers aviation themed decor with memorabilia covering the walls. World War I and World War II displays add historical context, reminding visitors of the rich flying heritage in this region.
But most people choose the patio because watching planes beats staring at walls any day. This unique setting transforms an ordinary lunch into an experience worth driving out of your way for.
4. Hush Puppies With Jalapeño Butter
Before my server walked away, she leaned in with a knowing smile. She told me to absolutely try the jalapeño butter with the hush puppies, and I’m forever grateful for that tip.
These aren’t your average cornmeal fritters.
Each hush puppy emerges from the fryer perfectly golden, crispy on the outside and tender within. They arrive piping hot, steam escaping when you break one open. The subtle sweetness of the cornmeal batter provides the perfect canvas for what comes next.
That jalapeño butter is something special. Creamy, spreadable, with just enough kick to wake up your palate without setting your mouth on fire.
It melts into the warm hush puppies, creating little pockets of spicy, buttery goodness that elevate the entire experience.
I watched a biker group at a nearby table order extra butter on the side. They were slathering it on everything, from hush puppies to brisket to even their baked beans. One guy declared it the best condiment he’d discovered all year.
Multiple reviews mention this combination specifically, and for good reason. It’s become a signature element that keeps people coming back and recommending the place to friends.
5. Banana Pudding That Ends Meals Perfectly
After demolishing a plate of smoked meats and sides, I almost skipped dessert. Then I remembered the glowing reviews about something called Nanner Puddin, and curiosity won. Best decision of the entire meal.
This isn’t store bought pudding dumped into a bowl. Everything gets made fresh in house daily, and you can taste the difference immediately.
Layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and creamy custard create a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother.
The pudding itself strikes the perfect balance between sweet and rich. It’s not cloyingly sugary like some versions I’ve tried elsewhere.
The bananas add natural sweetness and a slight tang that cuts through the richness, while the wafers provide satisfying crunch.
A dollop of whipped cream crowns the top, light and airy, adding one more layer of indulgence. I scraped my bowl clean, something I rarely do with desserts.
The couple next to me ordered it to go, planning to enjoy it later at home.
Several pilots mentioned timing their flights specifically to arrive for lunch and banana pudding. That’s the kind of reputation this dessert has earned over the years.
6. Community Support After The Fire
In 2021, flames tore through the original building, destroying decades of memories and nearly ending this beloved institution. The devastation could have been the final chapter, but the community had other plans.
Within days, donations started pouring in from locals, regular customers, and even people who had only visited once.
The fundraising campaign exceeded thirty thousand dollars, a testament to how deeply this place had woven itself into the fabric of Moore County. People shared stories on social media about first dates, family reunions, and Sunday lunches that had happened within those walls.
The outpouring of love was overwhelming.
Janie and Ashley Sheppard, the owners, could have walked away. Instead, they chose to rebuild, driven by the support and encouragement from their community. Construction took time, but every step forward was celebrated by eager fans counting down the days until reopening.
In February 2023, the doors opened again to a line of customers that stretched across the parking lot. Some people had driven hours just to be there on opening day.
The new building honors the old while incorporating modern touches, but the heart and soul remain unchanged.
7. Four Decades Of Authentic Carolina BBQ
Longevity in the restaurant business doesn’t happen by accident. For more than forty years, this spot has been serving up authentic Carolina barbecue, building a reputation one plate at a time. That kind of staying power speaks to consistent quality and genuine care for customers.
The recipes haven’t changed much over the decades. Boston butts still get hand rubbed with the same blend of seasonings that was perfected years ago.
The smoking process remains slow and patient, taking up to ten hours to achieve that perfect tenderness and flavor.
Walking through the door feels like stepping into a time capsule where traditional methods still reign supreme. There’s no rushing, no cutting corners, no modernizing for the sake of efficiency. The food takes as long as it takes because that’s how you do it right.
Regular customers talk about bringing their kids, who now bring their own kids. Multi generational loyalty like that is rare in today’s world.
It happens when a place becomes more than just a restaurant, when it transforms into a gathering spot that holds memories and creates traditions.
The staff includes people who have been here for years, learning the craft and carrying forward the legacy with pride.
8. Operating Hours And Planning Your Visit
Timing matters when planning a trip here. This restaurant at 194 Gilliam McConnell Rd, Carthage, operates Thursday through Sunday, opening at eleven in the morning and serving until four in the afternoon.
Those limited hours mean you need to plan accordingly, especially if you’re driving from a distance. I arrived on a Saturday around eleven thirty, thinking I’d beat the rush. Wrong.
The parking lot was already packed with cars and motorcycles, and a line had formed near the entrance. Luckily, the staff moves efficiently, and I was seated within fifteen minutes despite the crowd.
