Anytime is a great time to eat some delicious barbecue pork, but why not use National Barbecue Month in May to try some mouthwatering tasty dishes in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Carrboro, NC. Whether you like pulled pork sandwiches, ribs or BBQ heaped on a platter with some appetizing sides, here are five restaurants to visit in Orange County, NC.
Hillsborough BBQ Company: Find pit-cooked Eastern Style BBQ served with red, white or yellow slaw, your choice of side and hushpuppies. Their Brisket stays on the coals for about 15 hours and is served sliced with Texas toast. Try ribs, tons of sides, homemade dessert, drinks and beverages from their bar. 236 S. Nash Street, Hillsborough. Open Wednesday-Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday: 11:30 am – 8:00 pm, Monday & Tuesday.
The Pig: Menu features whole-hog barbecue made with local, pasture-raised, antibiotic and hormone free pork. Try Eastern Style BBQ with slaw, pickles and hushpuppies. Vegetarian option includes BBQ Tempeh tossed with sweet and sour BBQ sauce. Venture behind The Pig and you’ll find PiggyBack, their neighborhood bar. 630 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill. Open Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm. Piggyback hours Tuesday – Saturday 3 pm – 11 pm.
The Pig Facebook
Blues on Franklin: Owned and operated by three generations of Tar Heels on Franklin Street. Try the house favorite BBQ pulled pork sandwich or plate. It’s hickory smoked, hand pulled pork shoulder BBQ with Eastern or Lexington sauce and slaw and choice of side including baked beans, mac ‘n cheese, collard greens, green beans, apple sauce, shrooms & onions with cheese, potato salad and a little extra for sidewinder fries, onion rings and hushpuppies. 110 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill. Open Tuesday – Saturday, Call before you come and Sunday and Monday.
Blue's on Franklin Website
Mama Dip’s Kitchen: Combos to enjoy - Chicken & pork ribs, Brunswick stew & BBQ, Chicken & BBQ, and both eastern and western NC sauces. Greens, String Beans, Black Eye Peas, Yams, Corn, Okra & Tomatoes, Lima Beans, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Pinto Beans, and Rice & Gravy. Premium sides are macaroni & cheese and fried okra. Tasty BBQ sandwich comes with fries or one vegetable. Don’t forget to pick up some Mama Dip’s BBQ sauce. 408 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill. Open Wednesday - Sunday: 11 am - 7 pm.
SP Murray
Breadman’s: Check out Lazy Bill’s BBQ Plate, Eastern NC vinegar-based pork BBQ, served with choice of 2 veggies, cornbread or biscuit. The Lazy Bill’s BBQ Sandwich comes with coleslaw and chips. 261 South Elliott Road, Chapel Hill. Open daily 7 am – 8 pm. Note the location has moved from Rosemary Street.
More things BBQ
Pick up some Eastern Carolina BBQ Sauce, Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce and Carolina Dry Rub from the Carolina Brewery, 460 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill.
Mark your calendar for Hog Day, September 13-14, 2024 in downtown Hillsborough, NC. The highlight of this popular event is BBQ, with cooking teams competing for top honors. In addition to the BBQ cooking contest, enjoy arts and craft vendors, pigs on parade, car show, live music, food, children’s area and much more.
Hog Day by SP Murray
Be on the lookout for the 2024 version of the Salt & Smoke Festival which celebrates Fall with delicious whole hog BBQ, oysters and more southern food by Carrboro’s Acme Chef Kevin Callaghan.
