Tucked beside a gas station on NC-210 in Benson, North Carolina, The Redneck BBQ Lab has quietly become one of the most decorated barbecue spots in the entire state. With more than 80 competition titles lining its walls, this laid-back counter-serve restaurant backs up every ounce of its reputation with seriously good food.
From slow-smoked brisket to award-winning sauces, every visit feels like a masterclass in Southern BBQ. Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, here are 13 reasons why this place is absolutely legendary.
A Wall Full of Trophies That Tells the Whole Story
Walk through the front door of The Redneck BBQ Lab and the first thing that stops you in your tracks is the wall of trophies. More than 80 competition titles are proudly on display, and they are not just for show.
Each one represents a hard-fought win at a real BBQ competition against serious pitmasters from across the region.
Customers often mention feeling impressed the moment they spot the collection. One reviewer said you can tell how seriously they take BBQ just by stepping inside.
That kind of passion does not happen overnight.
For a BBQ joint attached to a gas station, the trophy wall sends a clear message: do not judge this place by its exterior. The awards speak louder than any fancy sign ever could, and they set the tone for everything you are about to eat.
Brisket So Tender It Practically Melts
Brisket is the ultimate test of any pitmaster, and The Redneck BBQ Lab passes with flying colors. Reviewers consistently rave about how tender and flavorful the brisket is, with one customer calling it their absolute favorite item on the menu.
The bark on the outside gives way to soft, juicy meat inside that practically falls apart.
Getting brisket right requires patience, the right wood, and years of practice. This team clearly has all three.
Whether you order it as a plate or tucked into a sandwich, the quality stays consistent.
One reviewer even tried a brisket biscuit during breakfast and said it was so good they took a second one home for later. That kind of loyalty does not come from mediocre food.
If you only try one thing here, make it the brisket and prepare to be seriously impressed.
Pulled Pork Done the Old-School Eastern NC Way
Eastern North Carolina has a proud BBQ tradition, and pulled pork is at the very heart of it. At The Redneck BBQ Lab, the pulled pork is smoked low and slow until it reaches that perfect balance of smoky, tender, and just a little bit tangy.
Reviewers love that it is never sour or overpowering in flavor.
One customer described it as clean and well-balanced, which is high praise in the world of BBQ. Another raved about the pulled pork sandwich with slaw on a bun, saying it was flat-out delicious.
The coleslaw adds a cool crunch that plays beautifully against the warm, smoky meat.
Pulled pork might sound simple, but doing it right is an art form. The team here has clearly mastered it, staying true to the Eastern NC style that BBQ lovers across the state hold near and dear.
The Award-Winning Sawses That Customers Buy by the Bottle
Forget plain old ketchup-based sauce. The Redneck BBQ Lab has developed a lineup of signature sauces, called Sawses, that have earned their own fan following.
Customers rave about the variety, with the Orange Sawse and Red Label Sawse getting the most shoutouts in reviews. One reviewer boldly called the Red Label their favorite BBQ sauce in all of North Carolina.
These sauces are so popular that people buy bottles to take home. That is the kind of loyalty that only comes from a product that genuinely stands out.
The sauces complement every meat on the menu, from brisket to smoked turkey, adding depth without drowning out the natural smoky flavors.
Competition judges have clearly taken notice too, since the sauces have contributed to the restaurant’s growing trophy count. Trying all the Sawse options during your visit is practically a requirement, not just a suggestion.
Smoked Turkey That Surprises Every First-Timer
Smoked turkey does not always get the spotlight it deserves at BBQ restaurants, but at The Redneck BBQ Lab, it holds its own against the brisket and pulled pork. Multiple reviewers specifically called out the turkey as a standout item, praising its moisture and smoky depth of flavor.
For anyone looking for a lighter option without sacrificing taste, this is your answer.
One customer ordered the turkey alongside the bacon and said both were so good they were at a loss for words. That reaction says a lot about the level of care that goes into every protein on the menu.
The turkey is not an afterthought here.
Smoking turkey well requires a careful hand because it can dry out quickly. The fact that reviewers consistently describe it as juicy and flavorful shows just how skilled the pitmasters at this Benson, NC gem truly are.
Jalapeño Mac and Cheese That Steals the Show
Side dishes can make or break a BBQ meal, and the jalapeño mac and cheese at The Redneck BBQ Lab is the kind of side that steals the spotlight. Reviewers describe it as perfectly cooked, creamy, and packed with just the right kick of heat.
One customer compared it to homemade mac and cheese, which is about as high a compliment as you can give.
The jalapeño twist sets it apart from the standard versions you find at most BBQ spots. It has enough spice to be interesting without being overwhelming, making it a crowd-pleaser for most heat tolerances.
Several reviews mentioned ordering it again and again on repeat visits.
Fair warning though, if you are sensitive to spice, it is worth knowing that this is currently the only mac and cheese style available. For most people, that spicy kick is exactly what keeps them coming back for more.
Burnt Ends and Ribs That BBQ Fanatics Dream About
Burnt ends have a cult following in the BBQ world, and the version at The Redneck BBQ Lab lives up to the hype. Reviewers describe them as incredibly flavorful with that signature caramelized crust that makes every bite feel like a reward.
One customer said they could have eaten burnt ends all day long and still wanted more.
