As I stepped out of the car in the parking lot of Wilber’s Barbecue in Goldsboro NC, I was immediately greeted by the wonderful smell of oak and hickory smoke coming from the pits where they cook the whole hogs. A crackling neon sign announced “BBQ.” What a great roadside BBQ stop!
Inside a veritable army of friendly waitresses stood waiting to help arriving customers, a testament to just how popular Wilber’s Barbeuce is. I sat down at a table and admired the history on the walls as my drink and a basket of hushpuppies was delivered along with a menu. The menu gives a nice history of the restaurant, along with providing a list of notables who have visited to dine on BBQ, like former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
The food arrived, (I had ordered fries instead of the standard potato salad,) and it looked great! The pulled pork was in large chunks and was lightly sauced, the cole slaw was fresh and crisp, and the fries were right out of the fryer. The BBQ was a classic example of Eastern North Carolina Style BBQ- vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes. Jim Early says that, “For many people the name Wilber’s and Eastern North Carolina barbecue are synonymous.”
With good food and friendly people, I can see why the North Carolina BBQ Society included Wilber’s on it’s list as part of the NC BBQ Trail. My personal dislike of vinegar means that while it was good, the Eastern Style of NC BBQ isn’t exactly my cup of tea. I think I’m going to spend some time in the mountains and the piedmont checking out the BBQ that is close to home and since it’s made up of more the Western North Carolina BBQ Style, I’m thinking that it will be more to my liking.
4172 U.S. Hwy 70 East
Goldsboro, NC 27534-9242
(919) 778-5218
Nice post we love cooking on gas barbecue!!
Greetings from Italy
carne al fuoco – il piacere del barbecue
Justin,
Oh man, you should have gone to King’s Barbecue in Kinston while you were there. Wilber’s in Goldsboro has a very loyal following, but I think King’s is better. Next time you are down this way let me know and we’ll try to meet up there.
Near where I live there is a guy who does barbecue in his back yard a couple of days a week and his is awesome too. It’s called Oakwood Barbecue and we just love it. I’ll have to get some of that to bring to an event if you’re going to be around.
Andrew Duppstadt
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