Top 5 Traditional North Carolina Barbecue Restaurants | Skylight Inn | Red Bridges | Clyde Cooper's

[@gcapps100]

I think you missed Wilber's in Goldsboro NC. Some of the best I've ever had.

[@joelpeele3993]

Dam right

[@ebkillert65]

Love Wilber's but it has dropped off a bit.

[@seanntomas3815]

My grama and grammar lived right near there. Spent many a summer there. Miss that place BEST DAMN BBQ..

[@michaelburgess6122]

Indeed THE best!! The hush puppies and chicken gravy!!

[@gcapps100]

@michaelburgess6122 my grandfather would drive from New Bern to Goldsboro just for that Q. Sometimes twice in one week.

[@joshhartley5672]

Really enjoyed this video! I would like you to know that my grandfather Lee Dale, started the Old Hampton BBQ in Linville. It was “Uncle Lee’s BBQ” then, there was a wooden “arrow” sign that he made and put on the road at the other side of the river. Totally different operation then. Not sure the health department even existed in that area at that time. This would’ve been mid eighties. So cool to watch your show and relive a cool part of my childhood, thank you!!!!!

[@prodigyrehab4234]

Skylight Inn is so 👍, & a must try. Get there early 11am to beat the long line. We've been there many times in the past 35 yrs. Never disappointed.

[@LackaJudgment]

As a Yankee, I never knew what I was missing out until I attended my first ‘pig pickin.’ The bark will leave you speaking in tongues

[@criscale3667]

Nothing like a good pig pickin’! These restaurants come close, though. We appreciate you sharing that.

[@garlandmidgette884]

Beautiful simple southern cooking

[@BUFORD-T]

The Lazy Hiker is a North Carolina beer. It's made at the old Town Hall in Franklin, NC

[@kenfox22]

Yall are living the good life. Great for yall

[@criscale3667]

Thanks for that. Every once in a while, we need to remind ourselves!

[@banjobbqllc]

Love this video. New subscribers and loving it 🎉 we live by linville bc

[@ExploreWithShrutiDxb]

Amazing video as always! Thanks for sharing with us. Loved watching Do stay Connected friends 😊

[@CliffRouse]

They gave B's BBQ Honerable Mention!!!! Would def be in my top 5. Skip that western stuff. LOL

[@phillipasby9202]

This was a great rundown - gonna get a lot of opinions I imagine for sure! I’ve not eaten at Hampton or Coopers but all the rest and I won’t fight y’all over the choices. My favorite is probably B’s but that may be due to some family roots in Little Washington and the proximity but they are all delicious and all worthy of mention. Heck we had Stamey’s at our rehearsal dinner when we got married in Greensboro! But I love all kinds of BBQ from Texas to the Carolinas. I’m not crazy about Alabama white sauce really … and no question in my mind eastern NC whole hog is the pinnacle but the regional variations are reflections of local culture that are worthy because they are authentic.

[@michaelburgess6122]

The opening screen was the best part of this video. You left out Wilber’s in Goldsboro. Best in the state.

[@joshuahauser4813]

Stameys wow! B's is the best in NC period!!!!!

[@derekoverman8425]

Herseys BBQ in burlington NC is quite famous as well..they have catering that has served presidents nascar football and other celebrities and they were so popular they opened a wholesale store for there meats and 2 extra restaurants around the area...the original was in gibsonville nc and opened in the late 40s i think....ive lived all over the country and they are still in my top 5!!!!!!

[@real_Papa_Roach]

Excellent BBQ

[@ronzellbulluck7942]

Parkers in wilson nc is hands down the greatest barbeque restaurant in the history of nc barbeque there are alot of good barbeque restaurants in nc but none of them are better than parkers i've tried the rest but i will stick with the best parkers

[@EyeGotGame]

Eastern NC bbq is the best but Parker’s BBQ in Wilson NC is #1.

[@myguyhai]

This was an excellent video guys. I can tell you put a lot of work and research into the video. I’m from Shelby and have eaten at 5 of the places on the nc bbq trail. I plan on doing a KZbin series all the bbq joints on the trail. Your video should have 1M views IMO. Well done!

[@criscale3667]

Thank you so much for the kind words. We subscribed to your channel so we can look forward to your BBQ series. People around here are serious about their BBQ! I hope to post our TOP 5 Progressive BBQ spots in NC soon. It was quite the journey as well!

[@samuelreams7670]

Everything looks amazing, although i still prefer my Bbq on a bun. You should check out Kings Bbq in Petersburg Va.

[@AP81BABY919]

VA don’t know nothing bout no BBQ. Carolina born and raised..

[@criscale3667]

Kings looks like the real deal - since 1946! We'll have to check it out when we are in the Richmond area. Thanks for the tip!

[@jamespawlowski4310]

What happened to South Carolina bbq? Scott's BBQ in Hemingway SC.

[@michaelhughes6355]

I live right down the road from Bridges in North Carolina

[@dougmcmusic1161]

Great city, terrible bbq! Check out Johnny Ray’s in Falston

[@Just2Julz]

Mr Barbecue in Winston Salem is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve been all through the great state of Texas and Tennessee!

