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Whether you are looking for vinegar or ketchup-based BBQ, the greater Winston-Salem area has it. Order an extra side of hush puppies and a large sweet tea, because here, you’ll find some of the best BBQ in the state.
Updated June 2023
Camel City BBQ Factory
ADDRESS | 701 N Liberty St
HOURS | Sun-Thurs 11 AM – 9 PM & Fri-Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
Located downtown, Camel City BBQ Factory offers pulled pork, brisket, and local draft beers in an industrial-style venue with arcade games and an outdoor patio. They are best known for their brisket, large portions, and excellent service.
Mr. Barbecue
ADDRESS | 1381 Peters Creek Pkwy
HOURS | Mon-Sat 11 AM – 9 PM
A casual Southern BBQ joint since 1962, Mr. Barbecue serves smoked-meat platters, classic sides, sandwiches. There is always a line, so be prepared to wait for this delicious ketchup-based BBQ. Mr. Barbecue is one of the few restaurants in the area that still maintains the tradition of cooking pork exclusively over a wood-burning pit.
Honky Tonk Smokehouse
ADDRESS | 145 Jonestown Rd
HOURS | Tue-Thurs 11 AM – 7:30 PM & Fri-Sat 11 AM – 8 PM
Honky Tonk Smokehouse is a small, locally-owned restaurant serving Texas or Memphis-style BBQ. All meats are hand-rubbed with a special spice blend and rests a day before being slow-cooked over a hickory fire. You can top their mouth-watering brisket with their homemade sauces for an extra pop of flavor.
Little Richard’s
ADDRESS | Winston-Salem: 109 S Stratford Rd, Clemmons: 6470 Stadium Dr, Walkertown: 5182 Reidsville Rd, Yadkinville: 916 S State St, & Mt. Airy: 455 Fredrick St
HOURS | Vary by location
Little Richard’s serves good ole’ NC-style BBQ. Their fresh pork shoulders are hickory-smoked for sixteen hours “the old-fashioned way,” and their recipes have been handed down for generations. Each of their five locations is family-owned and operated by members of the first and second generations of the Karagiorgis family.
Real Q
ADDRESS | 4885 Country Club Rd
HOURS | Mon-Sat 10:30 AM – 8 PM
Like Mr. Barbecue, Real Q still cooks their pork over wood-burning grills. The sign on their store even says, “If it ain’t over wood, it ain’t as good.” They are a classic, old-school, Lexington-style barbecue joint.
Prissy Polly’s
ADDRESS | 729 NC Highway 66 South
HOURS | Tues-Sat 11 AM – 8 PM
Prissy Polly’s, located in Kernersville, is a counter-serve restaurant dishing up both Eastern and Lexington-style BBQ. It might take you a few minutes to decide what to order because their menu is so extensive. They also offer live music on both Thursday and Sunday!
East of Texas
ADDRESS | 907 S Broad St
HOURS | Tues-Thurs 7:30 AM – 9 PM & Fri-Sat 8:00 AM – 10 PM
East of Texas is a popular hangout spot in Winston-Salem known for its Tex-Mex style barbecue. After ordering at the counter, take a seat at one of the indoor tables or venture out to their outdoor seating. With tons of live music, game nights, and plenty of delicious barbecue, you’re sure to have a good time!
Lexington BBQ
ADDRESS | 100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC 27295
HOURS | Mon-Sat 10 AM – 9 PM
Many claim this restaurant has the best pulled pork in the state! Not only is their vinegar-based barbecue excellent, but their hospitality and service are also fantastic.
