Barbecue cravings bring people together in ways few foods can, and nowhere is that more true than in Raleigh. From drive-thru smoke shacks to artsy pitmaster experiments and old-school institutions, the city and its neighbors offer a smoky feast for every kind of barbecue fan.
Let’s get to it.
Chop Shop BBQ & Grill
Hidden inside a Shell station on East Six Forks Road, Chop Shop BBQ & Grill proves great barbecue can thrive anywhere. Hudson Moore traded the hustle of the NC State Fairgrounds for a fast-casual concept focused on pure Eastern North Carolina tradition. Meats spend fourteen hours in hickory smoke… the pulled pork and smoked chicken thighs emerge tender yet firm enough to hold a Carolina-style chop.
The menu features classic sides and a few surprises. Mac & cheese, cowboy beans simmered with seasoned beef and onions, and creamy potato salad pair naturally with the main event. If you want a sweet finish, banana pudding stands ready. A convenient drive-thru ensures you can grab your order without missing a beat.
Prices are straightforward: sandwiches under ten dollars and full plates around fourteen dollars. Catering is also available, so you can bring that authentic smoke flavor to any gathering. Chop Shop balances speed, quality, and genuine Southern hospitality in a setting you wouldn’t expect. Dig into the slow-cooked goodness right here.
City Barbeque
At City Barbeque, smoked meats take center stage. Each day local hickory fuels the on-site smokers that transform brisket into a textbook example of fall-apart tenderness after an 18-hour cook. Carolina pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, and sliced turkey also share the spotlight, ensuring a variety of barbecue styles in one place.
Sides are treated with equal care. Freshly made hush puppies, collard greens simmered with pork, and baked beans rich with bacon and brisket pieces all arrive hand-prepared daily. Signature sauces give you control over spice and sweetness, letting each bite reflect your personal preference. The atmosphere stays relaxed, matching the laid-back spirit of true barbecue culture.
Whether you need a casual dine-in meal or catering for a crowd, City Barbeque covers every base. Portions are generous, value is solid, and takeout is streamlined for those on the go. With a focus on competition-quality barbecue and genuine hospitality, this spot turns any meal into a smoky celebration worth repeating. Explore the smokin’ menu that started it all.
Lechon Latin BBQ & Bar
Across Raleigh, Lechon Latin BBQ & Bar fuses North Carolina barbecue with the bold flavors of Puerto Rico, Peru, and Argentina. This family-owned spot starts with lechón con cuero—roasted pig with crackling skin, marinated for three days and slow-roasted for eight hours. It’s a showstopper that sets the tone for the rest of the menu.
Peruvian rotisserie chicken and Argentinian sausages step up if pork isn’t your thing, each kissed by wood fire and smoky expertise. Sides don’t play second fiddle here either: elote corn salad, fried yuca, and cilantro coleslaw stand alongside staples like rice, beans, and mac and cheese. Their Hennessy barbecue sauce, made in-house, should win some kind of peace prize for its balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.
Portions come in abuela-size generosity yet prices stay friendly. You can swing by for fast-casual dine-in, grab takeout, or call for catering that turns any event into a festive feast. Lechon Latin BBQ & Bar keeps things vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. Get your fork ready for wood-fired Latin BBQ.
Longleaf Swine
At Longleaf Swine in Raleigh’s historic Oakwood neighborhood, barbecue feels like a well-loved ritual. Founded by Adam Cunningham and Marc Russell, this spot evolved from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar where whole hogs are smoked over oak and hickory, then cut and weighed to order. There’s a sense of ceremony in that process, and plenty of reasons to drool at the counter.
While Eastern North Carolina whole hog is their specialty, the menu offers more than one regional influence. Brisket rivaling any Texas pitmaster’s appears alongside spareribs that boast a serious smoke ring. Every cut gets a signature treatment with house-made sauces ranging from sweet and smoky to tangy mustard.
