It is no secret that North Carolinians love their barbecue, and one might say the long history of eating this smoky, tender treat has made them connoisseurs. So when they offer up their most-recommended barbecue restaurants — you might want to pay attention. Without further ado, here are seven of the choicest BBQ restaurants in the state.

1. Parker's Barbecue, Wilson

Amazingly, Parker’s has been serving outstanding chicken, barbeque, and sides for more than 75 years.

This yummy fried chicken platter comes in white or dark meat.

It is also available by the bag — chicken livers too.

2. Prissy Polly's BBQ Restaurant, Kernersville

Prissy Polly’s has everything you would expect from an excellent barbecue restaurant.

Some of our favorites are the southern sides of collards and fried okra, and the onion rings are out of this world.

3. Morris Barbecue, Hookerton

Morris Barbecue is so good it has lasted almost 67 years, beginning with the owner selling his barbeque down the streets of Hookerton on his mule and cart.

Full of cherished memories and stories from diners, it still has folks lining up today.

By the slab, the plate, or the pint, orders can be called in throughout the week to dine in or carry out on Saturday only.

4. Wilbers BBQ, Goldsboro

Wilber’s staff cooks whole hogs all night long in open pits over glowing oak embers.

Meals include two sides and hushpuppies.

Can you just imagine the deliciousness of these ribs followed by a sip of an ice-cold brew?

5. The Redneck BBQ Lab, Benson

Since 2017, the lab owners have focused on North Carolina barbecue with a scientific twist, featuring innovations and new recipes.

Meats come on the bone, boneless, or on bread, and you can up your orders with juicy homemade sides.

6. Little Richard's Barbeque, Clemmons

Founded in 1991, Little Richard's offers a total of five cozy barbecue houses in the area, so more folks can experience the smoky love.

From Pitmaster Plates to sandwiches, Mexican entrees, and sides, it is tempting to skip the yummy appetizers.

7. JD's Smokehouse, Connelly Springs

The family-owned restaurant and catering service offers some of the best barbecue around as all of the smoked meats are dry rubbed.

The plates come with two sides, sauce and bread.

Enjoy ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket, on sandwiches and other combinations.

Have you chosen one of the most recommended BBQ restaurants in the state to try? And if that's not enough, take the most delicious North Carolina road trip to nine hole-in-the-wall barbecue restaurants:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/best-bbq-restaurants-nc/