Parker’s Barbecue is a renowned establishment that has been serving up authentic Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue for decades. Located in the heart of barbecue country, this family-owned restaurant has built a reputation for its commitment to traditional preparation methods and a menu that showcases the rich flavors of whole hog barbecue.
The secret to Parker’s Barbecue’s success lies in their time-honored techniques. They slow-cook their pork over wood-burning pits, allowing the smoke to infuse every bite with a distinctive smoky flavor. The meat is then hand-pulled and seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices, creating a unique and mouth-watering barbecue experience.
While whole hog barbecue is the star of the show, Parker’s Barbecue offers a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. From succulent fried chicken and fresh seafood to classic Southern sides and homemade desserts, their offerings are a celebration of traditional Southern cuisine. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or simply seeking a delicious meal, Parker’s Barbecue promises a memorable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Whole Hog Barbecue
Parker’s Barbecue is renowned for its authentic Eastern North Carolina-style whole hog barbecue, prepared using traditional methods passed down through generations. The process begins with selecting the finest heritage-breed pigs, which are slowly smoked over a blend of oak and hickory wood for up to 18 hours. This low-and-slow cooking method allows the meat to develop a rich, smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
The pitmasters at Parker’s Barbecue meticulously trim and chop the entire hog, ensuring that every bite contains a perfect balance of lean meat, flavorful bark, and succulent morsels from the choicest cuts. The chopped barbecue is then lightly tossed with Parker’s signature vinegar-based sauce, creating a tangy, peppery flavor that perfectly complements the smoky richness of the meat.
Diners can savor the whole hog barbecue in a variety of ways. For a classic experience, order the barbecue plate, which comes with a generous portion of chopped barbecue, accompanied by two sides and a corn stick or hushpuppies. The barbecue dinner is another popular option, featuring even more chopped barbecue, along with two sides and a bread accompaniment.
For those seeking a more portable option, Parker’s Barbecue offers delectable barbecue sandwiches, piled high with chopped barbecue on a soft, toasted bun. These sandwiches are perfect for enjoying on-the-go or as part of a casual meal.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Parker’s Barbecue’s whole hog barbecue is a true celebration of Eastern North Carolina’s rich culinary heritage, delivering a unique and unforgettable flavor experience with every bite.
Chicken Dishes
Parker’s Barbecue offers a mouthwatering selection of chicken dishes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From crispy fried chicken to tender grilled and smoky barbecued options, their chicken menu showcases the best of Southern flavors and preparation techniques.
One of the standout offerings is their famous fried chicken. Each piece is carefully breaded and fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. Whether you opt for a classic fried chicken plate or prefer it as part of a combo, this crowd-pleasing dish is a must-try.
For those seeking a healthier alternative, Parker’s grilled chicken is a delightful choice. Marinated in a blend of savory spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection, locking in the juices and delivering a burst of smoky flavor with every bite.
Another popular option is their barbecued chicken, which is slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours, infusing it with a rich, smoky essence. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is then basted in Parker’s signature barbecue sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
No chicken menu would be complete without chicken tenders and wings. Parker’s Barbecue offers both classics, expertly prepared and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Their chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, while their wings are smoked to perfection and then fried or tossed in your choice of sauce, from classic Buffalo to tangy Carolina mustard.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic fried chicken dinner or want to mix and match your favorites, Parker’s Barbecue’s chicken dishes are sure to hit the spot. With their commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored preparation methods, every bite is a celebration of Southern comfort food at its finest.
Seafood Offerings
For seafood lovers, Parker’s Barbecue offers a tantalizing array of options that showcase the flavors of the coastal regions. The fried fish selection, featuring flounder and catfish, is a standout. These delicate fillets are expertly battered and fried to a golden crisp, delivering a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, flaky fish within. The accompanying tartar sauce perfectly complements the fried fish, adding a zesty punch of flavor.
Shrimp enthusiasts will delight in the succulent offerings at Parker’s Barbecue. Whether fried to perfection or grilled with a smoky char, these plump and juicy shrimp are a true treat. Enjoy them as an entrée or as part of a seafood platter, accompanied by hushpuppies and a choice of sides.
When in season, Parker’s Barbecue also features fresh, locally sourced oysters. These briny delicacies can be savored raw on the half-shell or fried to a crispy golden brown, making for a delightful indulgence. The oyster offerings rotate based on availability, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful options.