[@criscale3667]

That is a great tip! Next time we’re in Winston, we will give them a try. Thanks for the comment.

[@steventweed3599]

Kepley's in High Point, North Carolina is mighty fine!

[@real_Papa_Roach]

I could not agree more, love Kepley's

[@tinahinson4508]

Can't believe Lexington BBQ only got honorably mentioned 😢

[@Shenandoahjoker]

The original Allen and Son BBQ was excellent unfortunately they closed down. My favorite now is "Old Colony Smokehouse" in Edenton, NC.

[@shannonherb2048]

Keaton's in cool springs is awesome.

[@mullman]

Gary’s BBQ in China Grove NC needs a mention. Never disappointed me since 1971.

[@criscale3667]

I hope others watching the video take a note of your comment. We will need to check it out - as it is not too far from home.

[@force1253]

Hey, whatabout corn sticks or some nice cornbread?

[@codymyers3320]

How are you commenting on Lexington style bbq without eating at Lexington bbq.

[@criscale3667]

See the video at 13:51…. It’s just really tough to crack the top 5. Thanks for the question, though!

[@gzusrock]

Barbecue Center in Lexington, in my opinion, is better than Honeymonk's. Seems like their portions are a bit larger and the chopped isn't as fine and watery. Plus you can't beat their huge bannana splits.

[@jimmybobsap8729]

Bridges just caught on fire last week. Luckily just the smoking area got ruined so will be back going soon. I’m from Shelby and ate at both bridges bbqs (the both learned from same pit master but aren’t related oddly enough) my whole life. I just thought that was normal bbq then see it pop up on national lists. I’m like “really y’all think it’s special?”

[@garlandmidgette884]

Bs barbecue and Pete Jones by far the best

[@MtPilot-mh3zl]

Speedy's bbg Lexington nc!

[@gcapps100]

Agreed, Speedy's is awesome. Great pulled pork sammiches 😊

[@mikemabe2505]

Agreed!!

[@seanmoore4956]

B's Honorable Mention? Oh B's is by far the best I have ever had and have eaten at most of these on your list and many others. Never had better than B's period. Really no contest, BBQ is better east of Raleigh.

[@JamesDedmon]

Well your biased to Eastern NC BBQ is evident because of the #1 pick. Of course I’m just a biased to Red Bridges because of eating it my entire life. Lots of memories getting a pound of BBQ slaw and rolls, on a Saturday afternoon making sandwiches with my parents. We didn’t eat out often but at least once a month we’d get takeout from Red Bridges. Back in the early 70’s it was like $5 a pound, the same order today is $25.

[@pkendall99]

you went too far west..you gotta head east.. out in the country.. you missed a bunch of other famous bbq joints: Parkers, Wilburs, Grady's, Kings,

[@mrlafayette1964]

Maybe first sold from a covered wagon in 1830 but eaten way before that. The pig was brought to the America's from Europe, pretty sure they cooked it over wood coals for thousands of years.

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi, Cris & Cale. Thank you for sharing. I like the description with details on each BBC. BY the way, Kayak7seas and I reside in NC...I have no idea NC BBQ is highlighted nationwide. Thank you for your content. Our town is full of hippies and breweries though, Can you guess where it is? Well done🥰🥰🚣‍♀🚣‍♀

[@criscale3667]

When it comes to folks who enjoy the outdoors like we do, it’s hard to beat hippies and breweries! Asheville is a fav, whether you like creative food, relaxed atmospheres, or nearby hiking. The Biltmore is no “moco de pabo” either. Thanks for the comment. I hope we can stay in touch!

[@jbjacobs9514]

I lived in Greenville, NC 2005-07, 2009-14, 2015-21 (I am finally done with that place for good! LOL) - I never had one good BBQ experience in the whole time. Tried at least 10 different places there over the years, and none of them were my thing. I am not into the vinegar-y style myself so take that for what it is (plus they have no taste in most of the places). Not knocking anyone else's feelings or choices. I remember all the cops liked B's BBQ but I was meh on it. They are right - when the pig is done, they close. At one point I lived about 2 blocks away and went at 10ish in the morning to take some to go and it was all out!

[@jimarnold1335]

Your opening sentence is wrong. If you’d said that one of the four BBQ regions was “the Carolinas” instead of North Carolina you’d have been dead on. South Carolina has at least 5 of the top 10 BBQ joints in the Carolinas. Try Rodney Scott’s or Dixie Pig.

[@jailr67]

not with that mustard y'all put on it y'all don't!

[@GiosueMannino]

its eastern NC, not NC

[@hanktrantham2641]

I can’t believe Stameys, make the top 25, much less the top 5 and Herseys not even the top 100.

