How Pitmaster Sam Jones Makes the Most Famous Whole Hog Barbecue in North Carolina - Smoke Point

Carolina barbecue legend Sam Jones comes from a long legacy of cooking a whole hog, with his grandfather, father, and uncle all coming before him. At his no-frills restaurant, Sam Jones BBQ, he and his team preserve their tradition of cooking whole hog, chicken, turkey, and more.
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Credits:
Producer: Connor Reid
Directors: Connor Reid, Murilo Ferreira
Camera: Murilo Ferreira, Jay Simms
Editor: Howie Burbidge
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Supervising Producer, Operations: Stefania Orrù
Supervising Producer, Development: Gabriella Lewis
Audience Engagement: Avery Dalal
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For more episodes of 'Smoke Point', click here: trib.al/WKPq8VU
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[@mrlindsayjones]

I am a native North Carolinian and I will say that Sam Jones can simultaneously serve you some of the best Eastern style NC BBQ that you can find as well as the single worst piece of cornbread that you will ever eat. The dichotomy is truly remarkable.

[@joeyleerobbins]

🤣

[@iPhilYa23]

@mrlindsayjones I wholeheartedly agree. I know it’s their traditional way but I’m not a fan of the cornbread either

[@ELmateo81]

That socks. And it's true for a lot of restaurants they r famous and serve something phenomenal but they have a downfall somewhere. I still wouldn't mind trying them

[@mrlindsayjones]

@@ELmateo81 They are delicious! Don't let me keep you from going. Just avoid the cornbread at all costs.

[@calkhan8214]

​@@mrlindsayjonesok when someone says don't try this, someone will definitely try it just to know why

[@weaseltown]

"Our wood chips are better than a lot of people's BBQ" - classic!

[@Chonchey]

Spoken like a true egotistical workaholic

[@shawnlockett4676]

I'll take some smoked toothpicks 😂😂😂😂

[@crimsonDyNaM0]

Ojectively, how so?

[@skylerharrell8428]

@@Choncheydoubt you can do better 😂

[@Chonchey]

@@skylerharrell8428 🤣

[@calebkao2239]

I’m so happy to see both Sam Jones and Rodney Scott thriving ever since the old KZbin videos that featured their original locations. It seems that those videos on channels such as Eater have helped expand their businesses.

[@zuiderzee5]

proud to see eastern NC repped here. Lindsey seems like a beast of a pitmaster.

[@jessicam.4777]

Absolutely!

[@jennmegacunttracker3670]

I can watch these over any Netflix series, Amazon prime special, Universal premier. This series, these types of channels, eater, mashed, bon appetite, etc all show our neighbors passion and a passion that brings a business to our cities and towns.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

The Netflix BBQ episodes on Rodney Scott and Tootsie Tomanetz are absolutely phenomenal. If you love these documentary style series, they're a must watch.

[@Jason-ws3cd]

This man and Rodney Scott are my guys, I love texas, memphis, western kentucky bbq, but the carolina vinegar base is what I love.

[@jeffreycooley2032]

The obvious love, and care that they showed was inspiring. The look of the food made that love and care evident. This place is on my to do list when I visit the Carolinas

[@greengelacid2061]

Legendary BBQ family…I look forward to visiting his place soon…

[@joshuaprice7306]

Grew up 30 minutes from Ayden and Greenville. Sam Jones and Skylight Inn is a religion down there. Also can’t miss B’s Barbecue on the other side of Greenville. They usually run out of food by about 10:30 am haha.

[@jewishswordsman9199]

Ayden is worth the trip from Raleigh for lunch for sure.

[@vaughanscott7308]

Its always a privilege to watch a master of their craft. Total respect.

[@SuicideStarboyy]

We NEED more Smoke Point videos!!!!

[@eater]

We have one more coming next week for the year and then we have a special season coming in early 2024!

