penetrates and caramelizes around its outside edges – resulting in hot, sweet and savory all at once. Lunch hours are 11am-2pm, and dinner is 5pm until the chicken runs out. Parker’s Barbeque (Wilson County) Some barbeque spots go the buffet route, but Parker’s meals are sold by the plate or familystyle, all-youcan-eat. Their homespun décor takes you back to the 50s (and no credit cards are accepted). Waiters don aprons and white paper hats, serving classic eastern barbeque and corn sticks in multiple dining rooms. There is scarcely any sauce, just a hint of vinegar and peppers to accentuate the wood-smoked flavor.
White Swan Bar-B-Q (Johnston County) The Swan is a JoCo landmark just outside of Smithfield. It was quite the hot spot on US301 long before I95 existed. Many eastern barbeque locales had a long history of selling meals out the front door and moonshine out the back – White Swan was no different. There were loud speakers hung in the trees and dancing in the sand parking lot. But the chopped pork is what has kept folks coming back all these years. Wilber’s Barbeque (Wayne County) Since 1962, Wilber’s moist and smoky barbeque has been called “good enough to slap your first born over.” Although we don’t recommend that, we did note that the Southern charm of an indoor picnic atmosphere has been enjoyed by both Presidential parties, and extends to ambiance, taste and customer service. Even ketchup-based lovers are said to enjoy Wilber’s vinegar-based sauce, and you don’t have to specify “sweet” tea, as it is understood. midtownmag.com| 99
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