When I pulled into Shaw’s Barbecue House in Williamston, North Carolina, I figured I was in for a treat.
The best Southern barbecue is often found in hole-in-the-wall restaurants where the food is the star and the ambiance isn’t. When I happen upon a restaurant like this, I pretty much know I’ve hit on a local favorite and I’m about to have a darn good meal.
Shaw’s Barbecue House
You place your order at the counter for your choice of meat or sandwich and two sides and then wait for your number to be called. There’s plenty of seating in the dining room but I noticed that most of the steady stream of customers were there for take-out.
They call your number when your order is ready, and the food is served in simple styrofoam containers. Nothing fancy here.
Shaw’s Barbecue House serves Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue where the meat is chopped and served with a thin vinegar-based sauce. My sweetie ordered a meat plate with chopped pork, collard greens and baked beans. They served that with a couple of corn sticks as well.
Being a Northerner at heart, I was happy to see that they also offered the “pig picker” option which is pulled pork, rather than chopped. That’s my thing, baby!
I had baked beans and fries to go alongside my sandwich and then I was free to top it with the barbecue sauce of my choice. Normally, I bring along a bottle of my favorite BBQ sauce, but I had forgotten it so I had to use the restaurant’s options.
They had the Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based style (my boyfriend’s choice) and a thin red sauce (my choice). I’m used to a really thick and smoky sauce, but I have to say that the flavor of theirs was quite good and I enjoyed it.
Speaking of flavor, the pork had a distinct wood-fired smoky taste and it was excellent. It made me wonder if they really do cook it hickory-smoke style; not many restaurants do that anymore. (Laws, y’all.) I’m gonna have to call them and ask.
I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner at Shaw’s Barbecue House so if you’re ever passing by on your way to the beaches, take a few minutes and stop in and try it! Don’t let the locals have it all!
For more Eastern NC BBQ, try King’s in Kinston!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I love some good barbeque. It looks like such a quaint little place. I love places like that.
Tabathia B says
Wow I have lived in eastern nc my entire life and never heard of this place, will def. check out
Toni says
That is my kind of food right there!! I love down home cooking.
Lolo says
I love going to BBQ places like that! You can tell it is good just by looking at it!.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I’m a greens girl and I can literally eat them all day long! And, those greens look very good,
Mally says
Carolina Bar B Q is world famous!
Marina says
I know the meat should be the star but I found myself drooling over those beans!!
Brandy says
This looks like a place I would LOVE. What a fun program to be a part of, to experience restaurants. I would love that gig. BBQ has my name written all over it … yup yup yup!
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I’m such a yankee… I was looking at the box and saying WTH are those sticks.. lol.
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
Looks like such a cozy and comfy place… the dinner looked amazing; YUMM.. totally made me hungry for some BBQ now..thanks for sharing
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
Yum. I love a good barbecue joint!
Carmen's Coupon Blog says
I have never tried looking for a restaurant off of restaurant.com but yes there are several little treasures in my area that I absolutely love…
patricia says
I also find the mom and pops restaurants are the best restaurants. They tend to cook with love and the food always is great. The pulled pork looks yummy.
Growing Up Madison says
It looks so homey and the food certainly looks delicious. I’m here practically drooling at hubby’s plate. I want some of that now. 🙂
Tammy says
We’re still exploring all the places that our community has to offer. We haven’t sat down in that “perfect” hidden jewel yet, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before we find it!
Terry (My Journey With Candida) says
I like the greens, Love the greens and the southern cooks do them the best. My Hubs makes me do them Italian and they just aren’t the same.
Courtney Pies says
That all looks really good! I love little mom and pop places like this place!
Pam says
This does sound wonderful. Sounds like a winner. I don’t live in the area but I know a few people who do and will pass this info on. Hope to visit some day.
Amiyrah says
You had me at collard greens! We are planning another trip down south, so we need to add Shaw’s to our pit stop list. We love BBQ!
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says
When I was growing up we had friend in Williamston! So cool to see one of the restaurants featured. I of course being an Eastern NC girl, LOVE my eastern NC bbq with pepper vinegar and chopped or pulled. YUM
Rosey says
I served the fam. pulled pork sandwiches last night for dinner. Glad you found a place you like.
Mellisa says
There is really nothing better than down home BBQ! We have a couple of places like this where I live and we often eat out there.
