Brunswick stew is one of those Southern comfort dishes that shows up right next to the chopped pork and hush puppies at a good barbecue spot. It is thick, hearty, and full of flavor, and in North Carolina it belongs on the tray as much as the slaw does.
If you have been craving a warm bowl of it, these eight barbecue joints across the state have you covered. From Wilson to Winston-Salem, here are the places where you can order a bowl of Brunswick stew and actually get the real thing.
1. Parker’s Barbecue, Wilson, NC
Cash in your pocket and an empty stomach are the only two things you really need here. Parker’s has been a fixture on US-301 in Wilson for decades, serving Eastern North Carolina style barbecue in that no-frills, family-style way that keeps folks coming back.
The vinegar-based pork and the moist barbecue chicken are the stars, but the sides earn their place too. Think boiled potatoes, mustard-based slaw, hush puppies, corn sticks, and yes, a proper bowl of Brunswick stew.
The menu stretches beyond barbecue with fried chicken, fried shrimp, and seafood platters if you want to mix it up. Prices land around ten to twenty dollars a person, and there is usually plenty of parking.
Open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM, it is an easy stop whether you are passing through or making the trip on purpose. Bring the family, and remember to bring cash.
2. Stamey’s Barbecue, Greensboro, NC
Generations of Greensboro families have grown up on this barbecue, and the smokehouse out back tells you why. Stamey’s cooks its pork the old-timey way, over a wood pit, and the smoke flavor comes through in every bite.
Brunswick stew sits right on the menu highlights, alongside collard greens, chopped pork plates, and a quarter chicken plate. Save room for the peach cobbler with ice cream, which has quite the reputation of its own.
The restaurant on West Gate City Boulevard keeps things clean, friendly, and quick. Service moves fast, and there is drive-through, curbside, and takeout if you would rather grab your stew to go.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM, and it is closed on Sundays. It does not take reservations, but with plenty of parking and college students, families, and travelers all in the mix, it handles a crowd well.
3. Midwood Smokehouse, Charlotte, NC
Charlotte’s Central Avenue is where this one lives, and it brings a roadhouse energy to the barbecue game. Midwood Smokehouse serves regional specialties on plates and in sandwiches, and it takes the smoking seriously.
The Brunswick stew here comes hearty, with plenty of meat and a good balance of flavors. Pair it with brisket burnt ends, smoked wings, or the cornbread skillet, and you have a full spread.
Expect table service, a lively casual vibe, and a menu that leans a little more ambitious than your average pit stop. Prices run closer to twenty to thirty dollars a person, which fits the range of what you get.
It is open seven days a week, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Parking on Central can be a bit of a puzzle, so give yourself a minute, and reservations are accepted if you are bringing a group.
4. Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q, Willow Spring, NC
Out on NC-50 in Willow Spring, this place keeps things simple and Southern. Stephenson’s cooks whole hog Eastern style, and the pit-cooked pork is the kind that reminds you why this region takes its barbecue so personally.
Brunswick stew is right there on the menu, and it plays well with boiled potatoes, fried okra, collards, and hush puppies. The barbecue chicken comes out fresh and moist, and the sweet tea keeps flowing.
On Thursdays the kitchen turns out chicken and pastry, a Carolina classic that is worth planning your week around. The atmosphere is quiet, cozy, and welcoming, with counter and table service both on offer.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM, closed Sundays. There is a drive-through, plenty of parking, and prices stay in the friendly ten to twenty dollar range.
5. THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK, Durham, NC
Order at the counter, grab a seat inside or out, and let the smoke do the talking. The Original Q Shack on University Drive blends Western Carolina and Texas styles, smoking everything in-house in bare-bones digs.
The Brunswick stew comes in generous portions and is made right, which is exactly what you want next to the chile rubbed brisket. Pulled pork, ribs, smoked turkey, and wings round out the meat lineup.
Sides are a highlight all their own, from creamed spinach and fried okra to sweet potato tater tots and hush puppies. Two and three meat combo plates make it easy to sample your way through.
Note the schedule before you go. It is closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Saturday with later Friday and Saturday hours, and Sunday runs a shorter 11 AM to 3 PM window.
6. Hursey’s Bar-B-Q, Burlington, NC
Vintage country decor sets the mood at this South Church Street mainstay in Burlington. Hursey’s has been dishing up pit-cooked ribs and broasted chicken in an enduring space that feels laid-back and lived-in.
The Brunswick stew earns real affection here, and the hush puppies are a big part of the appeal too. Add in the ribs, the potato salad, and those onion rings, and you have a plate worth driving for.
The menu reaches past barbecue with fish sandwiches, a flounder and shrimp combo, and chicken tenders, plus cobbler for dessert. It is a family-friendly spot with a quiet, comfortable feel.
Open Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM, and closed Sundays. There is drive-through, delivery, and takeout, plus plenty of parking and reservations if you need them.
7. The Redneck BBQ Lab, Benson, NC
The name promises a little fun, and the food backs it up. The Redneck BBQ Lab on NC-210 in Benson is a rustic, counter-serve stop where the pulled pork, brisket, and sausage all get their moment.
Brunswick stew shows up as one of the standout sides, right alongside collard greens, baked beans, and potato salad. Three barbecue sauces let you dress your plate however you like.
If you are hungry, the pick-two-meats plate and the pork ribs are solid bets, and there is a ten-layer chocolate cake slice waiting when you are done. Kids get their own barbecue sandwich, and dogs are welcome outside.
Open seven days a week with later Friday and Saturday hours, it does not take reservations and there is usually a wait, so plan a little patience. Prices stay in the ten to twenty dollar zone.
8. Honky Tonk Smokehouse, Winston-Salem, NC
Small in size, big on flavor is the honest read on this Winston-Salem spot. Honky Tonk Smokehouse on Jonestown Road specializes in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and fried sides.
The Brunswick stew is the kind that has people wanting seconds before they finish the first bowl. Pair it with the brisket, which regulars rank among the best around, and the fried onion rings.
Sides and sweets carry real weight here too, from Mac and cheese and baked beans to banana pudding and a rotating cobbler of the day. There are several sauces to choose from and a good number of gluten-free options.
The kitchen runs Tuesday through Saturday and is closed Sunday and Monday, so check the day before you head over. It is a welcoming, family-friendly place with free wi-fi and easy parking.
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