[@BilbroSwaaggins]

primetime too

[@Justin-bz1dp]

Wat kind wood

[@Randy-jz9ox]

​@@Justin-bz1dp hickory

[@ClemensDE]

that part starting at 8:45 is just mouth watering. I love watching these videos, while i am eating

[@stickperformance]

Still remember my grandma taking me there when I was little never forget that place

[@jewishswordsman9199]

We ate at the downtown Raleigh location when we lived in Raleigh. It's the very best NC BBQ there is. A perfect representation of their start at Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, NC (and the one in Raleigh is better IMHO).

[@DoctorMcHerp]

Saw a video years ago that was featuring this place. I'm glad to see that they're still kicking even after Covid.

[@samblenkharn8099]

During covid*. Hopefully they've got good ventilation in the restaurant. Hella good looking food either way.

[@vaughanscott7308]

This is an incredible episode thank you love from Australia.

[@charmainevandiford6622]

I was raised in Eastern NC and have lived here all my life. This is the same barbecue I was raised on. I remember them cooking it in the ground but barely. Most had changed to a cooker and charcoal and now gas but Charcoal is better and wood is even better but also the most work. They do have good barbecue.

[@seandupuie3552]

Very impressive! They should be smoking whole rib roasts, briskets, whole turkeys around Thanksgiving and Christmas. They would kill it without a doubt! Kudos to all of their hard work and commitment to quality!

[@DB-gd6xp]

From Farmville and been eating Jones BBQ since I was a Child!!! A lot of great BBQ but nobody beats Pete Jones and Sam Jones!!!

[@brianmoody2549]

Knowing what you’re doing Shows in your barbecue,the Jove understanding, heart and history put everything together makes a great meal that’s delicious.

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Never fault a person or business for specializing, rather than being a "me too", and doing what they do best. Tipping my hat to Sam Jones for knowing better.

[@TheReaperknights]

The Sam Jones in Raleigh is a must visit. Top notch BBQ

[@arresthillary9502]

long way from charlotte. I make the drive to Lexington

[@avoidingtrees6692]

Humble respect from France !

[@bbqlvr6137]

Lindsey is the next generation Tootsie Tomanetz (Snows BBQ). 👍👏

[@PuffingtonBear]

I was just thinking this exact thought!

[@paulsmith9341]

Don't mess with her! She looks like she's in great shape!

[@LindsayBortle]

LOL LOL I'm in the gym every morning by 5. And, tending to my hogs by 6:30.

[@paulsmith9341]

@@LindsayBortle yeah, tending livestock is very hard work. Keeps one fit!

[@bbqlvr6137]

@@LindsayBortle Hard workin’ 💪. Just as I imagined!! Keep up the great work. Wishing you all the best!

[@scjohnson1930]

we didn’t just stop by we came all way from south Georgia to eat carolina bbq and we started here and worked our way back home eating pork. we went on saturday and disappointed we didn’t meet Mr Sam maybe next time.

[@LindsayBortle]

Thank you for coming thru. Mr. Sam is a hard dude to keep up with. lol lol

[@jdmrec0]

I frequent the Raleigh location. I get the family rib platter at least bi monthly lol. Family loves it.

[@bradyb9929]

Lindsay is awesome. Gotta respect someone who worked her way up

[@LindsayBortle]

Thank you!! 🤘💪

[@akivafox3588]

The word "dadgum" is how you know this is real North Carolina.

[@nurlagrande]

Right because there’s fake Carolina lol stfu

[@mandoist]

Crispy skin method is the least mentioned factor in countless cooks' recipes and instruction! This is how you do it... crispy, yet melts in your mouth. No matter your cooking/BBQ'ing process (campfire, hole in the ground, smoker, gas grill... even your oven) last-minute browning / blistering is the key. No offense to these folks, but there are several backcountry BBQ families (not necessarily businesses) doing exactly what they do here... including the skin blistering.

[@martynweigh4541]

Dude and Dudess and dude crew have this dialed in!

[@TheDegdg]

Love the bbq content keep it up!

[@corgeousgeorge]

My dude's Dad sounds like he's a real hoot! Had me cracking up at his quips etc.

[@audreywilliams2228]

MR.SAM,I NEED SOME QUE!!!🙋🏽‍♀️🥰😋😋😂 I live in Ga ,and this is where I plan to come.

