High Cotton BBQ

About the Business

Specialties

As Tarheel natives, we want to share with you the flavors & aromas unique to Eastern North Carolina Barbeque. Consistent temperatures & long hours of smoking with hickory coals produce the characteristic pink coloring and sweet outside brown meat. Combined with our traditional side dishes and a glass of sweet tea & you're in High Cotton - Outer Banks Barbeque at its very best!

History

Established in 2003.

High Cotton BBQ got its start in the spring of 2003. Owner Will Thorp is no stranger to the Outer Banks restaurant scene, having opened Tortugas Lie in 1989, and Rundown Cafe in 1993. A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Will has always had a love and appreciation for eastern NC-style BBQ, and is happy to share that love with customers!

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Will T.

Business Owner

No stranger to the Outer Banks restaurant business, Will  moved to the Outer Banks in 1984. After years spent learning the ropes in culinary school, he began his restaurant career working at Kelly's and other famous restaurants up and down the beach. In 1989 he opened Tortuga's Lie and in 1993 he started the Rundown Cafe. A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Will has always had a love and appreciation of real southern food. So in 2003, he and his brother-in-law Matt Cooper found their calling, and decided it was time to open an authentic, Eastern North Carolina Barbeque restaurant right here on the Outer Banks.Over 13 years later and the rest is history. High Cotton Barbeque is loved by locals and has become one of the "must-visit" establishments for any Outer Banks vacation.