The sides deserve equal praise. Creamy pimento mac and cheese pairs perfectly with hushpuppies stuffed full of pimento cheese. If you’re sharing, the “Pigpen” family platter delivers a little bit of everything. Even solo diners find themselves tempted to take home leftovers. It’s no wonder Longleaf Swine keeps turning up on national best-of lists one slow-smoked plate at a time. Browse the menu and plan your visit.
Midwood Smokehouse
Stepping into Midwood Smokehouse in Raleigh feels like a celebration of every barbecue tradition. Here you’ll find Texas-style brisket and burnt ends, Kansas City ribs dressed with a sweet glaze, and Carolina pulled pork all under one roof. Hickory smoke ties everything together for a rich aroma that hits as soon as you walk in.
The menu keeps it familiar in the best possible way. Classics like creamy mac and cheese, crunchy hushpuppies, and collard greens appear alongside a surprisingly popular broccoli casserole. Portions are generous without being overwhelming, and prices land nicely in that sweet spot where you leave happy but not broke.
There’s a full bar with craft beers on tap and plenty of seating both indoors and on the patio. Want to eat in? Great. Carry out? Easy. Feeding a crowd? Their catering service handles everything from office lunches to backyard gatherings. Midwood Smokehouse manages to stay casual and effortless no matter how you choose to enjoy it. See why it’s called a melting pot of barbecue.
Ole Time Barbecue
Since its founding in 1993, Ole Time Barbecue has been a Raleigh landmark. Family owned from day one, they keep vinegar-based Carolina barbecue at the center of everything. The pulled pork arrives tender and tangy, a reminder that some recipes don’t need changing when they’re already perfect.
Beyond pork you’ll find St. Louis–style ribs slathered in smoky sauce, barbecue chicken cooked to juicy perfection, and a fried chicken option that lives up to its crispy promise. On the side, mac and cheese is rich and gooey, fried okra offers a satisfying crunch, and coleslaw provides a cool, crisp balance.
Portions are hearty and prices remain wallet-friendly. The dining room has a cozy, laid-back vibe that feels like visiting family—if your family happened to serve house-made sauce at every meal. Whether you swing by for counter service or grab a quick takeout box, Ole Time Barbecue continues to earn its place among Raleigh’s favorite pit stops. Take a peek at what’s smoking over at Ole Time.
Sam Jones BBQ
When you visit Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh, you’re stepping into a legacy of whole-hog chopped barbecue. Pete Jones of Skylight Inn passed down the torch to his grandson Sam, who keeps the tradition alive by smoking every hog over Carolina oak wood. No freezers here—just fresh plates loaded with crispy pork skin for crunch.
The menu focuses on classic Southern barbecue. Barbecue, chicken, turkey, and ribs each take their sweet time in the smoke, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Sides include mac ’n cheese, coleslaw, collard greens, and homemade chips, the kind that feel like a family invitation to linger a little longer.
This casual, full-service spot offers generous portions that could intimidate a salad. Their house-made sauces and rubs add another layer of flavor. Indoor seating or a sunny patio—either choice pairs well with a cool drink. Sam Jones BBQ honors tradition and delivers the robust taste of true Eastern North Carolina barbecue. View the menu here.
SmokeStacks Cafe
When you step into SmokeStacks Cafe, you realize classic Carolina barbecue is about to take a detour in the best possible way. Tucked into Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood, this family-run spot honors Southern smoke traditions yet injects a playful twist.
You’ll still get brisket, ribs, and smoky sausage, but the creative extras steal the show. Pulled pork strudel shares the menu with black-eyed pea hummus…someone clearly thought barbecue could use an unexpected tangent.
Sides hold their own. Hand-cut fries arrive crisp, and the mac and cheese strikes a balance between creamy and sharp. Daily specials pop up without warning, so you might find bourbon BBQ tacos one day and smoked pig ear salad the next. Portions are generous and prices stay friendly.