Debi says
Oh you just made me miss home so much. I love BBQ , the kind they serve in the Outer Banks/ Elizabeth City area. But I know I will be looking for this place the next time I head that way!
jordyn @ Almost Supermom says
We are always looking for good barbeque restaurants when we travel. I will put this on my list for our next trip to NC. Thanks!!
Deborah Wallin says
your meals looked delicious! I will keep them in mind if travelling in that part of the country.
Janet W. says
The BBQ looks like such great quality meat with no bad pieces mixed in. The baked beans look delicious, too!
gala says
“The best Southern barbecue is often found in hole-in-the-wall restaurants” -agree . One of the Best BBQ places on the South don’t look fancy at all but food is out of this world
Mya Murphy says
I love cozy restaurants and love the looks of this one, and BBQ food… yummy!!!
theodore esteghamat says
If we ever get to the area, I really want to stop there. The food sounds great and I always liked good bar-b-que.
Janeane Davis says
I agree with you that the best barbeque I have is always at places that never look as wonderful as the food tastes.
Megan @mnmspecial says
My husband loves bbq and trying new places. Maybe some day we will get over there.
Sue Hull says
That’s some good lookin’ grub you got there. A hole in the wall diner is always good.
Emily says
We found a great BBQ restaurant using restaurant.com! Such a great tool!!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
My husband lived down South when he was in the army so he loves good old fashioned BBQ. He would love this place since he is also a huge meat eater.
Shanna says
That looks so cozy! And the food looks good! All comfort food!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
What a cute little place! This is a place we’d really love to visit and the food looks yummy!
Stacie Connerty says
I absolutely love barbecue!!! Since I live in the South barbecue is not hard to come by. I go as often as my family can stand.
Donna says
I love eating out. I love good food made by someone else, and no having to clean up the kitchen. 🙂 I have several local favorites, for sure.
Le-an Lacaba says
So cozy! It’s really great that there are still restaurants that aren’t fast food.
Stefani says
We had a good BBQ place right down the street and it closed. I am a big fan of BBQ pulled pork and chicken!
Ronni Keller says
We don’t really have them here in Vegas! Crazy right??!! I miss Texas, now they had BBQ!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
My hubby would LOVE this! BBQ is his fave 🙂 And these are the best kinds of BBQ places, the ones you stumble upon!
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} says
I recently used a Restaurant.com gift certificate for the first time at a local pizza place. I was really pleased with how easy it was and will definitely use them again. There is another restaurant nearby that I want to visit. I’ve heard that they have amazing food!
Anita Breeze says
Yummy, I like BBQ ANYTHING! Nice to find out about places that are off the beaten path. So many times people go with what’s safe, like a chain restaurant, but really, it’s these little restaurants that usually have the best food. Thanks for the review!
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
I am a huge fan of carolina style barbecue. I really don’t like it when the meat is bathed in sauce.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
There are restaurants near me that are favorites , but they are not covered by Restaurant.com. I wish they were!
Amy Lynn Desrosiers says
I’m a New Englander and have never heard of corn sticks before! This does look yummy though!
Elizabeth Towns says
My daughter loves pulled pork cooked in this same way. I mean this is some good southern eating. It’s the only time I eat pork. I can imagine you guys had a good meal on that day.
Kara says
Looks delicious!!
Pam says
We found Ted’s Froshop in New Orleans from Restaurant.com and it was delcious!
brandy davis says
Its hard to find good BBQ around here. We usually end up getting it a couple hours away when we visit the in laws.
Sarah L says
Can’t get that kind of BBQ in Colorado, but we have good places anyway.
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy says
I love barbecue! We have a couple of places like that around here. Not much to look at on the outside but the food is wonderful.
Paula @ Frosted Fingers says
I miss good southern bbq. I haven’t found a good BBQ place around here yet.
Jennifer says
Looks delicious – I love good BBQ!
Beeb says
I’ve never heard of a “Corn stick” before! All this food looks good and is making me wish I had some BBQ in the house.
Ange says
Ahh looks delish! I’ll have to check out Shaw’s Barbecue House next time we’re in NC!
judy gardner says
this looks so good! i live in NC and will have to check the map to see where Williamston is! this past weekend was barbeque days in Lexington, NC. they serve eastern nc style, which is my favorite!
