I grew up in Eastern NC and Wilbur's was my gold standard. My mother recently ordered from the Oink Express and had it shipped to me and I hate to say it but this is probably the best eastern NC bbq I've had. Everything. There was a rib joint in Florida that I used to love that closed down several years ago. I've been chasing those "best ribs" ever since. These are equal to them. I've ordered from here before and everything arrives fresh and is easy to heat up to restaurant quality. Price is about what you'd pay to eat in a restaurant. I've never eaten here in person but I've never been disappointed when I've ordered. read more

Slow service. Plenty of help seemed to prefer socializing in groups to work. Greasy. Delivery did not match order while dining in. Not worth the wait and there was no line. Should take burgers off the menu or add hockey puck to teeth warning to menu. Used to be better, never a favorite. Now a will not return. read more

First time eating there.. barbecue was good but the extra sauce was alittle overwhelming for me personally.. i love eastern style sauce but it tasted more like pure vinegar to me.. the brunswick stew was very good.. i will definitely visit again if I'm in the area.. read more

Came to see some family members and we had stopped by kings, Anyway miss.Shirley our waitress had the absolute worst attitude in high heavens, she came and asked if we knew what we wanted ( we wasn't ready yet) then she started to walk off my aunt said well we could order our drinks she goes " I have an order out" and walked off like what the hell, she came back and just looked at us, well my aunt started to order her drink and she goes " food" my aunt was also trying to figure out her veggies she wanted then she looks her and goes " it's on the wall". We all started to order and she kinda rolled her eyes Bc she was in such of a hurry to get away to go talk to her employees friends. After we got our food she asked if we needed anything I asked for ranch please she kinda got annoyed with that. We got our tickets then she never came back to us, my moms ticket was wrong and I'm guessing the manger walked over and I told my mom to tell her she helped out and was very polite! She was the best part about the experience!! Also 2 of the employees was talking about customers loudly in the middle of the restaurant, the food was pretty good I would have to get them that! But I didn't get the other two girls names but our waitress ! I don't normally do this but I couldn't handle their little smart remarks and snooty attitudes! read more

We're from Groton, Connecticut; but this is not the first time that we stopped off at Kings Restaurant. A few months ago, we stopped off at the one on Vernon and ate some wonderful fried chicken there. When my cubemate from work heard we were heading down to see the kids stationed at Camp Lejeune, he was almost begging me to stop and pick up some BBQ for him. You see, Tim is from Wilmington and actually lived in Kinston for a while. We stopped into the one on New Bern Highway (Route 70). It was a Sunday Afternoon at 2:00. (Yea, when I told Tim the day and time he said, "No Cruz, that's Church Day and Buffet Day.") It was very busy at the takeout section - - but we ordered our box of chicken with hush puppies for us and to take home to Tim some BBQ and Chicken Breast with his favorite Brunswick Stew. We got what we thought was our full order - - but a few hours later, we discovered that we were missing Tim's BBQ, chicken, stew, and hush puppies. Man - - I promised this for him. My wife called the number for the restaurant to put in a complaint; normally I would just forget about it, but because I knew he'd be disappointed, I let her do it. Come to find out, they were very receptive to our issue and told us that they would send us our money back. Case closed - - or so we thought. A few days later, I received a text that a packaged was delivered via FedEx from Oink Express. I thought that they must have sent me the check that was promised and left it at that. Little did I know, when I got home, on my steps was this package - - not an envelope, a package. When I opened it, what did it contain - - two tubs of Kings BBQ, a tub of Brunswick Stew, a bottle of BBQ sauce, a t-shirt, and a $20.00 bill!!! I thought to myself - - WOW, these folks are really professional and customer orientated. FYI - - I had eaten North Carolina BBQ before and was never impressed. But this BBQ was fantastic!!! And yes I'm now a fan of NC BBQ - - at least at Kings. The only thing is that Tim was out of town and could not taste any of his beloved NC BBQ and stew. Next time we go see the kids, we'll pick some up for him and this time, we'll check to see that we have everything & we may just stick to the one on Vernon. Enjoy read more

