King’s BBQ / Kinston, NC

The original plan was scrapped because the ribs were sold out. King’s BBQ Restaurant was back-up.

Morris Barbecue is only open on Saturdays and if you want ribs, you have to preorder and at 9:30am one week prior I went online to order and I was too late. Sold out. Nada. No reason to stop since I was just there for a sandwich a few months back, so while pulling into Neuse Sports Shop I made a last second decision to grab a sandwich from King’s BBQ next door. It’s been at least 10 years since I had a sandwich from King’s and I have to say it was pretty dang good.*

Notice the asterisk.

The barbecue itself was spot on for non-wood smoked pork. It had that fine Eastern NC minced chop to it and was properly doused with a wonderfully balanced vinegar and red pepper sauce. Nice heat and flavor on a tender cook. Text book ‘cue from the best side of I95.

Now back to the asterisk...

The slaw had a carrot in it. Not just shredded carrot, mind you, but a giant piece of WHOLE carrot (right) that took up about a 1/4 of the sandwich. I cannot begin to comprehend how in the world the person scooping slaw didn’t see it after dropping it on the barbecue. A big orange chunk-a-hunk plopped atop the meat that I thankfully saw before taking a bite. That would not have been fun.

Overall, King’s offers a really nice sandwich (once the giant beta-carotene wedge was removed) that’s right up there with Parker’s and Clyde Cooper’s in Eastern NC flavor and dependability, and any bunny would enjoy it - carrots and all. 8.0/10

Kings BBQ Restaurant

910 West Vernon Ave.

Kinston, NC 28504