The North Carolina BBQ Trail is a self-guided road trip through one of the most distinctive regional barbecue cultures in the United States, spanning the state from the coastal plain to the Piedmont foothills. North Carolina is home to two rival traditions — Eastern-style whole-hog barbecue seasoned with a thin vinegar-and-pepper sauce, and Lexington-style (Western-style) pork shoulder finished with a slightly sweet tomato-tinged sauce — and the trail allows visitors to experience both in a single itinerary.
The NC BBQ Society, which maintains a member restaurant list and downloadable map at ncbbqsociety.com, anchors the self-drive experience. A full trail itinerary spans one to three days depending on how many joints visitors choose to include. The eastern leg begins around Ayden and Greenville, where Skylight Inn BBQ — a James Beard Award-recognized wood-burning pit house dating to 1947 — and B's BBQ in Greenville represent old-school whole-hog cooking at its peak. The route continues through Goldsboro (Wilber's Barbecue) and Wilson (Parker's Barbecue) before crossing into the Piedmont. The Lexington-style leg centers on the town of Lexington itself, home to Lexington Barbecue and Speedy's Bar-B-Q, and extends to Greensboro (Stamey's Old Fashioned Barbecue) and Madison (Fuzzy's Bar-B-Q).
Meals are priced per plate at individual restaurants, typically running $12 to $18 per person per stop; a three or four-stop sampler day costs roughly $40 to $60 per person excluding fuel and lodging. Most participating restaurants accept cash and card, though several older establishments still prefer cash. Hours vary widely — many iconic pit houses open only Monday through Saturday and sell out when the day's meat runs out, sometimes by early afternoon. Checking individual restaurant hours before driving long distances is strongly advised.
What is included
- Eastern: Skylight Inn (Ayden), B's BBQ (Greenville), Wilber's (Goldsboro), Parker's (Wilson)
- Western: Lexington Barbecue (Lexington), Speedy's (Lexington), Stamey's (Greensboro), Fuzzy's (Madison)
- Map downloadable at ncbbqsociety.com
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided (NC BBQ Society map at ncbbqsociety.com; Eastern NC Society maintains member restaurant list)
Location
Start: Skylight Inn BBQ, 4618 S Lee St, Ayden, NC 28513
35.4668, -77.4200 View on map
Highlights
- Two-tradition road trip comparing Eastern whole-hog vinegar BBQ (Ayden, Greenville, Goldsboro) with Lexington pork shoulder (Lexington, Greensboro)
- Includes Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden — a James Beard Award-recognized pit house operating since 1947
- Self-guided flexibility: sample 3-4 joints in a single day or spread the trail across a 2-3 day road trip
- NC BBQ Society map at ncbbqsociety.com provides a member restaurant list and downloadable trail guide
- Prices typically $12-18 per person per stop — among the most affordable food experiences in North Carolina
Tips for visiting
- Many legendary pits sell out by early afternoon — arrive before noon, especially at Skylight Inn and B's BBQ
- Most classic joints are closed on Sunday; plan the eastern leg for Monday through Saturday
- Bring cash to older establishments — several iconic BBQ houses do not accept cards
- Drive east-to-west to taste the two styles in sequence; ending in Lexington makes for a clear flavor comparison
- The full trail spans 300-plus miles; splitting it over two days with an overnight in Goldsboro or Durham is practical
- Order the hush puppies and coleslaw at each stop — regional variations are as revealing as the BBQ itself
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Eastern and Lexington-style North Carolina BBQ?
Eastern-style uses the whole hog and a thin tangy vinegar-and-pepper sauce with no tomato. Lexington-style (also called Piedmont or Western) uses only pork shoulder and adds a small amount of ketchup or tomato to the vinegar base, producing a slightly sweeter and darker sauce known locally as 'dip.'
Do I need to book in advance for NC BBQ Trail restaurants?
Most NC BBQ trail joints do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to confirm hours and daily availability is strongly advised, as popular pits often sell out by midday.
Where can I get a map of the NC BBQ Trail?
The NC BBQ Society publishes a member restaurant list and downloadable trail map at ncbbqsociety.com. The map distinguishes Eastern from Lexington-style establishments and includes addresses and operational notes.
How long does it take to drive the full NC BBQ Trail?
The complete trail from Ayden in the east to Lexington and beyond in the Piedmont covers over 300 miles. Most visitors spread the experience over one to three days, sampling three to five restaurants per day.
Are vegetarian or non-pork options available on the BBQ trail?
North Carolina BBQ is almost exclusively a pork tradition. A few trail restaurants offer chicken or beef sides, but the core experience is pork-based. Vegetarians will find limited options at most established pit houses.