Barbecue

Greenville-Pitt County is ground zero for Eastern North Carolina whole-hog, vinegar-based barbecue cooked over wood coals! Many of our BBQ joints are recognized far and wide by culinary and travel publications and foodie stars, and even presidents as being the best around. People have come from around the world since 1947 to eat “Pete Jones BBQ” at Skylight Inn in Ayden under the US Capitol Rotunda replica that helped cement their title as the “Capital of Eastern NC BBQ.” Keeping up the family tradition, third-generation pitmaster and Pete’s grandson, Sam Jones opened up Sam Jones Barbecue in Winterville in 2015 and is putting a modern smokehouse spin on whole hog ‘cue and is such a staple on the national and international foodie festival circuit he recently wrote a book on the Jones Family Gospel of Eastern BBQ. 

Over at Bum’s Restaurant in Ayden the Dennis family have reportedly been smoking whole hogs over wood since caveman days and always serve up their delicious smoky-flavored ‘cue and range of mouth-watering sides with friendly service and entertainment. 

B’s Barbecue in Greenville is so iconic they named the road it sits on after it! Since the 1970’s the McLawhorn family have been serving up barbecue at their buffet line inside and from their take out window. Pro Tip: Get there early in the day, because when they sell out they close up. The saddest place in Greenville standing at the window when they place the “Sold Out. Closed” sign on the glass. 

Hailing from another Eastern NC BBQ family dynasty, Parkers Barbecue is so popular they now have three locations throughout Greenville to serve up their tasty barbecue, fried chicken, and delicious sides! 

All of our BBQ joints are Pit Stops on the Pitt County Brew & ‘Cue Trail. Pick up your “Passpork” at any participating BBQ restaurants or breweries, collect all your stamps, and earn some sweet trail swag to show off!