A guide to the top North Carolina-style BBQ spots in the Outer Banks, filled with smoky meats, bold flavors, and local favorites that make every meal worth the stop.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina may be best known for its windswept beaches, wild horses, and standout seafood, but it's also home to some of the finest NC BBQ spots in the South.
Here, North Carolina-style BBQ reigns supreme, a regional treasure crafted with slow-smoked meats and vinegar-based sauces that are as bold as they are simple. It's a style that speaks to the state's rich culinary heritage, blending tradition with a commitment to flavor.
Here's a little teaser to whet your appetite:
- Pigman's BBQ (Kill Devil Hills): Vinegar-kissed pork, sweet brisket, and classic sides.
- High Cotton BBQ (Kitty Hawk): Bold Eastern NC flavors and slow-cooked meats.
- Sooey's (Duck, Corolla, Nags Head): Decades of family tradition and comforting Southern plates.
- Carolina BBQ (Manteo): Pulled pork, brisket, and cracklins cooked low and slow.
- Corolla Village BBQ (Corolla): Hickory-smoked meats in a charming village setting.
- Currituck BBQ Company (Barco): Eastern NC favorites, tender meats, and standout hushpuppies.
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Ready to explore North Carolina's BBQ legacy on the Outer Banks? In this guide, I'll point you to some of the region's best-loved smokehouses.
Ready? Let's dig right in!
What is North Carolina-style BBQ?
North Carolina-style BBQ is a distinctive approach to barbecuing pork, rooted in tradition and celebrated across the state for its bold, tangy flavors. It's all about cooking pork, often the whole hog, slowly over a wood fire, allowing the meat to absorb a smoky depth that enhances its natural flavors.
The Defining Feature
The defining feature, however, is the vinegar-based sauce, which sets North Carolina BBQ apart from other regional styles like Kansas City's tomato-heavy sauce or Texas's smoke-centric brisket.
This vinegar-based sauce, typically infused with spices such as red pepper flakes and black pepper, adds a sharp, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the pork, enhancing its taste without overwhelming it. The sauce is often applied lightly, meant to complement rather than overpower the flavor of the meat. Some pitmasters also add subtle hints of sweetness or additional spices to create a unique balance.
Two Styles: Eastern & Lexington
In North Carolina, the BBQ scene itself is divided into two main styles: Eastern and Lexington. Eastern North Carolina BBQ stays true to the "whole hog" tradition, where nearly every part of the pig is used, from shoulders to hams. The sauce is straightforward, just vinegar, salt, and pepper, letting the meat's natural flavors shine. Lexington-style BBQ, on the other hand, focuses on pork shoulder and adds a touch of ketchup or tomato to the vinegar sauce, giving it a slightly sweeter, richer flavor profile.
The Experience
BBQ on the OBX isn't just about food; it's about the experience. The hum of smokehouses, the friendly locals who have perfected family recipes over decades, and the unmistakable aroma of hickory wood hanging in the air all create a scene worth savoring.
From humble roadside shacks to family-owned gems, BBQ spots here are a warm invitation to enjoy a feast of pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, paired with classic Southern sides.
The obx top North Carolina-Style BBQ Restaurants
1. Pigman's BBQ, Kill Devil Hills
Known for their hand-crafted, vinegar-based BBQ.
Pigman's BBQ is a cozy spot that exudes southern warmth and charm, aiming to make each visitor "squeal with delight." Known for their hand-crafted, vinegar-based BBQ, Pigman's serves pork BBQ that's slightly tangy, with a secret blend of spices that changes with each batch, making every visit a bit unique. Their beef brisket, smoked and pulled to perfection, is complemented by a ketchup-based sauce that's sweeter than the vinegar dressing, adding a nice balance. The ribs, chicken, and turkey BBQ are all great choices, too. Please don't leave without trying their hush puppies and coleslaw for a true North Carolina BBQ experience!
Must-Try
Pork BBQ with their tangy vinegar-based sauce, smoked beef brisket with sweet ketchup-based sauce, hush puppies, and coleslaw.
What people say
"Everything was so delicious! The cornbread, pulled pork, coleslaw, and ribs were perfectly cooked."
"The pork was moist with lots of vinegar-based mop sauce. The hushpuppies were great when dipped in one of the 5 sauces available at the sauce station."
2. High Cotton BBQ, Kitty Hawk
A rustic spot boasting an irresistible aroma of slow-cooked meats.
High Cotton BBQ is a must-visit for Eastern North Carolina BBQ fans in the OBX. The rustic, welcoming vibe and aroma of slow-cooked meats make this spot feel like a BBQ haven. Their signature pork BBQ, slow-cooked and mixed with a house-blend vinegar sauce, delivers a bold, tangy flavor that's well-loved in the area. If you lean toward beef, the smoked brisket with a sweet ketchup-based sauce is a treat. The smoked chicken, with its tender, juicy texture, is perfectly seasoned and cooked to smoky perfection. Pair any meat with their fresh sides and relish a laid-back yet delicious meal.
Must-Try
Signature pork BBQ with house-blend vinegar sauce, smoked brisket with sweet ketchup-based sauce, and tender smoked chicken.
What people say
"Amazing food, quality service, and great setup. We were extremely pleased with everything High Cotton had to offer, and the food was absolutely DELICIOUS!"
"The food was absolutely phenomenal. Our guests could not stop raving about the awesome food, especially enjoying the BBQ sauce."
