When traveling to the NC coast recently I stopped for my first visit at Kings Restaurant in Kinston. I was first impressed with the atmosphere and history of this restaurant as soon as I walked into the front door. It was lunchtime on a weekday so it was pretty crowded as I had expected. However, I was seated very quickly by a friendly hostess and as soon as I was seated a waitress appeared with a glass of water and a menu. I was especially interested in sampling their barbecue so I ordered a small barbecue plate with sides of collards and friend okra. I also received hushpuppies. It was all very delicious. The barbecue was coarsely chopped, and the collards were seasoned (and contained small pieces) with country ham. Very impressed with my first visit and will definitely visit this restaurant the next time I travel in this area.
davidhV7765VC
I stopped for a takeout barbecue sandwich with coleslaw. I'm a Lexington style fan, but Kings Barbecue was exceptional.
bri jones
I got to be honest, kings food and delivery sometimes is a hit or miss. I mostly ordered a 8 pc family pack which includes chicken, hush puppies, fries and tea. The chicken would sometimes be too dark, greasy and soggy with a lot of fat. The tea most of the time is too sweet and it could send you to the hospital if your sugar levels are already high. The staff that works there is sometimes questionable. They can never give you a straight answer on what time delivery close. It's always the same answer "depends". Next when it comes to delivery it looks like they cater to the people out of town like in la grange, Trenton and other places and kinston residents get their food last. One time I put in an order at 5 something and I didn't get it until almost 8 pm. The delivery guy told me he had to make runs at Trenton and other areas. My most recent experience was when the delivery driver forgot my drinks. He said it would take 5 min (because I don't stay far from kings) but instead he came back in an hour looking really sweaty and told me that he had other orders to run. He looked like he just got from someone else house smoking. He gave us an extra drink but the service needs to improve. I'm tired of this hood service that they have been operating. Anywho the food is ok sometimes, but it needs to be consistent. The food is sometimes ok and sometimes it's not. I'm hoping it gets better because we don't have too many businesses in Kinston.
Honest1here
I went for Pig and a Pup because Vivian Howard mentioned on her A Chef’s Life program that she always gets Pig and a Pup sandwiches when she has guests from out of town. I can see that they could be fantastic. But after waiting 40 minutes for the sandwich, the hush puppy was burnt, the bottom of the sandwich where the cole slaw was, was so soggy, I could not pick up the sandwich, and the barbecue was very tough. Also, the restaurant was not very clean. I wouldn’t go back.
Debra S
Plentiful. Well served. Good bbq. I like more sauce but you can ask for some to add. Buffett is good. Take out works well. Great place for a destination as well as a pass by on the way home!
OICommando
Restaurant Style: NC Family Barbecue Last Visit: March 9, 2019 Ambiance: Down home buffet, well-worn with love. Especially welcoming, the staff found a place for our group of thirty without balking. This venue seats plenty so don’t let the crowded parking lot scare you off. Service: This bountiful buffet begs the question, “Why would you order anything off the menu?” The pulled pork deserves pride of place, but if you like biting pork this sweet version will need a dash of hot sauce. With it and equally well-prepared came golden fried shrimp, country steak in gravy, pork ribs, and fried chicken. Sides of green beans, collards, mashed potatoes with gravy, and salad with soup evened out the buffet. Still, a slice of homemade pie—chocolate chip, lemon or chocolate meringue, pecan—could further tempt you to order off the menu. Another offering you might consider comes under the heading of family style, all you can eat platters of fried chicken, pulled pork, Brunswick stew, cole slaw, potato salad and French fries. Also, each day of the week also has its own special. For Kids: No dedicated kids menu but surely you can find something amid all the hot dogs, hush puppies, meat and banana pudding. Difference Dividend: They also offer an oyster night and meeting room. Lots of options. Expense Account: Figure about $15 each. Adult Beverages: beer and wine.
PERRY WINSTEAD
Awesome ribs!
