Gonna lead with this, this was easily one of my top 3 BBQ experiences in the state of North…read moreCarolina, and it would fight hard for 1st overall. For now, we'll call it a tie, because i actually did not have any pulled pork while here (went more on the Texas side of things) so it can't be an apples to apples comparison.
OK, I had heard from so many people over time how great the BBQ here is, and just never really had the occasion to be in Salisbury at the right time to have a meal. It just never seemed to time out right. Well, I was going to a show at the Salisbury theatre to see a family member perform, and we decided to go early and have dinner her prior... MAN. WOW. How glad am I what we did that?
Getting there about 6 we just barely beat the dinner rush on a Friday night. About 10 minutes later there was a line for tables. Place was pretty big and clean, parking would clearly be an issue at peak times though, and it looked like it was when we left. Our server was young but attentive, even offering us a sample of baked beans when we were being indecisive on sides. The tea here is excellent, as a southern BBQ place ought to be.
For the food, I'm just gonna run it down list style:
Brisket - A - Tender, solid smokey flavor, juicy, fat was rendered to a butter consistency. Only had better at Terry Black's in Austin TX.
Sausage - A - Hearty smoke flavor, nice spices, nothing overpowering. Went well with a mustard sauce.
Pork ribs - A+ - Succulent, gently pull right off the bone, well trimmed, offered wet or dry. Best ribs I have had in quite awhile.
Mac N Cheese - A+ - Best I have had lately. Lot of effort put in, cheese rue was made, and then baked. Best of both world, crispy brown cheese on top, would be hard to beat.
Cornbread - A+ - Best cornbread I have had in years. Moist, slight sweetness, pulls apart like cake, no need for butter.
Sweet Potato Casserole - A+ - Tastes just like my wife's. She was with me and agreed. Lots of crispy pecan and brown sugar bark throughout, creamy sweet potato.
Fried Okra - B+ - They're definitely breading and frying it themselves is the plus, but a bit bland on its own. Was really good in the ranch.
Broccoli salad - B+ - A little runny, but overall quite enjoyable and a solid change up to the hearty sides.
Corn pudding - A- - Excellent flavor, truly, but very runny. That said, it didn't both us much, just use a spoon!
Hush puppies - C - The only thing that didn't stand out, and honestly, that's OK. In the future, we will both opt for cornbread because it was just so so good, that the pupps could not compete.
All in all. This was a 6 star experience. The prices would be considered high if they were not so generous with their portions on everything, and if the food were not this tasty. We had enough left over for a 2nd meal (and even re-heated, everything was great). The truth for us now, is that we will probably make the 45 minute trip from Greensboro specifically to eat here every now and then, even with excellent options near us. GREAT JOB.