Since BBQ is a recurring topic on here, I felt it appropriate to share a really good BBQ I stumbled across on Saturday.

In the little town of Pembroke, Va., just outside of Blacksburg on US460, there is a place called Bluegrass BBQ. I never have very high expectations when trying a new BBQ place, but this one impressed me. The BBQ was really good and the portions were big, they had multiple good sauces and the sides were all very good. Can't comment on the desserts because I was too full. If you're ever in that area, I recommend it.

I’ll put one in, too. JD’s Smokehouse in Connelly Springs, NC. Hit it up for lunch after a short morning hike at the bottom of Linville Gorge near Lake James. Trailhead near Fonta Flora Brewery. Makes for a great day trip from Charlotte.

I also have to jump in here. We hit up Ray's Smokehouse in Gastonia this past Saturday. Some of the best pulled pork I've eaten in a long time. They had good hush puppies, red slaw and red BBQ slaw, a healthy portion of Q, and it was tender as a mother's love. It's on Broad Street right off of Franklin Blvd. Plus, it's only a 30 minute drive from York.

Is there anything in Wilkesboro or Lenoir area? There is nothing in Watauga county anymore, I don't know where I can find real BBQ without driving an hour and a half.

Any suggestions for the Raleigh area (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs)

fjblair wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:29 am

Is there anything in Wilkesboro or Lenoir area? There is nothing in Watauga county anymore, I don't know where I can find real BBQ without driving an hour and a half.

JD's Smokehouse is only about 20 minutes from Lenoir.

fjblair wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:29 am

Is there anything in Wilkesboro or Lenoir area? There is nothing in Watauga county anymore, I don't know where I can find real BBQ without driving an hour and a half.

Is the Peddlin Pig or Willie Brooks not good?

Wish Woodlands or what was where Willie Brooks was were still open....

Mike's in Mountain City, TN.

WVAPPeer wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:00 am

Any suggestions for the Raleigh area (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs)

If they ever get it open again, The Pik-N-Pig at the Carthage airport is pretty good.

If you're wanting something less than two hours from Boone and still regional to WNC, check out Okie Dokies Smokehouse in Swannanoa, NC, just between Black Mountain and Asheville. As someone who lives in the Asheville area now, this is the most authentic BBQ I've found in these parts that isn't overcomplicated or overpriced. It's a local mom-and-pop place with both WNC and ENC sauces.

I can't rave about it enough and would put it up there with Woodlands, if not slightly edging out Woodlands.

fjblair wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:29 am

Is there anything in Wilkesboro or Lenoir area? There is nothing in Watauga county anymore, I don't know where I can find real BBQ without driving an hour and a half.

I haven't lived down there in a dozen years, but Brushy Mountain Smokehouse used to be decent. Is that no longer the case?

CYAattheRock wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:27 am

fjblair wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:29 am

Is there anything in Wilkesboro or Lenoir area? There is nothing in Watauga county anymore, I don't know where I can find real BBQ without driving an hour and a half.

JD's Smokehouse is only about 20 minutes from Lenoir.

There is another location closer in Gamewell.

AppSt94 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 10:04 am

WVAPPeer wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:00 am

Any suggestions for the Raleigh area (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs)

If they ever get it open again, The Pik-N-Pig at the Carthage airport is pretty good.

I like The Pit in downtown Raleigh

Because it's a small shop, I'm not sure if they make their own BBQ or not, but Holy Smokes on Beech mountain is really good. Their sides are a little small but the Q is excellent with lots of sauce options. It's our go to option when we are up there. Only problem is, when their out, their out until the next day.

WVAPPeer wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:00 am

Any suggestions for the Raleigh area (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs)

Yeah, drive west toward Lexington. Ain't nothing good on that side of the state.

appphotog wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 10:54 am

CYAattheRock wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:27 am

fjblair wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:29 am

Is there anything in Wilkesboro or Lenoir area? There is nothing in Watauga county anymore, I don't know where I can find real BBQ without driving an hour and a half.

JD's Smokehouse is only about 20 minutes from Lenoir.

There is another location closer in Gamewell.

Yes JD's in Lenoir (Gamewell community) is a solid choice. I personally know of none better in our area.

scatman77 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:22 am

I also have to jump in here. We hit up Ray's Smokehouse in Gastonia this past Saturday. Some of the best pulled pork I've eaten in a long time. They had good hush puppies, red slaw and red BBQ slaw, a healthy portion of Q, and it was tender as a mother's love. It's on Broad Street right off of Franklin Blvd. Plus, it's only a 30 minute drive from York.

Scat I agree with you, but my Shelby wife will only eat their hamburger.

AppinVA wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 11:31 am

WVAPPeer wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:00 am

Any suggestions for the Raleigh area (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs)

Yeah, drive west toward Lexington. Ain't nothing good on that side of the state.

Wilbur’s in Goldsboro is the Gold Standard for barbecue.

AppSt94 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:02 pm

AppinVA wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 11:31 am

WVAPPeer wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:00 am

Any suggestions for the Raleigh area (Apex, Cary, Holly Springs)

Yeah, drive west toward Lexington. Ain't nothing good on that side of the state.

Wilbur’s in Goldsboro is the Gold Standard for barbecue.

I’ve been there. I respectfully disagree.

My wife and I have lived in Knoxville TN for 10 years - nothing in TN like Lexington BBQ!