A true mainstay of any vacation or road trip is great food.
No matter where you’re going, chances are you’ll be able to take a quick detour and experience true Southern hospitality. The entire southeast is littered with some of the best BBQ joints in the country. And most are along or just off major interstates on your way down to vacation.
High Cotton
BBQ, Fried Chicken and Ribs
5230 N. Virginia Dare Trail,
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
If you’re working your way down by way of the east coast, the folks at High Cotton kindly invite you to “come in and get some” of this true Carolina classic nestled along the North Carolina Outer Banks. Jump on to Route 158 near Elizabeth City, NC and head east until you hit the water. Located Just north of Kill Devil Hills, NC, High Cotton gives you a taste of unique Eastern Carolina BBQ. Family owned and operated, High Cotton’s consistent temperatures and long hours of smoking (with Hickory coals) produce the characteristic pink coloring and sweet outside brown meet you can’t get anywhere else. We recommend the Beef Brisket. You won’t be disappointed!
Pigman’s Bar-B-Que
1606 South Croatan Highway,
Kill Devil Hills, NC
Just down the road is an all-time Carolina favorite – Pigman’s Bar-B-Que. Pigman’s specialize in North Carolina BBQ, which is the oldest style of BBQ in the nation. Specifically, Eastern North Carolina BBQ is vinegar-based with a variety a spices that make every North Carolina roadside BBQ joint unique. But Pigmans’ didn’t stop with EC BBQ. They have something for everyone with BBQ plates like Pork BBQ, Beef BBQ, a Turkey-Que plate or St. Louis Ribs. In addition they offer plenty of “sauces to celebrate” with everything from their House sauce, to their Grillin’ sauce to their Rib Roarin’ Sauce. Order up a half or whole slab of Pigman’s Famous Ribs that a dry rubbed and slow smoked for hours that are finished with their Rib Roarin’ sauce. Complete it with some hushpuppies and coleslaw and you’ll be glad you made the trip.
Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack
807 Ocean Trl,
Corolla, NC 27927
For some of the most mouthwatering North Carolina BBQ on the Outer Banks, check out Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack for the finest Carolina BBQ and the “best bone-suckin’ ribs on the beach”. Their full menu offers everything from chicken and ribs, to fried shrimp and crab cakes, to full racks of ribs. And the hush puppies are famous!
Phil’s BBQ – “Best Butts in Alabama”
534 S. Randoph Rd,
Eufaula, AL
If you didn’t think Alabama had BBQ, you need to think again! Dennis and Ellen Durrance have been providing a warm and frieindly BBQ environment at Phils’ since 1994. Located in historical Eufaula, Alabama, Phil’s is an excellent stop for anyone traveling between the Florida Panhandle and North Georgia or North East Alabama. Whether you’re traveling north or south, just turn at the large billboard – “Turn Hear” for some top rated and highly reviewed BBQ.
Down South BBQ
County Road 10,
Foley, AL
After a long drive down to the Alabama beach, the last thing you’re going to want to do is cook. Like the folks at Down South BBQ say, “let Mama relax”! Serving some of the best Barbecue on the Coast, the folks at Down South invite you to drop by and eat lunch or supper under their family size umbrella covered tables. At Down South BBQ, you’ll get a great meal for the whole family at just the right price. And oh, try the Cornbread Sandwich!
Swallow at the Hollow
1072 Green Street,
Roswell, GA
When traveling down to the Panhandle or surrounding areas, it seems that all roads lead to and through Atlanta, GA. This is a good thing, because you can jump onto the I-285 by pass, pick up route 9 and be at Swallow at the Hollow in no time. This is a unique barbeque restaurant that features meats pit smoked over Hickory and Fruitwood woods. Menu items are prepared fresh daily using organic, locally grown ingredients whenever possible. They officer some amazing vegetarian options including a Pit Smoked Portabella Mushroom dish, naturally grown salad greens and fried green tomatoes. Start off with an order of fried green tomatoes and round it out with the smoked sausage platter. Amazing!
Bessinger’s Barbeque
1602 Savannah Hwy,
Charleston, SC
History, culture, Southern charm – Charleston seems to have it all. In addition to the historical brilliance of this city, they also have some great barbeque. Take I-526 until it dead-ends into route 17. Go towards the city and you’ll find Bessinger’s BBQ – a Charleston original. Known for their legendary mustard-based barbeque sauce, Bessinger’s has been serving true Carolina barbeque since the 1930’s. Stop in and say hello to Tommy and Michael who maintain a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Melvin Bessinger’s BBQ
925 Houston Northcutt Blvd
Mt. Pleasant, SC
538 Folly Road,
Charleston, SC
A South Carolina tradition since 1939, Melvin Bessinger’s Barb-B-Que restaurants are famous for the best St. Louis style pork ribs, chicken and “All Ham” Barb-B-Que in the South. Experience the flavor at one of their two locations with inspiration, love, recipes, family and customers
(Please note dates and other details are subject to change. Before making travel plans, it’s recommended to check information is still current.)
