Over the past couple months, I've been visiting some of the places in my hometown of High Point that I really hadn't visited since high school to see how they are holding up. Most have done pretty well! Kepley's on the other hand, while nothing about it has changed, I just think my sensibilities about BBQ have. Also, while it can be a treasure to know a place that never changes because it is great, sometimes great becomes just good, which then becomes more middle of the road, and a change might be warranted. Anyway, I came in, was greeted warmly, and catered to attentively. This is where Kepley's excels. Kind folks that have aged with the restaurant and are just as much a fabric of it as what they serve. This service might get me back to try something other than BBQ sometime. But, I did order a chopped plate, as one does when trying out a BBQ joint around here. One of the interesting things to me is there is no choice of sides. You get meat, red slaw (vinegar based), hushpuppies, fries (they did offer green beans instead). I'd have liked a couple more choices, but am also a fan of places doing what they know if they do it well. Sad to say, the chopped pork, dry at heart. Swimming in the "dip" sauce, which for the uninitiated, is a ketchup/vinegar sauce that it bathes in until they serve it. If it sits too long, it becomes too vinegary, and that's what I got. So vinegary my face recoiled with each fork... and I am very used to vinegar as a base, and enjoy it when done well. The slaw, more potent vinegar. No respite here. Which is why I like "white" mayo based cole slaw with vinegar BBQ. It milds out the flavor of the vinegar. The fries, were pretty basic. The hushpuppies were my shelter, and the best part of this meal, I finished them. I left meat, slaw, and fries on my plate... and for those that know me, well, that ain't right. I was still kind of hungry, and inquired about a burger to go. The only toppings were the vinegar slaw (nope) or Lettuce, tomato, onion. I asked if I could have onions grilled, and without hesitation received a no. They don't do that. They could do that, because the equipment exists, but they don't. While this is their choice, it stopped the sale for me, and I declined. No part of my rating is influenced by something that a restaurant chooses not to do as policy, I understand, but again... resistance to a little change. Good news, in the end, this whole meal set me back very little money wise. The prices here are downright cheap in this age of inflation (or in some cases just flat out greed). I love that. This was welcome. Thanks to the excellent service and reasonable prices, I promise to come back for hot dogs and hope to bump this rating up a smidge. Or maybe for some Brunswick stew! But not for chopped Q. read more

See all

I tried Kepley's for the first time today and I must say it will be on the list on monthly establishments I visit. I enjoyed the barbecue tray which included chopped barbecue, slaw, fries, hush puppies, and pickles. Kepley's uses a eastern North Caroline vinegar based sauce which is provided on the table. The vinegar sauce was very good and enhanced the flavor of the barbecue. My son and I both enjoyed the dill pickles that were served on top of the coleslaw. The hush puppies were on point. They were straight out of the fryer and tasted good. If you enjoy NC barbecue you don't want to pass up this quaint restaurant in High Point. read more

See all

I travel for work and eat BBQ all over NC. I LOVE vinegar based sauces and dips but this was too much for me. Maybe we caught them on an off day and willing to try again but the vinegar overpowered the pork and slaw. Staff was very friendly and got us our food quick! read more

Everything is good! The cherry cobbler is awesome and Tammy is very sweet. We try to go as much as we can

It's Brunswick Stew season at Kepley's!! Am I giving you a hankering for some stew on a gray afternoon? It was delicious and filling. I had mine with Cheerwine and lots of crackers. Sweater weather alert! I was told about this stew by a local who has enjoyed Kepley's since childhood. It's an honor to partake in the tradition. read more

See all

So, this was an unexpected twist to the night. We we're planning on going to Sweet Old Bill's we did, but that didn't work out. (See my review there). This place has nostalgia. Been here since 1948. Our waitress was a sweetheart, and our food was delivered expediently. The BBQ was tasty, and the hush puppies reminded me of a younger time in my life. This was a pure joy. I highly recommend it. Reason I'm only giving 4 stars is lack of menu choices. read more

