BBQ Restaurants in North Carolina

When Guy Fieri’s red Camaro rolls into North Carolina, you know he’s on the hunt for some serious barbecue. Over nearly two decades of Triple D adventures, the Mayor of Flavortown has showcased six smokin’ hot BBQ joints across the Tar Heel State, and four of them are still firing up their pits today. From the mountains to the coast, these spots have earned an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars from devoted fans.

Charlotte leads the pack with three featured restaurants, but some of the highest-rated gems are found off the beaten path. Huli Sue’s in Asheville tops the list with a stellar 4.8-star rating, bringing Hawaiian-inspired flavors to traditional Carolina ‘cue. Down on the coast, Cast Iron Kitchen in Wilmington impresses diners with a 4.6-star rating, while Shepard Barbecue in Emerald Isle serves up oceanside smokehouse perfection. Whether you’re craving pulled pork, brisket, or ribs with that unmistakable wood-fired flavor, these Guy-approved destinations prove that North Carolina’s barbecue scene is absolutely worth the trip.