Was super excited to try this place in Wilmington after reading so much about it. This past year I’ve been to thoughout Texas and to Lewis bbq in Charleston. I guess the set the bar too high, because the brisket was mushy with not much of a meaty texture. Sure I want it tender, but? Great people that own it and the sides were on point. I’ll be back to try more.
Antonio Evans
I stopped by the Cargo District Food Court location. I had no clue they were there, but being an Eastern NC boy, I was sold when I saw the BBQ & slaw sandwich. The sandwich was a really nice size, flavorful, and had the right kind of slaw. I also had a side of Collards, and they were on point; so much so I had to drink the remaining pot liquor left after they were all gone! Would definitely recommend and will be back to try some of the other menu items!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chuck Rayman
My daughter and I decided to finally try Shepard Barbecue at the Cargo District (Wilmington)after hearing a lot of buzz about their ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. We went around 12:30–1:00 PM on a Monday, only to find out they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays—so definitely double-check their hours before heading over. They reopen on Wednesdays.
Once we returned, I ordered a brisket sandwich, a brisket plate with coleslaw and potato salad, and my daughter got the pulled pork sandwich. She really enjoyed hers—said it was flavorful and a great value for the price. That’s definitely a recommendation.
Unfortunately, the brisket didn’t live up to the hype. For nearly $20, I expected more meat and better quality. It was underwhelming, a bit too fatty, and lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. I’ve had better brisket elsewhere, so that was a letdown. In regards to the sides, the coleslaw was really good and potatoes salad was just average.
Still, I’m not writing them off completely. I’ve heard great things about their ribs, so I plan to give those a try next time. For now, I’d rate the experience 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Mike Michalski
Drove 30 minutes with a party of 15 to try it out and they were closed. Web and signs said they they should be open. Disappointing.
Sandy B
The food here is amazing if you like pork cooked the right way and the joint is mainly for take away which is fine by me! Just a small clean area for eat in with no ambiance that’s why I rated 3. I am so happy this place is across the street from where I live. I already have my next meal planned out!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sal James
States open and is closed. They should change their Google profile.
Reid Welhaven
Great food ! Had the two meat , brisket , and ribs ! Corn bread was soo good ! But the banana pudding was the bomb !!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Faircloth
Fantastic food with friendly service! Wish they were open more, but the food is always so great! Hopefully, they will continue to grow this awesome local small business!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sliced or Chopped Brisket, Street Corn, Pimento Mac N Cheese
Glenda Reid
The ribs...YUMMY
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Beans, Pit Beans, House Made Sausage
As a girl from Louisiana, I am a food lover. We ordered from Shepherds as an off-season pre-order. The only way you can get it if it's not spring/summer. Ok..no problem. The food was so bland & tasteless. We got brisket, ribs, turkey and baked beans. It tasted like there was little very little seasoning on the meat. The brisket had more fat than meat on it. The beans had a strange taste. They had a bunch of chopped up vegetables in them and a sweet syrup taste. The turkey was ok. It was moist but that's the only thing it had going for it. We spend close to $60 (these were VERY) small portions. 2 ribs, a few slices of brisket and a few slices of turkey. Next time I will just go spend the money and make it myself.
Dyia Ampley
Delicious food, beautiful outdoor seating area, definitely worth the trip!
Jamie Gentry Anderson
This weekend was my first time ever eating there and OMG it was “slap your momma” good!!! I have the brisket, collards and street corn. It was ALL amazing. They give me another reason to go to the beach. And the owners are top notch!!!
Cyrus Gentry
Great place great food great people 100%
Lorraine Peck
Really good food. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, boss hwag sandwich, coleslaw and the Mac and cheese is delicious. You won't be sorry. But get there early. Fall hours only open Friday 11- 3 or sold out. The line began at 10:30.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork Sandwich with Mac and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Brisket
Doesn’t exist on EI
Was super excited to try this place in Wilmington after reading so much about it. This past year I’ve been to thoughout Texas and to Lewis bbq in Charleston. I guess the set the bar too high, because the brisket was mushy with not much of a meaty texture. Sure I want it tender, but?
Great people that own it and the sides were on point. I’ll be back to try more.
I stopped by the Cargo District Food Court location. I had no clue they were there, but being an Eastern NC boy, I was sold when I saw the BBQ & slaw sandwich. The sandwich was a really nice size, flavorful, and had the right kind of slaw. I also had a side of Collards, and they were on point; so much so I had to drink the remaining pot liquor left after they were all gone! Would definitely recommend and will be back to try some of the other menu items!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My daughter and I decided to finally try Shepard Barbecue at the Cargo District (Wilmington)after hearing a lot of buzz about their ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. We went around 12:30–1:00 PM on a Monday, only to find out they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays—so definitely double-check their hours before heading over. They reopen on Wednesdays.
Once we returned, I ordered a brisket sandwich, a brisket plate with coleslaw and potato salad, and my daughter got the pulled pork sandwich. She really enjoyed hers—said it was flavorful and a great value for the price. That’s definitely a recommendation.
Unfortunately, the brisket didn’t live up to the hype. For nearly $20, I expected more meat and better quality. It was underwhelming, a bit too fatty, and lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. I’ve had better brisket elsewhere, so that was a letdown. In regards to the sides, the coleslaw was really good and potatoes salad was just average.
Still, I’m not writing them off completely. I’ve heard great things about their ribs, so I plan to give those a try next time. For now, I’d rate the experience 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Drove 30 minutes with a party of 15 to try it out and they were closed. Web and signs said they they should be open. Disappointing.
The food here is amazing if you like pork cooked the right way and the joint is mainly for take away which is fine by me! Just a small clean area for eat in with no ambiance that’s why I rated 3. I am so happy this place is across the street from where I live. I already have my next meal planned out!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
States open and is closed. They should change their Google profile.
Great food ! Had the two meat , brisket , and ribs ! Corn bread was soo good ! But the banana pudding was the bomb !!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic food with friendly service! Wish they were open more, but the food is always so great! Hopefully, they will continue to grow this awesome local small business!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sliced or Chopped Brisket, Street Corn, Pimento Mac N Cheese
The ribs...YUMMY
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Beans, Pit Beans, House Made Sausage
Restaurantji Recommends
As a girl from Louisiana, I am a food lover. We ordered from Shepherds as an off-season pre-order. The only way you can get it if it's not spring/summer. Ok..no problem. The food was so bland & tasteless. We got brisket, ribs, turkey and baked beans. It tasted like there was little very little seasoning on the meat. The brisket had more fat than meat on it. The beans had a strange taste. They had a bunch of chopped up vegetables in them and a sweet syrup taste. The turkey was ok. It was moist but that's the only thing it had going for it. We spend close to $60 (these were VERY) small portions. 2 ribs, a few slices of brisket and a few slices of turkey. Next time I will just go spend the money and make it myself.
Delicious food, beautiful outdoor seating area, definitely worth the trip!
This weekend was my first time ever eating there and OMG it was “slap your momma” good!!! I have the brisket, collards and street corn. It was ALL amazing. They give me another reason to go to the beach. And the owners are top notch!!!
Great place great food great people 100%
Really good food. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, boss hwag sandwich, coleslaw and the Mac and cheese is delicious. You won't be sorry. But get there early. Fall hours only open Friday 11- 3 or sold out. The line began at 10:30.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork Sandwich with Mac and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Brisket
Loading...