These North Carolina BBQs Are Officially Some Of The Best In America

North Carolina barbecue is so much more than just food, it’s a way of life. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, a craft perfected over decades, and a point of pride for towns and communities across the state.

From the vinegar-forward tang of Eastern North Carolina to the tomato-tinged richness of the Piedmont, every bite tells a story of history, flavor, and love for the grill.

These restaurants aren’t just serving meals, they’re showcasing the best of what the state has to offer, where smoke drifts through the air, ribs fall off the bone, and sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor chasing the ultimate barbecue experience, these spots deliver bold flavors, legendary sauces, and meals you’ll remember long after the last bite.

1. Skylight Inn BBQ, Ayden

Whole hog barbecue doesn’t get more authentic than what you’ll find at this legendary spot. Skylight Inn BBQ has been serving up smoky perfection since 1947, and the family behind it takes great pride in every pig they cook. You’ll find them at 4618 South Lee Street in Ayden, where the building itself has become a roadside landmark with its distinctive dome roof.

The meat here is tender, juicy, and kissed with just the right amount of smoke. Crispy skin bits get chopped right into the pork, adding texture and flavor that you simply can’t replicate. There’s no frills, no fancy sides, just cornbread and slaw to accompany the star of the show.

Every bite tells a story of wood-fired pits and patient hands. The vinegar-based sauce is simple but effective, letting the pork shine without overpowering it. Locals and travelers alike make pilgrimages here, knowing they’re tasting a piece of North Carolina history.

This isn’t just a meal. It’s an experience that connects you to generations of pitmasters who perfected their craft in Eastern Carolina. The Skylight Inn stands as a testament to tradition, quality, and the belief that barbecue should never be rushed.

2. Lexington Barbecue, Lexington

Pork shoulder slow-cooked over hickory wood creates magic that people drive hours to taste. Lexington Barbecue, affectionately known as Honey Monk’s, sits at 100 Smokehouse Lane in Lexington, serving up Piedmont-style barbecue that has become the gold standard. The restaurant has been a fixture since 1962, and the recipes haven’t changed because they never needed to.

What sets this place apart is the signature red sauce. It’s a tangy blend of tomato, vinegar, and spices that coats the pork with just enough sweetness to balance the smoke. The meat pulls apart effortlessly, each strand infused with hours of careful tending over the pit.

Red slaw adds a pop of color and crunch to every plate. Hush puppies arrive golden and crispy, the perfect vessel for soaking up extra sauce. The dining room buzzes with conversation, filled with families, business folks, and barbecue enthusiasts who know quality when they taste it.

This is Lexington-style barbecue at its finest. The method, the flavor, the atmosphere all combine to create something truly special. It’s comfort food that feels like coming home, even if it’s your first visit.

3. B’s Barbecue, Greenville

A small cinder block building holds some of the most coveted barbecue in the entire state. B’s Barbecue operates out of 751 B’s Barbecue Road in Greenville, and you’d better arrive early because once they sell out, they’re done for the day. This no-nonsense approach to barbecue has earned them a cult following that spans the country.

The pork here is chopped fine and seasoned with Eastern Carolina vinegar sauce that has just the right amount of heat. It’s simple, honest cooking that respects the ingredient and the process. There’s no dining room, just a walk-up window and outdoor picnic tables where you can enjoy your meal.

Cornbread comes with every order, crumbly and slightly sweet. The coleslaw is crisp and refreshing, cutting through the richness of the pork. People wait in line for this experience, chatting with strangers who share their anticipation.

What makes B’s special isn’t just the food. It’s the commitment to doing one thing exceptionally well without compromise. They cook until they run out, ensuring every customer gets the freshest possible barbecue.

That dedication to quality over quantity is rare and deeply appreciated by those lucky enough to snag a meal.

4. Sam Jones BBQ, Raleigh

Traditional whole hog barbecue meets modern energy at this beloved Raleigh location. Sam Jones BBQ brings generations of family expertise to 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, where the wood-fired pits burn all day and the aroma draws people in from blocks away.

Sam Jones himself comes from barbecue royalty, and he’s taken that legacy and made it his own.

The pork is smoky, tender, and chopped to order. You can taste the care in every bite, from the perfectly rendered fat to the crispy bits that add texture. The vinegar-based sauce is traditional Eastern style, bright and tangy without overpowering the meat.

Sides here are thoughtfully prepared. Collard greens are slow-cooked with just enough seasoning, and the mac and cheese is creamy and comforting. Cornbread is served warm, the ideal companion to soak up all those delicious juices.

The space itself feels welcoming and energetic. It’s a place where old-school techniques meet contemporary hospitality, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh. Sam Jones has managed to honor tradition while making barbecue accessible to a new generation of fans who appreciate authenticity and flavor in equal measure.

5. Prime Barbecue, Knightdale

Texas-style barbecue has found a passionate home in North Carolina thanks to this exceptional restaurant. Prime Barbecue opened in 2019 at 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, and it didn’t take long for the barbecue world to take notice. By 2024, they had earned a spot among America’s top 100 BBQ destinations, a remarkable achievement for such a young establishment.

Brisket is the star here, smoked low and slow until it develops a dark, flavorful bark. Each slice reveals a perfect smoke ring, and meat so tender it practically melts on your tongue. The fat renders beautifully, keeping every bite moist and rich.

Ribs are another standout, meaty and glazed with sauce that caramelizes into a sticky, sweet coating. The sides are elevated beyond typical barbecue fare, with creative options that complement the smoked meats perfectly. Portions are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied.