Kepley's Bar-B-Q - Medium BBQ Tray - Barbeque Near Me - High Point, North Carolina

I've been going to Kepleys for probably all 63 years of my life and nothing has changed at all about this great bbq restaurant. The chopped pork is lean and the bbq slaw is absolutely perfect. Add some hushpuppies and life can't get much better. read more

Loved the very kind and dear service. Food is quality awesome, yet the price does not require you to pick up overtime. Fresh, nice portions. Glad I picked a time it was open. Revised hours Monday/Tuesday. Closes at 3pm. Worth your money. read more

My first visit to Kelley's was a pleasant experience. I like their barbecue because it's cooked without allot of sauce. It retains the hickory wood taste. They have a vinegar based sauce at the table if you want. Servers were pleasant and attentive inside the old traditional diner style ambiance. read more

Simple and delicious. A good barbecue stop small portions good price. Not much more you could ask for. read more

See all

Charming "hole in the wall" style bbq joint. I have a love/hate relationship with all the cute pig decor; it's adorable but then your bbq plate arrives with an unordered side of guilt . There are maybe 10-12 tables total so this is more of a done and dash than enjoying a meal for a couple of hours. Prices are incredibly low and would say you get what you pay for. I ordered a bbq sandwich and slaw with fries. Personally, the bbq felt a bit under flavored and fatty but the crinkle cut fries were exactly what I wanted. I could totally see this place making a delicious hot dog or smash burger so I will try that next time and report back. The waitresses were really attentive and friendly. I would go back but not for the bbq. read more

Quick day trip to NC, first time driving through so naturally we had to get classic North Carolina BBQ. Came to yelp for help as usual, and came across Kepley's. This is the cutest old timey restaurant, small, quaint & that hometown feel. We were welcomed at the door, seated and drinks ordered in a matter of moments. I orders a small tray, which came with chopped porked & red slaw and the best freaking hush puppies I have ever eaten in my entire life. My husband got a plate which was chopped pork, red slaw, fries and hush puppies. The kicker, the prices were unbelievable, literally we both had our meals and drinks with tip we were having lunch for under $25.00. Support local, these are the best places to try, read more

See all

Was looking at a college with my nephew and we scoped out a few options in the area. This one has been here forever and is small like a diner. Everyone of the staff was very friendly, while we were waiting for dessert to be brought out, an older gentleman came out, and was concerned we didn't have any food, we explained we were just waiting for dessert, and he said "there' s no limit on cobbler, order all you want I love when little things like that add to the experience of dining. The pork was moist and tasty and could be served in trays or on rolls, and had sauce on the table to add. The portions were extremely generous and very reasonably priced. The coleslaw was different than anything I've ever experienced, it was chopped very fine and had tomatoes in it. It was tasty, and the cabbage very fresh, but my mom just couldn't get used to it. The cobbler was out of this world! We scarfed it down in no time, and it was so good, we made a cobbler run another night and brought back some of every flavor available (peach, blackberry and cherry) to our room and had a cobbler fest! the hushpuppies were the best we had on our trip, and were crispy outside and not greasy and were different shapes and sizes. I am very glad we stopped here on our trip read more

See all

Great old school vinegar based bbq with red slaw and amazing hush puppies. All of this in a terrific atmosphere with gracious staff. read more

Kepley's Bar-B-Q - Barbecue Tray. - Barbeque Near Me - High Point, North Carolina

This venerable BBQ joint, like my old maid aunt, is beginning to show some fraying around the edges, but the essentials are still there, and intact. The BBQ is solid, closer to Eastern NC style than Lexington, with vinegar a definite factor. While this middle-of-the-road barbecue will not set your mind free, it will make it a little restless. The slaw is a tart, red version that goes well with the pork served here. They serve a passable hot dog, with a thin, mild chili, worth the effort. You probably want to pass on the fries, not their finest moment. Service is always pleasant, if a little aged. You can do much worse than this nice place read more

I'm probably going to get hate for this but the hush puppies I got were way way too oily . They use way to much vinegar and gives the meat a sour taste. This place has a lot of history and maybe I got a bad batch, or just not the same care is going into the food anymore read more