For those seeking a sampling of Parker’s Barbecue’s seafood delights, the seafood platters and combos are a perfect choice. These generously portioned platters feature a delectable combination of fried fish, shrimp, and oysters, accompanied by a selection of sides and hushpuppies. It’s a seafood lover’s dream come true, allowing you to indulge in a variety of flavors and textures in a single meal.
Combination Plates
For those seeking a taste of both Parker’s renowned barbecue and their delectable chicken dishes, the combination plates offer the perfect solution. These platters allow diners to indulge in the best of both worlds, providing a delightful variety of flavors in a single meal.
The combination plates feature generous portions of Parker’s signature whole hog barbecue, expertly smoked and infused with the rich, smoky flavors that have made their Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue a local favorite. Complementing the barbecue is a selection of their mouthwatering chicken offerings, which can include fried chicken, grilled chicken, or even barbecued chicken, depending on the specific combination chosen.
These plates not only offer a delightful mix of flavors but also provide excellent value for money. With substantial servings of both barbecue and chicken, accompanied by a choice of two classic Southern sides and a bread option, such as hushpuppies or corn sticks, these combination plates are sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
The variety within the combination plates allows diners to explore different flavor profiles and textures, making each bite a delightful adventure. Whether you prefer the crispy fried chicken paired with the tender, smoky barbecue or the juicy grilled chicken complemented by the tangy sauce, these plates cater to every taste preference.
Traditional Southern Sides
At Parker’s Barbecue, the traditional Southern sides are a highlight, complementing the succulent meats with their homemade flavors and fresh ingredients. The cole slaw is a standout, with a perfect balance of creamy and tangy notes, made from a closely guarded family recipe. The green beans are cooked to tender perfection, infused with the smoky essence of ham hocks.
Boiled potatoes, a staple of Eastern North Carolina barbecue, are served with a generous pat of butter, allowing their natural flavors to shine. The Brunswick stew, a beloved regional specialty, is a hearty medley of vegetables, meat, and a tomato-based broth that’s been simmered for hours to achieve its rich, comforting taste.
No Southern meal is complete without macaroni and cheese, and Parker’s version is a creamy, cheesy delight, made with a blend of sharp cheddar and velvety Velveeta. The french fries are hand-cut and fried to a golden crisp, while the fried okra is a crunchy, flavorful treat, with a light cornmeal coating that perfectly complements the tender vegetable inside.
All of these sides are made from scratch daily, using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of authentic Southern flavors.
Breads and Accompaniments
Parker’s Barbecue takes great pride in the breads and accompaniments that perfectly complement their main dishes. Hushpuppies, those golden-brown spheres of deep-fried cornmeal batter, are a staple at any authentic Southern barbecue joint. At Parker’s, they are made fresh daily and served piping hot, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a fluffy, slightly sweet interior. These bite-sized delights are the perfect accompaniment to the smoky flavors of the barbecue, providing a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Another beloved bread offering at Parker’s is their corn sticks. These cylindrical cornbread treats are baked to perfection, with a slightly crunchy exterior and a moist, tender crumb. The subtle sweetness of the cornmeal pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the barbecue and sides, making them an ideal addition to any plate. Whether used for sopping up the rich, flavorful sauces or enjoyed on their own, corn sticks are a beloved Southern tradition that Parker’s proudly upholds.
These breads are not mere afterthoughts; they are an integral part of the dining experience at Parker’s Barbecue. Each bite complements the richness of the meats and the flavors of the sides, creating a harmonious and truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a lifelong Southerner or a newcomer to the world of authentic barbecue, Parker’s breads and accompaniments are sure to delight and leave you craving for more.
Dessert Offerings
For those with a sweet tooth, Parker’s Barbecue offers a tempting selection of desserts that perfectly complement their savory main courses. The star of the dessert menu is undoubtedly the banana pudding, a quintessential Southern treat that has been perfected through generations of family recipes. This creamy, custard-like pudding is layered with fresh bananas and topped with a crisp vanilla wafer crumble, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will transport you to the comforts of a Southern grandma’s kitchen.
In addition to the beloved banana pudding, Parker’s Barbecue also offers a variety of homemade cookies and brownies that are sure to satisfy any craving. The cookies are baked fresh daily, with flavors ranging from classic chocolate chip to decadent peanut butter, each one bursting with rich, buttery goodness. The brownies, on the other hand, are dense, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible, with a perfect balance of chocolate and sweetness that will leave you reaching for another bite.
