Barbecue is a serious topic in the Carolinas, with passionate debates about the best places to get a delicious meal. From the traditional pitmasters of Eastern North Carolina to the modern revival of barbecue in the West, there are plenty of amazing spots to explore. Whether you're looking for a classic pulled pork sandwich or something more unique, like mustard sauce or tacos, there's something for everyone in the Carolinas. In the East, tradition dictates that barbecue masters do everything they can to prepare pigs that weigh more than 150 pounds.
Pitmaster Rodney Scott of Scott's Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, South Carolina is renowned for his fiery vinegar-pepper sauce and often travels from coast to coast and around the world to smoke scrubbed pigs. For something pleasantly strange, head to Sweatman's in Holly Hill, South Carolina, where you can find their famous mustard sauce. In Raleigh, North Carolina, The Pit is a popular spot for whole pigs cooked in pits. They have locations in both the downtown Raleigh warehouse district and on Geer Street in downtown Durham.
Another great spot is White Swan Barbecue in Smithfield, North Carolina, where you can get a classic pulled pork sandwich. For an all-you-can-eat buffet with freshly prepared sides like peas, boiled potatoes and fresh cabbage from the garden, head to Wilber's Barbecue in Goldsboro, North Carolina. In the West, newcomers such as Buxton Hall in Asheville, Jon G's in Peachland and Lewis Barbecue in Charleston are making waves with their unique takes on barbecue. Elliot Moss from Buxton Hall is praised for producing a solid taco with his own touch while John Lewis from Lewis Barbecue is known for his versatile menu.
Sam Jones of Skylight Inn in Ayden, North Carolina follows in his grandfather Pete's footsteps and has managed the skylight since his death. Wyatt Dickson and Ryan Butler of Picnic Moat in Wilson, North Carolina have joined forces to return to the roots of barbecue by raising traditional breed pigs for their smokehouse. Marty Ellis's barbecue at Marty's BBQ in Wilson tastes a lot like his father Bill Ellis's barbecue from Bill's BBQ before his death. No matter which region you visit, you're sure to find some amazing barbecue spots that will make your mouth water.
So grab your car keys and get ready for an unforgettable multi-day barbecue marathon this summer!.
