Celebrate National BBQ Month in North Carolina by eating something delicious
May is National Barbecue Month, and there is no better way to celebrate it than checking out our guide to barbecue in North Carolina!
What is BBQ?
In North Carolina, barbecue (or BBQ) is not an outdoor cookout event.
Barbecue is typically pork cooked for a long time at a low temperature with heat and smoke from hardwood coals or hardwood, according to Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue.
Why is NC known for its BBQ?
Sir Walter Raleigh "discovered" barbecue in the late 16th century when he sent men to the coast of present-day North Carolina, according to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. John White sketched Croatan Indians broiling fish over a flame using a "barbacoa" method to smoke their meats.
Whole hog barbecues have been referenced as far back at the 1700s.
Lexington, NC,, which refers to itself as the "Barbecue Capital of the World," was named the No. 4 best city in the country for barbecue by U.S. News & World Report in 2012. It was behind St. Louis, Nashville and Austin.
The state has many barbecue festivals happening throughout the year, plus pitmaster competitions.
There are so many barbecue restaurants that North Carolina Barbecue Society created the Historic Barbecue Trail which highlights more than 15 must-try restaurants.
What is the difference between Western NC and Eastern NC BBQ?
Eastern BBQ uses the whole hog and features a vinegar-based sauce. This type of sauce was developed in the 1800s.
Around World War I, Western BBQ emerged as stands started cooking parts of the hog like the shoulder only and then using ketchup to create a different sauce.
What to order at a BBQ joint?
Most barbecue restaurants have a meat-focused menu that includes:
- Pulled pork
- Ribs
- Brisket
- Chicken
- Sausage
You can typically order by the quart or pint, depending on how many people you are feeding.
Smaller orders are usually by the plate with a choice of side items.
Don't forget the barbecue sauce!
What is the best side item for BBQ?
You can't go wrong with any of these items:
- Cole Slaw - can be served on your sandwich or on the side
- Potato Salad
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Collard Greens
The sides are almost as important as the meat, so consider getting a large side of your favorite dish.
Barbecue festivals in North Carolina
There are many festivals devoted to barbecue in North Carolina. Here are a few:
- NC 'Cuegrass Festival - Enjoy a day of bluegrass, local brews and great barbecue in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District during this annual festival every April.
- Jiggy with the Piggy Fest - This Kannapolis festival features a Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition, carnival rides, outdoor movies and barbecue and wing tastings every May.
- BBQ Festival on the Neuse - Head to downtown Kinston for this annual celebration of great food and music in early May.
- Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival - Thousands flock to downtown Smithfield for this annual event, which features inflatables and more every May.
- Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival - This festival for foodies is held at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary in the fall.
- Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown - The event is held in Rocky Mount each year.
- The Barbecue Festival - This Lexington fest boasts some of the best BBQ during this event every fall.
