Barbecue cravings never wait for the weekend, and in Wilmington, the smoky aroma of pulled pork and slow-cooked ribs fills the air every day of the week. From classic Carolina-style joints to inventive food trucks serving up unique twists, there’s a BBQ experience here for every appetite.
Let’s get to it.
Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility
When you need a little sport and a lot of flavor, Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility fits the bill. Since 1992, twelve sunlit sand courts sit steps away from a casual grill, three lively bars, and Bill’s Brewing Company. You can work up a sweat spiking volleyballs and then treat yourself to house-smoked pulled pork, Carolina style and slathered in Musser’s original barbecue sauce, or dive into a basket of golden hushpuppies.
If barbecue isn’t your jam, their fried chicken might just convert you. Menu highlights like the Slop Burger clock in around eleven bucks. Sides such as onion rings, fries, and pasta salad arrive in generous helpings. You can dine indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather and your mood.
They keep the atmosphere come-as-you-are friendly and unfussy. Whether you’re popping in for dinner, grabbing catering for a big gathering, or cozying up at the winter oyster bar, Capt’n Bill’s delivers good times and generous portions all year long. Dig into their lineup and see what’s on tap.
Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Cafe
Jumpstart your morning or power through lunch at Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Cafe. Open daily, this spot bakes its own bread on site and slow-roasts, grills, or smokes every cut of meat in-house—brisket, pulled pork, you name it.
You’ll find burgers, salads, and sandwiches crafted with precision that borders on art. Portion sizes are more than generous and prices stay wallet-friendly. Even the sides deserve their own spotlight: tater tots, house grits, and perfectly seasoned potato salad all feel like main attractions.
Counter service makes it easy to grab a quick bite or order takeout. If you’re planning a gathering, their catering options cover everything from breakfast platters to hearty BBQ spreads. In Wilmington, it’s the rare café where morning comfort meets lunchtime satisfaction under one roof. Get a taste of the fresh at Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Cafe.
Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House
Late nights and towering sandwiches are the name of the game at Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House. This Wilmington staple stacks meats like smoked pulled pork and mesquite turkey into sandwiches that live up to your biggest appetite.
If your plans run past midnight, Jax has you covered. Their kitchen stays open until 2 am and the beer list spans craft selections that would make any hop fanatic smile. The house-made Rappe’ BBQ sauce adds a quirky twist to each bite, so don’t skip it.
You can sit at the counter, claim a spot for game night on one of the many TVs, or swing by for takeout. They even offer sides to mix things up—kettle chips, soups, and more. Just know that portion control here is optional. Check it out here.
MeMa’s Chick’n’ & Ribs
Family flavor rules at MeMa’s Chick’n’ & Ribs. Since opening in 2017, founders Myra and James McDuffie have leaned on James’s mother Mary—MeMa—to shape a menu of smoky classics. You’ll find ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken all prepared with house-made rubs and sauces rather than store-bought bottles.
Complementing the meats are down-home sides like creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, baked beans, and crunchy hushpuppies. Each dish arrives in hearty portions that might inspire sharing—or friendly competition over the last bite.
Whether you dine inside, opt for curbside pickup, or schedule delivery, MeMa’s adapts to your plans. The welcoming vibe and genuine Southern comfort food have quickly made it a fan favorite in Wilmington. Dig into the Southern flavors everyone’s talking about.
MISSION BBQ
Right off the bat, MISSION BBQ in Wilmington wears its patriotic pride on the walls. With over 140 locations nationwide, it honors military, police, and first responders in every dining room. At noon each day the National Anthem rings out over the speaker system, reminding everyone of the store’s roots in service.
Inside, customers find an array of smoked meats that read like a greatest-hits album. Brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, turkey, sausage, and ribs all make strong arguments for skipping salad. Five house-made sauces span styles from Carolina tang to Texas twang. Comfort sides such as creamy mac and cheese, crunchy slaw, and cornbread nuggets arrive on each plate.
Friendly staff wear flag-themed shirts and stand ready with brisket by the slice or a side recommendation. Portions are generous and prices stay moderate. Seating ranges from family tables to bar counter spots. Guests can dine in, pick up takeout, or plan catering down to the last detail. Classic barbecue meets heartfelt gratitude in this flag-flying destination. Get a taste of barbecue with a side of gratitude.
Moe’s Original BBQ
For fans of Alabama-style barbecue, Moe’s Original BBQ in Wilmington brings tradition to the table. Locally owned by Robert Ray, this outpost belongs to a beloved chain known for its hardwood-smoked meats.
Ribs and pulled pork share space with pulled chicken and even fried seafood on select days. Each protein arrives coated in one of two house-made sauces. The sweet, tangy classic highlights tomato and brown sugar while the white sauce blends mayo with vinegar for a bright, punchy finish.
