The Outer Banks is a top vacation destination on the East Coast, known for it stunning beaches and numerous activities to explore. One of our favorite parts of vacationing here is deciding where to eat!
If you’re in the mood for barbecue, we have the perfect place for you! High Cotton BBQ in Kitty Hawk, NC, brings authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue straight to the Outer Banks. This down-home favorite is known for its laid-back, welcoming vibe, making it the perfect spot for families, beachgoers, and BBQ lovers.
Looking for more awesome tips to make the most of your time in the Outer Banks? Don’t forget to get your free copy of our Area Guide! It’s packed with info on the best restaurants, fun festivals, and special offers that you won’t want to miss!
Eastern Carolina-Style Smoked Meats
At the heart of High Cotton BBQ is its Eastern NC-style barbecue. What makes Eastern North Carolina Style BBQ Special? Meats are slow‑smoked over hickory coals at precise, low temperatures and served with tangy, savory sauces. The menu features classics like hand‑chopped pork BBQ, brisket, ribs, and both smoked and fried chicken, as well as homestyle sides and hushpuppies.
And what keeps locals and vacationers returning year after year is more than the expertly smoked meat; it’s the genuine Southern hospitality. Founder Will Thorp, a North Carolina native, poured his heart, and his culinary training, into crafting a restaurant that is rich in tradition and flavor. If you are hankering for a taste of authentic North Carolina cuisine, then High Cotton BBQ needs to be on your list.
Menu Highlights
Here are some of the delicious items on the menu that have helped make High Cotton BBQ a “must visit” in the OBX.
- Pork BBQ Plate: Eastern NC smoked pork, hand‑chopped and piled high
- Brisket Plate: Tender, sliced Texas-style brisket cooked “low and slow”, served with two sides
- High Cotton’s Famous Smoked Chicken: Half a juicy, slow‑smoked chicken
- Southern Fried Chicken: Crispy, flavorful, and reminiscent of grandma’s cooking
- Combo Plates: Mix and match two or three meats, for serious BBQ lovers
- Homemade Chess Pie: Available in coconut, lemon, or chocolate pecan!
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re new to High Cotton BBQ, here are some pointers!
- Go early and beat the crowds! The restaurant can get busy, especially during summer.
- Come hungry, and consider combo plates. Combo plates are a great way to sample multiple meats!
- Enjoy the delicious sides. Items such as the Brunswick Stew, hushpuppies, and green beans add a variety of different flavors to your meal.
Takeout for Beach Picnics or Family Dinners
Planning a beach picnic or group dinner? High Cotton’s Family Packages are an ideal solution for a sumptuous seaside feast.
- Package #1 (feeds 6–8): Includes pork, whole fried chicken, full rack of ribs, sides, hushpuppies, and rolls
- Package #2 (feeds 10–12): Adds beef brisket and larger quantities of sides
- Package #3 (feeds 14–16): On top of everything else, it adds 2 full racks of St. Louis Cut Ribs, and more sides
Visit High Cotton BBQ
Hours: Monday- Saturday from 11am-8pm (until Labor Day)
Location: 5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail
Phone: (252) 255-2275
Plan Your Outer Banks Vacation Today
Featured Property: Calypso
Come experience all the tastes, sights, and experiences that the Outer Banks has to offer (like High Cotton BBQ!) during your stay at a Paramount Destinations vacation rental! Our vacation rentals in Duck, Southern Shores, Corolla, and Nags Head are conveniently located for all of your OBX adventures. Explore our catalogue today and book your dream vacation with Paramount Destinations!
Show Me Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
