I know what you’re thinking…a 30 minute drive just to get some fried chicken?  That’s what I thought too until I read up on Keaton’s BBQ outside of Statesville.  This no-fuss restaurant tucked back off of a winding road has managed to get a decent amount of press, although I’m under the impression that most of its PR is taken care of by word of mouth.
Keaton’s isn’t somewhere you would accidentally stumble upon.  Make the trip up 77 and I-40 to Woodleaf Road, where you’ll find Keaton’s a few miles down on the right.  Step up to the counter and order their specialty: the half chicken fried, dipped in their sauce and then grilled.  The best side is the homemade mac and cheese.
So what’s the deal with the dipped chicken craze?  If you ask fans of Keaton’s, it’s the difference between just okay BBQ and the best you’ll find in NC.  Keaton’s takes their fried chicken and quickly dips it into boiling BBQ sauce.  This turns it into a crispy on the outside, moist on the inside piece of goodness.  Think fried chicken with the added crispy taste of a zesty BBQ sauce.
The scoop on planning your visit: Before you go call to double check their operating hours, be prepared to use a good amount of napkins and pick up some BBQ sauce to take home-you’re going to want to tell your friends about it.
While you’re there, you can make a day trip out of it by paying a visit to the I-40 Farmer’s Market or Resettlers Antique Mall & Auctions.