The Thursday through Sunday schedule allows the kitchen team to focus on quality over quantity. It also gives them time to prepare properly, smoking meats overnight and making everything fresh for the limited service window. This approach prioritizes excellence over convenience, and it shows in every bite.
Locals know to arrive right when doors open or risk waiting. Pilots flying in often call ahead to check on crowds and plan their arrival accordingly.
One couple I spoke with makes the drive from Raleigh every other Sunday, timing their departure to arrive by eleven fifteen.
If you’re visiting for the first time, consider a weekday for smaller crowds or embrace the weekend energy with its bustling atmosphere.
9. The Family Behind The Flavors
Janie and Ashley Sheppard aren’t just owners. They’re the heart and soul behind every plate that leaves the kitchen.
Their dedication shows in the details, from the seasoning blends to the way staff greets every customer like an old friend.
Each person plays a vital role in creating the welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back. They work together like a well oiled machine, anticipating needs and solving problems before they become issues.
During my visit, I watched my server navigate the dining room with grace, checking on tables, refilling drinks, and chatting with regulars. She knew names, remembered previous orders, and made everyone feel valued.
That personal touch is becoming rare in modern dining, making it even more precious when you find it.
The kitchen manager oversees the smoking process, ensuring every brisket and pork butt meets exacting standards. His experience shows in the consistent quality that customers have come to expect.
This family approach creates an environment where staff care deeply about the food and the experience they’re providing.
10. Sides That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
While smoked meats grab the headlines, the sides at Pik N Pig deserve serious recognition. These aren’t afterthoughts tossed on the plate to fill space. Each one gets the same attention and care as the main attractions.
The baked beans arrive sweet and smoky, with bits of pork mixed throughout. They’re thick and rich, the kind that stick to your ribs and make you feel satisfied.
Green beans come seasoned simply, allowing their natural flavor to shine without being drowned in bacon grease like some Southern versions.
Potato salad divides opinions, as it should. Some folks love the mustard forward tanginess, while others prefer sweeter versions.
I found it refreshing and well balanced, with tender potatoes and just enough mayo to bind everything without becoming gloppy.
The coleslaw leans vinegar based rather than creamy, staying true to Carolina tradition. It’s crisp, bright, and cuts through the richness of smoked meats perfectly.
Some reviewers mentioned finding it less sweet than expected, but that’s exactly how traditional Carolina slaw should taste.
Baked sweet potatoes get special mention. They arrive mashed, lightly sweetened, and incredibly smooth. One taste, and you understand why people order them as a side every single visit.
11. Live Music On Friday Nights
On select Friday evenings, the atmosphere shifts from casual dining to full blown celebration. Local musicians set up on the patio, and the sounds of guitars and vocals drift across the airstrip, mixing with laughter and conversation. It’s magical.
The music adds another layer to an already unique experience. Imagine eating tender pulled pork while a bluegrass band plays in the background and a Cessna taxis past your table.
That’s the kind of evening you remember for years.
Regulars know which Fridays feature live performances, and they plan accordingly. Families arrive early to claim prime spots near the stage, while couples seek quieter corners where they can still hear the music without being overwhelmed.
The staff accommodates everyone, creating zones for different preferences.
The musicians are typically local talents, folks who grew up in the area and understand the vibe. Their setlists lean toward classic country, folk, and Southern rock, genres that complement the setting perfectly.
Between songs, they banter with the crowd, sharing stories and taking requests. I haven’t experienced a music night personally yet, but it’s high on my list for the next visit. Several reviews rave about the combination of great food, cold drinks, and live entertainment under the stars.
12. Online Ordering And Catering Services
Not everyone can make the drive during operating hours, so the restaurant offers convenient online ordering through Toast. The platform is straightforward, letting you browse the menu, customize orders, and schedule pickup times that work with your schedule.
I used the online system for my third visit, ordering ahead while running errands nearby. When I arrived at my scheduled time, my food was ready and waiting, still hot and perfectly packaged.
The process saved time and ensured I didn’t have to wait during the lunch rush.
For larger gatherings, catering services bring the Pik N Pig experience to your location. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, corporate event, or backyard party, they can provide the same quality barbecue that draws crowds to Carthage.
The catering menu includes all the favorites, from brisket and pulled pork to sides and desserts.
Several businesses in the area have discovered that bringing in Pik N Pig for employee lunches boosts morale significantly. There’s something about authentic barbecue that makes people happy and brings teams together. The staff handles setup and cleanup, making it hassle free for hosts.
Contact information is available on their website, making it easy to discuss options and customize packages for your specific needs.
