This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Bites Nearby: Old Carolina Barbecue Company

A taste of the Carolinas is brought to life by two local foodies.

Fans of the may not pull into their three locations humming James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind.” But if they don’t leave there doing so, something’s definitely wrong… with them. Most extend their Carolina travel experiences—or at least their teeth, tongue and stomach’s memory of those trips—with each and every visit.

From old-school chicken, ribs and brisket, to abundant customary side dishes, co-owners and high school chums Brian Bailey and Tim Hug do everything they can to transport you to Tar Heel Country.

offers many flavorful options, from Carolina Minis (pulled pork sliders) and Tar Heel Dogs, but it’s the melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork—which endures a low-and-slow 14 hours in a hickory wood barbecue pit—which absolutely floors diners. Their pork ribs and pulled pork come with a choice of five signature sauces including Piedmont No. 5 (a sweet traditional sauce) and the Screaming Beaver, which brings a very slow and deliberate heat.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The sides are just as amazing. Old Carolina’s “World’s Greatest Baked Beans” really are, and pair well with a host of other traditional favorites including Brunswick Stew, Succotash, ridiculously cheesy Mac and Hush Puppies (fried cornmeal cakes) that are so ridiculously good, they ought to be against the law.

They even have (gasp!) Cheerwine on tap. Yep, you read that right. And if you travel from Northeast Ohio down to the Carolinas for a regular vacation, a) you know exactly what that means, and b) you know it’s a rare treat usually found on the road.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

But hey, lucky you, today it’s all just a short car ride away. Come to think of it, lucky us, too.

Three area locations, including 620 Ridgewood Crossing Dr., Fairlawn, 330- 665-4222, or on the web. Sandwiches $5-8, Combos $14, Ribs $8-18.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Fairlawn-Bath