Bill Spoon's Barbecue Awards

Bill Spoon's Barbecue Restaurant Review:

Yellow checked tablecloths and warm wood paneling add to the laid-back atmosphere at Bill Spoon’s. Devoted exclusively to true traditional eastern Carolina style barbecue, owner and pit master Steve Spoon, Jr., Bill's grandson, focuses on vinegar and pepper sauce, omitting tomato-based sauces altogether. The simple combination of vinegar and pepper enhances the flavor of finely chopped, well-smoked and well-seasoned whole hog barbecue without overpowering it. Although ribs aren't traditional in North Carolina 'cue, Bill Spoon's has added them to the lineup. Popular sides include mustard slaw, baked beans, barbecue potatoes, hush puppies --- de rigueur in North Carolina with barbecue --- and Brunswick stew; collards and fried okra are available, too. The daily special includes barbecue, coleslaw, choice of side, hush puppies and a drink for $11, a solid deal. If you have any room left for dessert, go for the creamy homemade banana pudding made with fresh chunks of ripe bananas and vanilla wafers. As no alcohol is offered, sweet tea is your quaff of choice.