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Rick’s NC BBQ | Oriental NC – Facebook
BEST PORK AND SLAW IN THE WORLD 252-249-6400 Dive into summer savings. It feels so good. … Click here for a free 10% coupon at RICKS NC BBQ!
Ricks NC BBQ – UBMeFood
Featured Menu Items · 2 Pieces. 2 pcs fried chicken with wedges and fountain soda · 3 Pieces. 3 pcs fried chicken with wedges and fountain soda · Chicken Wing.
RICK’S NC BBQ OUR WEBSITE IS NOT PRETTY BUT IT WORKS …
Featured Menu Items ; 2 Pic/wedges. 2 pcs fried chicken with wedges. $1.00 – $9.95 ; Ch Leg. GOLDEN FRIED CHICKEN LEG. $1.99 ; Ch Thigh. GOLDEN FRIEN CHICKEN THIGH.
Reviews
Janette Mikity
I’ve never had fried chicken so good! Best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life. And the sides were delicious. Cold beers yummy. And with all of that Rick and the incredible people who took care of us were the best part. A easy walk from the dock ( we stayed at Oriental Inn & Marina.) Or however you arrive at Oriental. We will definitely stop back when our travels bring us back this way. Thank You Rick!
… moreCache Church
Delicious! (I’m from NYC fwiw). Rick et al were very friendly and kind. You can tell the food was cooked with so much love and care. Tender, juicy and flavorful pulled pork. My friend loved her fried chicken. The prices were so fair. I can truly day I’m addicted to their Hush Puppies!!
Next time I sail through I’m definitely stopping by on one of the days that they’re open!
… moreNext time I sail through I’m definitely stopping by on one of the days that they’re open!
Nicholai Ukah
Rick’s BBQ, Oriental NC: The Rib Game 10/10
Listen. I’ve eaten a lot of BBQ in my life—from Texas to Memphis to Carolina—but Rick’s BBQ in Oriental, North Carolina just earned a permanent spot in my top tier. This place is small-town, off-the-map Southern soul at its finest. No frills. No gimmicks. Just real BBQ done right.
Let me walk you through these pork ribs that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about BBQ.
The rub on those ribs? It’s something special. Deep flavor. Not overly sweet, not too salty, but balanced with a rich blend of spices that created a perfect bark—crispy and caramelized just right. It hits you with a slow-building flavor wave: first smoky, then savory, then that little back-end kick that wakes up your taste buds like “Oh yeah… this is the real deal.”
And when you add Rick’s house BBQ sauce into the mix—whew. The sauce is a masterclass in bold flavor: slightly sweet, slightly smoky, with enough tang to brighten up the meat without overpowering it. Now here’s where it gets even more interesting—they also serve a vinegar-based sauce, classic Eastern Carolina style, and when you blend that with the BBQ sauce? Man. It’s alchemy. That combination gives you this layered, complex bite that’s bold, sharp, juicy, and unforgettable. Every rib was so tender you barely needed to chew—just a gentle pull and it came clean off the bone.
Now let’s give the greens their flowers, because these weren’t just a side—they were a soul food statement. Perfectly cooked down, but still holding their integrity—no mush here. The flavor was rich, likely simmered in a slow pot with smoked meat and just enough vinegar and seasoning to make each forkful its own event. These greens tasted like somebody’s grandma was in the back, whispering old family secrets to the pot.
Final thoughts? Rick’s BBQ is one of those places you don’t just eat at—you remember. You tell people about it. You plan your road trips around it. You dream about those ribs and greens long after you’ve cleaned your plate.
If you’re passing through Oriental, NC—or even if you’re not—go out of your way to eat here. Trust me, it’s worth it.
… moreListen. I’ve eaten a lot of BBQ in my life—from Texas to Memphis to Carolina—but Rick’s BBQ in Oriental, North Carolina just earned a permanent spot in my top tier. This place is small-town, off-the-map Southern soul at its finest. No frills. No gimmicks. Just real BBQ done right.
Let me walk you through these pork ribs that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about BBQ.
The rub on those ribs? It’s something special. Deep flavor. Not overly sweet, not too salty, but balanced with a rich blend of spices that created a perfect bark—crispy and caramelized just right. It hits you with a slow-building flavor wave: first smoky, then savory, then that little back-end kick that wakes up your taste buds like “Oh yeah… this is the real deal.”
