This was definitely an experience. Out of the way for me on my way home from Myrtle Beach to Winchester, VA (originally from Hickory, NC), but worth it as the nostalgia screams dinner with Grandmomma & Grandaddy. You walk in and the young HS or College Busboys/waiters are lined up waiting to assist. It has to be one of the most nostalgic things gs I've seen in a long time. The sweet tea is southern pucker sweet & perfect!! There's malt vinegar on the table for collards, and the NC vinegar based BBQ sauce was very good. However, the chopped pork BBQ did t really need any help, it was just as good on its own and not mushy. I even enjoyed the yellow coleslaw, it's a mustard & vinegar base and tasty. The Brunswick stew could have been heat hotter, but it had a decent taste with plenty of meat & veggies. I would definitely drive out of my way again to share Parker's with my 15yr old who missed this road trip. read more

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A neat place to eat. Food is really good at reasonable prices. Seating area is simple and well kept. Plenty of parking. Service is a bit of a mess but not terrible. A place worth checking out. read more

What a great place for lunch if you happen to be in eastern NC. Cash only!! 1. Friendly waiters in uniforms and paper hats greet you into a classic small town seating area. Crowded at lunch time but we quickly got a table. The crowd was diverse, tending to be a bit older. 2.Pitcher of tea delivered quickly and left on table. 3 The food: chopped barbecue served eastern NC style. Very good with lots of vinegar to add on the table; epic corn sticks and slightly sweetened hush puppies for the table; green beans served southern style just like grandma made them; mustard Cole slaw, a bit too sweet but yummy and Mac and cheese. We inhaled it. 4. Great prices ; $10 for a plate. 5. And key to a great bbq restaurant: the ribbons of the champion hogs they, ah, bought for dinner. Not oversized portions, which is great. Clean and a great small town stop. read more

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So, after driving all day + more to go, stopped here due to 60+year presence in the town, and large number of locals reviews. This is a down home casual BBQ spot- nothing fancy, the food is the great star. Pork is very moist& tender- comes w/ bowl of molasses sweeter tasting BBQ on the side to add yourself. Plus bottle of red vinegar, plain vinegar & Texas Pete on tables. The joining of their molasses sweeter tasting BBQ w/ the red vinegar sauce was a Hit. You could be had this pork with no sauce & still enjoyed it. Incredibly tasty and light hush puppies! Nice how they leave a pitcher of your drink or water on the table so you don't need to wait for refills. Simple menu- BBQ, fried chicken, & fried shrimp or fish. Extremely locally popular- huge interior, picnic tables outside,& carry out area. Loved it- will recommend & return read more

This is just one of those things you should do, and I am glad we did. Expect a line, nice thing is it moves fast. Also nice to have table service and our server was really nice, not super helpful in guiding us, but nice kid. There is no beef, wrong state Pork and chicken. The Cole slaw was the best thing! Lots of vinegar! Loved it! The food wasn't mind blowing but I think this is a long standing, family owned, local joint that caters to locals, as it should! We enjoyed our time and are glad we went! read more

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Great food, stopped in on a Tuesday at 130 Super quick service. Got the combo platter chicken, fried chicken Mac and cheese, hush puppies, and corn stick Iced tea was fantastic Reasonable prices would definitely come back Restroom was located outside read more

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The food is good. Barbecue is good. Chicken is good. Just they need more sides they could put dessert in there I would recommend if you want some good chicken read more

I stopped in at the original Parker's Barbecue on Highway 301 with a couple of work colleagues, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like stepping back in time. This place is the definition of old-school. The vibe, the building, the staff, it all felt like I'd been transported to the 1960s in the best way possible. We beat the lunch rush, but there was a steady stream of folks coming and going, which is always a good sign. It's a big dining room with plenty of seating, and the service was fast and efficient. No frills, just good food served by people who clearly know what they're doing. I went with the combo plate: fried chicken, barbecue, Brunswick stew, slaw, hush puppies, and corn sticks. Let's break it down: * The barbecue is the star. It's everything I want from Eastern North Carolina 'cue. Smoky, tangy, and packed with flavor. You can add sauce if you want, and I tried a little, but honestly, it came out of the kitchen just right. It didn't need a thing. * The fried chicken was solid. The dark meat was moist and juicy, but the breading was on the plain side. Not bad at all, just not something I'd drive back for. * The hush puppies, and I say this as someone who's usually not a fan, were absolutely delicious. Light, crispy, and flavorful. Southern ladies, you can relax. * The corn sticks were kind of odd. Not bad, not amazing. A bit of a novelty if you haven't had them before. * The Brunswick stew and coleslaw were both fine. The stew was okay, and the slaw had what tasted like a mustard kick. Honestly, it reminded me more of South Carolina barbecue than Eastern NC, but it still worked. The portion size was fair for the price. I left full and satisfied, without feeling like I'd been cheated. It just felt right. This is the kind of place where families come after church, where no-frills date nights happen, and where generations have gathered to celebrate milestones. A few of the folks I was with are Eastern North Carolina natives who know their barbecue, and they were quick to agree, this is the real deal. If you're anywhere near Wilson and craving legit, classic Eastern North Carolina barbecue, Parker's is worth the stop. It's more than a meal, it's a reminder that some traditions are still alive and well. read more