As a yankee in the south, and travels often in this area this is as good as it gets. Solid home style buffet and the best roast pork I have ever had bar none. read more

Really disappointing. Do not go for Saturday buffet. No bar b que on buffet just fried frozen seafood. Very old neglected restaurant with cheap unappealing food at a high price. read more

Shrimp burger was large and delicious. Served with slaw, a side and 3 hush puppies. We had turnip greens and potato salad. Very nice folks and definitely worth the stop on our way to Myrtle Beach. read more

Kings - Shrimp burger - Barbeque Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

I've been in eastern NC for 21 years and just made it to kings. I loved it. Don't know what was better, the people or the food. Can't wait to go back again and again and again!!! read more

The pulled pork is some of the best I've ever had. Ordered through Goldbelly twice, it's that good. Flavorful, not fatty and tender.

There BBQ is the best!! Still tastes like it did 50 yrs. ago!! I recently placed an order for my Mom who was celebrating her 91st birthday. Since it's so close to the holiday I ordered about a week early. The order arrived the next day!! Unfortunately it did not include the BBQ sauce. When I called they were very apologetic and promised to send it right away along with a complimentary order of BBQ. I Also arrived the next day!! I love King's food and service!! read more

I have booked Kings for our wedding. Penny has been absolutely wonderful through the whole process. Very nice and super helpful!! Returns call in a timely matter. Thank you Penny!!! read more

As always this is a stop for my family and I when we're within 50 miles of Kings. The food is comfort style and delicious. read more

Kings - Barbeque Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

When I was younger back in the 70s my grandfather used to buy their chopped barbecue, which was the best in town. Yesterday my family went to the buffet. The food was good but I was disappointed in the barbecue it was more like pulled pork and didn't have the flavoring that I remember as a child. They did have a vinegar barbecue sauce on the table; when applied to the chopped barbecue it had the same flavor that I remembered. The mustard greens were fantastic. Although very thin the peach cobbler had a great taste. Was happy I got to relive a childhood memory since it had Been over 30 years since I've last eaten there. read more

Stopped in randomly on my way back from the beach and was surprised to hear that the restaurant offers a very affordable dinner buffet as an alternative to the dine-in menu. For $13.95 per person, I can get pulled pork, fried fish, fried shrimp, sweet potatoes, collared greens, hush puppies, and an assortment of other things the hostess was able to recite to me! Have never been to a restaurant where the servers could recite nearly the entire menu from memory but it was pretty cool. The whole place definitely had a southern hospitality vibe. Everyone was friendly and the waitresses were super attentive. The food was great too. Some of the best fried chicken I've ever had! And the dessert bar was full of scrumptious, creamy, indulgent cakes and casseroles that really make you reconsider any dieting you've been doing. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone traveling down to Atlantic Beach or Emerald Aisle. read more

Worked here as a teenager. As an adult my family eats here frequently. If you want some good southern country cooking this is your place. Greta down home atmosphere. You won't be disappointed! read more

King's Bar B Q in Kinston is the place to go for good food. I always stop on my way to the beach. The food is consistently good with enough sides that you won't be bored. It, however, make you lust over many of their dishes. Baby back ribs are great, including the BarB Q and chicken. Brunswick stew is really great too. If you've missed eating here, you've missed a great experience for your tastebuds! It's clean and the staff, friendly and helpful. Try it once, you'll get the feeling you're in Old NC. read more

The lunch buffet is outstanding. Pulled pork, fried chicken, seafood, pork chops, southern sides, and warm banana pudding. They also have the best oysters in town at the oyster bar at night. read more

Very Satisfied with the seafood done right! The staff was great especially during covid 19.

