Beast Barbecue — Review by Strictly Dumpling
Eastern North Carolina, United States — Barbecue
Beast Barbecue is a legendary Eastern North Carolina barbecue institution that has been operating since the late 1970s. The reviewer was blown away by the exceptionally crispy chicken and tender, juicy pulled pork cooked for over 9 hours, calling it life-changing and comparing it to his first experiences with Texas barbecue and wagyu. At just $13 for a massive combo meal, the value and quality are unmatched.
What was great: Exceptional crispy chicken with tender meat falling off the bone, incredibly juicy and tender pulled pork with perfect smoke flavor, amazing Carolina barbecue sauce, friendly staff, incredible value at $13 for a large combo meal
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The combo platter at Beast Barbecue is a study in simplicity and perfection. The pulled pork comes dressed in a vinegary Carolina barbecue sauce, delivering juicy, tender meat that falls apart with each bite. The reviewer described the pork as a sweet and vinegary creation that delivers pure umami, with the smoke flavor complementing every chew. The barbecued chicken, however, steals the show with its impossibly crispy, paper-thin skin that melts immediately upon biting down. The meat itself is so tender it falls off the bone, perfectly seasoned with subtle sweetness and vinegar notes. The sides include a sweet and sour spicy sauce, hush puppy fries, creamy coleslaw, and stewed potatoes cooked in tomato sauce that are mushy and delicious. The sweet tea rounds out the meal perfectly, tasting like liquid North Carolina.
The Experience
Beast Barbecue is a classic, no-frills mom-and-pop operation featuring just a counter, a soda machine, and picnic tables. The smell of slow-cooked hogs is immediately noticeable from half a block away. The staff is incredibly friendly and embodies true Southern hospitality. The reviewer arrived early at 10 AM and found the place relatively quiet, though the staff mentioned that most days the line stretches back to the highway. The operation is remarkably efficient, cooking four to five hogs daily overnight for over 9 hours to achieve maximum tenderness.
Value and Pricing
The pricing is shockingly affordable at just $13 for the entire combo meal including sweet tea. This includes nearly 2 pounds of food with substantial portions of both chicken and pork, multiple sides, and a beverage. The reviewer highlighted that this is cheaper than a Chipotle bowl or even a McDonald's value meal, making it one of the best values in barbecue.
Notable Moments
I wish YouTube has smellvision. I wish you guys could smell this. This is so cheap for barbecue.
How is this real? I am not exaggerating at all by saying this might be one of the best chicken I ever put in my mouth.
There are few moments in my food loving life where I'm truly shocked by what I put in my mouth. First time I had Japanese wagyu. First time I had Texas barbecue. First time I had Filipino lechon. This is one of those moments.
The Verdict
Beast Barbecue is an absolute must-visit for any barbecue enthusiast. The reviewer describes it as a drop everything and show up kind of barbecue that demands respect and absolutely deserves it. The chicken alone is compared to some of the best food experiences of his life, alongside wagyu and Texas brisket. This is true Eastern North Carolina barbecue at its finest, executed with decades of expertise and soul. Whether you are a barbecue connoisseur or casual enthusiast, Beast Barbecue delivers life-changing flavors at unbeatable prices. The reviewer warns that eating their chicken will ruin all other chicken for you, but that is exactly the point of this legendary institution.