Best BBQ Restaurants in Fayetteville

Fayetteville serves authentic Eastern North Carolina BBQ with vinegar-based sauce, slow-smoked pork, and traditional sides that keep locals and visitors coming back.

Why Fayetteville BBQ Stands Out

North Carolina ranks among America's BBQ capitals, and Fayetteville delivers the genuine article. The city's location in eastern NC means you'll taste true vinegar-based, whole-hog barbecue—distinctly different from western NC's tomato-based style.

Eastern vs. Western NC BBQ

Eastern Style (Fayetteville):

• Whole hog smoked over wood
• Vinegar and pepper-based sauce
• Chopped or pulled pork
• Tangy, spicy flavor profile

Western Style (Lexington):

• Pork shoulder only
• Tomato-ketchup based sauce
• Sweeter flavor
• Red slaw instead of white

Fayetteville restaurants serve Eastern NC BBQ almost exclusively.

Top BBQ Restaurants in Fayetteville

Fuller's Old Fashioned BAR-B-Q

Locations:

• 113 North Eastern Boulevard
• 7735 South Raeford Road

What sets it apart:

• Huge all-you-can-eat buffet
• Fresh biscuits, cornbread, and hush puppies
• Traditional sides (collards, baked beans, mac and cheese)
• Family-owned since 1983
• Both locations offer buffet and menu service

Price range: $$ (moderate) Best for: Families, large groups, military visitors

Southern Coals Restaurant

Location: 3319 C Raeford Road

Specialties:

• Incredibly moist and tender meats
• Wood-smoked pork and ribs
• Homemade sides
• Catering services available

What guests say: "Perfect smoke flavor," "Meat falls off the bone"

Price range: $$ (moderate) Best for: Authentic pit BBQ experience

Cape Fear BBQ

Style: Carolina-style BBQ

Highlights:

• Pulled pork described as "perfect"
• Eastern NC vinegar sauce
• Traditional preparation methods
• Local favorite for generations

Price range: $$ (moderate)

Fowler's Barbecue

Style: Casual BBQ eatery

What you'll love:

• Industrial atmosphere
• Delicious pulled pork
• Substantial sandwiches
• Flavorful tacos
• Moist brisket with good smoke
• Generous portions

Price range: $$ (moderate) Best for: Lunch, casual dinner

My Daddy's BBQ

Type: Mobile self-contained restaurant

Unique features:

• Cumberland County's first mobile BBQ restaurant
• "Uniquely desirable taste" to pulled pork
• Pulled pork sandwich or over BBQ fries
• Follow social media for location updates

Price range: $ (budget-friendly) Best for: Quick BBQ fix, lunch

Mission BBQ

Location: 1932 Skibo Road

What to expect:

• Patriotic military-themed restaurant
• Supports veterans and first responders
• Pulled pork, brisket, ribs
• Generous portions
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Military connection: Strong military appreciation program

Price range: $$ (moderate)

Classic NC BBQ Menu Items

Meats

Pulled Pork (chopped BBQ):

• Whole hog smoked 12-14 hours
• Chopped or pulled texture
• Eastern NC vinegar sauce
• The authentic NC BBQ experience

Ribs:

• Baby back or spare ribs
• Dry rub or sauced
• Fall-off-the-bone tender
• Smoked low and slow

Brisket:

• Not traditional NC, but popular
• Thick-cut slices
• Smoky bark (outer crust)
• Served with Texas-style sauce

Chicken:

• Half or quarter chicken
• Smoked with BBQ rub
• Juicy and tender
• Often overlooked but delicious

Traditional NC Sides

Essential Sides:

• Coleslaw (white vinegar-based, not mayo)
• Hush puppies (fried cornmeal balls)
• Brunswick stew (thick vegetable stew with meat)
• Collard greens (slow-cooked with pork)
• Baked beans (sweet with bits of pork)
• Mac and cheese (Southern-style creamy)

Cornbread vs. Biscuits:

• Cornbread: Sweet or savory, crumbly texture
• Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery, perfect for soaking sauce

Sauces

Eastern NC Sauce (most common):

• Vinegar base
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• Thin consistency
• Tangy, spicy kick

Other Options:

• Mustard-based (South Carolina style)
• Tomato-based (sweeter)
• Dry rub (no sauce, just spices)

