Editorial policy

NC ’Cue is a curated field guide, not a “best of” list, star rating, or paid directory. Editorial inclusion and map order are never for sale.

How restaurants are selected

Listings start from public information such as official restaurant websites and reputable local sources. We favor independent pits and rooms that help tell North Carolina’s barbecue story—Eastern whole hog, Lexington-style shoulder, and related traditions—while leaving room for contemporary and crossover smoke where it serves travelers.

The map is intentionally curated and incomplete. Absence from the guide is not a judgment that a restaurant is unworthy; presence is not a claim that a stop is the “best.”

What we publish

• Factual details we can source (place, style notes, links)
• Regional guides meant as routes, not rankings
• Clear language when copy is researched versus firsthand

We avoid pay-to-rank language, star scores, and ordered “top” lists that imply a contest.

Independence and sponsorship

Today the site has no sponsors and no affiliate placements in the core directory. If we later run sponsored newsletter notes, labeled guide partnerships, or similar, that content will be clearly marked as sponsored or partner material and kept separate from editorial map order, default filters, and “worth the drive” picks.

Restaurants cannot pay to appear on the map, move up in results, or buy a ranking. Relationships begin with accuracy and respect; commercial asks come only after trust is established.

Corrections

Facts change. See the corrections policy for how to report errors or request updates. Contact [email protected] with editorial questions.