Nestled in the heart of barbecue country, Red Top Barbecue has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for lovers of smoky, slow-cooked goodness. The aroma of hickory wood wafting through the air draws in crowds, but it’s the menu that keeps them coming back.
Red Top Barbecue’s offerings are a tribute to Southern tradition, with a modern twist that caters to every palate. The menu is a carefully crafted journey through classic and contemporary barbecue, balancing time-honored recipes with creative pairings and house specialties.
Whether you crave ribs that fall off the bone, brisket that melts in your mouth, or sides that steal the spotlight, Red Top delivers with style and substance.
Every dish at Red Top Barbecue reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity, from the choice of meats to the signature sauces and homemade desserts. The menu is not just a list of options—it’s a story of passion, heritage, and innovation, inviting customers to savor the best of barbecue in every bite.
Exploring the Red Top Barbecue menu is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, community, and the art of slow cooking.
Signature Smoked Meats
Red Top Barbecue’s pride and joy are its signature smoked meats, each prepared with meticulous care and time-honored techniques. The pitmasters use a blend of woods and house rubs to create flavors that are both robust and nuanced.
The selection covers all the classics while introducing unique cuts that set Red Top apart from the rest of the pack.
The slow-smoking process is the heart of the experience, turning even the toughest cuts into tender, flavorful masterpieces. Each meat is seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices developed over years of experimentation, ensuring every bite is memorable.
The attention to detail is evident in the smoke ring, the bark, and the juiciness of every slice.
For traditionalists, the menu features St. Louis-style ribs, smoked chicken, and pulled pork shoulder.
Those seeking bolder flavors can try the brisket burnt ends or smoked sausage links, each with its own signature seasoning. The pitmasters are always experimenting, so there are often limited-time specials that highlight regional barbecue styles or seasonal ingredients.
Meat Selection Highlights
- Beef Brisket: Slow-smoked for up to 16 hours, sliced to order, and served with your choice of sauce.
- Pulled Pork: Hand-pulled and piled high, with a perfect balance of smoke and seasoning.
- Ribs: Available by the half or full rack, basted with a tangy house sauce.
- Smoked Sausage: House-made and packed with herbs and spices for a bold flavor.
“Red Top Barbecue’s brisket is the gold standard—smoky, juicy, and so tender it barely needs a knife.” — Local Food Critic
House-Made Sauces and Rubs
No barbecue experience is complete without the perfect finishing touch, and Red Top Barbecue’s house-made sauces and rubs elevate every dish. Each sauce is crafted in small batches, using carefully sourced ingredients to ensure bold flavors and balanced heat.
The rubs are a closely guarded secret, developed by the founders after years of tasting and tweaking.
The menu offers a range of sauces to suit every preference, from sweet and tangy to spicy and smoky. Customers can sample them all or choose their favorite to complement their meal.
The staff is always happy to offer recommendations based on your order, ensuring a personalized experience every time.
These sauces and rubs are not just condiments—they are central to the Red Top identity. Many regulars purchase bottles to take home, eager to recreate the flavors in their own kitchens.
The restaurant also occasionally features limited-edition sauces, often inspired by local ingredients or customer feedback.
Signature Sauces
- Original Sweet & Tangy: A perfect balance of brown sugar, tomato, and a hint of black pepper.
- Spicy Chipotle: Brings the heat with a blend of chipotle peppers and smoked paprika.
- Carolina Gold: Mustard-based with a touch of honey and vinegar, inspired by the Carolinas.
- Smoky Bourbon: Infused with real bourbon and molasses for a deep, complex flavor.
| Sauce | Flavor Profile | Best Pairing |
| Original Sweet & Tangy | Sweet, mild, slightly tart | Pulled Pork, Chicken |
| Spicy Chipotle | Spicy, smoky, bold | Brisket, Ribs |
| Carolina Gold | Tangy, mustard, light sweetness | Sausage, Chicken |
| Smoky Bourbon | Rich, deep, slightly sweet | Beef, Burnt Ends |
Irresistible Side Dishes
A great barbecue meal is more than just meat and sauce. At Red Top Barbecue, the side dishes are crafted with as much care and creativity as the main attractions.
