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Albemarle Area Shopping & Dining, Outer Banks Shopping & DiningPublished May 16, 2025
National BBQ Day: A Sizzling Celebration of Tradition, Taste, and Eastern NC Pride
If there’s one thing we know in North Carolina, it’s that BBQ is NOT a verb, and it isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. And on National BBQ Day, we’re firing up the conversation around all things smoky, saucy, and pulled or chopped. Whether you’re a grillmaster in your backyard or a devotee of the local BBQ joint down the road, this day is a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor.
What Kind of Pitmaster Are You?
Before we dig into our history and local hotspots, let’s talk about the tools of the trade. Today’s BBQ enthusiasts have no shortage of gear to choose from:
Charcoal Grills – Loved for that classic, smoky flavor, charcoal grills are a staple of old-school BBQ lovers.
Gas Grills – Convenient and fast-heating, gas grills are perfect for weekday grilling warriors.
Pellet Grills – Combining technology with tradition, pellet grills use wood pellets for precision temp control and rich flavor.
Kamado Grills – Egg-shaped and ceramic, these grills retain heat beautifully and can smoke, roast, or grill to perfection.
Offset Smokers – The gold standard for low-and-slow BBQ. Fire in one chamber, meat in the other. Flavor: unmatched.
Electric & Infrared Grills – Less common in Carolina BBQ but increasingly popular in urban or fire-restricted areas.
No matter the type, regular maintenance is key:
Clean grates after every use.
Empty and dispose of ashes properly.
Check for grease buildup, especially in smokers.
Inspect gas lines and seals if you use propane.
Cover your grill to protect from the elements—especially with our coastal humidity and salt air!
BBQ in NC: It’s a Noun, Not a Verb
In North Carolina, “barbecue” doesn’t mean tossing burgers on the grill—it means smoked pork, specifically pulled or chopped, and traditionally cooked low and slow over wood coals. And we take our styles seriously.
There are two primary BBQ styles in North Carolina:
Eastern Style – Found primarily in our part of the state and down into the Inner Banks, this style uses the whole hog and dresses it with a thin, tangy vinegar-based sauce. No tomatoes allowed. It’s all about balance, acidity, and highlighting the pork.
Lexington Style (a.k.a. Piedmont Style) – This version uses only the pork shoulder and includes a touch of ketchup or tomato in the sauce. Still vinegar-forward but a little sweeter.
The Importance of BBQ in Eastern NC
BBQ has long been a staple of social gatherings in Eastern North Carolina. From church fundraisers and family reunions to holiday weekends and county fairs, barbecue is a centerpiece of our culinary and cultural identity. It's more than a meal—it's community.
Our region holds fiercely to Eastern-style BBQ, and for good reason. The whole hog approach represents both resourcefulness and reverence for tradition. It’s a method passed down through generations, celebrated at festivals, and enjoyed on porches all across the northeast corner of the state.
Local Favorites in Northeast NC & the Outer Banks
No National BBQ Day would be complete without a nod to the pitmasters keeping the flame alive. Here are just a few local gems worth checking out:
Currituck BBQ Company (Barco & Elizabeth City) – Whole-hog barbecue, vinegar sauce, and all the sides. A favorite for locals and beach-bound visitors alike.
High Cotton BBQ (Kitty Hawk) – Eastern NC style done right on the Outer Banks. Great pulled pork, ribs, and brisket.
Southland Restaurant & BBQ (Moyock) – Known for their classic Eastern NC chopped pork and down-home feel.
Pigman’s BBQ (Kill Devil Hills) – A longtime OBX staple serving up Carolina BBQ with a beachside twist and a loyal following.
Parkers BBQ (Wilson – a bit farther out, but a pilgrimage-worthy stop for BBQ lovers).
Country Deli (Kill Devil Hills) – While not a traditional pit BBQ spot, they’ve got incredible smoked meat sandwiches that deserve an honorable mention.
Ready to Fire Up the Grill?
Whether you're serving up a backyard feast or hitting the road in search of the best pulled pork plate, today’s the perfect day to celebrate what makes BBQ in our region so special. And just like the best BBQ, community and home are always at the center of it all.