3. Sooey's, Duck, corolla, nags head
A local favorite with over 50 years of BBQ tradition.
A local gem with over 50 years of BBQ tradition, Sooey's BBQ is the definition of a family-run labor of love. The carefully perfected family recipes ensure each bite is a taste of BBQ history. From pulled pork and beef brisket to their slow-smoked chicken, everything is crafted with patience. Their vinegar-based sauce is a must-try, adding just the right amount of tang. Their sides, such as baked beans and coleslaw, are comforting and flavorful complements. The nostalgic atmosphere invites you to relax, enjoy, and taste the decades of dedication in every bite.
Must-Try
Pulled pork with vinegar-based sauce, beef brisket, slow-smoked chicken, baked beans, and coleslaw.
What people say
"This little hidden gem gave us a taste of southern barbecue that was quite delicious. The ribs were smoked with a light sauce and were quite tender and tasty. The brisket was absolutely amazing, and the sweet hush puppies were crazy delicious."
"Our group ordered an absolute feast from this place, and were not disappointed! The fried chicken and pulled pork were winners, and the barbecue sauce was as great as we expected."
4. Carolina BBQ, Manteo
Pulled pork, cracklins, and brisket cooked to perfection.
Carolina BBQ's owner brings decades of expertise to this Manteo establishment. With a deep respect for traditional pit barbecue, Carolina BBQ brings authentic North Carolina-style BBQ to life. The pulled pork, cracklins, and brisket are cooked low and slow, allowing the smoky flavors to shine. Sides are not an afterthought here; each is carefully made in-house, including their celebrated cracklins. This spot is cozy and laid-back, making it the perfect place to unwind and savor true North Carolina BBQ in all its smoky, flavorful glory.
Must-Try
Pulled pork, smoked brisket, in-house cracklins, and southern-style sides.
What people say
"The owner has been learning the craft of pit barbecue since he was 16. Their menu ranges from BBQ classics like pulled pork, chicken, and beef brisket to coastal favorites like locally caught fried shrimp and fish baskets with all the southern fixings."
5. Corolla Village BBQ, Corolla
A mix of traditional BBQ flavors with a small-town feel.
Nestled in the quaint setting of Corolla Village, this BBQ spot combines traditional BBQ flavors with a small-town feel. Corolla Village BBQ smokes their meats with hickory wood, resulting in tender, smoky pork, beef, and chicken offerings. Their sides, like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and rich mac and cheese, round out the meal. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can soak in the village vibe, whether grabbing a bite on-site or ordering takeout for a beachside feast. Their catering service is also ideal for larger gatherings.
Must-Try
Hickory-smoked pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese.
What people say
"Really good pulled pork, as everybody else commented on. Beans, cornbread, slaw - all great! Service with a smile and so fast. It's like magic!"
"Great NC pork BBQ. Very moist and tasty. Unassuming stand/shack but friendly staff and good food."
6. Currituck BBQ Company, Barco
Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ smoked to perfection.
Currituck BBQ Company is a local favorite specializing in Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ. Their meats, pork, chicken, and brisket, are smoked to perfection, creating flavors that are rich, robust, and tender. Their hushpuppies are a must-have, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for scooping up the last bits of BBQ sauce. Classic sides like collard greens, baked beans, and a selection of homemade desserts round out the meal. For those who love variety, try sampling their different sauces on each meat for a mini BBQ tour.
Must-Try
Pork BBQ, smoked chicken, brisket, hush puppies, collard greens, baked beans, and homemade desserts.
What people say
"Great rib deal on Wednesdays! $11.99 for a half rack, two sides, and hush puppies. Really tender, large ribs. Very delicious BBQ sauce options."
"You just can't beat Good, Old Style North Carolina Barbecue that's cooked the Old Fashioned way - with Love. Been going here for years on our annual trip to the Outer Banks. Food is Always Delicious, and the people are so nice!"
Other Must-Try OBX Delicacies
The Outer Banks has a rich food culture that goes far beyond the smoker. If you want to round out your tasting tour, here are a few coastal highlights that locals love:
- Fresh Local Seafood: Mahi, tuna, shrimp, oysters, and seasonal catch served the classic OBX way: simple, flavorful, and always fresh.
- Shrimp and Grits: Creamy, savory, and full of coastal comfort.
- She-Crab Soup: Rich, silky, and packed with flavor. A true Carolina classic that warms you right up.
- Hushpuppies: Golden, warm, and slightly sweet. They pair perfectly with BBQ or seafood.
- Steamer Pots: A hearty spread of shrimp, crab legs, potatoes, and corn infused with spices.
- Fish Tacos: Soft tortillas stacked with flaky fish, crisp slaw, and bright sauces.
- Key Lime Pie: Cool, tart, and refreshing; the ideal finish after a day in the sun.
Tips for a Stellar Dining Experience in the OBX
- Go early during peak season: Dinner crowds build fast in summer, so early meals help you skip lines and enjoy a relaxed pace.
- Say yes to local specials: Daily specials often feature fresh catch or smoked meats pulled straight from the pit that morning.
- Try a mix of classics and local twists: The OBX shines when you balance comfort food favorites with coastal flavors.
- Check hours before you go: Many restaurants run seasonal hours or close midweek in the off-season.
- Explore past the main roads: Some of the best spots sit just a few turns off the highway.
- Save room for dessert: Key Lime Pie, banana pudding, or a scoop of custard makes everything better.
Experience the best of the Outer Banks
The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.
Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!