Point of Interest
Skylight Inn BBQ
4618 South Lee St., Ayden, NC 28513
In the small town of Ayden, Skylight Inn BBQ stands as a beacon for barbecue aficionados, preserving the time-honored Eastern North Carolina tradition of whole-hog, hickory wood-smoked barbecue since 1947. You can’t miss it – just look for the replica of the United States Capitol Building on top of the restaurant.
Founded by Pete Jones, this family-run establishment has garnered decades of national acclaim and is now stewarded by Pete’s son Bruce, nephew Jeff and grandson Sam Jones who keep the pits smoking and the ‘cue slinging. The menu is delightfully straightforward, featuring finely chopped pork infused with crispy bits of skin, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. They also serve barbecue chicken, with accompaniments like coleslaw and classic cornbread to complete the quintessential Southern plate. The Jones family's unwavering dedication to traditional cooking methods has solidified Skylight Inn's status as a culinary landmark, attracting visitors from near and far seeking an authentic taste of NC barbecue heritage.
