Wilber's Barbecue - Goldsboro is a food day trips in Raleigh.
Editorially verified June 24, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Tip: The whole-hog barbecue here is cooked over wood coals - no gas - in the manner that has not changed since 1962. The eastern-style vinegar-and-red-pepper sauce is served on the side; the coleslaw is the creamy variety. Go on a weekday morning (it opens at 06:30) when the pits have been tended overnight. US-70 between Raleigh and Goldsboro passes several other historic BBQ stops worth noting.
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Address: 4172 US-70, Goldsboro, NC 27534, Raleigh
TipReserve at least two weeks ahead; seatings fill quickly. The Hackney also connects to a small-batch gin distillery on site. Washington NC is Beaufort County's seat on the Pamlico River and worth a short walk around before the meal. The drive east is straightforward on US-264.
TipArrive before noon on Saturday to beat the line. The fried whiting sandwich with house slaw is the order; bring cash as a backup. Durham has a full food scene independent of Saltbox: Mateo (Spanish tapas), Nana's (fine dining since 1993), and Dame's Chicken and Waffles are worth adding.
TipSaturday morning is the primary market; arrive by 08:00 for the best produce selection. The prepared foods vendors draw a long queue by 09:00. Chapel Hill's Franklin Street has independent restaurants worth combining with a market morning.
TipBook ahead for Friday or Saturday dinner; the menu changes weekly based on what is available from local farms. The Haw River views from the mill building make it worth the extra drive time over closer Triangle options. The Sunday brunch is an excellent alternative if Saturday is booked.
TipBook the Sunday farm dinner at least two weeks in advance; they sell out. The Celebrity Dairy chevre is available at the NC State Farmers Market in Raleigh if you want a preview before making the drive. Pittsboro has its own small-town food scene on Hillsborough Street worth a stop.
TipThe pork shoulder here is shoulder-only, not whole hog: Piedmont style uses the richer cut and a tomato-tinted sauce where Eastern NC uses the whole hog with vinegar. Lexington itself has over 20 BBQ restaurants; Speedy's Barbecue (1317 Winston Rd) is an excellent second stop. Arrive before 12:30 to avoid waits.