These sides are designed to complement the smoky flavors of the meats while offering a variety of textures and tastes.
From creamy classics to inventive new favorites, the sides at Red Top are a testament to the kitchen’s commitment to tradition and innovation. Every dish is made fresh daily, using locally sourced produce whenever possible.
The result is a lineup of sides that stand on their own, often becoming the unexpected star of the meal.
Patrons rave about the mac and cheese, which boasts a rich, velvety sauce and a crispy topping, as well as the tangy coleslaw that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meats. Seasonal specials, like smoked corn on the cob and sweet potato casserole, make regular appearances and keep the menu exciting.
Customer Favorites
- Mac & Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch.
- Collard Greens: Slow-simmered with smoked turkey for depth of flavor.
- BBQ Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky, with bits of brisket for extra richness.
- Potato Salad: Southern-style, made with dill pickles and a touch of mustard.
“Red Top’s sides are more than just accompaniments—they’re a reason to visit all on their own.” — Happy Customer
Sandwiches and Combos
For those looking to enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal, Red Top Barbecue offers a tempting array of sandwiches and combo plates. These options are perfect for lunch on the go or a hearty dinner, blending convenience with the full barbecue experience.
Each sandwich is built on a fresh, soft bun and piled high with your choice of smoked meat. Toppings range from classic pickles and onions to tangy slaw and spicy jalapeños.
The combos allow diners to mix and match meats and sides, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Families and groups often opt for the combo platters, which showcase a generous selection of meats and sides at a great value. These combos are ideal for sampling the menu or sharing with friends.
Each plate is thoughtfully arranged to highlight the variety and quality of the Red Top kitchen.
Popular Sandwiches & Combos
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Topped with house slaw and served with a side of pickles.
- Brisket Melt: Sliced brisket with melted cheddar and caramelized onions.
- Sausage Po’ Boy: Smoked sausage links, spicy aioli, and crisp lettuce on a hoagie roll.
- Red Top Combo Plate: Choice of two meats and two sides, served with Texas toast.
| Combo | Includes | Best For |
| Lunch Special | Sandwich, Side, Drink | Quick, Affordable Meals |
| Family Platter | Four meats, Four sides, Cornbread | Groups, Family Gatherings |
| Pick 3 Combo | Three meats, Two sides | Sampling the Menu |
Vegetarian and Lighter Options
While barbecue is often synonymous with meat, Red Top Barbecue ensures that vegetarian and lighter options are equally satisfying. The kitchen offers a variety of dishes that cater to plant-based diners and those seeking healthier alternatives, without compromising on flavor or creativity.
The vegetarian menu features inventive dishes like smoked jackfruit “pulled pork” and grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches. These options are prepared with the same attention to seasoning and texture as their meat-based counterparts.
Fresh salads and hearty vegetable sides round out the selection, making it easy for everyone to find something they love.
For guests watching their calories, Red Top offers lighter plates with lean smoked chicken, fresh greens, and zesty vinaigrettes. Even traditional sides are often available in lighter versions, such as vinegar-based slaw and baked sweet potatoes.
The staff is knowledgeable about dietary preferences and always ready to accommodate special requests.
Vegetarian Delights
- Smoked Jackfruit Sandwich: Pulled jackfruit, house slaw, and tangy barbecue sauce on a brioche bun.
- Grilled Portobello Plate: Marinated mushrooms, charred to perfection, served with two sides.
- Farmers’ Market Salad: Mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a light citrus vinaigrette.
“Red Top Barbecue proves that great barbecue isn’t just about meat—their vegetarian options are full of flavor and creativity.” — Vegetarian Patron
Kid-Friendly Meals and Family Favorites
Red Top Barbecue is a welcoming spot for families, with a dedicated kid-friendly menu and dishes designed to please younger diners. The kitchen understands that happy kids make for happy parents, so the menu balances familiar favorites with wholesome ingredients.
The children’s menu features smaller portions of classic barbecue fare, along with crowd-pleasers like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and mini sliders. Each meal comes with a choice of side, such as fresh fruit, mac and cheese, or fries.
The staff makes every effort to accommodate picky eaters and dietary needs, ensuring a stress-free dining experience for families.