The ribs are equally impressive. One detailed review gave them a 7.9 out of 10, noting that the meat falls effortlessly off the bone and delivers an exceptional taste experience.
That kind of result comes from hours of careful smoking and knowing exactly when the meat is ready.
Whether you go for the burnt ends, the ribs, or both, you are getting serious BBQ craftsmanship on your plate. These are the dishes that serious BBQ fans travel out of their way to try, and the drive to Benson is absolutely worth it.
Collard Greens and Southern Sides That Complete the Meal
No Southern BBQ meal is complete without the right sides, and The Redneck BBQ Lab takes its supporting cast just as seriously as its main attractions. Collard greens, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and Brunswick stew all earn praise in customer reviews.
The Brunswick stew in particular gets called out for its outstanding, well-developed flavor.
Cornbread comes with sandwiches and plates, and reviewers love it. One customer said it was better than Cracker Barrel, which is a bold claim that speaks volumes.
The coleslaw is cool and crisp, making it a natural pairing with the heavier smoked meats.
Some reviews have noted occasional inconsistency with the collard greens, mentioning tough stems in certain batches. The kitchen is clearly aware of its fans expectations on this one.
When the sides are on point, which is most of the time, they elevate the entire meal to a genuinely memorable Southern dining experience.
Black Pepper Garlic Sausage and Specialty Meats Worth Exploring
Beyond the classics, The Redneck BBQ Lab offers specialty meats that give adventurous eaters something exciting to discover. The black pepper garlic sausage is a fan favorite, praised for its bold seasoning and satisfying snap.
Reviewers who tried it on a first visit called it very good and said it rounded out a meal perfectly alongside brisket and pulled pork.
The jalapeño sausage also gets high marks, with one regular customer mentioning it as one of their personal favorites alongside the restaurant’s standout bacon. Speaking of bacon, multiple reviewers describe it as extraordinary, the kind of smoky, thick-cut experience that redefines what you thought bacon could be.
Rotating specials like pastrami have also made appearances on the menu, sending regulars into an excited frenzy. One customer was so thrilled about the pastrami that they immediately asked if it would become a permanent offering.
Variety keeps this menu fresh and exciting.
A Breakfast Menu That Proves This Place Is More Than Just Lunch
Most people think of The Redneck BBQ Lab as a lunch and dinner destination, but the breakfast menu deserves serious attention. Biscuits and gravy, bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, and the legendary brisket biscuit are among the morning offerings that have earned loyal fans who make the trip specifically for breakfast.
One reviewer described the biscuits and gravy as their husband’s absolute favorite, with two large biscuits and a generous portion of gravy in every box. The brisket biscuit was called so good that they took one home for later.
Starting your morning with smoked brisket tucked inside a fluffy biscuit is a genuinely life-changing experience.
The breakfast hours give early risers a reason to plan their route through Benson before the lunch crowd arrives. For a BBQ restaurant to nail breakfast this well shows the kind of culinary range that separates good spots from truly great ones.
Friendly Staff Who Make Every Visit Feel Like Coming Home
Great food is only half the equation. The atmosphere and people at The Redneck BBQ Lab make the experience feel warm and genuinely welcoming.
Reviewers consistently mention a particular gentleman who walks the dining room refilling drinks, chatting with customers, and making everyone feel at home. Multiple people described him as a joy to be around.
The drive-thru staff also get love from regulars, with one customer admitting they are actually bummed when their favorite window worker is not on shift. That level of personal connection between staff and repeat visitors is rare and speaks to the culture this restaurant has built.
Of course, a few reviews have flagged slower service during busy periods or at the drive-thru. No restaurant is perfect every single day.
But the overwhelming consensus is that the team here hustles hard and genuinely cares about making each guest feel valued and satisfied.
The Drive-Thru That Keeps Regulars Coming Back Weekly
Convenience matters, and The Redneck BBQ Lab has figured out how to deliver award-winning BBQ without making you leave your car. The drive-thru option has turned casual visitors into devoted weekly regulars.
One customer casually mentioned they swing through the drive-thru about once or twice a week, which is basically the highest endorsement a fast-casual BBQ spot can receive.
The setup, attached to a gas station off NC-210, might raise an eyebrow on your first visit. But the smell of smoked meat hits you the moment you step out of your car, and any skepticism disappears instantly.
Several reviewers mentioned that the drive-thru line moves quickly and efficiently, even during busy stretches.
A small note from some reviews suggests that takeout portions can sometimes feel lighter than dine-in servings. Worth keeping in mind, but for the sheer convenience of great BBQ on the go, the drive-thru is a genuine asset.
A 4.7-Star Rating From Over 4,000 Reviews That Says It All
Numbers rarely lie, and a 4.7-star rating from more than 4,163 Google reviews is about as strong a vote of confidence as a restaurant can earn. The Redneck BBQ Lab has built that reputation one plate at a time, converting first-timers into regulars and sending road-trippers out of their way just to stop in Benson, NC.
Reviewers come from all over, from locals who eat there weekly to travelers passing through on the interstate who make it a planned detour. The range of people singing its praises tells you this is not just a regional favorite but a destination worth putting on any BBQ lover’s bucket list.
With over 80 competition titles on the wall and thousands of five-star reviews online, The Redneck BBQ Lab has earned its legendary status the old-fashioned way: through hard work, real skill, and food that genuinely delivers every single time you visit.