Parker's - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

The food here is consistently delicious. My fried oysters were slightly overcooked but were still delicious. My wife had fried chicken which is always cooked perfectly. Highly recommend. read more

Parker's - Fried white meat chicken. - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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I visited Wilson earlier this month. My friend took me to Parkers for an early dinner (supper) and it sure brought back memories from when I was growing up near Wilson. It had been over 40 years since I'd been here, and "memories flowed like the sweet tea" once I got my first taste of Parkers Bar-B-Que!!! Just an awesome meal. Quick service and friendly at that! read more

well I was excited because they do Eastern NC-style whole hog, however, I didn't pick up on the fact they just bake it, chop it and mix it with sauce until after we left and that's not barbecue....no smoke flavo..the vinegar sauce was good tho, and drowning the meat in that helped a tiny bit... The second star is solely for the wonderful staff and service....I wouldn't eat here again read more

Every time we visit, Parker's is a MUST. Fried chicken is my go to, my husband gets a combo platter with chicken and bbq. I could eat 50 hush puppies, and the service is always great. Love Parkers!! read more

One of my absolute favorite restaurants! Parker's has the best barbecue in the state and some of the best hush puppies and corn sticks around. The service is always top notch and I've always had a great experience. Highly recommend checking out the family style, you won't regret it! read more

I stopped by Parker's as a pitstop on my way up to Washington DC for a trip. Doing some basic research, prioritizing proximity to the I-95, Parker's seemed to be the best use of my time. So we pulled over and walked in and got seated promptly. This place is a no fuss no muss, high table turnover rate kind of place obviously full of travelers and locals alike. The menu that day was very limited. I believe the options were only pulled pork, fried chicken, and then all the sides. The only other option we had was if we wanted one plate, or an unlimited amount of everything. I have regrets only getting the one plate, but what can you do. The pork was true Carolina style, lots of good little fat mixed in, little flecks of good, crispy skin, and not really any sauce on it, letting that vinegary flavor be the star of the show. I liked it a lot, it was juicy and tender and a really good pulled pork. The fried chicken was also juicy and flavorful. The crust on the breading of that chicken was just perfect. It was like a shell, strong but delicate, all the way around the piece of chicken, and you could tell it was actually seasoned well. Another banging meat. The fried sides were all pretty standard. One thing that stood out, though, were what I believe were called corn sticks, which were long, fried sticks of cornbread. I'm sure they're normally delicious, but these were fried to death, I almost cracked a tooth biting into them. But, you could dip them and soak them like a biscotti in that amazing Brunswick stew. If you read up on the lore of Brunswick stew, it's one of those dishes that everyone thinks that they made first. But whoever made it first, these Carolina people certainly made it better than the hogwash I find in Florida. Deep deep flavor, perfectly stewed veggies, and just the right amount of pork strewn throughout. I could eat a gallon of this. Actually, I think you could buy this by the gallon. Hmm.. Overall, this was a lovely little find. Definitely don't have anywhere like this near me. Wish I did. It's certainly more than just a pitstop on the ride of the road. I thought it was quality. read more

Parker's - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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Customer service at its best! On our travels down to Florida Parker's is a family favorite that is requested anytime we are passing through. This place is always busy when we stop. It has such a feel of home like it's Sunday dinner every day of the week. The chopped bbq is very good along with the chicken. We love family style serving and would definitely recommend that if you haven't tried it yet. We certainly know the local crowd gets it so this review is an outsider perspective. This is a family tradition both for locals and the out of town crowd as well. read more

Parker's - Great good! - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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Being northerners we wanted to experience North Carolinian food! Parker's has been around since 1946, so we thought we'd give it a try. It's a very laid back atmosphere. Great fried chicken! I also loved the Cole slaw with a mustard tang to it. The pulled pork was good as was the Mac & cheese. The French fries were fine. The service was excellent and the food came out quickly. The price was right! The hush puppies and other fried corn sticks were disappointing. They were hard and tasted old. My husband wasn't thrilled but I'd go back for the fried chicken! read more

Parkers is famous. The move people in and out fast. Can't beat their food. Everything is good.