[@ArielK1987]

This is one of the greatest BBQ restaurants of all time.

[@arminkaiser8933]

Where you there?

[@MasseyFerguson-pp4fo]

@@arminkaiser8933shut up to your research

[@mdlott0427]

She is freaking awesome!! Pit master for sure!!

[@LindsayBortle]

Thank you! 🤘

[@justincase5847]

Yeah she’s a friggin boss of her trade!!! You can tell she just sweats excellence!! 💪👏

[@dfoster4001]

I’m certain that Mr. Jones knows that Grady’s BBQ in Dudley, NC, 1 hour southwest of his flagship restaurant has been serving quality whole hog BBQ chopped WITH SKIN for going on 40 years now. But, there’s still a dividing line in the community and Mr. and Mrs. Grady are on the “other side” of it…

[@thomasproctor3047]

Why do some people have to bring race into everything, I know all about Grady's BBQ and there are lots of white that support their business, probably more than all the others.

[@greggcal4583]

Looks fantastic.

[@SRT92]

As a vessel welder here in Texas, this work is freaking extreme. No hell way I’m getting up at 3-5am to deal with a fire 🤣🤣

[@mishysquittens]

This was the first place that I experienced real BBQ. I am born and raised in NY, so my exposure to "BBQ" was fairly limited. I took a trip down to NC for work and the Skylight Inn came recommended by a local. I was absolutely not prepared for what they served me. I had no idea that BBQ could taste that amazing.

[@jerryjerrylahngenhairy4724]

Look through these videos. There's a guy in New York making bad ass barbecue. Forget his name.

[@1milliondogs]

After seeing that family photo, im convinced the grandfather just cloned himself a couple of times to ensure the future of his business. Seriously though, this meat looks incredible. It's heartwarming to see such dedication to the craft.

[@ismaelhall3990]

Love the tradition.

[@chevymonreaux3443]

I’m from Ayden NC where Pete Jones started and get barbecue every time I visit home

[@hmoob704]

Every time I had pulled pork from many restaurants, it's always dry unless you add a crap load of sauce. That's why i just go for fatty brisket now.

[@elijahpipkin1852]

Luckily, this is chopped pork, not pulled. Pulled pork dries out faster. I've eaten his other two places pretty often, the pork Hal always been chopped fresh. The meat never sits under a warming lamp after it's chopped.

[@mrobo9037]

That food looks BLOODY AMAZING ! 👏👏👏😋

[@TheLordAI]

When i lived in Greenville i loved going to Sam Jones the crunch od the skin mixwd in with the meat OMG yeah i always left there stuffed 😂

[@SlapMyGorillaGorilla]

Smoke Point is my favorite series from Eater

[@paulfitzpatrick8288]

Everything looks amazing but I need that turkey sammich in my life!

[@jthompson2983]

Great video!

[@sizzer33]

This is so incredible.

[@tomgio1]

Heard some sporty talk early on in the video. Is this a whole hog bbq muscle up of Eastern NC vs South Carolina (e.g. Rodney Scott)?

[@elijahpipkin1852]

Sam and Rodney are good friends. I met Rodney at Skylight Inn a few years ago, he was up from Hemmingway to celebrate Skylight Inn's 70th anniversary.

[@tydrenning6162]

The East NC accent is everything

[@BryantHubbard]

I’m from Texas, but I believe North Carolina is the best

[@davidcarrera5677]

Them down south sayings “ you can put enough sauce on napkin to get it down “ 🙏

[@ManningBBQ]

Some of the best BBQ you can get!

[@scottperine8027]

Little Pigs in Rockville Maryland chopped up the skin into the meat and that was the best bbq sandwich I've ever had!

[@shawnlockett4676]

Looks like I'm taking a trip to Carolina 😊

[@elijahpipkin1852]

North. North Carolina. It's like a Tribe Called Quest, you have to say the whole thing. Carolina is a college (UNC), not a singular state.