Choose patio seating or grab a tray to go. The atmosphere stays casual. It’s barbecue without the pretense. If you crave something comforting yet surprising, SmokeStacks Cafe delivers a spin on Southern smoke you won’t forget. See what’s smoking today.
Big Mikes BBQ Cary
If you’re in the mood for serious barbecue, Big Mike’s BBQ in Cary delivers on every level. What started as a humble food truck has grown into a local legend under Michael Markham’s guidance. Their brisket and Eastern North Carolina-style chopped pork spend up to sixteen hours in hickory and oak smoke… the result is tender meat with a deep, smoky embrace that tastes like tradition.
The menu offers classic staples alongside playful twists. Redneck Nachos layer smoked pork over chips, while warm smoked potato salad shows what happens when side dishes take center stage. Cornbread, collard greens, and mac ’n’ cheese bring a touch of Southern comfort with a hint of finesse. A bottle shop stocks local craft beers and sets a laid-back, bar-style mood that pairs perfectly with ribs and a cold pint. Generous portions, moderate prices, and a friendly atmosphere make it easy to try a bit of everything. It feels like a backyard cookout thanks to its warm, welcoming vibe. See what’s smoking at Big Mike’s BBQ.
Dampf Good BBQ
At Dampf Good BBQ in Cary, you get Texas barbecue meets Carolina charm. Brothers Nick and Bryce Dampf turned a farm pavilion into a gathering spot that’s truly all about the smoke. They believe in faith, quality, and the slow, authentic approach… fifteen hours of oak-fueled heat for their brisket sets the tone. Every cut arrives with a rich bark and just the right smoke ring, a testament to their careful process.
The menu stars USDA Prime brisket, beef ribs that cut like butter, smoked turkey, pulled pork, and house-made sausage. The sides refuse to play second fiddle: smoked mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort and brisket baked beans bring a smoky depth. Service is counter-style and relaxed, and the outdoor pavilion feels casual without the cleanup.
Options include takeout, catering, and even a Saturday breakfast during the farmers market. Whether you’re planning a backyard-style feast or just craving seriously good smoke, Dampf Good BBQ raises the bar on flavor without any fuss. Start here.
Danny’s Bar-B-Que
Since 1992, Danny’s Bar-B-Que has been a Carolina cornerstone for anyone who wants generous portions and plenty of smoke. Family-owned and driven by tradition, this spot uses hickory wood, patience, and a lineup of original sauces to bring out bold flavors. Sauces like High on the Hog and Boss Hog’s Hot Spit boast names that promise a punch.
Brisket with a Texas twist and chopped pork that honors Southern roots are both stars here. Ribs arrive meaty and fall-off-the-bone tender. Creamy coleslaw, hush puppies, and baked beans studded with pork back up the mains without stealing the spotlight. A chopped pork sandwich piled high on a soft bun lets you sample as many sauces as you like at the counter. If banana pudding is on the menu, feel free to circle back for a second round.
Prices stay wallet-friendly, especially at lunch, and the counter-style service keeps things casual. Whether you dine in or take your order to go, Danny’s delivers that down-home feeling with each smoky bite. Dive into Danny’s smoky menu lineup.
Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue
Since 1952, Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue has been serving Durham’s longest-running barbecue tradition. This family-owned spot still operates much as it did seven decades ago. Here the focus remains on classic Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue… tender chopped pork kissed by a tangy, house-made vinegar sauce. The meat does the talking on its own terms.
The menu extends beyond pork. Fried chicken, St. Louis ribs, brisket, and even seafood join the lineup at dependable, homestyle quality. Generous portions of hush puppies, fried okra, and boiled potatoes (when available) round out the meal. Those sides might test your willpower, but not your wallet. Bullock’s walls serve as a living scrapbook, lined with photos of famous faces who’ve stopped by for a taste. Family members still run the place and cater events, offering down-to-earth service and prices as welcoming as the staff. Every visit feels rooted in barbecue history and familial pride. Feed your barbecue cravings at Bullock’s.
