Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Turkey Sandwich
Lettuce & Tomato
Bar-B-Cue Sandwich
Bar-B-Cue Salad
About
College Barbecue
Welcome to College Barbecue, a culinary gem nestled in Salisbury, North Carolina. This charming eatery, located at 117 Statesville Blvd, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beloved institution. With roots stretching back to the 1960s, College Barbecue proudly serves authentic North Carolina style pork barbecue, drawing in locals and travelers alike with its rich flavors and warm hospitality.
As you step through the doors, you're greeted not just by the delightful aroma of smoked meats, but by a sense of nostalgia that permeates the air. The original pit still in use speaks volumes about the history and traditions upheld here. The menu is simple yet full of quality offerings. From classic Turkey Sandwiches to the hearty Barbecue Sandwich complemented by slaw and house-made sauce, each bite tells a story.
For a truly satisfying meal, don’t miss the Mesquite Chicken Plate or the Hamburger Steak Plate, both priced affordably at $6.39 and $6.99 respectively. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, their friendly staff ensures that every guest feels like family. Reviews from patrons like Corbin B and Andrew Abad resonate with the warmth of the service, echoing sentiments that this is a place where “everybody knows your name.”
And let’s not forget the sweet tea — a highlight of the experience, as noted by multiple diners. It's the perfect accompaniment to rich dishes like the BarBCue Salad at $6.39, and promises to quench your thirst while complementing the flavors on your plate.
College Barbecue perfectly embodies that quintessential southern charm, where every visit feels like a homecoming. It's not just about filling your stomach; it's about nourishing the soul with flavors that have been passed down for generations. If you find yourself in Salisbury, this is a stop you won’t want to miss. Come for the food, stay for the memories, and leave with a heart full of contentment.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ A true North Carolina pork BBQ restaurant. Western North Carolina. Friendly people. They are still smoking in the original pit from the 1960s. This place brought back some childhood memories. From the food to the building itself. It's a timeless place. And delicious. ”
“ College Barbecue is an institution. Even though my first visit was just yesterday, and it was unfortunately brief, it has the look and feel of a place that transcends time, stitched firmly into the fabric of Salisbury for much, much longer than I’ve been alive. Needless to say, I was very excited just off of the strong curb appeal. The food was good - simple, but quality. Reasonably priced for what you get. What blew me away was how friendly everyone was (even to let a traveller like me know the bathroom was outside and around the corner) and, of course, the quality of the sweet tea, which was phenomenal. I hope to be back again soon - and maybe just maybe next time, I won’t look so out of place! ”
“ Such a fun family-owned and operated BBQ stop. The staff was so, so friendly and responsive to all their dining room guests. I had the half-sweet tea, which was bottomless and bewed perfect. We will look forward to visiting again. ”
“ This is truly a place where “everybody knows your name” I have been here for lunch, but breakfast was simple, southern, good, cheap and quick! Service was amazing, and everything was great! ”
“ My son and I each got sweet teas with small chopped bbq trays. The tea is very sweet, so brace yourself. Our 2 hush puppies (each) were piping hot and delicious. The slaw is a classic NC vinegar salad with great flavor. The barbecue stole the show for me, though. So many places give dry overcooked meat, but this was tender and perfect. Combined with their homemade sauce, it was the best lunch I've had in a long time. Portions were just right, and it was 16 for the two of us! ”
“ On my birthday last night , we chose to celebrate by going out to dinner at another local restaurant. What made this restaurant stand out was that they cooked their food right in front of us. A kind man politely asked us to switch seats with him so our kids could have a better experience. We were a group of seven seated with a lovely local family of three. We enjoyed conversations about sports and other topics. At the end of the night, we were delighted to discover that our bill had been taken care of (343.24). We were sitting with the owner of College Barbecue! We regularly visited Salisbury to watch my niece play basketball at Catawba College.We are new to the food selection in the area.I'm excited to eat at his restaurant on my NEXT visit to show my appreciation. Random acts of kindness are still having a significant impact on the world. It's wonderful to know that great people still exist. THANK YOU TO THE OWNERS OF COLLEGE BARBECUE. BE KIND ”
“ Food was good, seating is limited, and booths a little tight if your party is "bigger" people. First time eating here and overall enjoyed it. I'm not a fan of Carolina style BBQ but my husband said it was good. Said the chopped pork was moist and flavorful and he really liked their house sauce. ”
“ While we were visiting Catawba College, we decided to stop here before heading home and the service was great but the food was bland, no flavor at all! I had the philly and it's like they just cooked the meat, put it on a hoagie and added peppers and onions. The fries were well season but everything else was bland. ”