We’re proud to live and work in a place where tradition, flavor, and hospitality come together—whether it’s through real estate, barbecue, or both. So from all of us at Water Street Real Estate Group, Happy National BBQ Day!
What Kind of Pitmaster Are You?
Before we dig into our history and local hotspots, let’s talk about the tools of the trade. Today’s BBQ enthusiasts have no shortage of gear to choose from:
Charcoal Grills – Loved for that classic, smoky flavor, charcoal grills are a staple of old-school BBQ lovers.
Gas Grills – Convenient and fast-heating, gas grills are perfect for weekday grilling warriors.
Pellet Grills – Combining technology with tradition, pellet grills use wood pellets for precision temp control and rich flavor.
Kamado Grills – Egg-shaped and ceramic, these grills retain heat beautifully and can smoke, roast, or grill to perfection.
Offset Smokers – The gold standard for low-and-slow BBQ. Fire in one chamber, meat in the other. Flavor: unmatched.
Electric & Infrared Grills – Less common in Carolina BBQ but increasingly popular in urban or fire-restricted areas.
No matter the type, regular maintenance is key:
Clean grates after every use.
Empty and dispose of ashes properly.
Check for grease buildup, especially in smokers.
Inspect gas lines and seals if you use propane.
Cover your grill to protect from the elements—especially with our coastal humidity and salt air!
BBQ in NC: It’s a Noun, Not a Verb
In North Carolina, “barbecue” doesn’t mean tossing burgers on the grill—it means smoked pork, specifically pulled or chopped, and traditionally cooked low and slow over wood coals. And we take our styles seriously.
There are two primary BBQ styles in North Carolina:
Eastern Style – Found primarily in our part of the state and down into the Inner Banks, this style uses the whole hog and dresses it with a thin, tangy vinegar-based sauce. No tomatoes allowed. It’s all about balance, acidity, and highlighting the pork.
Lexington Style (a.k.a. Piedmont Style) – This version uses only the pork shoulder and includes a touch of ketchup or tomato in the sauce. Still vinegar-forward but a little sweeter.
The Importance of BBQ in Eastern NC
BBQ has long been a staple of social gatherings in Eastern North Carolina. From church fundraisers and family reunions to holiday weekends and county fairs, barbecue is a centerpiece of our culinary and cultural identity. It's more than a meal—it's community.
Our region holds fiercely to Eastern-style BBQ, and for good reason. The whole hog approach represents both resourcefulness and reverence for tradition. It’s a method passed down through generations, celebrated at festivals, and enjoyed on porches all across the northeast corner of the state.
Local Favorites in Northeast NC & the Outer Banks
No National BBQ Day would be complete without a nod to the pitmasters keeping the flame alive. Here are just a few local gems worth checking out:
Currituck BBQ Company (Barco & Elizabeth City) – Whole-hog barbecue, vinegar sauce, and all the sides. A favorite for locals and beach-bound visitors alike.
High Cotton BBQ (Kitty Hawk) – Eastern NC style done right on the Outer Banks. Great pulled pork, ribs, and brisket.
Southland Restaurant & BBQ (Moyock) – Known for their classic Eastern NC chopped pork and down-home feel.
Pigman’s BBQ (Kill Devil Hills) – A longtime OBX staple serving up Carolina BBQ with a beachside twist and a loyal following.
Parkers BBQ (Wilson – a bit farther out, but a pilgrimage-worthy stop for BBQ lovers).
Country Deli (Kill Devil Hills) – While not a traditional pit BBQ spot, they’ve got incredible smoked meat sandwiches that deserve an honorable mention.
Ready to Fire Up the Grill?
Whether you're serving up a backyard feast or hitting the road in search of the best pulled pork plate, today’s the perfect day to celebrate what makes BBQ in our region so special. And just like the best BBQ, community and home are always at the center of it all.
We’re proud to live and work in a place where tradition, flavor, and hospitality come together—whether it’s through real estate, barbecue, or both. So from all of us at Water Street Real Estate Group, Happy National BBQ Day!
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