Byrd’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering
At Byrd’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering, pitmasters have been perfecting smoke for over six decades. Family owned for 64 years, this unpretentious spot seats about thirty diners at a simple counter setup. Kim and James keep things straightforward and friendly, proving great barbecue doesn’t need frills.
Southern staples shine here. Brisket, pulled pork, and ribs arrive with a depth of smoke that only years of experience can deliver. Two house-made sauces offer options: a classic Carolina vinegar base for purists and a sweeter Memphis-style version. Sides hold their own as well. Fried okra, hush puppies, and creamy mac ’n’ cheese offer comforting contrasts to the meat.
Portions are generous and prices fair. Catering is available for those who want to share that authentic barbecue flavor at events. There’s no pretension here, just honest food and genuine Southern hospitality. See what’s coming off their pit today.
J-Top’s BBQ Shop
In Clayton, J-Top’s BBQ Shop stacks Carolina-style meats so high you might need two hands. Their famously tender brisket comes with a deep smoky bark that earns bragging rights. Pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and even Southern fried catfish round out the lineup, adding a surprising twist to the usual barbecue roster.
The sides keep the momentum going. Mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort, fried squash and okra bring satisfying crunch, and tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness. House-made pecan pie is half the reason to save room for dessert… rich, nutty, and just sweet enough.
Inside, the bright dining area feels welcoming and you’ll spot plenty of locals who know they’re in for something good. You can grab a table for dine-in, place a takeout order, or let them handle catering for events up to 400 guests. No-contact delivery is available too. Prices stay reasonable whether you’re feeding just yourself or a crowd. J-Top’s BBQ Shop proves Carolina barbecue can be straightforward, satisfying, and a little unexpected. Get yourself a seat at the smoky table.
Lawrence Barbecue
Over in Durham, Lawrence Barbecue blends tradition and innovation in every plate. Founder Allen Lawrence and pitmaster Jake Wood deliver slow-smoked oak and hickory meats that hit each note of tenderness and depth. The brisket is so soft it practically falls apart and the pulled pork stays true to North Carolina roots.
They don’t stop at the classics. Brisket birria tacos add a savory Mexican twist, and beef fat caramel wings bring a hint of sweetness and crunch. Sides carry swagger too… three-cheese mac with voodoo crumble, tangy slaw, and deviled egg potato salad all assert themselves. Signature sauces range from OG vinegar to Alabama white and South of the Border for those who love a condiment adventure.
Covered picnic seating invites both small gatherings and larger groups. The kitchen is closed Sunday and Monday but open the rest of the week for generous portions and friendly service. They also handle catering and are gearing up to expand into Cary soon. Lawrence Barbecue shows how rooted barbecue can still surprise you. Give your taste buds a reason to celebrate.
Moe’s Original BBQ
Since 1988, Moe’s Original BBQ has built a reputation for Alabama-style smoked meats and Southern sides. Started by three friends with a passion for authentic flavor, the chain now spans more than 60 locations across 14 states and into Mexico. You won’t have to plan a road trip just to sample their slow-smoked offerings.
The menu reads like a Southern soul food playlist. Pulled pork, spare ribs, smoked wings, turkey, chicken, catfish, and shrimp share equal billing. House-made red barbecue sauce adds a sweet tang while the famous white sauce brings a peppery, creamy kick. Traditional sides—banana pudding, mac and cheese, collard greens—round out the experience.
Service is simple counter style, with plenty of options for takeout if you’d rather dine at home. And if you need to feed a crowd, Moe’s catering menu is equally robust. From office parties to family reunions, they make southern hospitality easy. It’s clear why they rank among America’s top barbecue chains. menu and get your Southern fix sorted.
Parker’s Barbecue
For over four decades, Parker’s Barbecue has honored Eastern North Carolina whole hog traditions with unwavering dedication. Family owned since the beginning, they rely on tried-and-true recipes rather than trendy reinventions. The vinegar-based sauce hits bright and tangy, while a sweeter red version offers a welcome contrast.
