Ok guys, we all know that Raleigh is the state capital, so when you’re looking for mouth-watering North Carolina-style barbecue, you can be sure to find some of the best BBQ in Raleigh!
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 our tips on where to eat the best BBQ in Raleigh and the surrounding areas in the Triangle.
Whenever we have visitors, we always take them out for a plate of barbecue in Raleigh; it’s one of those “welcome to the South” moments that all meat eaters should experience. In fact, BBQ is so good you can spell it four ways – Barbecue, Barbeque, Bar-b-que and BBQ. In case you didn’t know, East and West NC BBQ is different – you can read more about the different types of NC BBQ here.
Whether you live in Raleigh like us, or are just visiting, don’t miss these BBQ joints within a 20-minute drive of downtown. We started this list visiting BBQ joints inside the beltline, but we’ve since traveled outside to find more tasty options, so we’ve expanded this guide to bring you more options. The restaurants in this list are arranged by distance from downtown, and you can see all locations on this interactive map.
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 East North Carolina BBQ style, meaning they use a whole hog over a wood-fired pit. 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. They serve one of my favorite sandwiches in Raleigh, the smoked turkey – I lost my photo of it on my drive, but trust me, it’s a good one!
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!
There’s indoor and outdoor seating available. 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 you can 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. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide American South gave Sam Jones a Bib Gourmand recommendation for spots where diners can enjoy remarkable meals at a great value.
- Address: 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh
- Website: SamJonesBBQ.com/raleigh
2. The Pit Authentic BBQ
The Pit Authentic BBQ is another popular BBQ spot in Raleigh who rose to fame after appearing on the Food Network’s k’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” and they also competed on “Chopped.” 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 Plate 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. It has 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 too. Prices are fair, and there’s a good variety on the beer list.
- 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, 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, where we had a serving of Hush Puppies to pick at whilst choosing 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 Fried Okra 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, Banana Pudding, Sweet Potato Pie.
- Hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm Monday – Saturday, Closed Sunday
- Address: 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: OleTimeBarbecue.com
4. Midwood Smokehouse, Smoky Hollows
One of our new favorite places to eat BBQ is the modern 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, chopped pork, ribs, and pulled chicken. All of which are delicious, but I’m most partial to their brisket.
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: 11am- 9pm Sun – Thurs, 11am – 10pm Fri – Sat
- Address: 409 W. Johnson Street Raleigh
- Website: midwoodsmokehouse.com
5. Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Step back in time at Clyde Cooper’s BBQ. They were a downtown Raleigh institution since 1938 and one of the oldest restaurants in Raleigh. They have since moved out of downtown and are now located in North Raleigh (15 minutes out of downtown). But you can expect the same quality and tradition. From the moment you 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 thigh or leg), 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.
- Address: 327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website: ClydeCoopersbbq.com
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 Sandwich, Homemade BBQ Chips
- 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
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide American South gave Prime Barbecue a Bib Gourmand recommendation for spots where diners can enjoy remarkable meals at a great value.
- 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 in Cary is well worth the 20-minute drive outside of downtown for! It used to have a location at Boxyard at the Research Triangle Park, but in Autumn 2025, it will reopen in downtown Cary on Cedar Street. It’s still one restaurant 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. As fans of their previous Boxyard location, we recently took friends visiting from Australia to their new Cary BBQ joint so they could taste some of the best. I love their brisket but this time I was suprrised bu how much I (caroline) enjoyed their pulled pork – a dish I don’t typically order and love. Popular Items: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Pork Belly, Chicken Sandwich, Brisket (if you get Brisket, you may get some burnt ends, yum!)
- Address: 150 E Cedar St, Cary
- Website: www.lawrencefoodco.com
10. Dampf Good BBQ
Dampf Good BBQ has quickly built a serious buzz across the Triangle, with rave reviews and long lines wherever their mobile setup pops up—and now even more excitement around their permanent home at Phillips Farm in Cary. ITs a Texas-style ‘cue joint where meats are smoked next to, not directly over, the fire.
While we haven’t made it out to the farm location just yet, we have tasted their brisket at the Bubbles & Brisket event, and it absolutely lived up to the hype: beautifully smoked, tender, peppery, with a crisp bark, and full of flavor. If the crowds, word-of-mouth, and that standout brisket are any indication, this is one BBQ spot that’s firmly on our radar—and very much worth the wait.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide American South gave Dampf Good BBQ received a recommendation for top Raleigh Restaurants. They also received recognition from Texas Monthly for being among “best Texas-style barbecue found outside of Texas”)
- Address: 6800 Good Hope Church Rd., Cary, NC 27519
- Website
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
That concludes it, those are our personal favorites for BBQ in Raleigh based on our own experience. We’ve discovered many of these places thanks to local suggestions, so we can vouch that these are 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 you thought of them, and if you know of any more places that you recommend?
More Food Guides in Raleigh
Need more inspiration about where to eat in Raleigh? Here is a list of favorite places to eat in Raleigh this year as voted by locals. (and favorite places to drink). You can find other popular restaurants in these guides:
- Where to eat the best breakfast in Raleigh
- Places to eat the best brunch in Raleigh
- Where to eat Lunch in Raleigh
- Mouth-Watering North Hills Restaurants You Must Try!
- Classic Southern dishes to try
- Great burgers in Raleigh
- Top Mexican Restaurants in Raleigh (Let’s Taco ‘Bout Them)
- Favorite Asian Restaurants in Raleigh & The Triangle
- Where to find the best sandwiches in Raleigh
- Best Raleigh restaurants in downtown
- Everything you need to know about NC BBQ
- Where to Find the Best Shrimp & Grits in Raleigh (and Nearby)
- G.O.A.T Restaurants in Raleigh: The Culinary Hall of Fame
- Family Friendly Restaurants & Places To Eat in Raleigh
- Our Favorite Downtown Raleigh Restaurants For All Tastes!
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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!