I've been going here for over 20 years. My favorite local spot. Customer service is top tear that waitresses are so sweet. The food is always consistent in 20 years I've never had a bad meal I could eat here everyday if I still lived back in hp. Atmosphere is great local barbecue joint simple great food great service great time. read more

Best barbecue ever! Perfect atmosphere! It's like eating dinner at home with the Walton's. Old time down home barbecue and sauce! The owner and wait staff treat you like family! I would eat here everyday if I could. Price's are affordable and the food is to die for. Lexington can't touch this barbecue, and I think they're great! Kepley's is better! You'll definitely miss out if you pass this restaurant by! Stop in and let the barbecue melt in your mouth while enjoying the historical atmosphere! read more

There's no place like Kepley's Bar-B-Q! It's a High Point staple. Best BBQ! Best hot dogs! My grandparents ate there. My parents ate there. I now eat there. I know families of 5 generations who have eaten there. It's a family tradition for sure. You can always count on their BBQ being cooked to perfection with each visit. The service... I love those ladies! The ambiance... well, it's a BBQ place... and the epitome of exactly what a great little BBQ diner should be. Nothing fancy, just good food. The menu is simple. Love the vinegar sauce. Love the chili beans and Brunswick stew in the Fall/Winter. The green beans are fabulous! Great diner coffee! The only thing I might suggest would be to add cole slaw as the BBQ slaw is not my most favorite. Miss Bob Burleson so much but Susan is doing a great job! read more

Best BBQ restaurant around. Good southern food and hospitality! Always will be a returning customer.

I'm grew up in the South and I'm familiar with my barbecue. All different types - tomato based, think and sweet, and the vinegar based sauces and all types of smoking the meats. We were excited to go to a restaurant that had been in business for a long time. We hoped it would be really good. It was not. The pork was very dry. The green beans were canned. I would hope a bbq business that has been open for years would actually have fresh cooked beans. And then there is the slaw. The slaw was unrecognizable. It looked like something mushed up. What was mushed up stuff? No brave enough to even try it. The menu as very limited. And no smoked chicken or beef. Very disappointing. I wish you well in the future but I will not be returning. read more

Best barbecue in the High Point area! Even though Mr. Bob is gone, his daughter Susan and the rest of the staff are doing an excellent job of of carrying on the Kepley's tradition of great barbecue and friendly service. read more

Kepley's BBQ is exactly what you would expect from an old BBQ joint. A little bit run down and just a hole in the wall. I love that about this place and I wish that I could give it a better review than 3 stars, but the food quality is just not there. I recently visited Kepley's for my second time, and I was disappointed. I remembered it being a lot better the first time that I came. I ordered a small BBQ tray, which comes with slaw, BBQ, and hushpuppies. The slaw is a red slaw, which I admittedly am not a big fan of, but their take on it is palatable. The BBQ here is kind of a hybrid between Eastern and Lexington Style, and their sauce seems to be kind of confused about what it is as well. The sauce definitely has a vinegar base, but instead of the traditional red pepper flakes, it seems to have a paprika in it. The sauce is okay, but is definitely needed because the BBQ is kind of dry and flavorless. Again, maybe it was an off night, because I do not remember that from my first visit. The stand out items for me were the hushpuppies and the Peach Cobbler. The hushpuppies are well seasoned and have the perfect amount of crunch on the outside and soft inside. The Peach Cobbler goes very well with some vanilla ice cream. The service here is very good and patrons and staff alike are friendly. The prices are very reasonable as well. This place has a great atmosphere and has been around since 1948 so it is worth going to check out some NC BBQ history, but the food is just not at the level that you would expect. read more

