Ok guys, let’s loosen our belts and talk about where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh. Whether you live in Raleigh like us, or are just visiting and searching on your phone for the best barbecue places near me, don’t miss these four BBQ joints down below!
In case you don’t know what food is Raleigh known for, 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.
No matter how you spell it, enjoying a plate of barbecue in Raleigh is one of those “welcome to the South” moments all meat eaters should experience and one of the top things to do in Raleigh.
Keep in mind, when I say NC BBQ, here in North Carolina the culture refers to it as a specific dish (noun), not a gathering or the process of cooking meat (verb). And that dish is pork, typically chopped or pulled pork, or chopped bbq)! 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 something specific!
Confused yet? 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! In Australia, we’d say “let’s have a bbq” or “come to my place for a bbq”, an event, or if we’re talking about the actual grill.
Either way, barbecue in North Carolina (and Raleigh) is a tradition and a celebration and something they take very seriously the state capital. They eat it at restaurants, from food trucks, at college football tailgates, at festivals, in backyards, at picnics, pretty much anywhere!
What kind of BBQ is North Carolina known for? As an essential part of North Carolina’s DNA, it comes in two forms: Eastern and Lexington styles.
Because we live in Raleigh, today we’re going to focus 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.
So, let’s talk about where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh, where the locals love to eat their ‘cue.
NOTE: we’ll be adding to this list of BBQ spots in Raleigh to include more places around the Raleigh area and Wake County once we have personally eaten there. Subscribe to our email so you don’t miss the updates!
The Pit Authentic BBQ
The Pit Authentic BBQ is without doubt one 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 near the heart of downtown Raleigh, 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 North Carolina 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, and it easily makes my list of the best burgers in Raleigh.
You’ll definitely want to eat at the Pit more than once so you can try all their BBQ, their sides, and their burger!
Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, they often have live music outside, and I recommend it as one of the best Raleigh restaurants downtown.
What you can expect:
The Pit Raleigh is one of your above-average barbecue restaurants in style and appearance, more than a typical whole-in-the-wall BBQ 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.
- Address: 328 W Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: ThePit-Raleigh.com
Olde Time BBQ
One of the best hidden gems in Raleigh and one of those classic hole-in-the-wall roadside BBQ joints is Olde Time BBQ. This was 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 didn’t even need the sauce, and the pork was cooked perfectly and also flavorful – you can literally taste the vinegar without the sauce.
What you can expect:
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 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.
When you visit Raleigh, definitely put Olde Time BBQ on your list of best BBQ Spots in Raleigh to try!
- Address: 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: OldeTimeBarbecue.com
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Step back in time at Clyde Cooper’s BBQ, a Downtown Raleigh institution since 1938 and one of the oldest Raleigh restaurants.
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, and continuing with the old-school vibe they’ve only just started accepting credit cards, previously cash only!
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 in Raleigh, and each dish comes with a serving of their popular Hush Puppies!
What you can expect:
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, 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 top barbecue joints in Raleigh list to visit.
- Address: 327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website: ClydeCoopersbbq.com
Video: Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Sam Jones BBQ
The famous Sam Jones BBQ recently opened in Raleigh in early 2021 and if you’re from North Carolina and know your barbecue, you’re probably well aware that Sam Jones out of Winterville, NC has some of the best BBQ in North Carolina.
The Jones family name in BBQ 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 new location on W Lenoir Street in Downtown Raleigh, they smoke whole hogs on site every day and opened to much fanfare from locals in the know and some positive restaurant news is a refreshing change in what has been a challenging past 12 months for the industry for obvious reasons.
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.
For our first experience, Sam Jones BBQ didn’t disappoint. This is North Carolina BBQ at its finest. They also have one of my favorite sandwiches in Raleigh, the smoked turkey you have to try.
The chopped BBQ was juicy and flavorful. The smoked ribs tender, and that finely chopped slaw I envision is like what Grandma used to make. And our kids gave the baked beans and Mac and cheese a big thumbs up!
Sam Jones has instantly become one of my favorite BBQ joints in Raleigh, and I’m excited to go back and taste all their offerings as it’s an easy walk from my co-working space at Raleigh Founded in the Warehouse District.
I really want to try their sweet potatoes muffins!
What you can expect:
Indoor and outdoor seating. We enjoyed 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.
When you’re in Downtown Raleigh and asking “where to eat the best BBQ Raleigh”, you’ll be happy you visited Sam Jones.
- Address: 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh
- Website: SamJonesBBQ.com/raleigh
What Raleigh BBQ joint would you add to this list? Please share in the comments.
