Request for BBQ advice off I-85 to Raleigh

[OldSchool]

We're driving down to Raleigh via I-85 and are looking for some really good east Carolina style barbeque, ideally, no more than 30 minutes off the highway. I've searched the site and could not find any recommendations along that stretch of 85. Last time we went down, a lady at the NC rest stop recommended Skippers (?) in Henderson. I didn't care for it; it didn't have the smoky flavor I prefer. I would appreciate your recommendations.

On the way back, we're going to go down 70 to Wilbur's then take 95 back. I believe that there will be a McCall's and a Smithfield's on the way. Are those worth trying?

Thank you for your help.

[Tom from Raleigh]

When I'm driving South on 85 to Raleigh, I take the US 1 split at Henderson. US 1 becomes Capital Blvd in Raleigh. There's a BBQ place in Youngsville, right on US 1 called Holden's that's supposed to be good. I've never been, but it would be on your way.

Two options I can recommend from personal experience are The Pit in Raleigh and Allen & Son in Chapel Hill. Both are in the same league as Wilber's.

Here's a helpful site:
http://www.ncbbqsociety.com/trail_map.html

Here's a worthy tour of NC 'Q spots:
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?...

[chazzer]

Holden's is real good, I dare say maybe in the same league as Wilber's. The hours are lunch weekdays and dinner I think on Fridays call first. However, it is on your way because you would take the US1 aplit at Henderson to come into raleigh. It will be on your left after rt 96.

[OldSchool]

Thank you very much for the recommendation for Holden's. We had the Brunswick stew (ok but I 'm not a big fan in general) and both the sliced barbecue and chopped barbecue sandwiches. I thought the chopped pork sandwich was much better. It had the crispy brown bits and, oddly, it had more smoky flavor than the sliced. I didn't care for the cole slaw. A bit too sweet for me and it appeared to have mayonnaise in it. Very nice people. All in all, a good place to go on the way to Raleigh. The hours are unusual so I include them here:
M-Th and S 7:30-2:00
F 7:30-3:00
Su Closed

Went to Wilber's on the way back. Outstanding pulled pork. Lots of the crusty bits, smoky pork, nicely spicy sauce. I've been somewhat disappointed in the past (great but not outstanding) and wonder if that is because we've usually gotten there around 2:00. This time, we were there at noon.

[Naco]

Neither of those will be worth bothering with after you've had Wilber's.