Ok guys, we all know that Raleigh is the state capital, so when you’re looking for mouth-watering North Carolina-style barbecue, we have some excellent bbq here in the City of Oaks!
You won’t be short of restaurants serving up this flavorful and satiating cuisine, so it’s only fitting that we narrow down the search for you and share where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh.
Enjoying a plate of barbecue in Raleigh is one of those “welcome to the South” moments that all meat eaters should experience.
North Carolina is a big BBQ state and it’s so good here you can spell it four ways – Barbecue, Barbeque, Bar-b-que and BBQ. Whether you live in Raleigh like us, or are just visiting, don’t miss these BBQ joints in Raleigh!
Best BBQ Restaurants in Raleigh
Below are some of our favorite restaurants located both inside the belt line of Raleigh and further afield. Most locals don’t mind driving 20-minutes for good BBQ, so we’ve expanded our list to include some top recommendations in the Wake County area.
1. Sam Jones BBQ
The famous Sam Jones BBQ opened its doors in Raleigh in early 2021. If you’re from this state and know your barbecue, you’re probably aware that Sam Jones out of Winterville, has some of the best BBQ in North Carolina!
The Jones family name goes all the way back three generations when Sam’s grandfather, the late Pete Jones, opened the legendary Skylight Inn in Ayden, NC at age 17 in the summer of 1947. Pete’s legacy continues at Skylight Inn BBQ and now right here in downtown Raleigh.
At their location on W Lenoir Street, they smoke whole hogs on site every day. Particularly famous for their chopped BBQ, fried chicken and baked flat cornbread, as a family of four we ordered 3 lbs. of ribs to share, their chopped BBQ plate, and for sides slaw, collards, baked beans, cornbread and Mac and cheese.
Sam Jones BBQ doesn’t disappoint, and they serve one of my favorite sandwiches in Raleigh, the smoked turkey – I lost my photo so can’t share as was on my way to the Dreamville Festival, but trust me!
The chopped BBQ is juicy and flavorful. The smoked ribs tender, and that finely chopped slaw I envision is like what Grandma used to make. And our kids give the baked beans and mac and cheese the thumbs up!
Sam Jones instantly became one of my favorite BBQ joints in Raleigh, and I’m excited to go back and taste all their offerings. I really want to try their sweet potato muffins next!
Indoor and outdoor seating. We enjoy sitting outside in the sun on one of their picnic tables on the grass. Inside there’s seating at the bar and several dining tables. Super friendly staff and fast service. And get your pic taken in front of the NC plate.
Popular items:
Chopped BBQ, Fried Chicken, Sandwiches, Baked Flat Corn Bread, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens.
- Hours: 11.00am – 9.00pm Monday – Saturday, 11.00am – 8.30pm Sunday
- Address: 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh
- Website: SamJonesBBQ.com/raleigh
2. The Pit Authentic BBQ
The Pit Authentic BBQ is another of the most popular BBQ spots in Raleigh. As their name suggests, they proudly serve authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked Eastern-style barbecue, accompanied with all the traditional Southern sides you can take.
Located in the awesome Warehouse District of downtown, I’ve dined here several times and always walk away feeling more than satisfied and longing to return!
I personally love their Beef Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, but their top seller is their Whole-Hog Chopped Barbecue made the same way it’s been made in Eastern North Carolina for the last 300 years – slow cooked over hot coals for 12 hours, chopped together and sauced with their spicy sweet Eastern barbecue sauce!
My other favorite dish is their Big Boy Burger; two house-ground brisket patties, western BBQ sauce, brisket, pulled pork, pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion straws – I changed out the pulled pork for pulled turkey!
The burger is phenomenal. I mean, look at that thing. It tastes as good as it looks, and they had to basically roll me out of there.
You’ll definitely want to eat at The Pit more than once so you can try all their BBQ, their sides, and the burger! Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they often have live music outside.
The Pit Raleigh is one of your above-average barbecue restaurants in style and appearance, more than a typical whole-in-the-wall joint you may be used to, even serving craft cocktails.
Smart-casual setting, enjoyable atmosphere, clean and comfortable environment, fast and friendly service!
Popular items:
Chopped BBQ, Baby Back Ribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Big Boy Burger, Brunswick Stew, Heirloom Cabbage Collards, Fried Green Tomatoes.
They serve biscuits and hush puppies with the meal. Prices are fair, and there’s a good beer list. The Pit BBQ is definitely one of the best BBQ joints in Raleigh.
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Sunday – Thursday, 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday and Saturdays
- Address: 328 W Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: ThePit-Raleigh.com
3. Ole Time BBQ
One of the best hidden gems in Raleigh, and one of those classic hole-in-the-wall roadside BBQ joints you may prefer is Ole Time BBQ. This was actually our first barbecue experience in North Carolina when we first relocated to Raleigh back in 2004.
A local friend of ours who grew up in Raleigh took us here for our introduction to barbecue joints in Raleigh, and the locals always know best when it comes to true Southern eating experiences!
Located slightly out of downtown on Hillsborough Street further west from NC State University (but still inside the beltline), Olde Time BBQ will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside someone’s home that’s been untouched for decades.