Related Post – Where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh
Know you guys frequent Wilmington sometimes. You’ve probably already heard of Southern Smoke, it’s a little out of the way off I-40 on the way down. BUT well worth a visit. Only open on Thursday’s & Friday’s at 11:30am, and once they run out…that’s it. I’ve seen many disappointed faces on Friday’s when I use to frequent there at least 2-3x’s monthly. Haven’t been in a while, just because life hasn’t allowed. But plan to soon. On a nice spring day, there’s usually a line forming shortly after 11am. The town of Garland may have 1 or 2 stoplights and include a population of 1,000? Maybe. I’ve met people in line that traveled from all over. I’ve never had anything bad there…let me re-phrase that, everything there is off the hook good. Menu changes daily…..use to be Son (main proprietor), Dad (main helper), Mom (cashier), and other family members.
I miss this place, if it weren’t an hour away. I’d definitely go more often.
I recently found Primal BBQ just right across the bridge after leaving Wrightsville Beach. It’s good, really good. I can always tell good BBQ, when I walk in the door and smell. I got a lb. of pulled pork, and a lb. of brisket. Menu was hand written on the wall. I’ll be back for sure. I do my very best to paddle surf everyday, when I’m in town. And this place is right on the way home!
I’ve lived in NC most of my life, and BBQ is definitely a passion of mine. For almost 2 years I worked in the Wilmington area, and lived in the mountains. Drove back and forth weekly, my goal at one point was to hit every BBQ restaurant, joint, drive in, etc. I kinda gave up, but still love to stop and get a pound and a fork…whenever possible. Wilmington lacks some good Q, there’s definitely some posers here. But Primal made my day this past Wednesday. I was headed to Mission BBQ, which I also love. But they’re a Texas chain….still good thou.
I just recently drove out to Northern California to work at Vail owned Kirkwood Ski resort as Coach & Mountain Operations. The drive was an experience, tons of BBQ joints in Tx., NMex., Az., and even NV. Fun to get off the main roads sometimes.
Whole trip was 6800 miles….hope my wife lets me do it again next year. It was a good Covid break for me.
Happy Friday!!!
Waves are pumping, headed out now.
Best,
Rick Wheeler
Hey Rick,
Thanks for the great tips about BBQ, Southern Smoke and Primal in Wilmington. You definitely sound like you have a passion for BBQ, slowly making our way through places in the Triangle and then will start on rest of NC.
Can’t wait to get back to Wilmington now it’s starting to warm up.
Enjoy the surf!
Sam Jones had pulled pork? Doubt that massacred chopped up mess is deemed “pulled”. Oh and the cornbread is a wet slab of mush. Not by any means, cornbread!
Chopped. My bad, had pulled on the brain from elsewhere.
1) The Pit is mediocre at best. It’s only popular because the owner was on Food Network. The pork is dry and the brisket is bland/tastes like a pot roast more than brisket.
2) Sam Jones has fallen from its heights; it’s gotten very commercialized.
3) Lawrence BBQ and Prime BBQ in Knightdale are two missing options and two of the best spots in the state.
Hey Alex,
I’ve started with Raleigh bbq places inside the beltline, but definitely planning to visit Prime BBQ in Knightdale and others barbecue joints around Wake County.
I didn’t grow up with Carolina bbq but have definitely acquired the taste, and have enjoyed eating at both Sam Jones and The Pit, but appreciate your insights.
This list seems to be made from a 2000 phone book. The top three picks have faded because of mediocrity. So many new refreshing choices!! Get in the car and try a few!!
Hi Gene, I personally ate at and enjoyed all of them, and don’t read phone books lol. This is a Raleigh list, as in “inside the beltline”. I am planning to explore more of the Wake County BBQ spots. Where do you suggest?
Smithfield BBQ didn’t make your list. IMO they have the best pulled pork and vinegar based sauce as well as fried chicken.
Hi Wendy,
I assume you’re talking about Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q? My list was more “Raleigh” focused but I will be expanding on this list in the future, thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Craig. I agree with The Pit Authentic BBA recommendation – I do have to try their Big Boy burger. My wife and I just recently visited Red, Hot and Blue BBQ in Raleigh and we enjoyed their tasty 12-13 hr smoked, tender brisket. Their smoked fall- off the bone St. Louis ribs were well seasoned and nicely smoked. The baked beans were one of the bests we’ve had so far. But their hush puppies were dry.
Big Mike’s BBQ in Cary is a favorite of ours and was the 1st BBQ spot we visited that was not BBQ chain restaurant.
Thanks for the recommendations.
Thank you so much for these great BBQ recommendations for Raleigh and Cary. We have not tried either. Big Mikes is not far from where we live either so that is a huge mistake on our behalf. We will correct that soon!