The menu reads like a comfort food diploma. Whole hog pork appears alongside crunchy fried chicken, chicken livers, and even flounder for those seeking seafood. Each dish pairs with classic sides: buttery corn sticks, creamy macaroni and cheese, Brunswick stew, and crisp coleslaw.
You’ll find generous portions at friendly prices whether you’re seated inside or rolling through the drive-thru. Many customers discover they’ve ordered enough for another meal or two—self-control is optional. Parker’s remains a local legend for anyone craving family-style barbecue the old-fashioned way. See why this barbecue draws crowds.
Picnic
If you love whole hog barbecue, Picnic in Durham will feel like a pilgrimage. They slow-smoke heritage-breed pigs from Green Button Farm over oak wood, giving each bite a hickory-scented richness. But pork isn’t the only star here. Brisket, fried chicken, and even fried cod join the lineup, making sure every meat fan has something to celebrate.
The sides deserve a standing ovation. Hush puppies arrive golden and fluffy, collards bring a touch of earthiness, and you can choose between classic mac & cheese or a daring pimento mac when comfort calls. Their Pig Whistle sauce bridges Eastern and Western North Carolina styles, so everyone leaves the table happy.
The atmosphere keeps things casual, like a backyard get-together with friends. Grab your barbecue to go or settle in with a local beer. Sunday lunch with family? They’ve got you covered. And with rotating specials, homemade desserts, and catering options, Picnic has earned its place among North Carolina’s top 64 barbecue joints. See what makes Picnic the toast of Durham.
Prime Barbecue
In Knightdale, Prime Barbecue combines Texas brisket and North Carolina whole hog barbecue into one irresistible feast. They marry these traditions by slow-smoking brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast, and house-made sausage. Each cut reflects meticulous care—flavor that comes from hours of patient smoke.
Classic sides round out the meal. Mac and cheese, baked beans, sweet potato salad, and barbecue rice all hit the mark. They might not steal the spotlight, but in a barbecue hall of fame for sides, these would surely receive votes.
Service is counter style with modern touches, steering clear of clichéd tablecloths. Prices feel fair—$18 for a half-pound of brisket, $11 for pulled pork. Takeout caters to homebodies and they even provide catering for backyard parties that deserve real barbecue. Weekly specials like burnt ends keep the menu fresh and give you a reason to return. Recognized as one of the Triangle’s top spots, Prime Barbecue delivers on its smoky promises. See what’s cookin’ at Prime Barbecue.
Red Hot & Blue – Morrisville
Over three decades, Red Hot & Blue in Morrisville has served barbecue with unmistakable attitude. This blues-themed restaurant feels like it belongs on Beale Street, and the music pairs perfectly with a plate of brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, or pulled chicken. Each meat spends 12 to 13 hours in hickory smoke, resulting in tenderness that barely needs sauce.
They cover Southern styles from Memphis ribs to Carolina pulled pork and Texas brisket. Signature sauces such as Mojo Mild and Sufferin’ Sweet bring character to every bite. Sides stick to the classics: mac and cheese, hush puppies, and collard greens each offer a comforting balance.
With a cozy interior and generous portions that challenge your appetite, Red Hot & Blue remains a go-to spot. Prices won’t make you clutch your pearls. Whether you’re here for the music, the smoke, or both, one visit is all it takes to understand why this place still hits the right note. See why the blues taste better here.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Driving through North Carolina, you can’t miss the yellow-and-red sign for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. Since 1977 in Smithfield, Junius and Maggie Moore have been serving plates of pulled pork and fried chicken with a distinctive vinegar-kissed tang. Hush puppies often wander onto your tray unannounced, and nobody minds one bit.
This fast-casual spot lets you order at the counter and get your food quickly, proof they’ve perfected their fryer timing. Sides include coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and Brunswick stew for those who want a heartier sip. Family meals cater to groups large and small without breaking the bank.
