Thanks to all for your recommendations.:mrgreen:
Hursey’s BBQ Burlington (1834 S. Church Street)
Trip 1: Got the chopped pork plate, had a nice smokey charcoal flavor. Having never tasted hog in an authentic brick pit before it was a uniquely savory experience. Had a vinegary dip sauce, only required a little because it had a lot of flavor packed in. Came with coleslaw, French fries, hush puppies; which were all spot on. Throughout the trip all the restaurants were pretty similar in the sides. Made a new friends in the hush puppies, had some knockoffs in NY, but nothing like these.
Trip 2: I returned back (it was close to my hotel) and I wanted some to go food to take back to the hotel. This time I was not impressed. I ordered the pork spare ribs platter, they were way overcooked, basically steamed. Usually a pretty fair BBQ critic but these were poor. They were either somehow oven baked or spent some time steaming in foil because the flavor and texture were non-existent. It was just mush. I probably would have been better off taking some ribs out from the Chili’s nearby. Pork plate thumbs up, ribs thumb down.
Red Neck BBQ Lab (12101 NC-210 SUITE B, Benson, NC 27504)
Tried upon Tom’s recommendation. I got the burn ends, and the pork spare ribs with jalapeno mac and cheese. I found the burnt ends to be tasty, as well the pork ribs were solid. Everything had a nice sweet smoke flavor to it. I also liked the display of trophies and the funny tongue-in-cheek redneck sayings around the restaurant. I wish it were closer, so I could try more dishes. Found it to be very well above average, not in my personal top ten, but a damn fine place to eat. Do stop in if you are in the area.
Allen & Sons (Chapel Hill)
When I walked in, I was not only overtaken with the BBQ smell, but there was a strong smell of coffee and baked goods. I don’t claim to know the full story, but I’m pretty sure if I had to guess, all or most of the baked good are made on the premises (don’t quote me on that). Waiter, who I believed to be one of the co-owners was extremely pleasant. I did the ribs, which were sweet and smokey, very rich flavored. They came out in a sauce that was like vinegar sauce, but much thicker and sweeter. Was a little heavy handed in how much they put, but it really enhanced the flavor. Wolfed down the typical sides, then it was on to dessert. The key lime pound cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was a decadent treat. I found the combination of pork and sweets made this my favorite stop on my Q-Cation.
Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q (11964 Nc 50 Hwy N; Willow Springs)
Once again got the pork plate, I probably should have tried something different. I read so much about Brunswick Stew, but sadly it kind of slipped my mind to try it. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Ha. Guess it will just have to be one of life’s unsolved mysteries. Chopped pork has a nice flavor, added some vinegar sauce and it was mighty fine. However, I think the depth of flavor in the meat was slightly better at Hursey’s and Allen’s. I don’t think you can go wrong with the pork plate here, or for any matter any of the restaurants on the NC BBQ trail map.
Texas Pit BBQ (546 West Church Street, Angier, NC)
Was feeling it was time a change of pace. This place had a real Texas Hill Country vibe going. I got the pork ribs, brisket, and turkey. The pork ribs had a were pleasantly smoked and peppery. They had some bite but were not overly tender. The turkey was pretty good as well, either on its own or dipped in some their sweet BBQ sauce. The brisket was sort of average, had a nice beef taste, but nothing mind blowing. I don’t know if I would go out of my way to eat here, but certainly was an average-is place to stave off your hunger for Texas Q.
Final Conclusion: I was overall pretty happy with my Carolina BBQ. It’s hard to beat some nice pork cooked over live coals. Not trolling, still more a fan of the Texas style, prefer the S&P simplicity, and watching them cut the meat cafeteria style. Also, a side note, was real beautiful country down there, weather was great, people were friendly, women were beautiful, and people drive like civilized human beings. You guys who were born or live down there got a good thing going.
