North Carolina’s Barbecue Champion You Need On Your Plate

At Big Mike’s BBQ, 1222 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, the aroma of slow-smoked meats hits you the moment you arrive. It’s easy to see why this spot has earned the title of North Carolina’s barbecue champion.

From tender, juicy ribs to perfectly seasoned pulled pork and brisket, every bite celebrates the art of authentic NC barbecue. The vibe is just as appealing as the food, warm, welcoming, and lively, making it feel like a place locals return to week after week.

Classic sides, tangy sauces, and generous portions complete the experience, creating meals that linger in your memory long after the last bite. Whether you’re chasing the state’s best barbecue or just craving comfort on a plate, Big Mike’s proves that in North Carolina, smoked meats are more than food, they’re a tradition worth savoring.

From Food Truck Dreams To Brick And Mortar Reality

Mike Markham started this journey back in 2011 with nothing but a mobile food truck and a passion for authentic barbecue. His vision was simple: bring real, slow smoked meats to people who appreciate quality over shortcuts.

That humble beginning grew into something much bigger as word spread across Cary and beyond.

The expansion to brick and mortar locations in Cary and Apex proved that people craved what Mike was serving. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the dedication to doing things the right way.

Every brisket, every rib, every bite told the story of someone who refused to compromise.

Walking into the Cary location now, you can still feel that food truck energy mixed with the comfort of a permanent home. The sawdust on the floor reminds you this is a place where barbecue traditions are honored.

The walls display photos of happy customers, each one a testament to the journey from wheels to walls.

This transformation shows what happens when passion meets persistence. Mike took a risk, trusted his skills, and built something the community embraced wholeheartedly.

The expansion wasn’t about getting bigger; it was about sharing great barbecue with more people who deserve it.

Eastern North Carolina Chopped Pork Perfection

The first time I tasted the Eastern North Carolina style chopped pork, I understood why locals keep coming back for more. This isn’t your average pulled pork; it’s chopped with precision and dressed with a vinegar based sauce that cuts through the richness.

The meat falls apart with the slightest touch, each piece infused with smoky flavor from hours in the pit.

Eastern Carolina barbecue is all about respecting the pig and letting the smoke do the talking. No heavy sauces mask the natural flavors here.

The vinegar tang wakes up your taste buds while the pepper adds just enough kick to keep things interesting.

I watched as the staff prepared my plate, piling the pork high with a practiced ease that comes from doing this hundreds of times. The meat glistened under the lights, promising tenderness and flavor in every forkful.

Pairing it with the blue cheese slaw created a combination that balanced creamy coolness against smoky heat.

This dish represents tradition done right, honoring the roots of Carolina barbecue while delivering modern excellence. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or trying it for the first time, this chopped pork will make you a believer in low and slow cooking.

Texas Style Brisket That Crosses State Lines

Bringing Texas style brisket to North Carolina takes confidence, and Big Mike delivers it with swagger. The brisket arrives at your table with a beautiful smoke ring visible around the edges, proof of hours spent absorbing wood smoke.

Each slice reveals tender meat that practically melts when you bite into it, with fat rendering perfectly throughout.

I ordered the brisket as part of a platter, and the generous portion could have easily fed two hungry people. The bark on the outside provided a satisfying contrast to the soft interior.

Some folks worry brisket might be too fatty, but here the fat adds moisture and flavor without overwhelming the experience.

The smoky aroma hit me before the plate even touched the table, making my mouth water in anticipation. I tried it plain first, letting the natural beef flavor shine through.

Then I added a touch of their signature sauce, which complemented rather than covered the meat’s character.

Texas and North Carolina might have different barbecue traditions, but this brisket proves great food transcends borders. The attention to temperature, timing, and technique shows in every tender, flavorful bite that leaves you wanting just one more slice.

Baby Back Ribs Worth Fighting Over

The baby back ribs at Big Mikes BBQ Cary have earned legendary status among regulars, and for good reason. These ribs come off the smoker with meat so tender it pulls away from the bone with minimal effort.

The rub creates a flavorful crust that locks in moisture while adding layers of spice and sweetness.

I grabbed a rib and took that first bite, feeling the meat give way easily between my teeth. The smoke flavor penetrated deep into each rib, creating a taste that lingers pleasantly on your palate.

Some reviews mention they can sell out early, which speaks to their popularity and the restaurant’s commitment to freshness.

The portion size impressed me; these aren’t skimpy ribs that leave you hungry. Each rack is meaty and substantial, giving you real value for your money.

I noticed other diners savoring theirs slowly, making each rib last as long as possible.

Pairing the ribs with smoked Gouda mac and cheese created a combination that felt indulgent yet comforting. The slight char on the edges added texture without any bitterness.

These ribs represent barbecue at its finest, where patience and skill transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Redneck Nachos: Creative Comfort On A Plate

Some menu items sound wild on paper but become instant favorites once you taste them. Redneck Nachos fall squarely in that category, combining Fritos with pulled pork, baked beans, blue cheese slaw, and barbecue sauce.

This isn’t your typical nacho platter; it’s a Southern twist that celebrates bold flavors and creative thinking.

The first time I saw someone order these, I thought they looked like chaos on a plate. Then I tried them myself and understood the genius behind the combination.

The Fritos stay surprisingly crunchy even under all those toppings, providing the perfect vehicle for the rich, smoky pulled pork.

Blue cheese slaw might seem like an odd choice until you realize it cuts through the heaviness of the beans and pork. Each bite offers different textures and flavors, from crunchy to creamy to tangy.

