For years, trips to Ocean Isle Beach, NC, for our annual guys’ weekend meant bypassing local barbecue joints. This year, armed with the NC BBQ Map, the quest for authentic North Carolina BBQ became a priority. Fuller’s Old Fashion BBQ in Lumberton, conveniently located about 2.5 hours from Charlotte, emerged as the perfect stop on the way.
Just a quick half-mile detour from I-95, Fuller’s Old Fashion BBQ is hard to miss. The restaurant is housed in a massive, impressive log cabin-esque building. Stepping inside, the sheer size is striking – a large main dining area and buffet line are flanked by even more expansive dining rooms. Initially, the buffet setup was a surprise, but arriving right as they opened at 11 AM felt like perfect timing to experience it fresh. This wasn’t just a barbecue buffet; it was a full-fledged Southern feast. Beyond the Eastern NC style barbecue, the buffet boasted fried chicken, seafood, a salad bar, and a delightful array of classic Southern side dishes. My plate was piled high with that signature Eastern style chopped pork, a crispy fried drumstick, golden hush puppies, okra, and chow chow (a tangy alternative to coleslaw). And of course, no Southern meal is complete without banana pudding for dessert.
The deciding factor in choosing Fuller’s Old Fashion BBQ was the map’s note about their wood-smoked barbecue. That authentic smoky flavor is what true barbecue enthusiasts crave, and Fuller’s certainly delivered. The smoke permeated the pork, making it incredibly tender and moist. Perhaps arriving at opening time contributed to the exceptional quality, but if they consistently serve pork this good throughout the day, Fuller’s is truly a standout barbecue destination.
While barbecue was the main draw, the fried chicken drumstick proved to be an excellent addition. Perfectly fried, it was crispy without being greasy. The hush puppies were delightful little bites, subtly sweet and perfectly textured. The chow chow and okra were clearly freshly prepared and flavorful, although a traditional coleslaw would have also been welcomed. And to finish it all off, the banana pudding was simply perfect – a classic Southern comfort dessert done right.
Arriving at opening time meant joining a line of about 15 people already eager for their Fuller’s Old Fashion BBQ fix. Based on this experience, that line is absolutely justified. A return visit on the next trip along NC-74 towards the beach is definitely in order to gauge consistency, but this first encounter at Fuller’s Old Fashion BBQ was a genuinely pleasant and delicious surprise. It’s a testament to authentic North Carolina barbecue and a must-try for anyone passing through Lumberton.
–Monk
Ratings:
Atmosphere/Ambiance – 4 hogs
Pork – 4 hogs
Sides – 4 hogs
Overall – 4 Hogs
