RICK'S NC BBQ — Restaurant in Oriental

Rick’s BBQ, Oriental NC: The Rib Game 🔥 🔥 10/10

Listen. I’ve eaten a lot of BBQ in my life—from Texas to Memphis to Carolina—but Rick’s BBQ in Oriental, North Carolina just earned a permanent spot in my top tier. This place is small-town, off-the-map Southern soul at its finest. No frills. No gimmicks. Just real BBQ done right.

Let me walk you through these pork ribs that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about BBQ.

The rub on those ribs? It’s something special. Deep flavor. Not overly sweet, not too salty, but balanced with a rich blend of spices that created a perfect bark—crispy and caramelized just right. It hits you with a slow-building flavor wave: first smoky, then savory, then that little back-end kick that wakes up your taste buds like “Oh yeah… this is the real deal.”

And when you add Rick’s house BBQ sauce into the mix—whew. The sauce is a masterclass in bold flavor: slightly sweet, slightly smoky, with enough tang to brighten up the meat without overpowering it. Now here’s where it gets even more interesting—they also serve a vinegar-based sauce, classic Eastern Carolina style, and when you blend that with the BBQ sauce? Man. It’s alchemy. That combination gives you this layered, complex bite that’s bold, sharp, juicy, and unforgettable. Every rib was so tender you barely needed to chew—just a gentle pull and it came clean off the bone.

Now let’s give the greens their flowers, because these weren’t just a side—they were a soul food statement. Perfectly cooked down, but still holding their integrity—no mush here. The flavor was rich, likely simmered in a slow pot with smoked meat and just enough vinegar and seasoning to make each forkful its own event. These greens tasted like somebody's grandma was in the back, whispering old family secrets to the pot.

Final thoughts? Rick’s BBQ is one of those places you don’t just eat at—you remember. You tell people about it. You plan your road trips around it. You dream about those ribs and greens long after you’ve cleaned your plate.

If you're passing through Oriental, NC—or even if you’re not—go out of your way to eat here. Trust me,...

I don't normally leave reviews but feel the need to with this one. Best place I have eaten in the past 24 years! Yes it is that good. This place has it all; above perfect service, AMAZING food, nice and clean atmosphere! This was our second trip ...I was going back for the BBQ (which is the best I've had since those family backyard pig cooking weekends in rhems Tuscarora in the early 90s) but when I got there they had this rosemary baked chicken...oh my it was the best thing I have EVER tasted!! Ever!! I have tried their fried chicken, bbq, baked chicken, potato wedges, collards, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and their cornbread. Would recommend it all. They are consistent and definitely know what they are doing. I had the chance to tell the owners today just how much their food has impacted me in just my two trips. Since having covid Jan 2021 nothing tasted good..nothing...until Rick's bbq! So much flavor in everything and I can definitely taste the love they have in their food. This place has heart and I will most definitely be a regular!! Thank you again wholeheartedly!! Will also be keeping this place in my prayers because this place is worth...

Sometimes you come across a place that is so amazing you don’t want to share it. This is one of those places! As a family of foodies we will travel hundreds of miles, This is one of those places! I would 100% say that this restaurant is superior to every barbecue & fried chicken restaurant on the East Coast (Not just North Carolina). It is hard for me to believe they were not the BBQ featured on diners, drive-ins and dives. They have the eat on a flip flop sauces. Everything is delicious the ribs don’t need sauce. The sides are all spot on. Don’t get me started on The fried chicken, it is hands-down better than any fried chicken on the market. The chicken alone is worth visiting! If you enjoy food worth your hard earned money, You would do yourself a disservice not trying this restaurant. Totally worth not only the 45 minute drive but...