North Carolina and South Carolina have been in thick competition since they first became states: and that’s not changing any time soon!
So whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or never had anything besides the basics, there are a ton of flavors to watch out for in the Carolinas.
These are the top restaurants to try in the South, and why this flavor is so important to the area!
Why BBQ Matters
Barbecue may be another type of cuisine to some parts of the country, but most American south sees it as a tough competition. From the dry heat you can find in Texas to the sweet and gooey barbecue of Memphis; there are many opinions on what barbecue is the best and what can be considered barbecue.
Although no opinion is 100% correct, these are the top things that may sway whether you believe North or South Carolina has the best flavors.
If You Want Heat
If you want spicy barbecue that will have you running to get a glass of milk to cool your mouth, you’ll find it better in South Carolina.
At Bessinger’s Barbecue, the oldest barbecue family in the state, you can try their fantastic shredded meat covered in sauces that excite and strike fear into your tastebuds. So if you love spicy food, and aren’t happy unless your mouth feels like it’s on fire, try some of the sauces and seasonings at Bessinger’s Barbecue in South Carolina.
If You Want The Best Texture
If you want to try something that has some bite to it and then melts in your mouth: you want to be in South Carolina. Fort Mill has an awesome restaurant known as 521 BBQ.
This delicious restaurant is run by a retired naval officer who became inspired by how popular his food was with his coworkers. His ribs and pulled pork are delicious, especially when paired with incredible hush puppies and fries that look good on every plate.
If Sides Are What You’re Craving
If you want to enjoy the sides you’re eating, from macaroni and cheese to mashed potatoes, you must go to North Carolina. Not too far from apartments in Durham, NC, you can find Mert’s Heart and Soul.
This barbecue eatery is one of the top restaurants in the state and proves time and time again that barbecue is a whole experience, not just the meat or sauce. This restaurant has everything from smoked ribs to shrimp and grits; once you’ve eaten here once you’ll fall in love and want to keep coming back for more.
When You Want A Sauce to Take Home
If you care most about the sauce and want something with fantastic texture and flavor, it’s a good idea to stop in Shelby, North Carolina. Red Bridges BBQ Lodge is often voted as the best barbecue restaurant in the south, with a history running back to 1946.
By smoking their meats overnight in hickory smoke, their food gains a unique and incredible flavor that’s enticing enough to go back for fourths. This is the best barbecue restaurant you’ll find: it shouldn’t be skipped.
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