If your idea of a good meal involves smoke, sauce, and at least two southern sides, you're in the right place. Wilmington's barbecue scene is anything but one-note, with everything from old-school Eastern North Carolina joints to Texas-inspired smokehouses. Next time the craving for brisket or a plate piled high with hushpuppies and mac and cheese hits, start here.

Classic Eastern NC 'cue

Jackson's Big Oak Barbecue

920 S. Kerr Ave. | Some places don't need to reinvent themselves. Jackson's has been serving Eastern North Carolina barbecue for generations, and locals keep coming back for chopped pork, fried chicken, Brunswick stew, and hushpuppies that feel straight out of a family reunion. If you're introducing someone to classic NC barbecue, this is a solid place to start.

Casey's Buffet

5559 Oleander Dr. | Come hungry. Casey's is all about piling your plate with Eastern-style barbecue, fried chicken, vegetables, chicken and pastry, hushpuppies and a dessert bar that somehow convinces you there's still room for banana pudding. It's one of those places where first-timers should make at least one full lap before committing to a plate.

Butts-N-Such

800 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach | This Carolina Beach staple has been satisfying beachgoers with barbecue for years. Pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken, ribs, and hearty combo platters keep regulars coming back, especially if you're looking for a quick, no-frills meal before heading back to the beach.

For brisket lovers

Heritage BBQ

5120 College Rd., Suite 104 | One of Wilmington's newest smokehouses is already making a name for itself with Texas-inspired barbecue that still tips its hat to the Carolinas. The brisket has become an early standout, but don't stop there – the Texas Twinkies (jalapeños stuffed with brisket and cheese, wrapped in bacon) have developed a following of their own. Add an order of mac and cheese, and you're in good shape.

City Barbeque

3824 Carolina Beach Rd. | Can't decide between brisket, pulled pork, ribs or smoked turkey? That's City Barbeque's specialty. The menu covers just about every barbecue craving, and the smoked brisket, ribs and house-made sauces tend to be crowd favorites. If you're the type who orders "one of everything for the table," this is your place.

Beach day barbecue

Sunny Daze Smokehouse

9 Pavilion Ave. S., Carolina Beach | A beach day and barbecue make a pretty good pair. Sunny Daze has become a Carolina Beach favorite for smoked pulled pork, brisket, ribs and chicken served alongside classic sides in a casual setting. It's the kind of place where you'll probably leave smelling a little like smoke and not mind one bit.

Moe's Original BBQ

5818 Oleander Dr. | Looking to switch things up from classic Carolina 'cue? Moe's brings Alabama-style barbecue to Wilmington with smoked pork, turkey, ribs, and chicken alongside smoked wings, cornbread, and house-made sides. Grab a seat on the patio if the weather cooperates, and don't skip the banana pudding to finish things off.

Smoky Tony's BBQ serves up brisket, pulled pork, and southern sides in Wilmington, NC. — Smoky Tony’s BBQ serves up brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked sausage, and southern sides for those days when only a plate of ’cue will do. | Photo courtesy of Smoky Tony’s BBQ

Worth adding to your rotation

MeMa's Chick'n' & Ribs

8232 Market St. | Don't let the name fool you into choosing between chicken or ribs. Regulars rave about both, along with the pulled pork, smoked meats, and southern comfort sides. The family-owned spot has built a loyal following not just for the food, but for the welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

Mission BBQ

351 College Rd. | Mission pulls barbecue traditions from across the country instead of sticking to one regional style, so you'll find everything from brisket and pulled pork to smoked turkey and St. Louis-style ribs. Bonus: the six signature sauces let you customize every bite, and if you happen to be there at noon, don't be surprised when the restaurant pauses for the National Anthem.

Poor Piggy's

Food truck | Check social media for weekly locations | Barbecue tastes even better when you have to track it down first. Poor Piggy's serves Wilmington from a food truck, popping up at breweries, festivals, and community events around town. Keep an eye on social media for where they'll be next, then reward yourself with a pulled pork sandwich or loaded barbecue fries.

Smoky Tony's BBQ

511 US Hwy 17 N, Holly Ridge | Technically outside Wilmington, but close enough to earn a spot on the list. The menu leans beyond traditional Eastern-style barbecue with smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and house-made sausage, plus rotating daily specials. If you're headed toward Topsail Beach anyway, it's an easy excuse to add one more stop.

Know a barbecue spot we should add to the list? Send us your favorite order – we're always looking for an excuse to do more "research."