What sets Parker’s Barbecue’s desserts apart is their commitment to using traditional Southern flavors and techniques, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re indulging in the creamy banana pudding, the homemade cookies, or the fudgy brownies, you can rest assured that these desserts are crafted with the same care and attention to detail as the restaurant’s renowned barbecue dishes.
Bulk Takeout Options
For those looking to cater to larger groups or events, Parker’s Barbecue offers a variety of bulk takeout options that provide both convenience and value. Their family packs are perfect for gatherings, offering generous portions of their signature whole hog barbecue, fried chicken, and an assortment of classic Southern sides.
Customers can choose from different sized family packs, ranging from options that feed 4-6 people all the way up to larger quantities suitable for events with 20 or more guests. These packs come with all the essentials, including barbecue, chicken, sides like cole slaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese, as well as hushpuppies and cornbread.
In addition to the family packs, Parker’s Barbecue also offers bulk quantities of their menu items à la carte, allowing customers to mix and match their desired items. Whether you need a few pounds of pulled pork, a few dozen chicken tenders, or a few gallons of Brunswick stew, their team can accommodate your needs.
The bulk takeout options from Parker’s Barbecue provide an easy and affordable solution for those hosting events or gatherings. With their authentic Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue and classic Southern sides, you can bring the flavors of Parker’s Barbecue to your next event, ensuring your guests are satisfied and well-fed.
Specialty Items
For those seeking truly authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue fare, Parker’s Barbecue offers a selection of specialty items that showcase the region’s culinary heritage. Among these unique offerings are the liver and gizzard dinners, which have become beloved staples among locals and adventurous diners alike.
The liver dinner features tender, slow-cooked beef liver that has been expertly seasoned and fried to perfection. Served alongside a generous portion of Parker’s signature whole hog barbecue, this dish is a true celebration of traditional Southern flavors. The liver is expertly prepared using time-honored techniques, resulting in a rich, savory taste that melts in your mouth.
Similarly, the gizzard dinner pays homage to the art of whole hog barbecue by utilizing every part of the animal. These chewy, flavorful morsels are meticulously cleaned and seasoned before being slowly simmered until they reach the perfect tenderness. The gizzards are then fried to create a crispy exterior that gives way to a succulent interior, making them an irresistible treat for those seeking an authentic taste of Eastern North Carolina barbecue.
Both the liver and gizzard dinners are served with a choice of two classic Southern sides, such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or Brunswick stew, ensuring that every bite is a true representation of the region’s culinary heritage. These specialty items offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience, transporting diners to the heart of Eastern North Carolina’s rich barbecue tradition.
Kids Menu
At Parker’s Barbecue, we understand the importance of creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. That’s why our kids menu is designed to cater to the tastes and appetites of our youngest guests. We offer child-friendly portions of our regular menu items, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something they love.
Our kids menu features favorites like barbecue sandwiches, chicken tenders, and grilled chicken breasts, all served with a side of fries or applesauce. For those with a heartier appetite, we offer kid-sized plates of our famous whole hog barbecue or fried chicken, accompanied by a choice of two sides.
We take pride in using the same high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods for our kids menu items as we do for our regular menu. This ensures that your little ones can enjoy the authentic flavors of Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue in a portion size that’s just right for them.
Parker’s Barbecue is a family-friendly establishment, and we strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for children. Our dining area is spacious and casual, allowing families to relax and enjoy their meal together. We also offer coloring books and crayons to keep the little ones entertained while they wait for their food.
Whether you’re visiting with your family or celebrating a special occasion, our kids menu ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy at Parker’s Barbecue.
Conclusion
Parker’s Barbecue offers an authentic taste of Eastern North Carolina with its mouthwatering whole hog barbecue and a menu brimming with traditional Southern flavors. From the expertly smoked meats to the homemade sides and decadent desserts, every dish showcases the passion and dedication to preserving the region’s culinary heritage.
Whether you’re craving a hearty barbecue plate, a crispy fried chicken dinner, or a fresh seafood platter, Parker’s Barbecue has something to satisfy every palate. The combination plates provide the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of their signature dishes, while the bulk takeout options make it easy to cater for larger gatherings and events.
Experience the true essence of Southern hospitality by visiting Parker’s Barbecue or placing your order online for pickup or delivery. And for your next family gathering or celebration, explore their convenient bulk takeout options, ensuring that everyone can savor the authentic flavors of Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue.