Old Hampton Store

YouTubers Cris & Cale Select Their Top 5 Traditional NC BBQ Joints

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Monk: A fairly well-edited video from what appears to be novices in the world of NC barbecue. After a primer on NC barbecue, they go into their top 5: Stamey’s Barbecue, Old Hampton Store, Clyde Cooper’s, Red Bridges, and Skylight Inn. They give some nice history on each joint and also tasting notes.

You can always argue choices when it comes to a barbecue list but the inclusion of Old Hampton and Clyde Cooper’s stand out for a couple of reasons. Old Hampton Store is a fun joint in the mountains but doesn’t really compete with places like Lexington Barbecue, B’s Barbecue, or Barbecue Center and perhaps was picked on vibes. And Clyde Cooper’s may be the oldest barbecue restaurant in NC but switched over to gas a long time ago.

But still I won’t knock efforts like this from YouTubers Cris & Cale. I can imagine an 18 minute video is no joke to produce, shoot, and edit. Props to them.

Description: After years of research, we found the best restaurants serving up traditional barbecue in North Carolina. Join us in our state-wide pursuit of the top classic pitmasters and the mouth-watering barbecue that is the result of their tireless work! These are our Top 5 Traditional North Carolina BBQ Joints.

You’ll Find True ‘Cue at Old Hampton Store

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Name: Old Hampton Store & Barbeque
Date: 12/3/23
Location: 77 Ruffin Street, Linville, NC 28646
Order: Pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw
Pricing: $$

Monk: Old Hampton Store & Barbeque (plus a grist mill!) is an old-time mountain country store in Linville in Avery County which is the middle of Christmas tree farm country in NC. After having tried some unique but delicious barbecue at Ridgewood Barbecue, could I possibly get lucky again with another mountain barbecue joint? For those unaware, while there is no true “mountain-style” barbecue in NC, restaurants tend to over sauce their (at many times) gas-assisted pork.

Thankfully, I arrived to find that is not the case with Old Hampton Store, and neat stacks of hickory wood are strewn about the property which also includes an art gallery on the property. Inside the main building with the restaurant, an old-time general store (think a non-corporate Cracker Barrel) is flanked by a small bar and a barbecue counter with a seating area. In that seating area is a small stage, since Old Hampton Store regularly hosts live music; unfortunately nothing on this Sunday afternoon.

My order was simple with a barbecue sandwich with a side of coleslaw. The hickory-smoked pork had a nice smokiness to it, and the bun was of a higher quality than a grocery store bread. A very tasty sandwich, indeed. Now that I’m confident in the quality, next time through I’ll be more adventurous and get some of the smoked wings or homemade pork skins with pimento cheese.

The Monk family had actually tried to visit Old Hampton Store & Barbeque a few years back after hiking nearby Grandfather Mountain, but this family-owned business does close at some point in December until late January or February. So be sure to check ahead if you are planning a visit. I hope to be back, and maybe even catch some live bluegrass.

Ratings:
Atmosphere/Ambiance – 4 Hogs
Pork – 4 Hogs
Sides – 3.5 Hogs
Overall – 4 Hogs

BBQ, Fun & Mountain Music at Old Hampton Store

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Monk: The Friday’s Forever YouTube channel explores the Old Hampton Store & Barbeque as well as the art gallery on the property in this first person video. The barbecue portion of the video starts at 9:05.

Description: IN THIS EPISODE → Join us on this journey through the Old Hampton Store & BBQ and discover why it’s such a special place. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a music lover, the Old Hampton Store & BBQ has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the delicious food, historic charm, and lively entertainment of this unique destination in Linville NC!