short list winners

The votes are in, and it’s official: the winner of August’s Chapelboro Short List for “Best Place For BBQ” is Allen & Son Barbeque!

allen

North Carolina BBQ doesn’t get much more traditional than Allen & Son’s roadside shack. Keith Allen’s place borrows the pork shoulder-only style from Western Carolina and the thin vinegar sauce from the east to make the tastiest cue in town. For more than 40 years, Allen’s been slow-smoking the meat over hand-cut hickory coals and chopping it himself. Add in his famous brunswick stew and hushpuppies, and you have one of the simplest and best plates of anything our area has to offer.

Also on the Short List

Hillsborough BBQ Company

bbqHillsborough BBQ Company offers hardwood-smoked North Carolina BBQ, along with traditional fixin’s from mac and cheese to collard greens. It also serves specialties from outside our state’s boundaries, including brisket, ribs and chicken (not to mention drinks from a fully-stocked bar). And it’s all housed in a beautiful wood-paneled storefront, with casual picnic tables outside.

The Pig

pigThe Pig does whole-hog BBQ right, and even sources its hogs locally and from humane farmers. But this four-year-old Chapel Hill joint offers much more than just the squeal: it also features brisket, chicken, catfish and even tofu. Not to mention delicious sandwiches and Louisiana-style po’ boys.