Travel: Smithfields Chicken & BBQ, Morehead City, NC
Every time I visit Eastern North Carolina, I search out a Smithfields Chicken & BBQ. Smithfield’s is the largest BBQ chain in the state that is known for the best barbeque anywhere. According to Smithfield’s website, they pride themselves on serving a consistent product in all of their restaurants. You can enjoy fast service through the drive through or experience a full dining experience inside the restuarants. I am always throughly impressed by the friendly staff at any location I have visited and the fact that all locations I have visited have been impeccably clean. The lowest health rating I have ever seen at one was a 95, and I was surprised by it. Most of the time they are proudly displaying a big fat 100.
Smithfields is another one of those restaurants that I always order too much at. I can’t control myself. I only get it once in a blue moon and when I do, I want all of the good stuff I have not been able to get in months. This trip, I reigned myself in quite a bit and ordered a BBQ sandwich and a 1/4 plate of dark chicken. The sandwich was its usual moist and delicous. The slaw on it was perfect. Many places try to serve chopped cabbage with mayonaise and pass it off as slaw, but Smithfields does it right.
As I was driving home from a long week of fishing, I decided to save the chicken for the ride home. A couple of hours later, it hit the spot. Lightly breaded and fried to perfection - much the same way that my mom cooks it.
When you are in Eastern NC, stop at a Smithfields. I just wish they would open one near me. On the other hand, I do not know if my weight could handle it so close. I would easily put on another 25 pounds if it were close.
Tags: BBQ, Eastern NC
June 20th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Having grown up in Eastern NC, I’ve got to say that Smithfield’s chicken is OK, but their BBQ is NOT all that good. I’ve never asked, but I’m pretty sure they cook their pigs over gas - sacralige! I’ll admit I don’t know what kind of BBQ is available in Morehead.
If you are ever in Pitt County and want BBQ, either the Skylight Inn in Ayden (1501 S. Lee Street Ayden NC) or B’s BBQ in Greenville (2800 W. 5th St. & 700 B’s Barbecue Rd. in Greenville N.C.) will make your heart sing.
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I would agree that the chicken is OK, but the BBQ is definately above average. I have eaten in many many BBQ restaurants throughout the state and there is definately superior quality. It isn’t the best I have had (try Lexington BBQ in Lexington, NC), but it is definately very good and has a consistent quality. I have never had a bad experience.
Also, please note that after rereading my post, when I mentioned being known for “the best BBQ anywhere,” I was speaking about the State of North Carolina - not Smithfield’s BBQ. I like Smithfield’s, but it is not the best.
Thanks for the tip on the two restaurants in Pitt County. If I ever get up there, I will give them a try.
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
My wife & I stopped to eat at the new Smithfield’s in Leland,NC. My wife had the chicken platter & I ordered the shrimp platter. The chicken was (as usual) very good. I was disappointed in the size of the shrimp. They used the salad shrimp to make a shrimp platter @$7.19. You could move up one or two sizes and serve the same portion. You would probably sell more shrimp platters although you are a BBQ restaurant. I love your BBQ, but wanted something different that day.
Thank you for listening!