Jennifer says
I love hole-in-the-wall restaurants!! Especially on vacation. That food looks really good — especially the fries!
Cinny says
Looks like a cozy place and for some reason, those fries are calling for me!
Hanan says
Looks delicious! We’ve used restaurant.com a couple of times, but I need to see what’s new on their site.
shaunie says
wonderful display of food!! wish I could reach right through … havent seen this type of food in a long time… just looks delicious
Susan Smith says
Looks yummy, I live in Kansas City and we know BBQ here. I love ribs. I found a Japanese steak house on restaurants.com. We have gone there a few times and we love that it’s a small place and we have always received great attention and food.
Theresa says
Everything looks so yum, but come on Liz! Sauce on the fries! You MUST get the sauce on the fries 😉 (It always makes me so mad when hubby forgets to ask for sauce on mine!)
Norma Doiron @Savvy Biz Solutions says
Looks like good wholesome food. You are right, the small restos are often the best places to stop at. Yummmm!
Rachel says
I love good BBQ…and this looks like it fits the bill. I am curious about the corn sticks. I’ve never seen them anywhere else, and they look yummy!
Maria Iemma says
I love BBQ and I wish I was in North Carolina right now and I would run to eat that pulled pork sandwich. The best BBQ I ever ate was during our vacation in Texas.
brett says
ohhhhhhhhhhhh and shaws barbecue house has baked beans to go with that barbecue. sigh.
do they deliver? to ct?
Grandma Bonnie says
Sounds totally tasty. I would like to try the Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based sauce. I like trying new foods this sounds like an amazing find.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
My mouth is watering! That looks so good. If I’m ever in Williamston, NC I will find that restaurant.
Melinda Dunne says
I also love pulled pork! I make it all the time at my house. I have never been to North Carolina but Shaws looks like a place my family and I would love to go to.
Amberlee Cave says
That looks absolutely amazing!! I am so darn hungry! lol Thanks for sharing!
Matthew's Mom says
I’m totally craving those fries now! Maybe I’m pregnant because I really, really want those!
LyndaS says
That looks like authentic Southern food, I must say. It looks really delicious.
kay adeola says
ooo yummy that looks really amazing,looks of places can be deceiving lol
Jen-Eighty MPH Mom says
Mmmm I love BBQ, and you are right – some of the best places are the smallest places. Now I am craving pulled pork, tyvm!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
Oh, that food looks delish. Do they ship?
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
When they cut back on the “fancy”, you KNOW the food is going to be good. Hubs says in heaven, he’ll be able to eat BBQ everyday! And maybe a snickers bar on the side.
mommy2jam (Adrianne) says
thanks to you I am now craving GOOD BBQ. this looks amazing. Looks like a road trip is now in order now, LOL!
Oriana @mommyhoodsdiary says
I love to discover places like this! Local and family-style. Usually the food is very good. Thanks for sharing.
Cyndie says
Nothing like a good ole home town BBQ place. I need to find one where I live.
Ms. A says
Although the food is the more important part, that place has plenty of ambiance for me!
Debbie Denny says
I love Pulled pork also. My fave when we go to a bbq joint!
Jennifer B says
Mmm I love BBQ and it’s always nice to find new places to enjoy it too! This looks so good!
Rochelle says
Nice!! Good BBQ is hard to find, it seems these days they’re all trying in every corner, but it’s not all good! Glad you were able to find a good one!!
Heather says
Love BBQ and restaurant.com too!!
Christine Luken says
If I am ever in North Carolina, I will be sure to check this place out! Sounds yummy!!
rochelle haynes says
love to go there
Jazmin @ Frugality Gal says
Some of the best food I’ve ever had has been at small (almost forgotten) restaurants in small towns. I love when that happens, it’s almost like my own “insider” secret. That pulled pork looks amazing!
Ashley McLure says
I love hole-in-the-wall type restaurants. I haven’t been to NC in a long time, so I’ll have to try to remember this for future reference.
Karen says
Awesome tip about restaurant.com, its great to be able to save on visits
Cara says
Yummy! I’m a sucker for good BBQ and I love exploring local restaurants when I’m in a new city. This place looks great!
Patty White says
I love BBQ!! And those beans look amazing! I bet they were so yummy!!