Pros: Love the simple menu. No fuss, no muss, we have what we have. What they have is very delicious. That dry, vinegar pulled pork is just blasted with flavor. Fried chicken with a crispy breading that sounds like a cracking whip when you bite into it. Cons: They are cash only, so bring some cash or suffer an ATM fee. Tips: Get the Brunswick Stew. Trust me, it's a very good regional dish. read more

Parker's - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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My husband was advised from a friend that is from Wilson county that Parkers was a must stop!! He was right! I loved the atmosphere, the food, the freaking sweet tea!! Out of this world! The staff was wonderful! They are a cash only establishment! If we ever stop back down it will need to be another stop! Everything was simple and flavorful I was not a fan of the corn sticks or the boiled potatoes, but for me that was personal preference. read more

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Left the interstate on the way home from DC. Loved: the barbecue, coleslaw, fried chicken. Canned green beans-enough said. Boiled potatoes-not bad, but nothing special. Brunswick stew-strong tomato, ketchup taste, and had beans? I know every area has a different flavor on that-just not my favorite. And the corn sticks-not worth the calories. read more

Great food and Service . It's a great restaurant . I will design my road trip to pass thru area at a meal time , not to miss out on this place read more

Parker is one of the true standing gems to NC eastern style barbecue and has been serving I think over 75 years now. Gees that's older than me. I wonder if they have the same Pitt master. Anyway you get the basic eastern style type of pork que. I always get it with the chicken breast on the side. Brunswick stew. Boiled potatoes and slaw. Also the corn sticks and hush puppies. Not much has changed except the color of the hair or for The fellows Working there the loss of hair. Well here comes my food so I need to stop tapping and start eating. More later white Combination Plate Well I've not been disappointed. The que was exceptional Just the right amount of heat and vinegar. The Brunswick stew was also tangy and tasty too. The slaw is minced and it to is a local Favorite. Mine too It's a simple white building nothing fancy but the delicious food. The service is quick and very friendly. And guess what you can get a full meal and a drink for less Than $20 I'll be back. And boy do i recommend this restaurant. read more

Parker's - Combo platter chicken and que with Brunswick stew and slaw. - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

We stopped at the well known Parker's BBQ Restaurant in Wilson. We loved the setup: country setting with waiters wearing white long sleeve shirts, white aprons & paper hats. It was like a step back to the '50's. Everyone was so nice. We loved it! Now to the food. The BBQ was a bit dry, but very good! It was seasoned lightly with a pepper vinegar sauce. Good ENC flavor. My only dislike was the small chopped up (small squares) of gristle mixed with the meat. The sides were few, but good. Tea was a bit sweet. Glad we made the trip! Give Parker's a try. read more

Parker's - Dining room - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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Food, atmosphere, and hospitality haven't changed in 50 years. It is just like I remember it growing up. My favorites: Bbq. Brunswick stew, corn sticks, hush puppies, slaw, and potatoes!! I wish I lived closer. So so good!! Always busy! Quick service!! read more

Have heard a lot about Parker's and how it's an institution in Wilson. There were constant lines so thought I'd give it a go since I'm in town. Got some take-out from their no-frills take out shack in the back. Cash is king here. No credit accepted. The lines at the counter is a melting pot of all demographics which gave me hope for some delicious Q since what else brings people together more than delicious food??? Ordered the family meal with bbq chicken. We love chicken & was expecting moist falling-off -the-bone chicken. Maybe I should've opted for fried chicken since most of the menu is fried. The food to me was bland overall. The chicken was dry & not flavorful...very very disappointing. Slaw was mustard based & way too sharp & tart. The corn sticks were hard & dry. Was expecting great Brunswick stew but like everything else, it lacked flavor. Overall, this wasn't the right experience for us. read more

Parker's - Family Pack- BBQ chicken, pulled pork, slaw, potatoes, Brunswick stew, hushpuppies & corn sticks - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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Great food that has always been consistent. Definitely stop by and give it a try the bbq is fantastic

Road trip pit stop! It's just 10 minutes from I-95 & though there isn't much else around, there is a McDonald's within another 5 minute drive for any picky eaters in your tribe. Walked in to Parker's and we were instantly transported back in time to the 1950's. Loved the charm of servers wearing paper hats and the cafeteria-style plates. We went on a Sunday and luckily arrived before the late lunch rush. The seating was efficient and service was friendly. The real stars for us were the fried chicken, pulled pork, slaw, hush puppies and the sweet tea. The family style choice is absolutely worth it to try a little bit of everything. And it was all so tasty! We were approached by friendly patrons who could tell we were there for the first time & chatted us up about the history of the place. One of the three owners also stopped by & we learned that they cater all the way to New Jersey! This owner was working, seating guests the entire time we were there. He didn't just come out from a back office. Very impressive. We nearly had to be rolled out of the place and will happily return one day. read more

