Five Excellent Piedmont-Style BBQ Joints in North Carolina
This week’s guest article is written by John Tanner, founder of John Tanner’s Barbecue Blog. John is based in Washington, D.C., and has been writing about barbecue joints, events, and notable people in BBQ since 2015. This is a slimmed-down version of one of John’s great posts. Read the full list of John’s favorite North Carolina Piedmont BBQ joints here. If you would like to write a guest article for The Smoke Sheet, please get in touch.
I’ve written several “best” lists for Eastern North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C. barbecue. The demise of some wonderful NC Piedmont-style barbecue places in the last couple of years has spurred me to action. I dearly loved joints like Richard’s in Salisbury and Rick’s in Welcome.
The worst closure was Smiley’s, which was murdered by the bureaucratic hand of the NC Department of Transportation. I hope that Smiley’s will rise from the ashes like Wilber’s, and I hear that a new place, Jimmy’s, will open in the former Rick’s location with Glenn “Speedy” Holbrook back at the pit.
The pit at Lexington Barbecue #1. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
With all that in mind, I offer a list of the best. First, let’s start with my definition of the Piedmont-style barbecue. By Piedmont style, I mean pork shoulders tossed with a vinegar, pepper, and ketchup sauce. The ketchup distinguishes it from Eastern North Carolina’s vinegar-pepper sauce. It may seem a subtle difference, especially since the amount of ketchup is small as a rule. Still, it’s something to argue about.
The second issue is how to define the Piedmont region. It’s the area between Eastern North Carolina and the Mountains, but where do you draw the line? I was going to draw it along I-77, but let’s just say it’s just close to that to include more options.
This list does leave out a few “city barbecue” joints in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle and the Charlotte area. Longleaf Swine, for example, is a city barbecue place that may make a future list of joints like it.
So here they are, some of the best of the Piedmont, based on my visits. There remain places I haven’t tried, and I’m open to reconsidering places based on comments or new information.
Clark's in Kernersville has stellar pork. (Photo by John Tanner)
Clark’s Barbecue — Kernersville, NC
Oh, what a plate! And oh, what barbecue. Oh, what pork. The pork had a good smoky flavor and a good bit of outside bark to accent the richness of the pork. And superb vegetables! READ THE REVIEW.
It's surprising that Dickie-Do's BBQ doesn't get more attention. (Photo by John Tanner)
Dickie-Do’s BBQ — Haw River, NC
First, the pork. Delicious. This may be the smokiest pork in North Carolina. It also was tender and moist, and altogether great. I can’t believe they don’t get more attention. READ THE REVIEW.
Do not miss Lexington Barbecue #1 if you visit the area. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
Lexington Barbecue #1 — Lexington, NC
What can you say that hasn’t been said? Garden and Gun goes so far as to call Mr. Monk the most famous pitmaster in the Piedmont, and Lexington #1 is on every “best barbecue” list, as it deserves to be. READ THE REVIEW.
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge is a must-visit if you're nearby Shelby. (Photo by John Tanner)
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge — Shelby, NC
The meat was delicious. It was moist, tender, and flavorful, a wonderful blend of pork and smoke. The dip brought out the flavor and added just a touch of tang and pepper. I began to understand the Garden and Gun voters’ choice of Red Bridges as #1. READ THE REVIEW.
Stamey’s is among the best Piedmont-style joints. (Photo by Ryan Cooper)
Stamey’s Barbecue — Greensboro, NC (Gate City location)
We speak of Stamey’s in hushed whispers. Warner Stamey was present at the creation of the Lexington/Piedmont style of barbecue. The pork had a nice fine chop and that good hickory flavor enhanced by a very good sauce. If you can find better Piedmont-style barbecue than this, you’re probably at Red Bridges or Lexington #1. READ THE REVIEW.
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Your experience may — and probably does — differ from mine, and so may your preferences. Feel free to correct me. Enjoy the list, and please send suggestions of good barbecue places I should try, in North Carolina and beyond.
