Located on the North Carolina coast, our region has many unique qualities, including its food. One of those foods is barbeque (aka BBQ, Bar-B-Que, or barbecue). This blog post will share where to get the best Eastern NC-style BBQ on the Outer Banks and what to expect from our unique barbeque style.
Get our complimentary Destination Guide for more great places to dine and things to do. It will make planning your OBX vacation a breeze.
Keep scrolling for details about our particular brand of barbeque and the best BBQ on the Outer Banks.
What to Expect From Eastern NC-Style BBQ
Traditional Eastern NC-style BBQ features slow-roasted pork seasoned with apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Depending on personal taste, sugar, and water are sometimes added to the recipe. The entire hog is typically roasted in a “pig cooker” with gas, wood, charcoal, or a combination of fuels. Some pit masters cook pork butts or shoulders. No ketchup or tomato-based sauce is used in the cooking process or as a condiment. Instead, the same seasoning used during cooking is used as a condiment. Some people like to add “hot pepper vinegar” or Texas Pete hot sauce.
Eastern NC-style BBQ uses both white and dark meat, which is usually chopped (versus pulled). This savory tradition is typically served two ways: as a sandwich or a plate. The sandwich is served on a hamburger bun and topped with Cole Slaw. A BBQ plate has a serving of meat with Cole Slaw, French fries, hush puppies, cornbread, or other Southern sides.
“Pig Cookings” are a popular way to celebrate and fundraise in Eastern NC. There are even pig cooking contests with prize-winning BBQ chefs.
The Best BBQ Restaurants on the OBX
Each individual and restaurant puts its own unique spin on how it prepares and serves BBQ. Here are a few of our favorite barbeque establishments on the Outer Banks.
Carolina Bar-B-Que & Seafood Company
- BBQ, Brisket, Seafood
- Outdoor Seating
- Casual
- Online Ordering Available
- Kids Menu
- $$
Location:
908 S US Highway 64, Manteo, NC
Hours of Operation:
Closed Sunday and Monday
Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
High Cotton Barbeque
- Outdoor Seating
- Casual
- Family Package
- Online Ordering Available
- Catering Availalbe
- $$
Location:
5230 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC
Hours of Operation:
Closed Sunday
Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Pigman’s Bar-B-Que
NC-Style Pulled Pork, St. Louis Ribs, Smoked Tuna
Casual
Outdoor Seating
Online Ordering Available
Picnics To Go
$$-$$$
Location:
1606 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack
- BBQ Sandwich & Platter, Fried Chicken, Southern Sides
- Kids Menu
- Outdoor Seating
- Two Locations
- Family Packs
- Catering
- $$
Nags Head Location:
3919 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – Monday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Closed Tuesday
Corolla Location:
807 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – Monday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Closed Tuesday
Find the Perfect OBX Vacation Rental
After a mouth-water sampling of our Eastern NC-style BBQ, you will be ready to head back to your OBX vacation rental for some rest and relaxation. If you are feeling up to, you can even try your hand at using the BBQ grill at your rental. Paramount Vacations offers a beautiful selection of rentals with amazing amenities and locations. Let us help you find a rental that fits your vacation needs. There are so many great OBX restaurants to explore and fun things to do. Start planning your getaway today.
