Newcomer to Barbecue Scene in Southern Pines, NC

My pulled pork platter with sides, sauce, and a corn muffin.

The birth of a new barbecue restaurant always creates excitement. When plans for Embers BBQ in downtown Southern Pines, NC, were announced, the local community couldn’t wait to know the official opening date. 

Opening of Embers BBQ 

After conducting a test run of its smoker in April 2022, Embers indicated that it would open in late May. Anticipation continued to build in the community. Then the opening day was delayed two weeks, and shelves with Embers merchandise for sale had to wait for buyers. 

Merchandise was ready for sale even before the restaurant opened.

When a new BBQ restaurant opens, you can’t delay going to sample its fare if you are a true barbecue fan. About a week after Embers had opened, the website was still proclaiming “Grand Opening Soon,” while I was at the counter and checking over the menu. 

Embers BBQ proclaims that it is open for business.

Menu Choices 

Platters include pulled pork, pulled pork nachos, ribs, pulled chicken, pulled chicken nachos, and brisket. Sandwiches of pulled pork, pulled chicken, and brisket are also on the menu along with several other options. The surprise of the pulled pork platter that I ordered was finding a couple of fried okra nestled next to the barbecue. The platter also came with slaw, one side (my choice was sweet potato fries), and a corn muffin.  I also added another side (mac and cheese).

The kitchen prep area continually is busy.

Although the pulled pork was excellent, I’m timing my next visit to be on Wednesday or Saturday when a rack of ribs is on the menu. (The availability of burnt ends is also limited; it’s ready only on Thursdays). Don’t wait until closing hours to go; they often run out of barbecue several hours before closing. Occasionally, they post on Facebook that only burgers and pulled chicken are available after a busy day. (Why order a hamburger at a barbecue restaurant?) 

Almost everything on the menu is also sold by the pound from barbecue to sides such as slaw, baked beans, and okra. The menu includes just about everything you would want (but it’s not as extensive as the restaurant’s online privacy policy — it’s amazing how much it covers. 

Many menu items are also sold by the pound.

Great Start So Far 

With a motto of “You Don’t Need a Silver Spoon to Eat Good Food,” Embers is where you might not even need anything more than an appetite and a very cold beverage. With the smoker in the basement, expect warm temperatures on the main level where customers order and most eat. On a nice day, plan to eat outside at one of the front-porch tables. 

Embers is decorated simply with effectively.

New barbecue restaurants are needed to replace the old, historic ones that are struggling and eventually close. While the traditional ones serve excellent barbecue at reasonable prices, their numbers seem to be gradually declining. New ones gauge the market better to determine what should be on the menu and what the prices should be. 

Signs in Embers create a nostalgic look.

Embers took over the location in downtown Southern Pines that had been occupied for decades by Broad Street Bakery. Although I will miss the bakery, nothing better than a barbecue restaurant could have taken its place. An unusual combo of a former golf pro and a restaurant chef, partners in the new venture, have launched a superior barbecue spot that may become the area’s favorite. Let’s hope the new restaurant continues to deliver superior results.