John Tanner
Founder, John Tanner's Barbecue Blo
—Well-known California pitmaster Kevin Bludso earned a James Beard media award for his book recently. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for The James Beard Foundation) —
HOT OFF THE PRESS
During two events in the past few days, the James Beard Awards has honored restaurants, chefs, writers, and others in the culinary community. Among the barbecue world, pitmaster and restaurateur Kevin Bludso earned a media award for his book, Bludso’s BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul. Another notable win was for Yoli Tortilleria of Kansas City, Missouri, which won Best Bakery. Yoli is known in the KC BBQ community, with multiple barbecue joints (including Scott’s Kitchen) using their tortillas to make tacos. READ MORE.
John Shelton Reed has been named by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an honor awarded to “persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.” Among many things, he is co-author, with his late wife Dale Volberg Reed, of Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue, which received the National Barbecue Association Award of Excellence in 2017. READ MORE.
The Food Network will be bringing back two primetime BBQ hits this summer. Bobby Flay’s BBQ Brawl and Michael Symon’s BBQ USA will be returning to the network with premieres on Monday, July 10. Flay’s competition series BBQ Brawl will begin with a supersized 90-minute premiere before transitioning to its usual hour-long format. BBQ USA will be composed of eight hour-long episodes following Symon as he visits the premier BBQ competitions across the country. READ MORE.
Clumsy Cow BBQ will be opening soon in the Loop in Downtown Chicago, Eater reports. Instead of being committed to Central Texas or a specific region, chef Alexander Willis is fusing his favorites. “Brisket and pulled pork will have unique spice rubs; it won’t be a universal salt and pepper mix for all the meats. He’s reminded of Memphis’ Cozy Corner BBQ and its smoked bologna sandwich. At Clumsy Cow, the bologna inspires a smoked mortadella sandwich served on a torpedo roll with a smoked pistachio barbecue sauce made with jalapeños.” READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Sean Ludwig of The Smoke Sheet and NYC BBQ recently shared highlights from the annual Rib King NYC and previewed the upcoming Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue event in Madison Square Park.
Here’s how immigrants are changing Central Texas barbecue for the better, according to The Economist.
Steven Raichlen shared his Post-Memorial Day grilling tips with the St. Louis Jewish Light.
Barbecue legend Rodney Scott visited with Outside to share his grilling rules as well as his gospel on barbecue sauce.
Distractify recently profiled pitmasters Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso, the two judges from the hit Netflix show Barbecue Showdown.
Speaking of Melissa Cookston, here are the 14 BBQ myths you can stop believing, according to the world champion pitmaster.
If you are planning a backyard barbecue this summer, here are 16 tips you need to prepare for a successful gathering.
—Netflix’s hit show Barbecue Showdown is back with backyard pitmasters competing in a series of live-fire cooking challenges.—
WATCH
Barbecue Showdown — Netflix
Season 2 of the hit show Barbecue Showdown was recently released on Netflix, featuring judges Kevin Bludso and Melissa Cookston and host Michelle Buteau. This season, eight of the country's best backyard smokers and pitmasters vie for the title of American Barbecue Champion in a fierce but friendly faceoff. In the first episode, the contestants craft signature barbecue plates to show what they can make over an open flame, including one dish cooked al fresco in the all-new trench. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Robert F. Moss — Tales from the Pits
Bryan and Andrew from Tales from the Pits were elated to once again sit down at the Charleston Wine and Food Festival with esteemed author and culinary historian Robert Moss. This episode includes a wide-ranging discussion on the food and drink history of commercial dining in the South, Robert’s job as the restaurant critic for Post and Courier, and of course his role as contributing barbecue editor for Southern Living. Robert’s incredibly well-researched books are a must-read for any food lover, and his knowledge of all things in the Southern culinary realm is enlightening. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Butcher On The Block: Everyday Recipes, Stories, and Inspirations from Your Local Butcher and Beyond — Matt Moore
Sometimes, the best way to get the best recipes is to just talk to your butcher. It’s an age-old adage that Matt Moore, author of Serial Griller and South's Best Butts and grandson of a butcher, took to heart—he’s traveled around the country and beyond to do just that. In Butcher on the Block, he shares stories, coveted family recipes, and expert tips from the people behind the counter who sell your meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, and trimmings. If you’re looking for exciting new cooking techniques, delicious recipes, good stories, and to support and celebrate local businesses, look no further than Butcher on the Block. ORDER HERE.
