Do you enjoy barbecue that is lean, juicy, slow cooked, and seasoned to perfection?? How about great service and a family operated business that is a local legend? B's BBQ delivers on all of those levels. Every.Single.Time
(Photo by Travis Dove)I first heard about this "hole in the wall" restaurant when I first lived in Greenville, NC from 2007-2011. I went my first time in 2010 and am so upset to say that I've only had the chance to go once more 5 years later. I'm convinced life doesn't want me to be insanely over the top food happy 100% of the time so it has to throw curveballs that keep me away from the best barbecue of my life by shoving work and school in the way. If only they delivered!
I'm getting way ahead of myself. B's BBQ is quite literally a little hole in the wall TINY restaurant in Greenville, NC. It started as a fixer upper. The owner, the late Bill McLawhorn, bought an old country store and made it in to the restaurant that it is today. The McLawhorn family is still very involved and can be found behind the counter every single day. It just wouldn't be the same without that family run aspect.
Just how good is it? Picture this. B's opens for lunch every Tuesday through Saturday and by 11 they have almost always sold out of their entire stock. This cash only business does not have a telephone so don't plan on calling ahead to check if they have run out of food! People leave with large (think microwave sized) boxes filled with nothing but the delicious BBQ and yummy sides of potatoes and green beans with some hush puppies added in for good measure. Even re-heated the food is great if that is any indicator and there's no gross greasy residue you want to avoid like most reheated dinners.
Staying true to their roots they haven't expanded or opened another restaurant. Everyone behind the counter knows the regulars by name and their orders by heart. They rely on word of mouth for their business and oh my goodness has it worked out for them. They've appeared in numerous magazines touting the title of one of the top places to eat not in the city, but in the state. These people know BBQ. I don't know about you, but most southerners like myself are picky about BBQ. Wars have almost started on the simple argument of BBQ sauce base...vinegar or ketchup. Even if you're the pickiest BBQ aficionado B's won't disappoint.
B's is not what you would call an upscale establishment. The restaurant consists of a few booths inside and I would describe is as cozy and shabby in the most endearing way possible. The service is great, but you will almost always find a line out the door. No worries though. There are plenty of characters to talk to who will regale you with stories about their favorite meal there or just great stories in general while waiting in the relatively fast-moving line.
Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE to bring my dog everywhere. They recently added a few picnic tables outside for more seating. Lots of people end up eating in their cars that are parked in the parking lot and that line the street on both sides. Yes it is actually that popular every day. The street was even named B's Barbecue Street. This place is a legend for foodies. Okay back to my dog. The picnic tables outside let me bring my dog and another plus? I can order from the take out window on the side of the building so my dog doesn't have to wait in my car. (Don't worry I leave the car running and the AC on in the summer).
(Photo by Travis Dove)If your tummy is grumbling make sure you get to B's early and stock up on the super delicious and very well-priced noms that they have to offer. I know I'm going to go back soon. For the first time, I only live 10 minutes away. This could get dangerous! Check it out for yourself at 751 B's Barbecue Road in Greenville, NC.
"Food is our common ground, a universal experience." --James Beard
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