No matter where you reside in America, barbecue can be found just about anywhere. With that said, depending on where you are depends on the type of barbecue that may be featured on a local restaurant menu and it all comes down to how long you cook the meat, to what type of meat to what’s in the sauce and when you incorporate the sauce. While barbecue is popular across the country, the styles are specific to certain destinations with the more recognizable styles being Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, and of course, North Carolina! Now, if you are not a pro and are unsure about which barbecue is your favorite this blog may just be a road map to make your next barbecue experience a more enjoyable one.
Memphis Style is slow-cooked pork with a dry or wet savory sauce. They cook their barbecue on low heat for about 5 hours, allowing the barbecue to become soft so the meat falls right off the bone.
Kansas City Style focuses a lot on the sauce which is sweet and thicker than other styles. Made with tomato and molasses and sometimes even brown sugar, the sauce is cooked into the meat or brushed on immediately after it’s done cooking.
Texas Style is unique as it covers different styles based off which region you are within the state and includes Central, West, East and South. In most cases, when you hear Texas Style it’s more often than not, the Central Style which uses large cuts of meats, mostly brisket, and seasoned with just salt and pepper and then cooked slow and low, over indirect heat.
North Carolina is home to two styles, Eastern and Lexington. Eastern uses the entire hog (minus the squeal) with a lemon juice or vinegar, pepper-based sauce and doesn’t use any tomatoes. Lexington-style barbecue is made with a ketchup and vinegar and spice-based sauce and uses meat from the pork shoulder. High Point is not shy when it comes to serving up either style ‘que. Check out six local favorite barbecue restaurants below:
3) Country Barbecue, located at 3921 Sedgebrook Street and 2928 N. Main Street, is known for their delicious homestyle barbecue. Their menu includes southern staples ranging from biscuits & burgers to chicken baskets and various barbecue plates, trays, and sandwiches. Their Lexington-style barbecue is served either chopped, coarse chopped, or sliced. This classic barbecue joint is even known for their southern-style breakfast—if you can make it there in time!
Curious about the history behind barbecue in our area? The High Point Museum is hosting a traveling exhibit called “The Story of Barbecue in N.C.” opening September 16 and running through November 19. The exhibit will explain the history behind barbecue in North Carolina culture and why it continues to be so popular today, highlighting cultural adaptations, preparation, and the science behind Carolina barbecue. For more information about this exhibit visit High Point Museum’s website!
The museum will also host a “BBQ Grill in the Little Red Schoolhouse” event on Saturday, September 24th from 10am – 2pm, featuring delicious barbecue made right in front of you. This event is free and everyone is invited to come and enjoy!
If you’re in the area October 22nd get a little more barbecue experience under your belt and taste of some delicious Lexington-style barbecue at the 38th North Carolina Barbecue Festival set in Uptown Lexington. The festival takes over Main Street and is an all-day event from 8:30am – 6:00pm, so you have plenty of time to visit the 200+ vendors containing commercial and festival foods that everyone is sure to enjoy, along with various arts and crafts to entertain both you and the entire family! The day will also consist of seven stages of entertainment, including various street performers, an antique car show, a lumberjack show, pig racing (a must-see event), and more! There will also be a Carnival area at the festival with lots of exciting crafts and family games. Make sure to check the Barbecue Festival website for more information about the event!
So, whether you’re a ‘cue connoisseur or just looking for some comfort food, High Point and it’s locally made barbecue options have you covered. We look forward to welcoming you to High Point soon and will be eager to see which style is your go to.