Three of my golfing buddies were headed to Myrtle Beach this week for a long weekend. I knew they would be traveling down I-95 and bypassing Rocky Mount.
“Don’t go around Rocky Mount,” I advised. “Head for Gardner’s BBQ and go through their buffet. They have the best BBQ and soul food in North Carolina.”
And they really do. Several years ago, Nancy and I were headed to Topsail Beach near Wilmington and stumbled on this place. I was interested in some Carolina BBQ, but we ordered the buffet, and not only did I get BBQ, I got some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever eaten along with hush puppies, Carolina Cole slaw, collards, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, butter beans and black-eyed peas. There were lots more dishes including okra, turnip greens, boiled potatoes, yams and Brunswick stew, but I could only eat so much, and it was all-you-can-eat. It was something like $9.95 per plate, plus a buck and change for sweet tea. I ate until I thought I would blow. It was amazing.
Gardener’s is so popular, they have three locations in Rocky Mount. I wish they had one in Charlottesville, or maybe not. I’d be as big as a hippopotamus if I ate there on a regular basis. Their deserts, homemade cakes, pies and cobblers are also top notch.
Should you find yourself anywhere near Rocky Mount, NC, don’t hesitate to go into town and eat at Gardner’s. If it got any better, I don’t think I could handle it.
Their three locations are below. Let your GPS guide you in.
– 3651 Sunset Ave (small buffet 11-3)
– 1331 N. Wesleyan (buffet starts at 11 AM)
– 841 Fairview Rd Rocky Mount (no buffet)
(The Sunset location is closed and under renovation, so I would hit the N. Wesleyan location for their buffet.)
For more information, go to www.gardnerfoods.com
