Parker's Barbecue

4.5 ( 4822 reviews )
Checking... 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
2514 US-301, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
+1 252-237-0972

Parker's Barbecue is a cherished gem located in Wilson, North Carolina, renowned for its authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue. With its welcoming atmosphere and nostalgic charm, this restaurant has created a deep connection with its patrons, many of whom have been enjoying their offerings for decades. Customers rave about the chopped BBQ, praised for its quality and flavor, a true testament to the restaurant’s commitment to tradition. Specialties like the fried chicken and Carolina mustard-based coleslaw have also garnered exceptional reviews, with guests describing them as "amazing" and "the best".

The charm of Parker's extends beyond just food; the warm hospitality and rich history add layers to the dining experience. Reviews highlight unique customer interactions, such as personal tours from the owner, which allow guests to appreciate the restaurant's legacy. This restaurant promises not just a meal, but a journey into Southern culinary traditions.

Moreover, customers appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions, making it a must-stop for travelers. As one reviewer advised, if you're passing through on I-95, skip the fast food chains and indulge in a genuine Southern feast at Parker's Barbecue—it’s an experience that truly satisfies both the palate and the soul.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts debit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Parker's Barbecue

Randy Parnell
Jun 25,2025
This is a good old barbecue restaurant! Quick and fast because you have fried chicken and chopped barbecue. Unlimited coleslaw, corn sticks, and hush puppies.
Rebecca King
May 14,2025
I ate BBQ from Parkers as a kid...now 45-50 years later...still just as good!! What a step back in time to visit again! The best chopped Carolina BBQ! And the fried chicken is AMAZING! Delicious coleslaw too! The staff is wonderful! Don't miss this gem!
Randy Adcox
Apr 28,2025
My family and I have been enjoying Parker's Barbecue for several decades now, and we always look forward to our next visit. If you like original North Carolina barbecue, served with boiled potatoes, Brunswick stew, mustard-based Cole slaw (my personal favorite!), and southern style sweet tea, Parker's should be on your list of restaurants to visit. They also have fried AND baked chicken, as well as fried chicken livers, all of which are cooked to perfection. Prices are very reasonable, but you might want to bring *cash*, as they don't honor credit cards or personal checks. There IS an ATM machine in the restaurant if you happen to forget to bring your cash, but of course there is a fee to use it.
Arden Ellis
Apr 15,2025
My husband and I had the most incredible experience at Parker’s BBQ! We stopped by for breakfast, and not only was the food fantastic, but we also got an unexpected and truly special tour of the restaurant from the owner himself. My husband is Swiss, and it was such a treat to introduce him to real, authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue in a place with so much history. The owner took the time to walk us through the entire restaurant, sharing the story behind Parker’s and the traditions that have made it such a beloved institution. It’s rare to find a place where you can feel such a deep connection between the food, the people, and the history. Our meal was absolutely delicious—perfectly cooked barbecue, classic Southern sides, and that warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home. We left with full stomachs and an even fuller appreciation for this amazing spot. If you want a taste of true North Carolina BBQ and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere, Parker’s is a must-visit. Also loved the slaw - it was the best I've had.
Shelley Jaffe
Apr 4,2025
If you’re driving through on the 95, just go right on past those fast food joints and chain restaurants and get some real home cooked Southern food! The Cracker crumbles next to this place! Fried chicken that is fresh and juicy, Carolina pulled pork served with Carolina mustard Cole slaw instead of red bbq sauce. There’s a bottle of vinegar and a bottle of homemade hot sauce on the table, but it tastes delicious by itself. The prices are unbelievably affordable, cheaper that chains and you get more food. Green beans are canned, but that’s typical. It’s worth the extra ten minutes to make this trip. There’s a reason the place is always packed with locals, so make the stop. It’s well worth it!
Brian Somerville
Mar 21,2025
I'm not big on "Carolina" style BBQ, but theirs is the best I've had since moving here! ( the fried chicken was very also!) The service at 5:30 pm on a Saturday was "Walk in and sit down" even with a good 80 people there!!! The portions were great, and the price is VERY reasonable! ( Total of 30 plus tip!)
Joe DeMattei
Mar 18,2025
The fried chicken, corn sticks, chicken tenders, and their sauce are all absolutely incredible. It’s the best fried chicken I’ve ever had, and this has to be a strong contender for best sauce in NC. The pork is really good but not quite to incredible level. The service is always friendly, and seeing how quick they can turn over a table here is incredible- it was cleaned off with a new family sitting there before we’d finished paying at the register.
Nikhilesh Lalam
Mar 16,2025
You won’t find many Indians at Parker’s in Wilson, NC — but you will find some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever tasted. Perfectly crispy, juicy, and deeply satisfying. The pulled pork, vinegary and smoky, was a surprising hit, and the hush puppies? Mysterious, yet irresistible. It’s old-school Southern comfort, no frills, just flavor. As someone used to spice and variety, this was a delicious detour — and 100% worth the drive.

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