Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina takes its barbecue seriously, and the state’s sandwich scene is a delicious battlefield of flavors, traditions, and fierce local pride. From the vinegar-soaked whole hog of the East to the tomato-kissed pork shoulder of the West, every bite tells a story. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, these ten sandwiches represent the very best the Tar Heel State has to offer.
The Pulled Pork Sandwich at The Barbecue Center, Lexington
Newcomers looking for an authentic taste of Lexington-style barbecue will find their starting point here. The Barbecue Center has anchored the town’s BBQ reputation for decades, serving chopped pork shoulder dressed with their signature tangy tomato-vinegar dip on a toasted bun.
While it might not blow your mind with wild experimentation, this sandwich delivers solid, dependable flavor that captures the essence of Western NC tradition. It’s less dramatic than some of the legends further down this list, but accessibility and historical significance make it a worthy first stop.
Consider this your gateway sandwich to understanding what the Piedmont region is all about.
Stamey’s Barbecue, Greensboro
Restraint is the secret weapon at Stamey’s, a Greensboro institution that refuses to serve anything but pork. No ribs, no chicken—just thoughtfully prepared chopped or sliced pork sandwiches cooked over hickory pits.
Their approach values consistency over showmanship, letting the quality of the smoke and meat speak for themselves. The sauce here complements rather than dominates, creating a balanced bite that purists appreciate deeply.
It won’t shout for attention, but this sandwich earns respect through decades of doing one thing exceptionally well. Sometimes simplicity is its own form of genius.
The Sandwich at Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, Shelby
Red Bridges knows that the best part of smoked pork is often the crusty, caramelized exterior, which is why their sandwich proudly features those coveted “outside brown” bits. Combined with red slaw and served on a warm bun, this Western NC creation delivers serious smoke character.
The flavor leans bold without crossing into overwhelming territory, making it a favorite stop for travelers exploring the western parts of the state. Many BBQ road trip guides specifically recommend Red Bridges as an essential checkpoint.
If you’re chasing that perfect smoky crust mixed with tender meat, this is your destination.
Hursey’s Bar-B-Q Sandwich
Hursey’s embraces the beauty of simplicity with their Eastern-style chopped pork sandwich. There’s no pretension here, just honest, consistent barbecue that represents the whole-hog tradition without demanding you make a pilgrimage.
Often described as “The Basic But Satisfying Sandwich,” Hursey’s offers a reliable introduction to Eastern Carolina flavor for those not yet ready to commit to the more intense legends. The vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness perfectly, keeping each bite bright and clean.
Think of it as your practice run before tackling the heavyweight champions of NC barbecue.
B’s Barbecue, Greenville (Eastern Style)
B’s operates with zero frills and maximum flavor, earning fierce loyalty from Eastern Carolina locals. Their whole-hog sandwich arrives smoky and vinegar-kissed, served on plain white bread without any unnecessary fanfare.
Because authentic Eastern-style barbecue has become harder to find in many areas, a proper B’s sandwich feels like discovering buried treasure. The difference between Eastern and Western styles becomes crystal clear after one bite—the vinegar brightness and whole-hog preparation create an entirely different experience.
This is the spot where casual fans often become devoted converts to the Eastern way.
Longleaf Swine, Raleigh
Longleaf Swine bridges generations by honoring whole-hog methods while welcoming creative touches that traditional purists might side-eye. Their sandwiches maintain the soul of classic NC barbecue but aren’t afraid to experiment with sauces and tweaks.
This approach attracts both old-school fans and younger barbecue enthusiasts looking for something familiar yet fresh. Being located in Raleigh makes it an accessible modern stop for visitors who want tradition without rigid rules.
It’s proof that respecting heritage and embracing evolution don’t have to be enemies. Sometimes progress and tradition can share the same plate beautifully.
Parker’s BBQ Sandwich
Parker’s has mastered the art of balance, creating a sandwich where smoke, seasoning, and sauce work together without any single element stealing the spotlight. Their pork delivers flavor without extremes, making it appealing to a wide range of barbecue fans.
Frequently mentioned in statewide BBQ spot listings, Parker’s serves as a reliable mid-road option that connects many of North Carolina’s barbecue corridors. Travelers crisscrossing the state often use it as a dependable checkpoint between more famous destinations.
Sometimes the best sandwich isn’t the loudest one—it’s the one that just gets everything right without overthinking it.
Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue Sandwich
Clyde Cooper’s earns its place among North Carolina’s Top 20 BBQ destinations through careful attention to their slow-cooking process. Their pork sandwich leans toward a smoky, moist profile that keeps meat tender and flavorful from first bite to last.
While it doesn’t always grab headlines like some of the legendary spots, locals consistently name Cooper’s when asked for reliable, excellent barbecue outside the main tourist circuit. The quality speaks quietly but confidently.
This is the sandwich you recommend to friends who want something genuinely great without the hype and long lines that come with fame.
Lexington Barbecue (Chopped Pork Sandwich)
Established in 1962, Lexington Barbecue carries the weight of history in every sandwich they serve. Honored as an America’s Classics restaurant, their signature creation features coarse-chopped pork dressed with “PDP”—Pork, Dip, and slaw—in perfect harmony.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that captures the tradition, flavor balance, and historical importance of Western North Carolina barbecue. Any serious NC BBQ tour must include a stop here, period.
The sandwich represents decades of perfected technique and unwavering dedication to the craft. It’s iconic for very good reasons.
Skylight Inn BBQ, Ayden — The Must-Try Legend
Skylight Inn represents the pinnacle of Eastern North Carolina barbecue, drawing devoted fans from across the state and beyond. Their whole-hog preparation, cooked over oak-fired brick pits, creates smoky, juicy pork that pairs perfectly with their bright, throat-cutting vinegar sauce.
Food writers consistently note that people drive hours specifically for this sandwich, which carries generations of legacy and technique. The minimal-fuss presentation lets the exceptional quality of the meat and smoke do all the talking.
This is the sandwich that converts skeptics and reminds believers why North Carolina barbecue commands such fierce devotion and respect worldwide.