[@jimmyturbeville8753]

great video and great food

[@zzach6146]

Lindsey is very impressive to watch she seems like a work horse

[@piplup10203854]

That is more like it! Just salt and nothing else on the hog. A good hog with the care they put in is what makes it the best! Now that is the best way to get the best plate of barbecue you can get your hands on :D

[@btienterprises9306]

Love the video but it makes me a little sad because the last video I seen on them was 9 years ago on munchies and it seems the people who worked there at the time are no longer there and they might have passed away because they were staple workers not just some people that were there for a paycheck 😢. Good to see the place still doing well and the new workers seem great also. 👍🏾

[@elijahpipkin1852]

That was a different restaurant - Skylight Inn. A few years after that video was made, Sam opened Sam Jones Barbecue in Winterville (about 11 miles from Skylight Inn), because he wanted to expand the menu, but not change Skylight Inn in the process. I went to Skylight Inn a few months ago, Chopper was still there. He chopped and dressed the meat.

[@btienterprises9306]

@@elijahpipkin1852 oooo wow I didn’t even notice that ! That is sooo good to hear ! Thanks for letting me know bro !!

[@arresthillary9502]

8:57 MAJOR anxiety hoping that chunk of meat goodness didnt fall on the floor!! 😂

[@warrendinCLE]

Great job outta you folks. She is amazing I wish I had 100 of her working for me. She cares and gives a s**t!! That is astounding

[@michaelpayne8102]

Spot on the world needs more of her, not the ones staring at their cell phones and wanting to collect a pay check.

[@LindsayBortle]

Thank you!!!!

[@pkendall99]

Crispy skin in the bbq isn't quite as unique as you would think... Grady's BBQ puts skin in theirs, Ken's Grill puts a chip of skin on top of theirs.. when you're cooking the whole hog, you're left with a whole lot of skin... But what is unique about Sam Jones/Skylight Inn is that "bread" that they give you.. it's a dense, oniony cornbread...in stark contrast to what most other ENC barbecue restaurants serve, which is hushpuppies..

[@jerryjerrylahngenhairy4724]

Man knows his best asset. Good employees

[@Meatdaddy58]

@6:06, the guy on the left looks like Floyd Taylor from BBQ Pigs Inc.

[@peterbrown954]

So thats what Kevin Spacey has been up to.

[@corgeousgeorge]

I can listen to that woman talk about BBQ all day and the pride she takes in her work and just the pride in working hard in general. I know that pride is a sin but I think exceptions can be made in some cases and in this one I think it would be a perfect example of pride being a wonderful, constructive, community building thing. y'know?

[@LindsayBortle]

💪🫶👏🤘🤗

[@jamesricks2494]

My grandfather taught my dad to always chop the skin in the lean meat. We've been doing it ever since I was a small child. It's not BBQ without it.

[@corgeousgeorge]

Is there anything that the silver skin and the back portion can be used for aside from just treats for the dogs? Like can jerky be made out of it or something? I dunno, looks like it may be tasty somehow.

[@ou8venus2]

My hometown bbq!

[@danielbrooks8392]

Eastern nc native, never heard of him. You want the BEST east nc barbecue, gradys.

[@LUFlamesFan01]

Hey I work here!

[@JJJJ-rx3xm]

From asheville. Let's go!!!

[@elijahpipkin1852]

Yall need something since Buxton Hall is closing on Nov. 22. I plan on wearing a black arm band that day. That place was great.

[@gottgaame]

Keep the videos coming…

[@brendanhanifin2906]

You are the man😊

[@michaelpayne8102]

Great looking bbq pork, some of the best meat on whole hog is the checks (head).

[@LindsayBortle]

We put the head meat in our Collards. 😋

[@elijahpipkin1852]

The most overlooked place. Cheek meat is sweet and fatty. Next best is the belly meat that's still partially attached to the skin. It's like smoked confit pork spaghetti. Hit it with a little vinegar, salt, and red pepper? Heaven.

[@grahamsong4585]

Wow this video was just me screaming at the screen going LEMME EAT IT

[@Cdot_essay]

Texas has the best BBQ

[@GrahamJFerris]

Combine with an Adelaide Pie Flouter !

