Two NC BBQ Gems Make Southern Living List | Durham News

Two Western North Carolina barbecue gems just made Southern Living’s top 12 new spots list—Ben’s Backdraft in Waynesville and The Honey Hog in Morganton. These mountain joints are shaking up the scene with bold flavors, local sourcing, and creative twists on classic BBQ: Texas-style meets Carolina flair at Ben’s, and Eastern NC whole hog with customizable sauces at The Honey Hog. No scorecards here—just pure flavor and experience, curated by a food-loving editor who traveled the South tasting every bite. If you’re craving fresh, innovative BBQ that’s as community-minded as it is delicious, these spots prove the mountains are now a serious destination for pitmasters and meat lovers alike. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/c269d7ec0ed6d606