[@DSWilkes]

A tad disappointing none of the establishments in Gastonia made this list. The city's oldest BBQ restaurant is R.O.'s BBQ. Founded in 1946, R.O.'s real claim to fame comes from their BBQ slaw. Their meat compares to other good BBQ restaurants but the slaw puts them over the top. It's popularity is such that they built a separate building to produce the slaw which they package and sell it retail in some grocery stores around the area. Their menu however is very diverse selling breakfast foods also since they open at 10a.m. Stop by for a livermush and egg on toast when they open. Black's BBQ opened in 1957 was started by family member's of the couple who opened R.O.'s. They're also famous for their BBQ slaw. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Hillbillies and Kyle Fletcher's BBQ also, 2 of my personal favorites. I'd put all 4 up against everyone else on this list.....

[@criscale3667]

We will be making an effort to check out those places. We love our BBQ, but the livermush and egg on toast may be thing that takes us out there. Thanks for taking the time to leave the comment. I hope others read your comment and take note!

[@larrymcclure3842]

Don't forget the other one, Blacks. I am 72 and my parents used to go thee on dates.

[@DSWilkes]

@@larrymcclure3842 I mentioned Black's BBQ. Keep reading past the R.O.'S mention.

[@powell4661]

R.O.s is terrible

[@DSWilkes]

Sure is. That's how they've been in business for 78 years. And how they built a separate building across the street just to manufacture their signature BBQ slaw to sell in grocery across the state. Feel better that you got that off of your chest? Because nobody cares..

[@JESUSmowersNFL]

Tarheel bbq is good

[@joshfranks5294]

As a native of Lexington NC, this might be the worst top 5 I’ve ever witnessed.

[@hobertlee7598]

GOOD EATING

[@d-halla8621]

Most importantly it AIN'T TEXAS

[@gregmorton6422]

Sorry, no way Lexington BBQ is not a top 5 BBQ stop.

[@peterthomas2139]

Agreed

[@mark-wn5ek]

You beat me to it. I tried to eat there more than once when I had family there. That vinegar schitt on a mop that gets slopped on the bbq is disgusting. I’m from the south…. If you want good bbq…go to KC!

[@michaelburgess6122]

Facts!!

[@bigkw1568]

Eastern style is Tops

[@gregmorton6422]

@@bigkw1568I like Eastern style as well (Wilbers) but drive by Lexington BBQ anytime they are open and look at the parking lot…

[@dougmcmusic1161]

To include Red Bridges on the list shows exactly how little you understand traditional bbq! Tiny portions of VERY dry meat is the standard there and wouldn’t crack the top 50 spots for knowledgeable eaters. Just because it’s been there a long time doesn’t make it good. Check out Johnny Ray’s in Falston for the best in Cleveland County.

[@brianazmy3156]

While stationed at Ft Bragg I went around the state trying local BBQ spots. The sauce was almost the same everywhere. It was OK but just seemed plain. I went south and tried the other Carolina BBQ. I liked the mustard based sauce from S. Carolina style BBQ better.

[@real_Papa_Roach]

Sadly I have not had any real banana pudding at any place I have eaten recently, it's an embarrassment.

[@TheRasta4ri]

The best pulled pork sandwiches in the world Jones Barbecue diner in Marianna, Arkansas they do only one thing for over 100 years on my way to Houston TX made sure to route by but closer to home & my personal favorite is Frankie's Chicken Shack in Salisbury, North Carolina, dipped fried chicken is much like it sounds: fried chicken that's dipped in a hot sauce. Except the original sauce is and probably always will remain a mystery. Frankie's closed in 2004, and the Cureton family still holds the recipe close.

[@tracytatum2224]

Sorry dude but you look like gary hilton

[@debrahorton1520]

Best food in the world nc bbq the best little Richard and Lexington is these places to get it

[@MaddieAU]

I don’t like EC style cornbread. It’s … not tasty and the texture is… you’ll have to try it folks.

[@criscale3667]

I have to say that we have similar feelings about the cornbread. As good as the BBQ is at Skylight Inn, I could pass on the cornbread. Thanks for dropping the comment.

[@russellbaxley9788]

You leave out South Carolina? Goodbye

[@real_Papa_Roach]

Mustard based Q? Are you kidding me?

[@chriselliott5349]

Stameys always surprises me when it’s on these lists. It’s totally overrated.

[@refrigerator_mama]

Old Hampton in linville is gross.. Lexington bbq ia always better especially speedys they use ahoulders.. butt bbq taste like a pig pen looks.. hannahs in lenior is good also

[@rickturbeville7209]

Forgot South Carolina

[@MrShawnsnead]

Stameys is not the place 😂😂 not that good

[@hobgoblinman3]

Coopers BBQ Sucks worst ever

[@hobgoblinman3]

Who ever put this video together dose not know what they are talking and definitely dose NOT know BBQ !

[@jailr67]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@GenX...MCMLXV]

F- This is a joke... Old Hampton? Proof right there you have no idea.

[@leroyaultmon]

It's weird because we invented barbecue as a cultural thing this is a black thing

[@bobbydee1187]

Where’s the ribs?? C’mon😂 I-barbecue in fruitland Florida is the best I’ve ever eaten.

[@dabears1895]

JON G’S BBQ IS ONE OF THE CERY BEST IN ALL OF USA….TRY IT. THE WAIT IS HOURS, OPEN JUST SATURDAYS ONLY. TRUST ME