And when you add Rick’s house BBQ sauce into the mix—whew. The sauce is a masterclass in bold flavor: slightly sweet, slightly smoky, with enough tang to brighten up the meat without overpowering it. Now here’s where it gets even more interesting—they also serve a vinegar-based sauce, classic Eastern Carolina style, and when you blend that with the BBQ sauce? Man. It’s alchemy. That combination gives you this layered, complex bite that’s bold, sharp, juicy, and unforgettable. Every rib was so tender you barely needed to chew—just a gentle pull and it came clean off the bone.
Now let’s give the greens their flowers, because these weren’t just a side—they were a soul food statement. Perfectly cooked down, but still holding their integrity—no mush here. The flavor was rich, likely simmered in a slow pot with smoked meat and just enough vinegar and seasoning to make each forkful its own event. These greens tasted like somebody’s grandma was in the back, whispering old family secrets to the pot.
Final thoughts? Rick’s BBQ is one of those places you don’t just eat at—you remember. You tell people about it. You plan your road trips around it. You dream about those ribs and greens long after you’ve cleaned your plate.
If you’re passing through Oriental, NC—or even if you’re not—go out of your way to eat here. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Andrea Civiello
The juiciest peice of fried chicken I have ever had. The pulled pork and Mac n cheese were also top notch. The slaw is a non-mayo based slaw that I am going to have to try to replicate at home. They even have bar to sit at, have a beer and watch some football while you eat.
… moreSailing-Our-Passion
Food was great and the service was excellent. We were lucky to show up on a Friday and had the brisket and the ribs. There was a possibility that the brisket had sold out and Ricky came through and made sure we got every last piece he could spare for us. Really nice guy and lovely wife. Outdoor seating allowed for us to have a well behaved dog along with us. A sure stop on our future boat cruising adventures.
… moreHaley Kaylor
I cannot recommend Rick’s enough!! Rick catered our rehearsal dinner for 80 people and was so kind throughout the planning process and was exceptionally helpful at every step of the way. He made sure we had absolutely everything we needed and took amazing care of us. On top of that, it was the best brisket and pulled pork I’ve ever had in my life!! My husband and I and our guests were blown away by every single part of the meal!
… moreRobin Gray
When we visit family in Oriental, we make SURE we arrive on Friday afternoon to get Rick’s brisket. If we are running slow, we have even called ahead to MAKE SURE to place our order. It’s absolutely my favorite place in North Carolina for brisket.
The corn bread, if it’s available, is more like cake. The crumb is moist and sweet… But not TOO sweet.
… moreThe corn bread, if it’s available, is more like cake. The crumb is moist and sweet… But not TOO sweet.
Rusty Meador
Came with a friend and had wings, ribs, potato wedges, Mac and cheese and collards. Food came hot and fresh to the bar. Excellent taste on all parts of the meal. More than we could handle and took the rest home.
… moreScottty Sells
This BBQ is very very good. Maybe the best I’ve ever had. And being from NC, I’ve eaten a lot of BBQ. I asked for just a half pint and it came with both types of sauces. But it didn’t need any. You can tell the owner and employees care about the business. I look forward to seeing Rick’s in Oriental for many years to come.
… moreDana Devereux
Sometimes you come across a place that is so amazing you don’t want to share it. This is one of those places! As a family of foodies we will travel hundreds of miles, This is one of those places! I would 100% say that this restaurant is superior to every barbecue & fried chicken restaurant on the East Coast (Not just North Carolina). It is hard for me to believe they were not the BBQ featured on diners, drive-ins and dives. They have the eat on a flip flop sauces.
Everything is delicious the ribs don’t need sauce. The sides are all spot on. Don’t get me started on The fried chicken, it is hands-down better than any fried chicken on the market. The chicken alone is worth visiting! If you enjoy food worth your hard earned money, You would do yourself a disservice not trying this restaurant. Totally worth not only the 45 minute drive but the Ferry too.
… moreEverything is delicious the ribs don’t need sauce. The sides are all spot on. Don’t get me started on The fried chicken, it is hands-down better than any fried chicken on the market. The chicken alone is worth visiting! If you enjoy food worth your hard earned money, You would do yourself a disservice not trying this restaurant. Totally worth not only the 45 minute drive but the Ferry too.