North Carolina's 'Gateway To BBQ' Is A City With A Walkable Downtown, Craft Brews, And Fabulous Restaurants

It's no secret that America loves its food. From Cajun-inspired dishes in New Orleans — where you can sample some of the best gumbo in the country — to classic coastal cuisine along the Northeastern U.S., the 50 states offer an eclectic buffet of destinations for foodies. If you're on the hunt for finger-licking-good barbecue, the scene in North Carolina is a cut above the rest.

Home to food-forward towns like Lexington, the state's "Barbecue Capital," full of delectable foods, festivals, and character, the Old North State has plenty of places to dig into your favorite fire-cooked dishes. To sample some of the best barbecue in North Carolina, take your tastebuds on a tantalizing trip to Goldsboro, self-proclaimed as the "Gateway to Barbecue."

Situated in the heart of Wayne County, about 60 miles southeast of Raleigh (the state capital, bursting with urban charm and a thriving arts scene), Goldsboro has a full menu of mouth-watering barbecue joints, breweries, and walkable downtown delights to sink your teeth into. Whether you're seeking the best pork roast in America or are just hungry for an adventure filled with shopping, arts, and culture, make sure to stop in Goldsboro.

Goldsboro didn't get its nickname for nothing, as you'll have plenty of delicious restaurants at your (soon-to-be barbecue sauce-covered) fingertips. Wilber's Barbeque has been a mainstay of the state since 1962. The restaurant, which was bought by new owners and saved from bankruptcy in 2020, has played host to countless families and even several presidents over the decades. The menu offers all the North Carolina classics, from pork BBQ sandwiches and ribs to hush puppies and potato salad.

For a casual bite along the highway while embarking on the ultimate scenic foodie road trip across North Carolina, pop into Adam's Roadside BBQ, serving hearty entrées with smoked meats alongside heaping sides like coleslaw and potato salad. Or drop by McCall's BBQ & Seafood for a little surf and turf with some BBQ pork and Calabash-style shrimp and deviled crabs.

Wherever you choose to dine in Goldsboro, wash it all down with a pint of craft beer at a local brewery. With an impressive 4.8 stars on Google, Goldsboro Brew Works is a solid choice for some tasty post-meal drinks, whether you prefer IPAs, lagers, hard seltzers, or sours (they even have a gluten-free blonde). Brewmasters Goldsboro is another noteworthy, locally-owned spot, with 22 craft beers on tap. Take your pick — they've got sours, ciders, stouts, lagers, blondes, IPAs, and more. And if you like what you find at any of the breweries, you can almost always take some home with you.

Goldsboro is rich with food and libations, but it's also a city rich with history, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. The best place to take it all in is by heading to the historic downtown district. Stroll the shops along its walkable streets, where you'll find colorful stores like Mimi's Boutique and the vintage treasure trove, Lola's Vintiques. While you're wandering out and about, be sure to peep the Public Arts Trail, a collection of hidden murals painted by local artists that color alleyways throughout the neighborhood. To dive into the local history, visit the Wayne County Museum, which offers an array of interesting exhibits to explore.

When you're ready to settle in for the night, Goldsboro has a handful of classic hotels to choose from. For spacious suites with full kitchens and a homey feel, check into the Homewood Suites by Hilton. Or if you prefer a quaint bed and breakfast, nestle into a charming, one-of-a-kind room at Plum Tree Gardens. Situated just two blocks downtown, the lovingly restored Victorian-era home is surrounded by idyllic brick-lined sidewalks and historic homes dating back to the late 19th century.