Sides rotate through homemade staples such as creamy mac and cheese, crispy fried green tomatoes, and banana pudding that nods to family recipes handed down across generations. Friendly servers move between tables armed with extra napkins and sauce suggestions.
Order at the counter and then relax in the casual dining room or head to the outdoor patio. Live music often fills the air on weekend evenings. Portions arrive generous enough to satisfy serious appetites, making takeout and catering popular choices. Southern roots and local flair combine here for a barbecue experience that lives up to its reputation. Treat yourself to real-deal Southern BBQ right here.
Rooster & The Crow
Tucked along Wilmington’s waterfront, Rooster & The Crow offers Southern comfort food with a playful twist. Founded by North Carolina natives Zach and Allen, this Chandler’s Wharf spot blends classic pit cooking with inventive flavors.
The fried chicken here delivers a crispy, golden crust and juicy interior. Pit-cooked brisket channels Carolina-style tradition. House-made rubs and sauces bring full-flavored honesty to every plate.
Sides include creamy mac and cheese, tender collard greens, and cheesy grits that never disappoint. Portions arrive generous and ready to share.
Beyond the kitchen, a beer garden invites guests to sample a rotating draft list. The Cryptid Den bar offers craft cocktails and a moodier atmosphere. Arcade classics like Pac-Man and skee-ball provide a light-hearted contrast to savory dishes.
Rooster & The Crow welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. It does not serve earlier in the week. Seating encompasses indoor tables and outdoor spots by the river. Good food, drinks, and games combine in one spirited destination. See the menu.
City Barbeque
Competition-quality barbecue is the calling card at City Barbeque. Each brisket spends eighteen hours in a hickory-smoke chamber before it ever reaches a plate. Pulled pork, smoked sausage, and turkey breast also earn their stripes in the onsite smokers.
Once the meat is ready, it meets a selection of house-made sauces and rubs. A tangy root beer-infused sauce stands alongside a mustard-based blend and a Carolina-style vinegar option. Guests can order meals at the counter then choose from an array of sides. Baked beans topped with pulled brisket, cornbread muffins, and hush puppies compete for attention alongside loaded mac and cheese.
The fast-casual layout keeps lines moving. Seating varies from communal tables to window booths. Portion sizes are generous enough to satisfy even the most serious appetites.
Takeout and catering options streamline feeding a crowd. Family meal packs arrive prepped and ready to serve. For anyone serious about flavor, City Barbeque delivers smoky, tender meat alongside a lineup of sides worthy of center stage. Give City Barbeque’s menu a look.
Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue
Dining at Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue feels like stepping back to 1984 when this family first lit up the smoker. The focus here is pure Eastern North Carolina barbecue—thick with nostalgia and tangy vinegar-based sauce.
They slow-smoke pork overnight over hickory, and that aroma alone is reason enough to line up. Rustic decor and classic sides add to the charm. You’ll find fried chicken, barbecue ribs, pork chops and more.
Sides include hush puppies, collard greens, candied yams and a supporting cast of homestyle favorites. Portions are generous in the best possible way…just the kind of meal your grandmother would approve of.
Inside, a Wall of Fame highlights local celebs, athletes and regular Wilmingtonians who’ve fallen in love with this spot. Prices stay reasonable, and there’s a laid-back vibe—no need to dress up.
Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout or catering a big backyard shindig, Jackson’s delivers. It’s easy to see why the “Best Barbecue” title feels practically sewn onto their logo. See why Wilmington keeps coming back for more.
Poor Piggy’s
When you find Poor Piggy’s, you’re connecting with a former competitive barbecue team turned local favorite. Their food truck and catering service specialize in North Carolina–style barbecue that feels both classic and bold.
They stick to time-honored methods—low and slow over hickory and a secret wood blend. You’ll see pulled pork, beef brisket, St. Louis–cut ribs, smoked chicken and sausage, each coated in a signature dry rub and finished with a light honey glaze.
Sides stick to the holy trinity: coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans. There’s pudding here, too…maybe more than you expected but never unwelcome.
Portions are the kind that satisfy everyone. And when feeding a crowd, their catering options make you look like a barbecue hero without breaking the bank. Poor Piggy’s keeps it simple, smoky and downright delicious. Scope their latest stops and cater your next shindig here.
Rude Bwoys Jerk BBQ Food Truck
Rolling up to Rude Bwoys Jerk BBQ Food Truck means Caribbean flavors meet classic barbecue in Wilmington. Tito Ortiz and family opened this truck in 2020, and they’ve been earning rave reviews ever since.
They smoke ribs and other meats for over twelve hours, then coat them with a homemade Rude Bwoys Jerk Rub. That same rub finds its way onto brisket, pulled chicken and even nachos.
