Jackson's Big Oak Barbecue

I have read a lot of the good reviews and heard people say Jackson’s is the best BBQ in Wilmington.
I am from NC and have gone all over the state trying BBQ.
The BBQ comp across the state is ridiculous so the standard is set really high.
So here is the deal in my opinion based on what I had today. Jackson’s is one of only 3 restaurants that serve “eastern style” BBQ in Wilmington that I know of other than the franchise that starts with a S and the other place has a buffet. With that said I think Jackson’s comes in 3rd place out of those 3 when just talking about the BBQ.
There is no taste of the BBQ having been cooked on a smoker which is not a deal breaker because there are many I like that are not but it is what I prefer.
The slaw today was so over powering of mustard it was hard to eat.
I like that style slaw with eastern NC BBQ but this was too strong.
My green beans had a very salty taste.
My dad said his Okra was cooked perfect and my mom said her baked beans were very good so some positive there.
The restaurant was clean and the staff were all very nice but today at-least it was not that good.
I will go back and try it again because they have other stuff I want to try plus give the slaw and BBQ another shot but for now it is what it is.
I see a possibility of why people give it good reviews in that there really is nothing else like it in Wilmington.
Its not a buffet and it is not corp.
It has all the staples of an Eastern NC BBQ restaurant but today was not their day.
It is worth trying.
I saw when leaving they have an early bird special from 3-5.
That would be a great time to go try it.
I will update this review after my next visit.

Our family LOVES Jackson’s! Whenever we come to the NC beaches we make a detour to Jackson’s in Wilmington NC! We get a big family sized dinner with their amazing Carolina BBQ, coleslaw, hush puppies, fried okra and mashed potatoes & gravy! It is always one of the highlights of our NC vacation!

Their slogan says something to the effect of “we’re not fancy, but we sure are good.” This couldn’t be more true! The inside is nothing special but the food and value were both exceptional.
We got there right when it opened and the place was packed (always a good sign!) Would highly recommend.