If you’re feeding up to 50 people, the catering packages handle crowd control. And if you time your visit right, you can add a seasonal pie to finish on a sweet note. Smithfield’s keeps things simple and satisfying—just the way Eastern North Carolinians like it. Browse their menu and start plotting your next meal.
The Blue Note Grill
Step into The Blue Note Grill in Durham and you discover where North Carolina barbecue meets live blues. This family-owned venue doubles as a hickory-smoke joint and a full-service bar. Warm lights hang over tables as local musicians take the stage.
Pulled pork leads the lineup alongside tender ribs and chicken. A practice-worthy coleslaw and hearty mac and cheese share space with fried okra and collard greens. Portions arrive hearty, prices stay reasonable, and every plate feels like a seat at a Southern family table.
When live music kicks in, rhythms spill out across the dining room. It earned its reputation as “Best Place to Hear Blues,” and the vibe lives up to it. Dinner and a show unfold without cover charges most nights.
Grab a table for dine-in or call ahead for takeout. You can even arrange catering for group events. Avoid Sundays and Mondays if you want a full band. Those evenings run dark. Otherwise, The Blue Note Grill might just become your go-to Durham spot. Browse the menu and show up hungry.
THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK
Since 2003, THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK in Durham has been quietly perfecting Texas-style barbecue. Owners Dan and Amanda Ferguson rely on mesquite wood smoke to bring out deep flavors in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage.
Everything feels authentic. Sauces come straight from scratch. There’s the chipotle-tinged My Sauce and the vinegar-chili-garlic His Sauce, both made in-house. Hushpuppies, stewed green beans, and creamy mac and cheese arrive without a wrinkle of pretense.
It’s all counter-service. Portions laugh in the face of dainty appetites. Prices stay fair, so you can fill a plate without worry. Whether you eat at a picnic table or in your car, the smoky tradition stands tall.
Holiday specials show up when the calendar calls. And if you have an event to feed, their catering arm has you covered. Even chefs like José Andrés have taken notice. Drop by THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK and see what happens when genuine smoke and Southern spirit get together. Check their menu here.
The Redneck BBQ Lab
At The Redneck BBQ Lab, the focus is on serious smoke without white tablecloths. Founders Jerry L. Stephenson, Jr. and his award-winning pitmaster team rely on hickory charcoal and cherry wood to infuse pork and brisket with bold, over-the-top flavor.
Sauce fans and purists both win. The house offers in-house vinegar and tomato-based sauce options. You won’t find shortcuts here, since meats spend the night in the smoker. Then there are the sides. Jalapeño mac and cheese and hearty Brunswick stew can challenge the main event for your attention.
New recipes arrive every month so loyal visitors always find something fresh. It’s counter-service with generous portions that feel almost limitless. Prices let you walk out with leftovers and still fill your tank for the drive home.
Family-run hours stretch late enough for any craving. Competition trophies lined up inside remind you these pitmasters play for keeps. Drop in or call ahead for takeout and see why The Redneck BBQ Lab lives up to its name. Try the award-winning meat and sides yourself.
Warehouse BBQ
Warehouse BBQ got its start as a Youngsville food truck and quickly outgrew its wheels. Today it anchors the community with slow-smoked meats that draw lines out the door.
The menu reads like a carnivore checklist. Pork belly burnt ends glisten with spice, pulled pork offers tang and tenderness, and lighter options like turkey let you mix it up. Wings come saucy and crisp. Andouille sausage appears in its own starring role.
Sides steal moments, too. The smoked mac and cheese arrives gooey with a smoky edge. Collard greens simmer until they wilt into rich comfort. Fried okra and baked beans arrive piping hot, and cornbread finishes the lineup on a sweet note.
No matter how you roll, whether dine-in, takeout, or catering, Warehouse BBQ delivers big portions without fuss. Prices stay reasonable, and the homey setting feels like you’re back in your own backyard. Grab a plate and see why locals keep coming back. Check out their menu here.
