Sam Jones BBQ - Winterville, NC
So once again we find ourselves at the Outer Banks of North Carolina for summer camp; however, this summer instead of dropping one child off, we were dropping both. One last hug, no another, maybe one more? "Bye Dad" and we are shooed off.
As we were pulling away, knowing we were going to miss our children greatly, this weird wave of excitement washed over us. WE ARE FREE!
What to do, what to do? I really love Sky Light Inn BBQ (Read Wilbur's Travel Here), but it is closed on Sunday. Thankfully I have a guide to all things below the Mason Dixon line. See, there are two types of Southerners - those that subscribe to Garden & Gun and those that should subscribe to Garden & Gun. After reading G&G's article on Sam Jones BBQ (Read article here), we cranked the Soup Dragons and pointed the car to Winterville. "Cause I'm free to do what I want any old time...."
If Sky Light Inn BBQ is country mouse, then Sam Jones BBQ is truly the city mouse. For starters, the parking lot is paved and with stripes no less. The building is hip and cool and cutting edge. Just looking at the rusted metal veneer on the front of the building lets you know that this is not your grandfather's Oldsmobile.
Once inside, the changes continue as we walk in and see an uber cool Urkel standing at the cash register. We look up at the menu and low and behold- CHOICES! This is not an opportunity that we are going to let pass, so select 3 meats it is.
The only place that can rival this slaw is Sky Light Inn, but that is just because it is the same recipe. Get the slaw. It is incredible.
The star of the show is the meats and I would like to start with one that I rarely order at a Q joint - the smoked chicken.
Our weekly meal planner at home consists of chicken, chicken and maybe some chicken. Add in the fact that Chick-fil-A is basically the office lunch room and I might start clucking.
With that background, the following sentence should carry some weight. Sam Jones had the absolutely best piece of chicken, smoked or otherwise, that I have EVER put in my mouth.
Tender, juicy, smokey and the spice mix.....magnifique!
My first rib was amazing with a heavy smoke and powerful seasoning. However, I am glad we got the combo plate because the strong flavors were a little overwhelming after a couple of ribs. The pork is solid as a rock, but in a horse race I think Sky Light nosed it out for the win.
What a wonderful complement to Sky Light. A nod to the old time traditions with added variety wrapped up in a shiny new package and with beer to tap!
OVERALL: 🕷🕷🕷🕷(excellent)
Pork: 🐷🐷🐷🐷(damn good pig)
Sam Jones BBQ
715 W Fire Tower Rd
Winterville, NC 28590
(252) 689-7946