See all

Saved by the hushpuppies! We went here because the BBQ place we were heading for was closed for a week. So I did a search and this one came up and we decided to give it a shot because of the ratings and because it said it was pit bbq. This is an old establishment of the "hole in the wall" style. There are about a dozen booths, but if you want a table you're out of luck. Personally I prefer booths, but we did see them actually lose some customers because the guy was just too heavy to fit, these are a snugger fit than some. We asked the cute young (yes, girl next door, braces on the teeth young) waitress exactly what kind of meats they had, since the menu was non specific. We asked her particularly if they had pulled pork, since that's what we like and she said that's all they had. We ordered the large (8 oz. meat) plate which comes with red slaw and hushpuppies. She said she would put the slaw on the side since some people don't like it. I prefer regular coleslaw, but that's not an option. It was only about 5 min. before she came out with our dinners, all served in cardboard containers. The pork was not pulled, it was coarse chopped, which is a totally different thing. It was tougher than it should have been and had absolutely no hint of smokiness, but was tangy with vinegar. There was a bottle of a vinegar base sauce on the table that gave it a little more flavor. The red slaw was better than some, but is never going to be my "thing." It was tart and had a hint of horseradish. Enter the hushpuppies! These were excellent! They were hot, crunchy on the outside, lightly sweet and tender on the inside. They were everything a hushpuppy should be. I could have happily just had a couple of dozen of these bits of heaven for dinner and been satisfied. The people here were so nice that I feel sad that I can't give them 4 or 5 stars. I'm hoping we just hit an off night, but I doubt that we'll go back again unless I have a craving for perfect hushpuppies. read more

We are new to High Point and exploring places. This has the look of an old-time barbecue place, and in a non-COVID environment we would be here a lot just for the atmosphere. The barbecue is good -- not great -- but the hushpuppies are totally first-rate and push this place to better than most by themselves, because most places have terrible hushpuppies. read more

My husband and I visited Brown Truck (brewery just down the street) and were hoping to find a food truck there for lunch. No dice. We started looking around and noticed that Kepley's was close by. We walked up with our dogs and noticed a couple of employees watching us as we walked around the restaurant to the front door. We could see the menu through the window, so we stood there a couple of minutes to decide on our order. Before I headed inside to order, one of the employees opened the door and complimented us on our dogs. He asked if they could have a treat. We said that they could and he proceeded to bring them a hushpuppy. They loved it. We ended up ordering a couple of burgers to go as well as hushpuppies. Both were very good. Next time we are in area, we will definitely be returning. read more

I was stuck between 3 or 4 stars. I'm thinking 3.5 or like 75%. The hushpuppies were among the best I have ever tasted, perfectly textured and seasoned. BBQ was a bit dry and lacked smoky flavor. The vinegar sauce seemed like a compromise between Eastern and Western, which is like cutting the baby in half, doesn't work for anyone. No pepper flakes or heat. I don't think it's fair for me to comment on red slaw as I've never been a fan of it anywhere, so it may be good for those who are fans. Honestly, I like the old time buildings and interiors, so atmosphere worked fine for me. Sweet tea was good too. read more

Kepley's Bar-B-Q - Interior from side entrance - Barbeque Near Me - High Point, North Carolina

Had a good lunch meal at Kepley's today. A local H.P. friend told me about this place. Had a BBQ sandwich that was packed with Q and slaw used their on house homemade sauce. Fries were good and crispy, and had to try the hot dog all the way. Stop here when in High Point. read more

See all

We have been eating here for 30 years. Great High Point staple. BBQ, fries and dogs. Staff is always glad to see you. read more

This place is the quintessential old fashioned Carolina Bbq place. Chopped bbq is a NC original and this place does it well. Along with there hot dogs. read more

Since I like BBQ what the heck, I was in the area so in I went..When I don't see Visa, Master Charge, or Check Card I back up and go find money. Back in just a few minutes, I entered a back in time.Very old style BBQ joint from 40 t0 50 yrs back. The smell was there as you walked to your table. Bottles of their sauce setting on the counter for sale,old brick building old tables and booth's.I fill sure there is a lot of history here being just blocks from the Furniture Market in down town High Point. The menu was simple.My waitress was friendly and quick with my tea.My choice was a slice sandwich and hot dog all the way. As I was enjoying my food the owner Mr. Kepley was walking around greeting everyone.When he got to me we talked BBQ.A very nice guy. I noticed my Q came with no dip. Was not a problem since a bottle of their vinegar based sauce was on the table.Not a lot of spices.Pork not smoky like from Lexington but still Ok.My hot dog was red, the chili was thin not real spicy either. The slaw was not real juicy but when you put it all to gather not a bad combo. You also have a choice of some veggies as sides. I think there was 3 kinds of cobblers to choose from. To me this is a little down east style.Remember take CASH. Maybe if their open another 41 years they will modernise the register. read more

