Thig's BBQ House / Jacksonville, NC

I have a "To Cue" list.

So my heading down east for a photo assignment means driving a wee little bit out of my way to check Thig's BBQ House off my ever-changing list of places "to do" some cue.

The sandwich is presented in a classic Eastern style with a coarsely fine chopped meat splashed with a generous helping of old school white slaw. The pork lacked any aroma of smoke, but had that traditional vinegar tartness and manageable red pepper heat which helped make up for lack of wood flavor. The 'cue was very tender without anything unusual crunching things up. The slaw was finely chopped with nice sweetness minus the bells and whistles of anything else but the cabbage.

Whether it's Ralph's in Weldon, King's Restaurant in Kinston, or Marty's in Wilson, there are a lot of similarities between many of the joints east of I-95. They're tasty and tick off all the right notes, but just remain in the "B Level" of workmanlike barbecue sandwiches, just unable to take it up a notch like Sam Jones or B's or Skylight offers. The difference is in the smoke (or lack thereof, as the case may be).

On a side note... I am not a fan of BBQ sandwiches coming in a styrofoam clamshell. I much prefer it being wrapped in paper as the sandwich is always difficult to get out of the tray w/o losing chunks of meat and slaw while lifting it out. Unlike a piece of paper that can spread out across my lap (while eating in the car like I usually do), small sandwich clamshells are limited in area for any accidental spills.

The restaurant space feels pretty new and looks like the decor was ordered through BarbecueClichéKnickKnacksGaloreStore.com. Distressed "Barbecue" sign over the kitchen door? Check. Sauces and t-shirts for sale at the entrance? Check. A variety of kitschy livestock cut-outs, photos, and paintings on every space of white wall (including over the urinal)? Check.

Was Thig's 'cue sandwich worth driving the extra 20 minutes out of my way? Not really. Does it make my Top 30? Nah. Is it worth eating if already in or around Jacksonville and looking for some good barbecue? Yes, most definitely a good place to do 'cue. 8/10

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Thig's BBQ House

1722 Catherine Lake Rd

Jacksonville, NC 28540