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The State of Barbecue
Barbecue is the hottest trend in food right now. And in tradition-rich North Carolina, a new generation of pitmasters is making new traditions of their own.
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Living in North Carolina means having a favorite barbecue restaurant.
Maybe it’s the one you knew growing up, introduced to pork shoulders or whole hog by parents and grandparents as if it was part of an identity. Or maybe it’s not about the pork, but the way a place cuts its collards or has the lightest hush puppies or bakes a cobbler that tastes like a memory.
It could be the place you tried just to see what all the fuss over brisket was about, finding your views on barbecue changed forever.
There are as many barbecue opinions in North Carolina as there are restaurants. The News & Observer has pulled together 64 popular spots representing the state’s barbecue landscape, blending all-wood traditionalists, mom and pop whole hog icons, burgeoning chains and new pitmasters lighting a new kind of fire.
For our North Carolina Barbecue Bracket, the picks span the state, each one offering a view into how and where barbecue fans eat today.
Here’s how it works: Round 1 starts with 64 notable North Carolina barbecue joints. Voters can pick up to 16 of your favorites, with the poll closing Monday, Aug. 29 at noon. Once we cut the field down to 32, Round 2 will start.
Having trouble viewing the poll? Click here.
This story was originally published August 24, 2022 6:00 AM.
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