Greeted by the friendly staff, upon seating you’ll be delivered a serving of Hush Puppies whilst you choose between plates of barbecue and sandwiches – remember to save room for one of their desserts made fresh everyday (especially famous is their banana pudding).
We went with one of their combination plates of Eastern NC Chopped BBQ and Ribs, accompanied with Collards and Boiled Cabbage.
The ribs were so tasty we barely even need the sauce, and the pork was cooked perfectly and also flavorful – you can literally taste the vinegar without the sauce.
A true Raleigh staple that’s small in size but big on ole time classic Southern traditional barbecue experience. Flavorful bbq, good size portions, affordable prices, beyond friendly service.
And apparently their breakfast is one of the best kept secrets in Raleigh too with generous portions – we’ll have to go back for that!
Popular items:
Chopped BBQ, Fried Chicken, BBQ Sandwiches, Boiled Cabbage, Hush Puppies, Collard Greens, Banana Pudding, Sweet Potato Pie.
- Hours: 8.00am – 10.00pm daily (Closed Sunday)
- Address: 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: OleTimeBarbecue.com
4. Midwood Smokehouse, Smoky Hollows
One of our current favorite places to eat BBQ in Raleigh is the newish Midwood Smokehouse in the Smoky Hollow development near Glenwood South.
The extensive menu reflects a range of classic Southern BBQ styles and a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken. All of which are delicious, but I’m most partial to their brisket and chicken wings.
They also offer unique dishes like smoked sausage and burnt ends, showcasing their expertise in different barbecue styles and yummy sauces The sides are equally impressive, with Southern staples like mac and cheese, collard greens, and hush puppies.
What sets Midwood apart is their use of a custom-built smoker and their commitment to slow-cooking meats over hickory wood, ensuring a deep, rich flavor and tender texture. This dedication to authentic barbecue methods is what makes Midwood Smokehouse a solid choice for anyone seeking great BBQ in Raleigh.
The ambiance is casual yet lively, with a lovely outdoor seating area to enjoy on sunny days. A couple can easily share a large combo platter, we share the Well-Fed Platter for $33 which is a great deal.
- Hours: Sun – Thurs 11am- 9pm; Fri – Sat 11am – 10pm
- Address: 409 W. Johnson Street Raleigh
- Website: midwoodsmokehouse.com
5. Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Step back in time at Clyde Cooper’s BBQ, a downtown Raleigh institution since 1938 and one of the oldest restaurants in Raleigh. Although they are relocating from downtown soon – stay tuned for updates!
From the moment I walk in the door and take in the old school decor, ambience and memorabilia I immediately get the feeling that This Is Raleigh, that I’m in the South, and in a state where BBQ is a tradition Clyde Cooper’s does it better than most.
Besides the atmosphere, their food is the main reason it’s one of the longest-running barbecue joints in North Carolina and it’s hard to go past a plate of their chopped barbecue and fried chicken, accompanied with collards or their famous Brunswick stew.
You will get a full tummy of tasty barbecue eating here, but you won’t need a full wallet. They say it’s the best BBQ in downtown Raleigh for the price!
Beloved by locals, celebrities and even past Presidents (check out their wall of fame), sit in one of their booths with friends or a counter seat and enjoy some of the best bbq, and each dish comes with a serving of their popular Hush Puppies!
A downtown Raleigh staple in a square room with counter seats, booths and tables. A casual and relaxed atmosphere. Good size portions for the money. Nostalgia.
Popular items:
Pulled Pork Sandwich, Fried Chicken (choice of dark or white meat.), Brisket, Ribs, Collards, Brunswick Stew, Hush Puppies.
So, if you’re looking for a Raleigh landmark, put Clyde Cooper’s on your list of restaurants to visit. Clyde’s often has events on First Friday evenings.
- Hours: 11.00am – 5.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11.00am – 6.00pm Friday and Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
- Address: 327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website: ClydeCoopersbbq.com
Video: Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
6. The BBQ Lab
Having an award-winning BBQ joint in our own backyard in the North Hills district just proves that Raleigh is a good place to be for barbecue.
The BBQ Lab is famous across the state for their innovative BBQ dishes, where they combine traditional NC-style BBQ with a “scientific twist.” They pride themselves on their slow-cooked smoker method which makes their dishes tender and packed with flavor.
If you love their bold flavors, you can even pick up a bottle of their award-winning Redneck BBQ Lab sauce and rub, which is World Championship winning!
Popular Items:
BBQ Ribs, Fat Redneck (Brisket over Pulled Pork), Pulled Pork Burger, Brisket Mac N Cheese
- Hours: 11.00am – 9.00pm daily, Closed Monday
- Address: 4120-135 Main at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Website: https://ncbbqlab.com/
7. Prime Barbecue
Prime Barbecue is possibly the most highly rated and beloved BBQ restaurant in the Triangle area and is frequented by Raleigh locals, even though it’s a 20-minute drive outside the city center to the town of Knightdale.
It’s well worth the trip as the flavors are bold and mouth-watering! Their BBQ is more Texas-style than NC-style, but it’s still some of the juiciest and tenderest meat.
