Monk: Drew Jackson has done a great job covering barbecue the past few years for the News & Observer, and earlier this month came out with the 2023 edition of his list of the 64 best barbecue restaurants in the state.

Here are the links to the various stories around barbecue from early October, but be warned that they are behind a paywall once you hit a certain number of articles:

After years of eating ‘cue across the Triangle, Jackson ranks the 20 best barbecue joints in the area.https://t.co/Pa5rwmWDJ9

— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) October 4, 2023

The barbecue bubble: How Lexington became synonymous with a distinctive NC flavor https://t.co/I2lSvVhYRM

— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) October 18, 2023

You’ll need to know these words when ordering Lexington-style barbecue https://t.co/wPk0bBM92j

— The News & Observer (@newsobserver) October 18, 2023

Description: Mention barbecue in North Carolina and the conversation quickly becomes divided on its definition and all depends on location, location, location. There’s a west and east BBQ divide. Drew Jackson with the News and Observer explains.