Kecia says
I am usually weary about visiting local restaurants in towns I am not familiar with – however, when I do, I find that I love the place and want to come back when in the area! Shaw’s Barbecue House sounds like such a place. The pulled pork sandwich looks mighty yummy!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
I love sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and I am with you…pulled pork is the way to go! I do a BBQ pulled chicken in the crockpot that is so easy. Finding great local places is always a treat!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
That pulled pork sounds and looks good, I’d love to try that!
Sandra (at) Coasahmom (dot) com says
I love a good BBQ Sandwich and boy does that one look mouth Watering! Thanks for the great post!
Mariah says
I love pulled pork! Does Shaw’s Barbecue House offer a wide variety of sides? I really like trying different potato salads and cole slaws with my BBQ.
Staci says
That pulled pork looks delicious! I guess if and when I ever make my way up to Williamston, North Carolina I know exactly where to eat: Shaw’s Barbecue House! Until then I like to use Restaurant.com to discover new local favorites. A new Mexican food restaurant is always my favorite find! 😉
Daisy says
I’m totally craving bbq now! This sounds like a place that my entire family would love!
AmyLK says
YUM! I love pulled pork! I wish I lived closer so I could try it!
Kelsey Apley says
Mmm now I am craving me some BBQ!!!! Those beans look good, I love beans that are packed full of flavor, and it seems bbq places have some of the best!
Ellen Christian says
My husband would love this. He is a huge barbecue fan!
Shauna says
Wow, yummy! That food sounds and looks amazing. HUBBY loves BBQ… will have to stop by next time we are in NC
Alissa Apel says
I bet that is really good! Our friends in KC took us to Barbecue Joe’s. It’s supposedly the best place there. I liked it.
Nicole B says
I’m from the South (but live in the West now) and would LOVE to eat some real Carolina BBQ. Yum! Looks delish.
Lolli @ Better in Bulk says
Yum! I wish I lived a little closer, but I might just have to stop by there on my next trip down South!
Sheri says
I love little hole in the wall restaurants! There are so many hidden treasures out there. Thanks for sharing this one.
Patty says
Montana is not a bastion of Restaurant.com choices…..
kathy balman says
looks delicious, I love BBQ.
Tammy S says
I love trying to find local restaurants that have great food. We have one restaurant that is our favorite and it is a small Mexican place owned by a super nice couple. I think we found it through Restaurant.com
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
You know since we are relatively new to the area, we should do this more often. You never know what great restaurant you will find!
Angela says
I’m glad you found a great BBQ restaurant. I had one that I absolutely loved in FL and haven’t found one that I really enjoy since moving to GA. I’m not a big fan of the vinegar based BBQ they do here.
Marcie W. says
I love good barbeque but it can be difficult to find in the Las Vegas area. I would really savor an opportunity to grub on some North Carolina goodness, and in my experience the best places aren’t fancy!
Sarah Bailey says
Oh wow that looks delicious – I’m loving the look of the pork burger! yum! x
Steph @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
Gosh darn that looks good! I used to live in Columbia, S.C., and I know JUST what you mean about hole in the wall BBQ places. That really looks like a good one!
Nichol says
I love BBQ food, those beans look delish. There are no restaurants in my area that participate with Restaurant.com:( Oh well the joys of living in a small town.
Jackie says
I love good bbq! One of my favorite sauces is the Caroline Mustard bbq sauce … is that a real thing down there or is something we made up here in Michigan??
brian miller says
heh. pretty sure i have been there….i love vinegar based bbq….
Jenn says
I find the best places are the tiny little restaurants that youd never think to go to and turn out to be amazing. Those fries look delicious!
Dawn Lopez says
Ooh boy does that look tasty! Even the fries look amazing, this sounds like a fun find. Or wait.. are those fries? What are corn sticks? I am intrigued.. I’ve never heard of those! Do tell!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
love BBQ, looks good. I have never heard of this place before, we probably do not have one in Florida. 🙁
Terry (My Journey With Candida) says
I used to use restaurant.com but stopped for some reason and I have no idea why. When we went to Las Vegas one year, we had a stack of restaurant.com vouchers and used them daily.
Michele says
No matter where you travel or be it close to home it always does seem like the “hole’s in the wall” restaurants serve up the best food! If I am ever down that way I will certainly check them out!
amanda says
those fries look excellent. yum yum – almost dinner time here 🙂
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I don’t eat BBQ food at all, but man does my husband ever like it. Too bad this place isn’t around here 🙂