Meals are served on metal trays, and the indoor and outdoor seating feels like a canteen with long tables with benches. They also have an open kitchen decor so you can watch the meat being cooked before you. It has a real community feel to it and you can see immediately why it’s so popular.
There is always a long line, but don’t worry, they have some yard games outside you can play while you wait. They also sometimes have live music in the evenings.
Popular Items:
Chicken Fried Steak, Brisket, BBQ Rice, Sweet Potato Salad, Texas-Style BBQ
- Hours: 11.00am – 3.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11.00am – 4.00pm Friday, 11.00am – 5.00pm Saturday, Closed Sunday & Monday
- Address: 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale
- Website: prime-bbq.com
8. Longleaf Swine
What started out as a food truck has now grown into one of Raleigh’s most beloved restaurants in downtown. Swapping wheels for brick and mortar, Longleaf Swine is a restaurant that proves if you are good at what you do, you can succeed.
Opening its brick-and-mortar doors in November 2022, Longleaf Swine is a low-key, casual dining venue that’s all about the food.
Inside there are several small wooden tables and an open-kitchen decor. We love the industrial look of the dining space with exposed brick walls and ventilation pipes.
They also have outdoor seating with picnic benches and fire heaters over a covering, allowing diners to enjoy al fresco dining throughout the year. Staying true to their food truck roots, food is served on a paper-lined tray.
Popular Items:
Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket Sandwich, the sides of Pimento Mac N Cheese and they do really great Coleslaw! The Banana Pudding is also wonderful.
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Wednesday – Sunday (close between 2pm and 4pm Wednesday – Friday ), Closed on Monday and Tuesday. They may close early if the sell out.
- Address: 300 East Edenton Street Raleigh NC
- Website: https://longleafswine.com/
9. Lawrence Barbecue
Although not located in Raleigh, Lawrence Barbecue is only a 20-minute drive outside of downtown at Boxyard RTP on the way to Durham and is another restaurant that locals make the journey for. We were recommended this BBQ joint by one of our readers, and we can agree, it was a worthy recommendation!
Pioneered by chef Jake Wood, Lawrence Barbecue has a relaxed and personal feel about the place. Rather than having a traditional sit-down menu, you will find a daily menu written on their chalk board.
All their meats are cooked traditionally in a large, wood fired smoker. You order through a window and then go up to collect your food when they call your name. There are a few covered tables outside where you can sit and eat, or you can takeaway.
While here peruse some of the smaller maker stores, grab a beer or wine, or enjoy some ice cream and cupcakes. Boxyard is a cool space to hang out and they often have live music during lunch and on weekends.
Popular Items:
Pulled Pork Sandwich, Pork Belly, Chicken Sandwich, Brisket (if you get Brisket, you may get some burnt ends, yum!)
- Hours: 11.00am – 8.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
- Address: 900 Park Offices Dr Suite 120, Durham, NC 27703
- Website: https://www.lawrencefoodco.com/
What is North Carolina-Style BBQ?
When they say BBQ here in North Carolina, it’s known as a specific dish (noun), not a gathering or the process of cooking meat (verb).
That dish is pork, typically chopped or pulled pork, that has been slow cooked on a barbecue at a low temperature and paired with a vinegar-based sauce and spices! The barbecue is usually made using a fire of hardwood and/or hardwood coals, which locks in that smokey flavor. The meat for an NC-style BBQ must be pork (whole hog or pork shoulders).
However, most of the barbecue restaurants will serve beef brisket (Texas style) and chicken and turkey, but as a cultural term here, NC Style BBQ means slow-cooked pork!
Just remember that in NC, brisket is brisket, and ribs are ribs, but when you say NC BBQ, North Carolinians know it means only one thing, pulled or chopped pork!
BBQ is an essential part of North Carolina’s DNA, and it comes in two forms: Eastern and Lexington styles.
Because we live in Raleigh in the Southeast of the state, we’re focused on Eastern style, in which they slow cook the whole hog over hot coals, then pull the meat, maybe give it a little chop, and dress it with vinegar base sauce.
Typically, Eastern style is served as a sandwich or a plated dish, with all the traditional Southern sides you can handle and many of the locals like to wash it down with sweet tea.
The difference between North Carolina and South Carolina BBQ is that in SC, they tend to use the whole hog, whereas in NC they prefer to use the shoulder or pieces of pork.
Final Thoughts
Now you know where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh, and where the locals love to eat their ‘cue.
Barbecue in North Carolina (and Raleigh) is a tradition and a celebration and something they take very seriously the state capital. Locals eat it at restaurants, from food trucks, at college football tailgates, at festivals, in backyards, at picnics, pretty much anywhere!
We hope this guide helped you pick a BBQ joint to check out in the City of Oaks! Please share with us in the comments below, what bbq place have we left out that you recommend?
More Popular Food Posts
Need more inspiration about where to eat in Raleigh? You can find other popular restaurants in these guides:
- Where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh
- Where to find the best sandwiches in Raleigh
- Best Raleigh restaurants in downtown.
- The best burgers in Raleigh.
What Raleigh BBQ joint would you add to this list? Please share in the comments.
