Skylight Inn BBQ Review
The Jones family has cooked whole hogs over wood coals in Ayden since 1947, and they do it so seriously the building wears a little replica of the U.S. Capitol dome on the roof — a nod to a magazine once crowning them the barbecue capital. The pork is chopped with the crackling skin worked back in, dressed with nothing but a thin vinegar-and-pepper splash, and served with slaw and a cornbread that’s basically fried batter. This is eastern North Carolina barbecue in its purest, most stubborn form.
| Cost | ~$10–14 |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 45 minutes |
| Best season | year-round |
| Where | Ayden · Coast Alabama |
📍 Where: Skylight Inn BBQ, Ayden, North Carolina · 35.4612, -77.4234
Common questions
When's the best time to visit Skylight Inn BBQ?
Best season: year-round.
How much does it cost?
~$10–14. Prices drift — confirm before you go.
How long should I plan for?
Plan for about 45 minutes.
Is it actually worth the trip?
Our rating: Non-negotiable. Whole hog over wood, chopped with the skin, since 1947. The eastern style at its source, and you owe it a pilgrimage.
One of 120 in Kick the Bucket List: North Carolina
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