Moe's Original BBQ — Restaurant in Wilmington

I'm from an Alabama SEC College Football town where mediocre places don't last. Excellence is expected and if a restaurant doesn't exceed all expectations, it simply will not last there. So, when Moe's Original BBQ states "Alabama Style" BBQ or sauce, I have great expectations. I ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich plate. This place does not offer french fries nor onion rings - at all. That was off-putting for one thing. When they brought my order, which only took 4-5 minutes, I was really hungry and couldn't wait. I had my glass of sweet tea ready, opened the paper wrapper to put their "Alabama Style BBQ Sauce" in the sandwich and was like "what's this crap all over my pulled pork?". Then I remembered that in NC, they love to put coleslaw on their PORK sandwiches...(that's an abomination of pork in Alabama!). So I went to the counter kind of irritated that they didn't mention it (most BBQ places around here do), also that I forgot that they do that to pork here and said "what is this"? It was different than coleslaw, like really greasy. She said very proudly, "that's our special in-house, marinated coleslaw!". Which, for some reason irritated me even more. I asked her why it was on my pork sandwich. She offered a new replacement with the specialty slaw. They brought it. It was cooked perfectly but it was bland. I put the sauce on it and was absolutely NOT impressed. It tasted like turpentine with pepper in it. I have NEVER in my life had either that type of sauce nor bland pork in Alabama. The tea wasn't sweet. The sides were decent. Banana pudding and green beans (with a puked pork sandwich 🙄). The beans were spicy, which i do not like and the BP was ok. Look, the food quality is perfect. It's the taste, slimy slaw on my pork, lack of typical BBQ sides, just ok tea and just ok- everything that is the reason I won't be back. If you want great BBQ around here; "Mission BBQ" is your place. I've been to Moe's 5 or 6 times but I don't know why. I've been to Mission BBQ probably 35 times. THAT'S excellent BBQ, service, sides, tea, service...

My gut told me not to go here; But of course I decided to be logical and give it a chance. Few small things I can forgive: My order was wrong, I plainly asked for the barbeque sandwich meal with two sides, I received the platter...ok no big deal. There was no parchment on the tray and the slice of garlic bread was sitting directly on the surface of the tray, and who knows how well these trays are being cleaned or sanitized. The meal overall didn't appear appetizing, I'm not so concerned with looks because the food could be good either way so take that for what you will; Presentation could be a lot better though. I ultimately decided to ask for a refund based on the the proportion of food that I received for how much I payed for it. I wish I had a pic, but you'll be paying around 15 bucks for hardly any food, and this was my main issue. You get two small sides that couldn't fill up a newborn baby, and the amount of barbeque was absolutely ridiculous. This is why I didn't even try the food. The final problem I had was with the manager they have out there. As soon as I asked for a refund, she got really upset and touchy about it. She then said that she could make right, but then she flipped, as if to get back at me, she said no that I was just going to get a refund. I let her know that I'll be checking to make sure my refund came in because I payed with a card, and if there was any issue then I will be calling. Her immediate response was "oh you will be calling". So, what does that necessarily mean?? Was she planning on not giving me my refund? Idk. All I know is that I wasn't treated right by her, and the proportion of food is simply not worth the money that you will pay. GO...

A Decade-Long Love Affair with Moe’s BBQ

Whenever I think of comfort food, Moe’s BBQ is at the forefront of my mind. I first stumbled upon Moe’s in Orange Beach, Alabama, back in 2008 while enjoying a concert by Widespread Panic. Little did I know, this chance encounter would turn into a long-standing tradition. Over the years, my appreciation for Moe’s BBQ has only grown, especially learning that the founders are also big fans of Widespread Panic, which added a unique personal touch to my visits.

Fast forward to now, living in North Carolina, I was thrilled to find a Moe’s BBQ right near my mother-in-law’s house in Wilmington. Just recently, after a hectic spring break trip, we decided to grab a quick dinner from Moe’s, and as always, they did not disappoint. The pulled chicken was a hit with my boys, Charles and Perry, while my wife savored the pulled pork plate. I indulged in the wings, and the quality and flavor were exactly what we needed after a long drive—pure comfort.

Moe’s has been consistently excellent, a staple for almost two decades of my life. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, I cannot recommend Moe’s BBQ enough. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in tradition and good taste. If you haven’t been yet, give them a try. From one BBQ lover to another, Moe’s...