—You’ll want to dive right into a warm bowl of this savory, indulgent Smoked Mac and Cheese from Chiles and Smoke. (Photo by Brad Prose)—
Creamy Smoked Mac and Cheese
By Chiles and Smoke
This Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe from Brad Prose of Chiles and Smoke is pure comfort with a creamy blend of three types of cheeses and crispy bacon, all infused with a rich, smoky flavor. Brace yourself for a dish that captures the essence of cozy evenings by the campfire, infusing classic comfort food with wood-fired flavor. This smoked mac and cheese recipe has what you expect: creamy cheese sauce from sharp cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey jack and crispy bacon to add texture and flavor.
—There are a ton of great BBQ events happening this summer.—
June 13, 2023: Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue — New York, New York
BBQ will soon return to Madison Square Park in the form of a fundraiser. The upcoming Celebrate Big Apple Barbecue event on June 13 will host 20+ great BBQ joints from around the NYC metro area. BUY TICKETS HERE.
June 16-17, 2023: Discovery Fire at Settlers Creek — Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
The Discovery Fire event (formerly From the Ashes Idaho) returns June 16-17, 2023, with the big food, flavors and fun that you've come to expect from this annual summer Smoked and Fired Foods Adventure. It will include a Light the Fires Dinner on Friday night and a Pitmaster Showcase Event on Saturday. MORE INFO HERE.
June 23-24, 2023: Q BBQ Fest — Kansas City, Missouri
Arrowhead Events, the special events arm of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Eximius Productions have announced that the third-annual Q BBQ Fest – Kansas City will return to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a two-day event on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24. This year's elevated barbecue festival format will be held inside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time, giving guests the chance to sample the best barbecue from local, regional and national pitmasters inside the home of the Chiefs. MORE INFO HERE.
July 13-16, 2023: Windy City Smokeout — Chicago, Illinois
Get ready for beer, BBQ, and country tunes, because the Windy City Smokeout BBQ & Country Music Festival is returning to Chicago. The Windy City Smokeout is one of the largest barbecue festivals in the U.S. and typically features the world’s best pitmasters and more than 15 musical acts. MORE INFO HERE.
July 23, 2023: Tex-Mex BBQ Block Party 2023 — Houston, Texas
The Houston Barbecue Festival and Saint Arnold Brewing Company announce the 2nd Annual Tex-Mex BBQ Block Party to celebrate the growing influence of Tejano and Tex-Mex cooking traditions in contemporary Central Texas-style craft barbecue. Several major Texas BBQ joints will be there slinging up the meats they are known well for. MORE INFO HERE.
Sept 1-3, 2023: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival — Pinehurst, North Carolina
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a celebration of taste and tradition, featuring award-winning pitmasters from across North Carolina in one of the most picturesque settings in the entire state. Presented by Pinehurst Resort, US Foods, and Our State Magazine, the three-day festival, staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of various barbecue meats, seafood, and traditional sides, plus bourbon tasting and BBQ classes. MORE INFO HERE.
September 4-7, 2023: Barbecue University 2023 — Solvang, California
BBQ master Steven Raichlen will once again be hosting Barbecue University this year. This time, it will be held at Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California. You'll get a chance to experience Steven’s inimitable teaching style designed to help you take your grilling to the next level and much more. Get ready for Steven’s spontaneous improvisations, the Instagram-worthy presentation table, the final exam, and of course, the coveted Barbecue University diploma. MORE INFO HERE.
Sept 27 - Oct 1, 2023: American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, Kansas
The American Royal World Series of barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the country. On top of a massive KCBS competition with roughly 500 teams, this signature Kansas City event includes public-facing activities, including live music, delicious BBQ and local food, a lineup of kids activities, and a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts. MORE INFO HERE.
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