David Williams
Great food and usually very quick about delivery. Always enjoy the service.
When traveling to the NC coast recently I stopped for my first visit at Kings Restaurant in Kinston. I was first impressed with the atmosphere and history of this restaurant as soon as I walked into the front door. It was lunchtime on a weekday so it was pretty crowded as I had expected. However, I was seated very quickly by a friendly hostess and as soon as I was seated a waitress appeared with a glass of water and a menu. I was especially interested in sampling their barbecue so I ordered a small barbecue plate with sides of collards and friend okra. I also received hushpuppies. It was all very delicious. The barbecue was coarsely chopped, and the collards were seasoned (and contained small pieces) with country ham. Very impressed with my first visit and will definitely visit this restaurant the next time I travel in this area.
I stopped for a takeout barbecue sandwich with coleslaw. I'm a Lexington style fan, but Kings Barbecue was exceptional.
I got to be honest, kings food and delivery sometimes is a hit or miss. I mostly ordered a 8 pc family pack which includes chicken, hush puppies, fries and tea. The chicken would sometimes be too dark, greasy and soggy with a lot of fat. The tea most of the time is too sweet and it could send you to the hospital if your sugar levels are already high. The staff that works there is sometimes questionable. They can never give you a straight answer on what time delivery close. It's always the same answer "depends". Next when it comes to delivery it looks like they cater to the people out of town like in la grange, Trenton and other places and kinston residents get their food last. One time I put in an order at 5 something and I didn't get it until almost 8 pm. The delivery guy told me he had to make runs at Trenton and other areas. My most recent experience was when the delivery driver forgot my drinks. He said it would take 5 min (because I don't stay far from kings) but instead he came back in an hour looking really sweaty and told me that he had other orders to run. He looked like he just got from someone else house smoking. He gave us an extra drink but the service needs to improve. I'm tired of this hood service that they have been operating. Anywho the food is ok sometimes, but it needs to be consistent. The food is sometimes ok and sometimes it's not. I'm hoping it gets better because we don't have too many businesses in Kinston.
I went for Pig and a Pup because Vivian Howard mentioned on her A Chef’s Life program that she always gets Pig and a Pup sandwiches when she has guests from out of town. I can see that they could be fantastic. But after waiting 40 minutes for the sandwich, the hush puppy was burnt, the bottom of the sandwich where the cole slaw was, was so soggy, I could not pick up the sandwich, and the barbecue was very tough. Also, the restaurant was not very clean. I wouldn’t go back.
Plentiful. Well served. Good bbq. I like more sauce but you can ask for some to add. Buffett is good. Take out works well. Great place for a destination as well as a pass by on the way home!
Restaurant Style: NC Family Barbecue Last Visit: March 9, 2019 Ambiance: Down home buffet, well-worn with love. Especially welcoming, the staff found a place for our group of thirty without balking. This venue seats plenty so don’t let the crowded parking lot scare you off. Service: This bountiful buffet begs the question, “Why would you order anything off the menu?” The pulled pork deserves pride of place, but if you like biting pork this sweet version will need a dash of hot sauce. With it and equally well-prepared came golden fried shrimp, country steak in gravy, pork ribs, and fried chicken. Sides of green beans, collards, mashed potatoes with gravy, and salad with soup evened out the buffet. Still, a slice of homemade pie—chocolate chip, lemon or chocolate meringue, pecan—could further tempt you to order off the menu. Another offering you might consider comes under the heading of family style, all you can eat platters of fried chicken, pulled pork, Brunswick stew, cole slaw, potato salad and French fries. Also, each day of the week also has its own special. For Kids: No dedicated kids menu but surely you can find something amid all the hot dogs, hush puppies, meat and banana pudding. Difference Dividend: They also offer an oyster night and meeting room. Lots of options. Expense Account: Figure about $15 each. Adult Beverages: beer and wine.
Awesome ribs!
Great food and usually very quick about delivery. Always enjoy the service.
Restaurantji Recommends