Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina takes barbecue seriously, and the sandwich is where tradition meets flavor in every bite. From vinegar-soaked Eastern-style pork to the tomato-kissed Lexington version, each spot has its own story and loyal fans. BBQ lovers across the state have tasted them all, and they’ve ranked the best sandwiches that capture the spirit of Carolina cooking. Get ready to explore the smoky, tangy, and downright delicious world of North Carolina’s finest BBQ sandwiches.
Hursey’s Bar-B-Q – The Basic But Satisfying Sandwich
Sometimes you just need comfort food that doesn’t try too hard. Hursey’s delivers exactly that with their Eastern-style chopped pork sandwich that keeps things simple and honest.
The meat comes finely chopped with a straightforward vinegar-based sauce that doesn’t overwhelm. You won’t find fancy toppings or complicated flavors here, just dependable barbecue that tastes like home.
Regulars love it because it never disappoints, offering the same familiar taste every single visit. When you want BBQ without the fuss, this sandwich hits the spot perfectly.
Little Richard’s – The Hometown Hero Sandwich
Winston-Salem claims this sandwich as their own treasure, and one bite explains why locals are so proud. The chopped pork comes loaded with well-caramelized bark that adds a sweet, smoky crunch to every mouthful.
Texture matters here, and Little Richard’s nails it with meat that’s tender yet substantial. The bark pieces scattered throughout give you those crispy, flavor-packed surprises that make you slow down and savor.
People drive across town just to grab one of these sandwiches for lunch. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your order before you say it.
Lexington Barbecue – The Regional Classic
This is the sandwich that put Lexington on the barbecue map and keeps it there. Pork shoulder gets chopped to a medium texture, striking that perfect balance between chunky and fine.
The signature tomato-vinegar dip sauce sets it apart from Eastern competitors, adding just enough sweetness to complement the smoke. Locals have been arguing about this style versus Eastern for generations, and they’re not backing down.
When you order here, you’re tasting a piece of North Carolina history that’s been perfected since 1962. Solid doesn’t even begin to describe how beloved this sandwich truly is.
Stamey’s Barbecue – The Balanced Beauty
Greensboro’s pride and joy since 1930, Stamey’s has mastered the art of balance in a BBQ sandwich. Smoke, tenderness, and that perfect sauce-to-slaw ratio come together in harmony that’s hard to match.
Every element gets attention here, from the hickory-smoked pork to the tangy sauce that doesn’t overpower. The slaw adds cool crunch without drowning out the star of the show.
BBQ experts frequently name this among the state’s absolute best, and first-timers quickly understand the hype. This sandwich proves that tradition and consistency create something truly special.
Hidden Pulled Pork Gems – The Surprise Champions
Not all great sandwiches come from famous restaurants with big signs and long histories. Scattered across North Carolina are tiny counters and hole-in-the-wall joints that serve exceptional pulled pork without any fanfare.
These under-the-radar spots often surprise visitors with flavor that rivals the big names. Maybe it’s a gas station with a smoker out back or a weekend-only stand that locals guard like a secret.
Finding one feels like discovering buried treasure, and the sandwiches often pack more personality than their famous cousins. Sometimes the best BBQ hides in the most unexpected places.
Parker’s Barbecue – The Eastern Smoke Master
Wilson and Greenville area folks know Parker’s as the place where Eastern-style barbecue reaches its full potential. Their sandwich earns special praise for the smoky, tangy pork that captures everything great about this regional style.
The vinegar-pepper sauce here has that perfect kick that wakes up your taste buds without burning them. Smoke penetrates every bite, reminding you that real barbecue takes time and patience.
Fans make regular pilgrimages here, treating each visit like a reunion with an old friend. When Eastern-style BBQ is done right, this is what it tastes like.
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge – The Legacy Keeper
Since 1946, Red Bridges has been serving sandwiches that carry the weight of family tradition and barbecue excellence. Their robust flavor comes from twelve hours of hickory smoking that transforms pork into something magical.
Consistency matters at legacy joints like this, and they’ve maintained their standards for decades. The meat arrives tender and flavorful, complemented by sides that complete the experience.
People love this place not just for the food but for the feeling of stepping back into simpler times. Every sandwich connects you to generations of BBQ lovers who came before.
B’s Barbecue – The Pilgrimage-Worthy Legend
Lines form before the doors even open at this Greenville institution, and for good reason. B’s operates on a simple philosophy: make incredible barbecue until it runs out, then close for the day.
Their chopped pork sandwich has achieved legendary status among locals who treat it like a religious experience. No fancy dining room or elaborate menu here, just pure, honest barbecue that speaks for itself.
Visitors quickly learn to arrive early because once the pork is gone, that’s it until tomorrow. This sandwich reminds you that the best things in life are worth waiting for.
Sam Jones BBQ – The Modern Traditionalist
Sam Jones bridges the gap between old-school tradition and modern technique, creating sandwiches that honor the past while embracing the present. Located in the Winterville and Greenville area, this spot has quickly earned serious respect.
The crackling bits mixed into the pork add textural contrast that elevates each bite beyond ordinary. Rich, smoky meat gets paired with just enough sauce to enhance rather than hide the flavor.
BBQ purists and newcomers alike find something to love here. It proves that respecting tradition doesn’t mean you can’t innovate and improve along the way.
Skylight Inn BBQ – The Undisputed Champion
When BBQ devotees argue about the best sandwich in North Carolina, this is the name that ends the conversation. Skylight Inn’s whole-hog approach since 1947 has created something that feels more like barbecue religion than just food.
The chopped pork comes simply dressed with vinegar sauce and white bread, letting the smoke and texture do all the talking. Crackling bits mixed throughout provide those crispy, salty moments that make you close your eyes and savor.
Minimalism reaches perfection here, proving that great barbecue doesn’t need complicated additions. This sandwich represents the benchmark that all others get measured against, and it wears that crown proudly.