Eating steamed oysters with the family and they are delicious. King's May be famous for their bbq but they serve up some delicious seafood as well. Highly recommend. read more

We had to meet in the middle and Kinston was it - neither one of us knew where to eat, but google did and King's was number one in googles eyes. It looked promising.... They have shipping instructions for goodness sake, why would anyone want to ship nasty food?! I walked in and I was a little scared. I thought I was at a truck stop, but I ignored this precursor as maybe truck stop decor was the look they were going for.... I ordered the fried fish.. I tried to choke it down, but mostly I picked at it. I didn't like my sides either - everything was just kind of mushy in a homey sort of way. He had the meat lovers plate but was less than enthused also; not a big fan of the vinegar based barbeque. Unsatisfied, we ended up going to Ruby Tuesday's after where I had a salad and a couple of gin and tonics. Sigh. read more

I've been frequenting King's on beach trips since I was too young to remember! I agree with the person who said no one discusses it, you just know that's where you stop for lunch or dinner. Back then I didn't eat barbecue (I know, right?) so I always got the Brunswick Stew and it's just as good now as it used to be, probably the best commercially made stew in NC (and therefore, the world). The barbecue is solid, too. Not on my list of "bests" but definitely consistently good, clean, well sauced, and not dry. There are two options for dining: if you have time, the atmosphere inside is really great, what a good country cooking restaurant should be. There is a buffet that allows you to try lots of items, including the stew and cue as well as chicken and sides. There's also the side "take-out" area, which is much more than just a take-out. It's basically a separate counter service area of the restaurant where you wait for your food, get your own drinks, and clean up after yourself. It's a great option if you are travelling, don't want buffet, or just don't feel like small talk and tipping. Make sure you get sweet tea. I don't care where you are from, you should not be eating Eastern-NC BBQ without sweet tea. All in all, I will continue to stop with my family on our beach trips, and hopefully one day my kids will say "I've been coming to King's since I was too young to remember". read more

Oh boy. Talk about the best southern food I've ever had in my life. Two words: shrimp burger. Also, banana pudding, fries with the spicy vinegar, and my boyfriend believes the bbq sandwich is also notable tho I'm not as much a fan. Make sure to add tons of crazy hot sauce to your shrimp burger and enjoy heaven. Best food of my life en route home from Atlantic beach. Tip: don't skip the slaw on the burger and add extra hot sauces of different kinds read more

Kings - Shrimp burger - Barbeque Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

Smithsfields is pretty good. Kings is the best. I'm only talking about the bbq here, or for those of you who don't know, pulled pork. The pulled pork sandwiches are a must, if I'm anywhere in the state I go out of my way to stop and get a sandwich or two, hold the slaw. If you are not a fan of vinegar, though, forget it; that's what Eastern Caronlina BBQ uses as its base. Don't forget the hushpuppies. The only problem I have is if I'm on the go, it's hard to dip those hot huspuppies in a the butter packs. Anyways, the resturaunt isn't modern, or anything too speical but it makes for appearance in flavor. It's so good I've used Oink Express a few times to have it sent to my home! Get a sanwich and enjoy! read more

Yummy BBQ ! We were on the home the beach and stopped for a bite! It seems to be the favorite of the town. When we got there they just opened at 10:30 in the morning and the parking lot was full. We did carry out the service was fast and good! read more

Kings - Barbeque Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

They have very nasty food here I can not even sTomach what I pay for as a just made order. I Believe is hey use old meet from days befor and still out em in the buffet area as if it's good freshly cooked today food. I have a very keen nose and I'm very picky eater if something doesn't smell right I will kno where the source is coming from and get away from it and if doesn't look right I just won't touch it I stop visiting this place because of these reason the customer service is great all of the workers are American and the owners are white/Caucasian so i guess that's balance out. read more

Congratulations to Kings Restaurant of Kinston for being the featured North Carolina barbecue restaurant of the month in the September 2014 issue. Well deserved recognition for this venerable Eastern NC standard. read more

What up MARIA! Our server was the bomb and the Pig in a Puppy sandwich was other-worldly good. Can't wait to go to sleep and dream about eating another one. read more

not what it could be. Dusty, and shabby and not appealing. Food not special used to be the best, but the standards are not met.

