Wilber's Barbecue

Wilber's Barbecue in Goldsboro, North Carolina, stands as one of the most legendary barbecue establishments in the American South, having served the community since 1962 when founder Wilber Shirley first opened the doors. This iconic restaurant specializes in authentic Eastern North Carolina whole hog barbecue, cooked the traditional way over oak embers in open-air pits using their signature PitCentric™ method. The smoking process begins around 2 PM and continues all night long, resulting in meat that has tenderly cooked for 13 or more hours before being hand-chopped to perfection. The restaurant's famous barbecue sandwich features their signature vinegar-based sauce, topped with creamy coleslaw that adds the perfect balance to the smoky pork. Wilber's has earned acclaim from national publications including The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Garden & Gun, and Southern Living, and has welcomed two U.S. presidents and two North Carolina governors through its doors. Located conveniently on U.S. Highway 70, the restaurant has long served as a beloved pit stop for travelers heading to the Crystal Coast and remains a cherished weekend tradition for countless North Carolina families. Beyond dining in, Wilber's offers comprehensive catering services for events of all sizes, from drop-off options to full-service on-site preparation, bringing the authentic taste of Eastern North Carolina barbecue to homes and celebrations throughout the region. The attached retail store allows visitors to take home bottled sauces, branded merchandise, and gift cards.