Caino's Red Barn Grill — Restaurant in Swansboro

Every time we go camping, we try a local BBQ restaurant. We’ve had great BBQ from Mt. Mitchell to Ocracoke. As an Eastern North Carolinian, I am partial to vinegar based, pulled pork. We were excited to try Caino’s as it was very close to our campground and had great ratings. However, the food was just not to our liking. Maybe the locals like the Pappy sauce but it’s mustard based and I’m not entirely sure that’s legal in NC to South Carolina’s favorite sauce. Shame. Ha! But, the pulled pork, on its own, was just lacking flavor. Maybe the smoke sucked it out??? Pairing with the sauce didn’t help but the cole slaw did, a little. My wife always gets the brisket when we do BBQ. She’s midwestern, whaddaya gonna do?? She was not happy with it. Again, lacked some flavor and was on the drier side. And, somehow, the hush puppies were bland. My daughter did like her cheeseburger slider and the fries were good. The staff was super nice, prices were good, and the restaurant is quaint. I usually reserve judgment after two trips but I don’t think we will be in this area again, and I’m not sure I could convince my wife to give this place another try. She’s really protective of her brisket. So, might be worth a try for you. I love supporting local places but this one just wasn’t for us. Might be for you. We didn’t try the seafood plates, maybe give...

We were the only ones in there to get a to go order. The older lady was rude and short with you. We went there thinking it was home cooked foods like all the restaurants in the red barn before Caino's. Anything fried wasnt battered there, it was frozen. You dont smell smokers coming in so not sure where the meats from. I can say being from NC. This isnt BBQ. Not the type NC locals grew up on. The northerners are happy with it from the reviews. I felt like liquid smoke and a regular grill for crust was the cooking style. $25 for a combo of 3 meats and 2 sides. You get 1 rib, 1 slice brisket and a small scoop of chopped dry bbq with 2 sides. And is all floating in grease. I cant describe the potato salad, couldnt eat it. Mac and cheese taste like box with cheese added, wasnt smoked. Baked beans, from a can taste. They were out of banana pudding and we were told they would have some in a few minutes. Good banana puddin takes longer rhan a few minutes. I hate this was such a disappointment. We've tried to get out...

So good every time we come in, hospitality and food! I don’t think there’s ever been a time we haven’t left without a smile on our face. If you want great bbq, comfort food, this is the place to go. All of their food also has that “family made” quality. My husband and I are from Nebraska, so coming here reminds us much of visiting our grandparents house.

Every time we have come, I always order the brisket grilled cheese sandwich with fries and a side of coleslaw and Mac n cheese. If you don’t have their Mac n cheese, you’re missing out. My husband has had a variety on the menu and has had zero complaints, haha! We’ve tried the collards and baked beans which are both fantastic. Order some of their hush puppies too…they are sooo good! If you save room, we love the peach cobbler with ice cream or the banana pudding so far! You get a great portion of food for the money every time.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories you bring to my husband and I while we are away from home and family. We will...