Eastern NC-Style BBQ Restaurant in Kitty Hawk, NC
2025 Best of OBX Winner for BBQ and Fried Chicken
Since 2002, High Cotton BBQ in Kitty Hawk, NC has been the Outer Banks’ go‑to destination for authentic, eastern North Carolina-style BBQ. Now led by Chef Matt Kienzle, this BBQ restaurant in Kitty Hawk, NC is known for its low‑and‑slow hickory‑smoked pork, Texas‑style beef brisket, Southern fried chicken, tender smoked chicken, and St. Louis–cut ribs. The pork BBQ is hand‑chopped, and finished with a light vinegar‑based sauce that highlights the natural flavor of the meat. Guests also enjoy generous portions of classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, hush puppies, French fries and fresh vegetables. Add a glass of sweet tea, or a slice of homemade chess pie, and you’re in High Cotton—Outer Banks BBQ at its very best.
Located at Milepost 2 where the beach road begins, High Cotton BBQ restaurant in Kitty Hawk, NC offers a family-friendly, comfortable atmosphere with dine‑in, takeout, and a full range of catering services. Catering offerings range from staffed buffet setups with classic Southern charm to convenient delivery and disposable setups for smaller gatherings. The team brings exceptional BBQ to events of all sizes. For takeout, a quick to‑go counter and convenient meal packages make feeding a crowd easy, and the on‑site retail shop offers bottled homemade sauces, t‑shirts, and Southern treats to take home. High Cotton BBQ serves lunch and dinner in season and remains one of the Outer Banks’ most beloved stops for true eastern North Carolina-style BBQ.