Bbq place. Tried the pig n pup because we saw so many darn billboards advertising it on our roadtrip across hwy 70. You are probably wondering just what is a pig n pup....it's bbq on a large hushpuppy with slaw! Wowsie! Pretty good. The BBQ was so yummy but the hush puppy was a bit dry and needed more flavor. Someone was eating fried fish and it looked pretty good. read more

Kings - Pig n pup - Barbeque Near Me - Kinston, North Carolina

As my first North Carolina BBQ experience, I wasn't sure what to expect, but King's delivered. I had the chicken and pulled pork plate with hushpuppies, collard greens and cole slaw. Everything was delicious and the portions were HUGE for the $, so people looking for a good amount of food without breaking the bank will thoroughly enjoy this spot. Oh and they have the bbq sauce for purchase,which makes for a great gift for a loved one if you are traveling :) read more

The box of food I received as a gift was still frozen. I was to say the least very disappointed in everything except the potato salad and coleslaw. The baby back ribs looked about size of a jack rabbit. They was enough meat on them to make a sandwich on a small burger bun. The Brunswick Stew was full of organs like large blood vessels, uncooked pork skin, the flavor taste of old freezer burnt meat, ate small amount hope don't get sick. The pulled pork was old taste and smell, like been frozen for a year. It was all un eatable,threw to dogs. Hope you read this so you will know what quality you are sending out. Very disappointed very. read more

Fast food was predicated on the ability to drive thru, order, and receive your food in under 5 minutes. Therefore, 17 minutes in drive thru is completely unacceptable. 17 minutes?!?!????? And no communication or apologies!!! Unfortunately, it was sooooooooo good I'd do it all over again. BBQ is awesome!!! read more

We enjoyed an impromptu buffet here, as the restaurant had some flooding (or other damage?) from Hurricane Mathew, so they had a cash-only buffet spread instead of sit-down/menu service. We were thankful for the hot meal, since other restaurants along our route (including Wilber's and McCall's in Goldsboro) were closed due to power loss. Granted, we were hungry by the time we stopped at King's, but were pleased with the food and the friendliness of the staff. read more

Such a deal for cheap eats. Like the menu says: "Put some South in your Mouth!' The buffet dinner has a wide selection including: Pulled Pork-(Carolina vinegar-based style), Fried Chicken, Fried Fish and Shrimp, Collard Greens, Biscuits, Cole Slaw and Potato Salad. On the night I visited they also included Breakfast items. If you can, leave room and don't miss the desserts including berry cobbler, and banana pudding. Just try and stop eating after you taste the Fried Chicken-it will be impossible, and then you'll just have to double up on the Lipitor and roll yourself out of there. read more

So delicious! Stopped here and had the bbq plate with fried chicken and the bbq soup. Coleslaw and fries were great, and some of the best hush puppies I've ever had! Speedy service and nice people read more

I was expecting more as they are a local restaurant and they seem to be a very busy business. Honestly the food is not a good comparison to Lexington style and not holding up with eastern style. Some of the items looked wrong all together for a restaurant setting. I will say the fish looked really good though and that may be deceiving. read more

The only reasons I wouldn't give it five stars is that the bathroom isn't super clean, and also when we called ahead of time to ask about the price of the buffet, the guy seemed so over everything and told me to call a different number that we couldn't find. But the waitresses were super nice and friendly, and the food is AMAZING. Would recommend coming here! read more

Not entirely sure this is BBQ. The pork has the texture and color of braised meat vice BBQ'd meat. That said, it wasn't terrible. It was just ok. My favorite thing on the plate were the hushpuppies - so good. Service was polite and fairly prompt given the large amount of folks waiting for food. Wouldn't go there again - there a better places in NC. read more

Any Restaurant that takes the time to cook a good collard is well worth the visit. Seasonal garden varieties of vegetable dishes and their own slaw and potato salad recipes grace the ample buffet. Great Barbeque (although Skylight is better... sorry Rinn) and the best eastern Barbeque sauce ever. Pick up a bottle and save what you're eating now. DO NOT MISS the banana pudding. Take the kids in to ride the mechanical pig. This is serious Barbeque with a posse of serious good food besides. read more