North Carolina
Food

Feast On Legendary BBQ At This Unassuming But Amazing Roadside Stop In North Carolina

Grady's BBQ in Dudley, North Carolina, is renowned for its legendary whole-hog pit BBQ and welcoming atmosphere.

Published Aug 22, 2022

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

When you have an itch for some mouthwatering BBQ there's one place you can always count on for chowing down on some of the best in the state. Folks will drive from all over to get at the legendary BBQ in North Carolina that's found at a little roadside stop in Dudley, a mere dot on the map and located 65 miles southeast of Raleigh and 55 miles northeast of Fayetteville.

Welcome to Grady's BBQ, where your first impression will be a good one: a massive amount of wood piled right outside the smokehouse where all the BBQ magic happens.

alt
Google/Ray Linville

Grady's opened in 1986 in this not-so-tiny community of just under 1,000 residents.

advertisement
alt
Google/Graeme Marshman

The secret to Grady's success lies in their whole-hog pit style and their time-honored unwritten recipes.

alt
Google/John Ahlers

The casual and friendly eatery doesn't know a stranger either. Once you step inside you'll be treated just like family.

alt
Google/Richie Guzior

The menu features a variety of ways to enjoy the food: combos, plates, dinners, by-the-pound, and trays.

alt
Google/Mathurin Notary Services

Choices include BBQ chicken and pork, burgers, wings, hot dogs and a number of tasty sides to pair with your entree(s).

Grady's might not be huge but the space is welcoming and bright and is the perfect spot to settle in for some of the most legendary BBQ in North Carolina.

alt
Google/Richie Guzior

Typically, Grady's is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. although you may want to call ahead if you're traveling a long distance (919-735-7243).

alt
Google/W H

Legendary BBQ in North Carolina isn't hard to come by because there are so many must-try BBQ restaurants in the Tar Heel State. Brady's BBQ is definitely one of them! How long can you hold out without making a trip over to Dudley to check it out?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Food

Word On The Street Is That Huli Sue’s Serves The Best BBQ In North Carolina

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill in Asheville is an eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina. This Hawaiian-Texan-inspired cuisine offers a unique and delicious taste that stands out in an area with plenty of traditional barbecue options. Find out why this barbecue joint in North Carolina is a step above the rest.

advertisement

Constructed in 1928, the Grove Arcade has undergone many phases during its interesting existence.

alt
Grove Arcade/Facebook

The Grand Opening took place in 1929 and became home to local shops and businesses offering a variety of services and products over the years.

In 2021 the historic Grove Arcade welcomed the addition of Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill opened by Lisa Vann and Ben Krueger who also have The Fish and The Hog in Waimea, Hawaii.

alt
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill/Facebook

It didn't take long for this to become an eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina.

You can taste the island's influence on the Texas barbecue and Hawaiian dishes.

alt
Joel R/Tripadvisor

For example, folks are impressed to find an authentic and scrumptious poke bowl in Asheville.

advertisement
alt
Management/Tripadvisor

This version comes with ginger-sesame-shoyu seared sashimi-grade fish, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and aioli.

But first things first as cocktails evocative of another era - crafted with fresh juices, fruits, and adorned with lovely flowers and umbrellas - shouldn't be overlooked.

alt
Ashley R/Tripadvisor

The Lava Flow has rum with cream of coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and lime.

For the table, a nice order of Rueben Spring Rolls contain house-made pastrami, Swiss, crunchy sauerkraut, and Russian dip.

alt
Management/Tripadvisor

Be warned - these cultivate a mean craving that hits you in the middle of the night.

And speaking of pastrami, you can also find it on a sandwich here - deli-style - with a choice of house-cut fries, sweet Maui Onion Chips, or a salad.

alt
Lockie H/Tripadvisor

If you come with barbecue in mind, however; The Sampler plate delivers with brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and house-made sausage.

alt
Management/Tripadvisor

The desserts are worthy of time all on their own for a sweet date night.

alt
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill/Facebook

Try the Banana Cream Pie, Pineapple Upside Cake, or the Haupia (coconut) Layer Cake.

Discover more about this eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina on the Huli Sue's website. While you're in this eclectic city, find out why you might fall in love with Asheville. And check out some very cool overnight or weekend options on Vrbo.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Food

A Pure Oil Station Is Now North Carolina’s Best New Place To Find A Duck Confit Grilled Cheese

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

It's a special event when you run into an all-day eatery with excellent food in North Carolina — especially in the heart of Black Mountain. This restaurant opened in December of 2022 offering some delightful cuisine. But the most interesting feature of the historic building turned restaurant in North Carolina is that it once was a Pure Oil Station. While those memories are gone, the community spirit in this saved building is intact. Read on about The Pure & Proper.

advertisement

A Pure Oil Station that opened in the 1940s was the beginning of a bond with the Black Mountain community.

alt
The Pure And Proper

The cool, historic structure stood as a beloved landmark reminding folks of the simpler times. It was lovingly saved and turned into The Pure & Proper.

alt
The Pure And Proper

New life brings a warm and welcoming repurposed space with a cozy open upstairs dining room and another intimate dining room downstairs.

This all-day eatery is decorated with elegant and creative details in a variety of materials.

alt
The Pure And Proper

We love the furry seats, exposed beams, and rough bricks where you'll find lunch, a cocktail hour, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Start with the Cheese Board featuring three local cheeses, seasonal pickles, mustard, olives, marcona almonds, and stecca bread.

advertisement
alt
Mixa's Travels/Tripadvisor

This is a very nice item to share and goes well with one of the signature cocktails or mocktails.

While Brussels sprouts come as a side with sorghum and sherry vinaigrette, try the elegant way they are served as an entree.

alt
Lockie H/Tripadvisor

Topped with whipped ricotta, tomato jam, spiced cashews, and fresh basil, they are a piece of art.

And speaking of art, the Flat Iron Steak with crispy potatoes is a sculpture of hearty love.

alt
LanSluderBelize/Tripadvisor

This eatery in North Carolina also makes a convenient stop for lunch after hiking up the Lookout Mountain Trail with a fresh salad, a ham and cheese, and your favorite beer or wine.

alt
Harriet T/Tripadvisor

When it's nice, take advantage of the patio, and find the hike on the AllTrails website.

While the aforementioned entrees are delicious, the Duck Confit Grilled Cheese is the best grilled cheese you will ever eat.

alt
Miriam S/Tripadvisor

It's comprised of pulled duck leg confit (duck legs slow-roasted in duck fat), griddled onion, arugula, Gruyere cheese, and tomato jam.

Discover more about this historic building turned restaurant in North Carolina on The Pure & Proper website. And find out why Black Mountain is also a great place to visit in the winter.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/snowiest-town-winter-getaway-nc/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

The Most Iconic View in Utah Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

The 3.5-Mile Hiking Trail in Idaho That is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Courtnie Erickson
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

Explore One of California’s Most Beautiful, Clean Lakes at Inyo National Forest

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Oct 4
A clear mountain lake sits beneath a range of granite mountains on a blue, summer day.
Nature
Hiking

Hike to a Breathtaking Glacier in Washington for an Unforgettable Adventure

by Courtnie Erickson
on Oct 4
alt
Food
Restaurants

Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Stand in Maine

by Kim Falchek
on Oct 4
A visit to Flo's iconic hot dog stand in Cape Neddick is always a must stop. The steamed dogs with famous relish sauce are both affordable and delicious.