BBQ Joe's

Located at 2822 South Main Street in High Point (with another location in Trinity), BBQJoe’s serves barbecue from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Catering trays and online ordering are available, and the High Point location has a drive-thru window.

I remember trying – and liking – BBQ Joe’s not long after moving to High Point, which makes it puzzling that I haven’t been a more frequent visitor. Like most self-respecting barbecue joints, BBQ Joe’s lets the food do the talking: the dining area is strictly utilitarian. They keep busy here, but the staff are very efficient, and you won’t be waiting long for anything.

While BBQ Joe’s serves up the chopped or pulled pork that is synonymous with the Tarheel State, don’t go looking for the classic Lexington-style experience. They have a variety of sauces as well as ribs, chicken, smoked turkey, and brisket. Stop in before 11, and you can feast on a variety of biscuits.

For my most recent visit, I picked up a chopped brisket sandwich with white slaw, a side of hushpuppies, and a banana pudding. The food was prepped quickly and brought out with a smile. 

The brisket couldn’t touch what I had in Texas, but for High Point, it was definitely respectable. Though not as smokey as I would have hoped for, the meat was tender, and the sandwich held plenty of it. That said, the house Joe’s sauce runs a bit sweet, and you might want to add a dash of something spicier. While the ring-shaped hushpuppies were addictively crispy and delicious, the banana pudding rated as tasty but unremarkable.

BBQ Joe’s is a reliable option for good food and fast service. You can find better barbecue if you’re inclined to travel, but for High Point proper, this is it.