BBQ Plates & Combos

Standard Plate:

• Choice of meat (pulled pork, ribs, brisket)
• 2-3 sides
• Bread (cornbread or hush puppies)
• Sauce

Family Pack:

• Pound or two of meat
• Quart-sized sides
• Bread
• Feeds 4-6 people
• Great value for families

Sandwich Options:

• Pulled pork on bun
• Brisket sandwich
• Chopped BBQ sandwich
• Add coleslaw on sandwich (traditional NC style)

Ordering Tips

First Time at NC BBQ:

1. Start with pulled pork plate
2. Get coleslaw and hush puppies as sides
3. Try the Eastern NC vinegar sauce
4. Don't skip the iced tea (sweet or unsweet)
5. Save room for banana pudding

Sauce Etiquette:

• Eastern NC BBQ comes lightly sauced
• Extra sauce available on tables
• Add sauce to taste (don't drown the meat)
• Try meat first before adding sauce

Price Guide

Individual Plates: $9-15 Sandwiches: $6-9 Ribs (half rack): $12-18 Family Packs: $30-50 Sides (individual): $2-4 Desserts: $3-5

Most Fayetteville BBQ restaurants offer excellent value.

BBQ Buffets

Several Fayetteville BBQ spots offer all-you-can-eat buffets:

What's included:

• Multiple meat options
• 8-12 side dishes
• Cornbread, biscuits, hush puppies
• Desserts (often banana pudding)
• Unlimited iced tea

Buffet strategy:

• Start with small portions to sample
• Focus on specialties (pulled pork, ribs)
• Try different sauces
• Save room for dessert

Price: $12-18 per person

Takeout & Catering

All Fayetteville BBQ restaurants offer takeout:

Takeout Tips:

• Meat stays hot for 30-45 minutes
• Request sauce on the side
• Hush puppies best eaten fresh
• Coleslaw and sides travel well

Catering Options:

• Most BBQ restaurants cater events
• Minimum orders vary ($100-200)
• 24-48 hours notice required
• Great for military events, parties, reunions

Military Discounts

BBQ restaurants in Fayetteville typically offer:

• 10-15% military discount (active duty)
• Veteran discounts (ask for details)
• Special military appreciation days
• Catering discounts for military events

Always present military ID before ordering.

BBQ Events & Competitions

Fayetteville hosts BBQ competitions and festivals:

• Spring and fall BBQ cook-offs
• Food truck BBQ vendors
• Military base special events
• Holiday BBQ specials

Follow local restaurants on social media for event announcements.

Dietary Considerations

Gluten-Free:

• Smoked meats (no sauce) are gluten-free
• Many sides contain gluten (hush puppies, cornbread)
• Ask about sauces and marinades

Low-Carb:

• Smoked meats without sauce
• Green beans, collards as sides
• Skip bread and sweet sides

Vegetarian:

• Limited options at BBQ restaurants
• Vegetable sides available
• Call ahead to confirm options

BBQ Beyond Restaurants

Grocery Store BBQ:

• Some grocery stores offer fresh BBQ
• Food Lion, Walmart BBQ counters
• Convenient but not as authentic

Food Trucks:

• Several BBQ food trucks in Fayetteville
• Often feature specialty items
• Follow on social media for locations

Insider Tips

1. Visit on weekdays - Shorter waits, same quality
2. Arrive early for buffets - Freshest selection
3. Order half-and-half - Try multiple meats on one plate
4. Ask for extra crispy bits - The "bark" from the outside (free)
5. Join loyalty programs - Many offer birthday freebies

What Makes Good NC BBQ

Quality indicators:

• Meat pulls apart easily (not dry)
• Visible smoke ring (pink color under surface)
• Balanced seasoning (not over-salted)
• Fresh sides (made daily)
• Sauce complements, doesn't overpower

Red flags:

• Dry, stringy meat
• Excessive sauce to cover dryness
• Pre-packaged sides
• Microwave reheating

Resources

Find BBQ Restaurants:

• TripAdvisor Fayetteville
• Yelp BBQ category
• Google Maps reviews
• NC BBQ Trail website
• Military spouse recommendations

Fayetteville's BBQ scene represents true Eastern North Carolina tradition—vinegar-sauced pulled pork, crispy hush puppies, and Southern hospitality that keeps people coming back for more.