[@michaelfeast9869]

Where's the old chopper guy with the chopper tattoo on his arm? Badass man.

[@elijahpipkin1852]

He's based at Skylight Inn in Ayden. He was there when I last ate there (back around October or Novemeber).

[@Caligula-oogabooga21]

She might not win a beauty contest, but my god she is the type of woman you keep for life 👏👏👏

[@LindsayBortle]

I didn't realize my looks had anything to do with doing genuine, good work. Good to know. So, what should I have surgery on first? 🤔 Nose? Chin? My ears, right?

[@Caligula-oogabooga21]

@LindsayBortle naw love, no surgery needed. Keep those features and keep being a bad ass on the grill 👌 your excellence transcends beauty. Now if you had some bunz in the back like you do under that pulled pork...Id be saying something else 🤣🫡

[@austinfrancis9723]

Sittin inside the one in Winterville as I watch this

[@DeJu_Marcel]

Some great looking bbq right there, I’ll tell ya hwhat

[@user-hi3jg5zb4h]

Love whole hog yum

[@burtbakman]

MY MAN SAM!!!!

[@Christian-gf2ef]

I love that guy.

[@CalebShuping]

Where can we find the whole hog smoker?!

[@zoemeow7677]

ive got my own greens my meat is on point and i dont much trust other peoples cooking ✨

[@Im_a_49er]

You go girl

[@LindsayBortle]

🤘💪

[@TearitoffE]

I’m from the South Pacific we are the real originators to the samoan umu 🐖 who started cooking pigs to horses to sharks

[@scottwetzler5491]

Where is it in NC?

[@elijahpipkin1852]

This restaurant is in Raleigh, NC. They have another location just outside of Greenville, NC.

[@ghos7786]

This guy used the same copping board for all 3 meats and used that same glove he used to handle the meat to then put his hand in the spices

[@xXxlLEGENDZlxXx]

I was thinking the same thing but I think that was just the way the editing made it look, I hope 😂

[@patrickfaima7764]

Same here

[@cherokeeconcrete1986]

Fucc it😂

[@gabesaturn6653]

Babe wake up the new Eater video is out

[@chuckT479]

I love whole hog. My issue is the vinegar sauce that they put on Eastern Carolina BBQ. All i can taste is the vinegar. No sauce for me, please.

[@DNeeds]

Let's not confuse Sam Jones in Raleigh for Skylight. Skylight is one of the OGs of eastern NC bbq n is still pretty great. Sam Jones in Raleigh is over priced swill by the son that sits under heat lamps meant to confuse the new $ in downtown Raleigh.

[@LUFlamesFan01]

It doesn’t sit under heat lamps I assure you.

[@DNeeds]

@@LUFlamesFan01 you can literally see the heat lamps from where you order pal.

[@LUFlamesFan01]

@@DNeeds I work there. It doesn’t sit there, food is prepared, plated and sent out.

[@DNeeds]

OK maybe it changed. I went there twice when it first opened. Figured first time was just a bad day but it wasn't. Just incredibly mediocre all around. Night n day to skylight n obv can't touch prime, dampf, Stevenson or even Lawrence.

[@user-de7jm3bl3u]

Good old boy 👍 rite there

[@blickaor2382]

Her voice super man

[@mandoist]

I can tell you one thing I know for certain -- this guy would fire me on my first day for abusing my eating privileges!

[@hookerkrewfishing626]

That’s a strong women 💪

[@LindsayBortle]

Thank you! I've come a LONG way!

[@chikanojuarez816]

We eat with our 👀 first 😋

[@discman15]

So great to see a female pitmaster! Right on 🤘🍖🍗🍗🥩🥩🥓🥓

[@LindsayBortle]

That's right!!!! & thank you. 🫡

[@elijahpipkin1852]

I grew up cooking whole hog with my dad and granddad. We're backyard cooks, doing a few hogs a year. You're in there day in and day out, nothing but respect for you, Lindsey.