The 10 Best BBQ Joints in North Carolina — 2026

We compared all 915 BBQ joints in North Carolina on the data that matters: services offered, posted hours, and how easy each one is to reach. No pay-to-play — this ranking comes straight from the listings data, updated November 2026.

#1 · MeMa's Chick'n' and RibsWilmington Ribs

(910) 319-7582 Website View listing

#2 · Caino's Red Barn GrillHubert Texas-styleBrisketRibs

(910) 326-2276 Website View listing

#3 · Green River BBQSaluda Ribs

(828) 749-9892 Website View listing

#4 · Apple City BBQTaylorsville

(828) 471-5215 Website View listing

#5 · Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-QClayton BBQ chicken

(919) 553-4553 Website View listing

#6 · Lenny's & Vc Grill & CateringDover

(252) 523-0300 Website View listing

#7 · Midwood SmokehouseHuntersville BrisketSmokehouse

(980) 689-2990 Website View listing

#8 · Fatcrabs Rib Company & Seafood ShackCorolla BrisketRibs

(252) 453-9931 Website View listing

#9 · Bar-B-Que HutFayetteville

(910) 484-1975 Website View listing

#10 · Smokehouse at Steve'sGraham BrisketRibsSmokehouseBBQ chicken

(336) 506-4444 Website View listing

Run one of these businesses? You earned this spot — email contact@bbqjointatlas.com for your free “Top BBQ Joints in North Carolina” badge to put on your site, and we’ll make sure your listing stays accurate.
How we rank: every listing earns points for listed services (buffet, texas-style, brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smokehouse, bbq chicken, bbq sandwiches), posted hours, and working contact details. The ranking is recalculated with every data update.