What makes Prime special is the dedication to craft. They’ve brought Texas techniques to North Carolina and executed them flawlessly. The attention to detail, from the quality of the meat to the precision of the smoking process, sets them apart.

It’s barbecue that respects tradition while embracing bold flavors and innovation.

6. Haywood Smokehouse, Waynesville

Mountain barbecue takes on its own character at this Western North Carolina gem. Haywood Smokehouse operates at 79 Elysinia Ave, Waynesville, bringing slow-smoked meats and mountain hospitality to everyone who walks through the door. The location in the Blue Ridge Mountains adds a scenic backdrop to an already memorable meal.

The pulled pork here is tender and flavorful, with a sauce that balances sweet and tangy notes. Brisket is cooked until it reaches that perfect point where it’s firm enough to slice but tender enough to pull apart. The smoke flavor is present but not overpowering, letting the quality of the meat shine through.

Sides are hearty and satisfying. Baked beans are rich and smoky, while the mac and cheese brings comfort with every creamy bite. The coleslaw is crisp and refreshing, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the meats.

What sets Haywood Smokehouse apart is the combination of great food and genuine warmth. The staff treats you like family, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a fantastic meal while soaking in the mountain charm that makes Western North Carolina so special.

7. THE SMOKE PIT, Concord

Bold flavors and generous portions define the experience at this Concord favorite. THE SMOKE PIT brings serious barbecue to 796 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, where the pits stay busy, and the food stays fresh. The restaurant has built a loyal following by consistently delivering quality meats and sides that keep people coming back.

Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, coated in a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and smoky. Pulled pork is moist and flavorful, chopped to just the right consistency. Chicken arrives juicy and well-seasoned, with skin that’s been kissed by smoke.

The sides menu is extensive and thoughtfully prepared. Collard greens are cooked low and slow, developing deep flavor. Potato salad is creamy with just the right amount of tang.

Cornbread is served warm and buttery, the perfect accompaniment to any plate.

What makes THE SMOKE PIT stand out is the commitment to value. You get generous portions of well-prepared food at fair prices, served by people who genuinely care about your experience. It’s honest, straightforward barbecue done right, without pretension or shortcuts.

The kind of place that becomes a regular stop once you’ve experienced what they have to offer.

8. Ole Time Barbecue, Raleigh

Classic Eastern Carolina barbecue has been served at this Raleigh institution for decades. Ole Time Barbecue sits at 6309 Hillsborough Street, where they’ve been perfecting their craft since 1970. The restaurant has become a beloved part of the community, feeding generations of families who appreciate traditional barbecue done the right way.

The chopped pork is seasoned with a vinegar-based sauce that’s tangy and slightly spicy. It’s the kind of barbecue that reminds you why North Carolina is famous for this style. The meat is tender and flavorful, never dry or overdone.

Hush puppies are crispy on the outside and soft inside, with just a hint of sweetness. Brunswick stew is hearty and warming, packed with vegetables and pulled pork. The coleslaw is crisp and refreshing, providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich meat.

What makes Ole Time special is the consistency. Year after year, they deliver the same great flavors that people remember from childhood visits. It’s comfort food in the truest sense, evoking memories and creating new ones.

The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it easy to relax and enjoy a meal that connects you to North Carolina barbecue heritage.

9. Noble Smoke, Charlotte

Urban barbecue gets elevated at this Charlotte hotspot that’s redefining what smoked meats can be. Noble Smoke operates at 2216 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, bringing innovative approaches to traditional techniques. The restaurant has quickly become a destination for barbecue lovers who appreciate both classic flavors and creative twists.

The brisket here is exceptional, with a bark that’s deeply flavorful and meat that’s incredibly tender. Pork ribs are meaty and succulent, finished with sauces that range from traditional to adventurous. Turkey breast is brined and smoked to perfection, staying moist and flavorful throughout.

Sides go beyond the expected. You’ll find creative takes on classics alongside unique offerings that showcase seasonal ingredients. The mac and cheese is rich and indulgent, while the Brussels sprouts are charred and delicious.

Everything is prepared with attention to detail.

What sets Noble Smoke apart is the willingness to push boundaries while respecting barbecue traditions. They use high-quality ingredients and precise techniques to create food that’s both familiar and exciting. The atmosphere is modern and welcoming, making it a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

It’s barbecue that honors the past while looking toward the future.

10. Dampf Good BBQ, Cary

Family-owned passion drives every plate at this Cary barbecue spot that’s earning serious recognition. Dampf Good BBQ serves up exceptional smoked meats at 6800 Good Hope Church Rd, Cary, where the pits run hot, and the dedication runs deep. The restaurant combines German smoking techniques with North Carolina traditions, creating something truly unique.

Pork is smoked to tender perfection, with flavors that reflect careful seasoning and patient cooking. Sausages are made in-house, offering a taste experience you won’t find elsewhere. Brisket is cooked until it reaches that ideal point between tender and firm, with a smoke ring that barbecue enthusiasts dream about.

The sides are thoughtfully prepared and delicious. Potato salad has a German-inspired twist that sets it apart. Baked beans are rich and smoky, complementing the meats beautifully.

Cornbread is moist and slightly sweet, perfect for rounding out your plate.

What makes Dampf Good special is the fusion of culinary traditions. By blending German smoking expertise with Carolina barbecue styles, they’ve created flavors that are both familiar and new. The family behind the restaurant puts their heart into every dish, and you can taste that commitment in every bite.

It’s barbecue with a story, served with pride.