Alongside the usual barbecue sides you’ll spot crispy tostones and sweet plantains. Suddenly, potato salad looks a little jealous. Generous portions mean leftovers are possible…though you might talk yourself out of saving any.
Everything runs out of the truck, so takeout and delivery are the norm. Catering is on offer if you want a fancier setup. With near-perfect ratings and cold beer to wash things down, this truck delivers a truly unique barbecue experience. See what the jerk BBQ buzz is all about.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Stepping into Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q is like finding North Carolina’s answer to casual, wallet-friendly fried chicken and barbecue. Since 1977 they’ve been serving that vinegar-based Eastern North Carolina barbecue—so tangy you either love it or you’re wrong.
The menu centers on fried chicken and pulled pork, but the sides earn their share of spotlight. Hushpuppies, coleslaw, potato salad and Brunswick stew all justify staying in your sweatpants.
Portions are generous, prices stay reasonable and counter service keeps things moving. Staff bring orders to your table and handle refills so you can focus on digging in.
No alcohol is served here, but the friendly vibe and ample flavors make this a favorite stop for families and lunch crowds alike. If you want a quick, hearty meal without the fuss, Smithfield’s delivers every time. View Smithfield’s menu and start plotting your order.
Smoke on the Water
Nestled along the Cape Fear River in Wilmington’s Riverlights district, Smoke on the Water offers a relaxed take on waterfront dining. The view from the spacious deck makes any sunset meal feel special. Whether you pick pulled pork, racks of ribs, or brisket that slow-smokes for 14 hours, you’ll find plenty to love.
Their menu feels like a Southern road trip. Smoked meats arrive alongside house-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, and a vibrant spinach salad dressed up with bacon and cheddar. They create every sauce in-house… a clear sign they treat barbecue as seriously as craft brewers treat hops. Seasonal additions bring local seafood into the mix, so you can switch between surf and turf with ease.
At the bar, expect a lineup of craft beers that pair perfectly with smoky flavors, plus cocktails made from scratch. Smoke on the Water welcomes groups large and small, but keeps the vibe breezy. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 11 pm, ready to satisfy any appetite. Dive into their menu riverside here.
The Smoke House at Monkey Junction
For barbecue fans in Wilmington, The Smoke House at Monkey Junction raises the bar on smoked meats. Brisket, pulled pork, and chicken bathe in hickory smoke for at least twelve hours, developing layers of flavor you won’t forget. The casual counter-service setup keeps the focus on the food rather than frills.
Their lineup of seven homemade sauces ranges from Kansas City sweet to Carolina tang, plus Texas heat and creamy Alabama white. You don’t have to choose one… try them all in a flight or spoon them on separately. Each sauce highlights a different regional tradition, making every bite feel like a miniature barbecue tour.
Sides stand out on their own—cream y mac and cheese, golden hush puppies, and crisp fried okra. Even the coleslaw packs enough punch to deserve an encore. Whether you grab takeout or settle in at one of the picnic tables, The Smoke House has style in simplicity and flavor that lives up to its name. see what’s coming out of the smoker right now.
Webo’s Catering and BBQ Food Truck
Since 2010, Webo’s Catering and BBQ Food Truck has been a staple of Wilmington’s street-food scene. Owner Hardie Ballard III brings professional chef training to soul food classics served up with a friendly smile. The truck itself stays mobile, but the sense of home-cooked comfort travels in every bite.
Menus rotate between oxtails, turkey BBQ, and a renowned chicken and rice, while fried salmon sandwiches and shrimp burgers add a coastal twist. Pork chops arrive either fried crisp or smothered in gravy, giving customers two ways to indulge. Everything pairs wonderfully with a side like creamy mac and cheese or spicy fried okra.
They also dish out crab dip and even a playful crabby broccoli that keeps fans coming back. On hot days, pineapple lemonade and mango bliss provide a sweet, refreshing balance to rich flavors. Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or catering a big event, Webo’s family-owned operation delivers solid Southern roots and big personality with every order.
They also collaborate with local spots like Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant for special events. check out their soulful lineup here.
Leland Smoke House
Over at Leland Smoke House, the first thing that hits you is that deep, smoky scent drifting from the pit. This spot evolved from the same team behind Southport Smoke House, and it shows in every detail.
Meats go on the smoker for up to twelve hours over hickory. A simple dry rub brings out the rich flavors, then you get to choose from seven homemade sauces. Sweet, spicy, tangy, mustardy and Alabama white sauce—each one worth a taste.
Sides stick to the classics, and you might even convince yourself banana pudding counts as a vegetable. Portions are hearty, and the prices won’t hurt your wallet.
The casual setup welcomes dine-in or takeout. And if you need to feed a crowd, their catering game is strong. All in all, Leland Smoke House is where smoky, saucy Southern barbecue comes fully loaded. look over the menu right here.
