The Pik-n-Pig / Carthage, NC

Been a while since I had time to land at the legendary The Pik-n-Pig for a BBQ sandwich.

The aroma walking up is textbook and my hopes were high. The hickory smell wafts around the outdoor space like a heavenly halo of smoky goodness and the meat does not disappoint in that area.

However, the huge chunks of meat were a tad disconcerting and not easy to keep contained within the confines of the sturdy bun. While super, super tender, the ‘cue lack flavor beyond the smoke and need a few drops of sauce to kick it up a notch.

The slaw was lifeless and flavorless. It added nothing but a slight crunch to the sandwich. Not sure if it wasn’t stirred properly and all the creamy goodness sank to the bottom, but it was dry and bland. Worth a special trip to Carthage? Nah. Nice stop on the way to Pinehurst. Yeah, sure, if only to experience eating lunch on an airstrip. 7.8/10

The Pik-n-Pig

194 Gilliam McConnell Rd

Carthage, NC 28327