Great service. Great food. Can't ask for more. Not a fan of North Carolina sauce. This really isn't a criticism, just a personal preference. Super nice folks working here. read more

I hate giving less than stellar reviews for small businesses. The customer service here was decent, and the food was ok. Wish they had more BBQ sauce options and more flavor in the food. I love dives and hope this place improves. The food just needs more flavor to it...they are competing with a lot of BBQ joints in the area. I want to like it. The prices are good, but they just need to improve on the seasonings. read more

This is by far my favorite BBQ restaurant. The hush puppies are phenomenal! The red slaw mixed with pulled pork is delicious! Vinegar based sauce is the perfect compliment. Quaint casual decor but the best pork BBQ I have ever had. read more

I had high hopes for Kepley's based on previous reviews and the classic ambiance. While the restaurant delivered a classic dinner feel and fun BBQ decor, I was very disappointed in the food. I ordered a pork sandwich and my boyfriend ordered a pork plate. The food was delivered in minutes, which was a pleasant surprise. I soon realized that expedited service was only because the food was not fresh. The fries and hushpuppies were made to order, but the pork was not. It was try and obviously had been sitting for some time. We ordered cobbler to make up for it. I ordered blackberry cobbler, which looked great when it came, but it tasted like it was made with artificial sweetner. I don't know if that's the case, but something certainly tasted off about it. The service was good and the restaurant was clean but the food was only adequate at best. read more

Kepley's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - High Point, North Carolina

Bob Burlison runs this joint. He is the man. Atmosphere is perfect. It's in an old Quonset Hut (see wikipedia) that has had some walls added in. Pork is good. Slaw is so so. I'm not a big slaw fan so I'm not the best judge. Also, in response to Erika S.... is pulled pork ever fixed to order? I think it'd be a helluva wait. read more

We went here because of the good reviews but were pretty disappointed. The two stars are for friendly servers, down home atmosphere and good hush puppies. Other than that the barbecue was very lacking. The sauce is an Eastern Carolina style, so very vinegar based, but there was no flavor to it. It was very watery and really couldn't even tell it was on after you added it either visually or by taste. Ok, so maybe the sauce just isn't my thing, but the meat was D-R-Y, dry. Seemed like it had been sitting under a heat lamp or something. The fries are your standard, bulk, generic fries. Overall a pretty mediocre meal for $25 for two. read more

See all

Stopped by in a group of 20 college students and thought we were going to overwhelm the little joint, but they treated us incredibly well and served us good food with great service in little time. I ruined my sandwich because I did not know how to pour BBQ sauce and ended up drenching it, but everything else I had was amazing and all my friends loved it. I recommend their hushpuppies highly. The best part was easily meeting the owner though. I wish I knew his name because he was one of the kindest people I have ever met. If you ever stop by and he's there make sure you talk to him, you won't regret it. read more

Would have been great if we would have gotten rolls (plural) we received 1 roll for 2.75 through grub hub. We love this place but a little more attention to detail would be nice. read more

As a college student attending High Point University good Southern BBQ is a savior! Every time I walk in, the owner is there to greet his customers because he really cares. The entire staff is so kind and charming. Not only is the menu extremely cheap, its also the best BBQ around. The nearest BBQ establishment that can top Kepley's is Lexington which is a bit too far for most. I get the same thing every time, a Medium BBQ tray with hush puppies and an ice cold Cheerwine. Fantastic, charming, and delicious. Give Kepley's the business because they certainly deserve it! read more