Family-style platters are a popular choice, allowing everyone at the table to sample a variety of dishes. These platters encourage sharing and create a festive, communal atmosphere.
Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual weeknight dinner, Red Top Barbecue’s family offerings make everyone feel right at home.
Top Picks for Kids and Families
- Mini BBQ Sliders: Bite-sized sandwiches with your choice of pulled pork or chicken.
- Chicken Tenders: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with house-made honey mustard.
- Family BBQ Feast: A heaping platter of meats, sides, and cornbread—perfect for sharing.
| Family Meal | Includes | Serves |
| Small Family Feast | 2 Meats, 3 Sides, Cornbread | 2-3 People |
| Large Family Feast | 4 Meats, 5 Sides, Cornbread | 4-6 People |
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No trip to Red Top Barbecue is complete without indulging in one of their house-made desserts. The dessert menu is a showcase of Southern hospitality, featuring both classic recipes and innovative new creations.
Each sweet treat is made from scratch, using high-quality ingredients and a healthy dose of love.
Standouts include the banana pudding, layered with homemade vanilla wafers and whipped cream, and the pecan pie, which boasts a flaky, buttery crust. Seasonal cobblers highlight fresh local fruit and are served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The dessert menu is updated regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
Desserts at Red Top are more than just an afterthought—they’re a key part of the dining experience. Many guests stop by just for a slice of pie or a cup of bread pudding, enjoying a taste of Southern tradition in every bite.
Sweet Menu Highlights
- Banana Pudding: Creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and homemade vanilla wafers.
- Pecan Pie: Classic Southern pie with a rich, nutty filling and flaky crust.
- Peach Cobbler: Seasonal favorite, served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Decadent chocolate dessert with a touch of bourbon.
“The desserts at Red Top Barbecue are the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal. Don’t miss the banana pudding!” — Satisfied Guest
Beverages and Local Brews
To round out the dining experience, Red Top Barbecue offers a thoughtfully curated beverage menu featuring everything from classic soft drinks to local craft brews. The drinks list is designed to complement the bold flavors of the barbecue menu, providing options for every taste and occasion.
The craft beer selection is a point of pride, with rotating taps that showcase the best of the region’s breweries. Seasonal specialties and limited releases are always available, giving beer lovers plenty to explore.
For those who prefer wine, the restaurant offers a selection of reds and whites chosen to pair well with smoked meats and hearty sides.
Non-alcoholic options include sweet tea, house-made lemonade, and refreshing sodas. Mocktails and specialty beverages are also available, catering to younger diners and those abstaining from alcohol.
The beverage menu is updated regularly to reflect customer preferences and seasonal trends.
Drink Highlights
- Local IPA: Hoppy and crisp, pairs well with spicy barbecue sauces.
- Amber Lager: Smooth and malty, a perfect match for smoked brisket.
- Sweet Tea: Classic Southern refreshment, brewed fresh daily.
- House Lemonade: Tart and sweet, made with real lemons and cane sugar.
| Beverage | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| IPA | Hoppy, citrusy | Spicy Ribs |
| Amber Lager | Malty, smooth | Brisket |
| Sweet Tea | Sweet, refreshing | Pulled Pork, Chicken |
| Lemonade | Tart, sweet | Any Dish |
Conclusion: Savoring the Red Top Barbecue Experience
Red Top Barbecue’s menu is far more than the sum of its parts. Each dish, from the smoky brisket to the decadent desserts, is a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation.
The carefully curated selection of meats, sides, and sauces ensures that every guest finds something to savor, whether they’re lifelong barbecue aficionados or first-time visitors. The menu’s diversity also means that families, vegetarians, and health-conscious diners can all enjoy a memorable meal together.
What truly sets Red Top Barbecue apart is its sense of community and hospitality. The staff is passionate about sharing their love of barbecue, offering recommendations, and making every customer feel at home.
With a menu that evolves to reflect the seasons and the tastes of its patrons, Red Top remains a cornerstone of the local dining scene. Each visit is an invitation to explore new flavors, revisit old favorites, and create lasting memories around the table.
For anyone seeking an authentic, welcoming, and delicious barbecue experience, Red Top Barbecue stands out as a destination worth returning to again and again.