Parker's - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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I'm trying to order their amazing eastern BBQ that I remember as a child growing up near there. But their discount and free shipping offer is not available for first time orders, as advertised. They should not state that on their website if it's not actually available read more

The shrimp that I ordered was cooked to perfection. The slaw and stew, I did not care for. The slaw tasted as if someone had dumped a whole container of dill weed into the mix. The stew, well I'll just leave it there. The service was good except for the guys standing around the front counter staring at people eating. This is a family oriented place that has changed the taste and style over the years that has become a money oriented organization instead of customer based. read more

Grew up 1/2 between Parker's and Wilbur's. To me, it is an easy decision. Gimme that corn stick, baby! It is a casual sit-down restaurant at a fast-food pace. The staff are always friendly and courteous. The food is always hot and fresh. This eastern Carolina style BBQ(vinegar base)has a very fine chop which makes every bite a delight. My Dr won't agree but the sweet tea is a must. The near shaved ice in a sweat glistening glass make "THE Shuga" worth it. 2 warnings--- they only take cash. (ATM on site) The Sunday afternoon crowd will stare you down with their good Christian eyes. read more

Parker's - Menu August 2023 - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

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Food okay. Employees awful. Worst customer service ever. Nasty and rude. Never again.

I love Parkers! The chicken is moist yet crispy and the barbecue is spot on. I love their fries also. Alot of times sides are an after thought but not here, they are good. Service is quick and the waiters are all nice and professional. It is odd that they are all guys waiting tables. This place reminds me of a 50's place maybe because if the aprons and hats the waiters wear. Prices are good and the servings plentiful. read more

The food at Parker's is reliably tasty. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the service. We were seated but without menus or silverware, and none of the several servers who walked by noticed for quite a while. We eventually got up to get our own menus and silverware, thinking that perhaps they thought we had already ordered. Even after that, it was still a while before anyone checked on us. I've enjoyed Parker's for years when I'm in Wilson, and this is the worst service I've experienced. I hope it's a glitch. read more

This was my second time here and I brought my mom along so she could try Parker's also. She said basically she remembers hearing about this place as a young kid and I was like what? Yeah y'all. Parker's has been around forever and it's for this right here. Just straight up good food. We have never had any issues while being here everyone helps everyone and it's just a great environment with good people. Please stop here if you are looking somewhere to eat some good BBQ. read more

Parker's - Bbq dinner - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

Food portions were satisfactory and delicious. Service was great. Atmosphere was good. Problem: After eating, there was a sign on registers that said that they didn't take debit and credit cards. PARKER'S SHOULDN'T ASSUME NEW CUSTOMERS KNOW THIS! They did have an ATM over in the corner with their name on it. The young lady showed it to me because it wasn't in plain view. It cost me $5.50 to withdraw $40 to get my meal! ($3 from their machine and $2.50 from my card provider!) I DIDN'T LEAVE A TIP! After this experience, I don't think I will intentionally stop there unless I already have money in my pocket I would not plan to drive there again. read more

always friendly and can accommodate large groups. They wait at the door for you. Menu prices are excellent and not typical for today's menus. They keep the atmosphere friendly and family oriented. read more

Parker's - Check out these prices - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

The service was fantastic and friendly. We had the all you can each deal, but never asked for more than what was initially brought out. The fried chicken was amazing. The Brunswick stew not what I expected. It largely tasted like ground black pepper. Boiled potatoes tasted like... well boiled flavorless potatoes. The corn sticks were okay. The Cole slaw... not my thing with the mustard flavor. The chopped pork was unremarkable. All said, I was still happy to check out the place and did like the friendly atmosphere. read more

Parker's - First serving of all you can eat for two people. - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

Melt in your mouth BBQ huge portions and dirt cheap. The ice teas and Cole slaws are worth the trip but the meats and side are too notch. No frills great food. Highly recommend read more

An NC classic and must visit when traveling the NC BBQ Trail. I have been visiting this location since childhood as has my family for generations. Parker's is anchored in Eastern NC history and classic vinegar based Eastern NC BBQ. The pork BBQ is good but so are the many other classic southern menu items. The vegetable sides, the fried chicken, and most of all the corn sticks (a variation of fried corn bread). The service is quick and friendly. Highly recommend a visit to this historic dining institution. read more

Parker's - Fried chicken livers - Barbeque Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

Delicious fried chicken there always busy for a reason. Fresh delicious hushpuppies fresh tea