Rivalries are everywhere. Yankees vs. Red Sox, Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola, Duke vs. Carolina vs. NC State, etc. However, in this region of North Carolina, barbecue is the hot topic for competition. Numerous BBQ joints dot the landscape around the area, primarily in Rowan and Davidson Counties. The main type of BBQ offered is the “Lexington” style hailing from Salisbury’s neighbor across the Yadkin River. The pork is either dry or lathered in a vinegar-based sauce which is a far cry from most perceptions of barbeque across the nation. But one thing separates this kind from the others… its so dang good. Thankfully, Salisbury is home to many restaurants which serve this delicious dish, and all claim to be the “best around.” My goal was to roam Rowan County in search of the five best Bar-B-Q places in the area. Each of the five were rated in different areas on a 1-5 scale. You may be surprised at which place is chosen as the “King of Local Bar-B-Q”….
5. Richard’s BBQ- N Salisbury Ave
Richard’s is located just north of downtown Salisbury. The restaurant has a local theme intertwined with the railroad’s heritage, which is located just outside. The atmosphere is appealing with a typical BBQ joint setting, but the Barbecue tested was a bit on the watery side. However, the taste still was enjoyable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Total: 11
4. Gary’s BBQ- Hwy 29, China Grove
Just a few miles south in nearby China Grove, Gary’s is notoriously the “place to go” for BBQ in southern Rowan County. The food and atmosphere is great with classic cars able to be seen inside the restaurant and old well preserved signs on almost every wall. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, get there early… it will be PACKED!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Total: 12
3. College BBQ – Statesville Blvd
Located within a stone’s throw of Catawba’s campus, College BBQ gets its namesake from CatU. This is what I consider to be the Gary’s of Salisbury, as it is a very popular place to go to in town. The food is delicious here, and serving breakfast makes going to College BBQ even more tempting. Consider this for a decent place to visit on a lunch break between classes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Total: 13
4. Keaton’s- Cleveland
If you don’t mind wandering out to the far reaches of western Rowan County, Keaton’s is well worth the drive. The restaurant is nestled in a rural area, and along with the interior, provides a down home type of eatery which is increasingly rare in this century. The BBQ is awesome here, but most try the chicken, which is equally as good. Make sure to try the sauce. It alone will have you returning every chance you can get.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Total: 14
1. Hendrix BBQ- N Salisbury Ave
Surprisingly enough, Hendrix BBQ stands as the best BBQ in the area. Three locations cater to the Salisbury area, and each one is equally as good. The restaurant in Spencer is a personal favorite, as decorations celebrating the 1950’s offer an awesome atmosphere. The BBQ is made so that no sauce is needed for consumption. Friendly service from the staff ensures that each visit is pleasant. All this helps to make Hendrix BBQ the King of Local Bar-B-Q.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Total: 15
These are only 5 of the many awesome BBQ joints across the area. Each person has their own taste and appeal, so don’t be afraid to dig in to different types of chopped pork this summer. I foresee a good Rowan County summer meal having a small tray of Hendrix BBQ and a nice cold bottle of Cheerwine. But everyone is different, so decide for yourself which restaurant takes the cake (or hush puppy) for best the BBQ around!
