Wilber's Barbecue

4172 US 70 East, 778-5218
Wilber's Eastgate, 502 Eastgate Drive, 778-1990.

Pictured are Eddie Radford, Wilber Shirley and his grandson, Tanner Monk. Eddie Radford has worked at Wilber's since 1964 and is considered family.

There's a little ol' place on Highway 70 East that has brought Goldsboro fame and fortune. Well, at least a little bit of fame and, according to the owner, Wilber Shirley, it's a "non-profit business which has been around for 45 years." Wilber's Barbecue, established by Shirley on July 24,1962, has become an institution in Wayne and surrounding counties. Shirley learned the barbecue business as a "young fellow" working as a "hired hand" at Griffin's Barbecue. Since that time, he has opened Wilber's Eastgate, which serves the same famous barbecue as the original. Wilber's Barbecue is proud to have served two presidents, George Bush and Bill Clinton. Clinton has even been photographed wearing a Wilber's hat while jogging.

Both Wilber's restaurants serve up the finest barbecue pork, fried chicken and barbecue chicken, country ham and seafood. Plus they feature daily specials like chicken pastry, fried fish and barbecue beef. Wilber's hushpuppies, another Southern delicacy, are the best in town and served piping hot with every meal. If you're pressed for time, call ahead to 778-5218, and Wilber's will prepare your meal for take-out. Wilber's Eastgate features a drive-through.

Diners enjoy a down-home, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of friendly camaraderie. Shirley brags about their "good service... most of the time!" Of course, you're likely to bump into Shirley or one of the family during lunch or dinner at either location.

Shirley looks forward to "working hard" and continuing to serve up delicious world famous barbecue to all his visitors from every corner of North Carolina and beyond. So keep in mind, there's always a seat waiting for you at Wilber's Barbecue and Wilber's Eastgate, 502 Eastgate Drive, 778-1990.