The barbecue sauce ties everything together, adding sweetness and spice that makes you reach for another chip.

This dish shows Big Mike’s willingness to have fun with food while respecting barbecue traditions. It’s comfort food elevated, the kind of thing you order when you want something familiar yet exciting.

Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself when nobody’s looking.

Craft Beer Selection That Complements Every Bite

An attached bottle shop offers roughly 100 craft beers in bottles and cans, with nine locally sourced brews on tap. This selection turns a good meal into a complete experience, pairing regional flavors with regional beers.

The staff knows their beer and can recommend the perfect brew to match your barbecue choices.

I opted for a local IPA that the server suggested, and it cut through the richness of the brisket beautifully. The hop bitterness balanced the sweet and smoky flavors, cleansing my palate between bites.

Having options beyond typical domestic lagers shows respect for customers who appreciate craft beverages.

The bottle shop atmosphere blends seamlessly with the restaurant, creating a casual vibe where you can browse while waiting for your food. Many customers grab bottles to take home, extending the Big Mike experience beyond the dining room.

The selection changes regularly, giving repeat visitors something new to discover.

This commitment to local craft beer supports other North Carolina businesses while enhancing your meal. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or rich stouts, you’ll find something that makes your barbecue taste even better.

The combination of great food and great beer creates memories worth repeating.

Catering Services For Your Special Events

Planning a party or event becomes easier when you know Big Mike’s handles catering with the same care they give dine in customers. Their packages include smoked meats, sides, and desserts, bringing authentic barbecue to weddings, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations.

You can customize orders to fit your crowd size and preferences.

I’ve heard from friends who used their catering service, and every review praised the quality and reliability. The meats arrive properly heated and ready to serve, with all the fixings you need.

Mike himself sometimes gets involved with larger orders, calling personally to confirm details or suggest substitutions when needed.

The flexibility in portion sizes means you’re not stuck with preset packages that don’t match your needs. Whether you’re feeding 20 people or 200, they scale appropriately without sacrificing quality.

Pricing remains competitive while delivering restaurant quality food to your chosen venue.

Having professionally smoked barbecue at your event elevates the entire occasion, impressing guests who appreciate real food. The convenience of pickup or delivery removes stress from party planning.

When you want your gathering remembered for amazing food, their catering service delivers exactly what you need.

Daily Specials Keep The Menu Exciting

Regular customers know to check the daily specials before ordering, as Big Mike rotates offerings throughout the week. Tuesday brings three dollar tacos that draw crowds looking for quality at incredible value.

Wednesdays and Saturdays feature burnt ends, those crispy, flavorful brisket pieces that disappear quickly once they hit the menu.

Thursday’s bacon wrapped meatloaf represents comfort food taken to new heights, combining smoky bacon with perfectly seasoned beef. These specials create anticipation and give regulars reasons to visit multiple times per week.

I’ve seen people plan their schedules around burnt ends days, arriving early to ensure they don’t miss out.

The rotation keeps the kitchen team engaged and creative while preventing menu fatigue for frequent visitors. Each special receives the same attention to detail as permanent menu items, maintaining quality across the board.

Prices on specials often provide extra value, rewarding loyal customers who pay attention.

This approach to specials shows a restaurant that refuses to become stagnant or predictable. It encourages exploration beyond your usual order, introducing you to dishes you might otherwise overlook.

The excitement of limited availability makes each special feel like a treat rather than just another menu option.

Homemade Sides That Steal The Spotlight

While the meats rightfully get most of the attention, the homemade sides at Big Mikes BBQ Cary deserve their own fan club. The smoked Gouda mac and cheese arrives creamy and rich, with real cheese flavor that puts boxed versions to shame.

Collard greens come perfectly seasoned, tender without being mushy, carrying just enough pot liquor to enhance each bite.

The warm smoked potato salad became my unexpected favorite, offering a unique twist on a classic side. Unlike cold mayo based versions, this one features warm potatoes with smoky undertones that complement the barbecue perfectly.

The Brussels sprouts surprised me with their crispy exterior and tender centers, seasoned so well that even vegetable skeptics clean their plates.

Each side is made fresh in house rather than purchased from suppliers, and you can taste the difference. The cucumber salad provides a cool, refreshing contrast to rich meats, while the fried okra delivers satisfying crunch.

I noticed many reviews specifically praising the hush puppies for their perfect texture and flavor.

These sides transform a simple meat plate into a complete meal worth savoring slowly. The variety ensures everyone finds something they love, even picky eaters.

Quality sides show a restaurant that cares about every component of your dining experience.

Community Engagement Through Blood, Sweat, And Beers

Every Thursday evening, a local running group called Blood, Sweat, and Beers meets at Big Mikes BBQ Cary, combining fitness with food in the best possible way. Runners gather for a few miles of exercise before rewarding themselves with barbecue and craft beer.

This weekly event has built a tight community of regulars who support both health and indulgence.

The restaurant’s willingness to host such events shows commitment to being more than just a place to eat. It becomes a gathering spot where friendships form and neighbors connect.

I’ve watched participants arrive sweaty and energized, then settle in for well earned meals filled with laughter and conversation.

This kind of community engagement creates loyalty that goes beyond good food, though the food certainly helps. People return not just for brisket and ribs but for the sense of belonging.

The staff recognizes regulars, remembers their usual orders, and makes everyone feel welcomed.

Supporting local running groups, hosting fundraisers, and participating in community events demonstrates values that resonate with customers. It transforms a restaurant into a neighborhood institution where people celebrate victories and find comfort during tough times.

That connection keeps Big Mike’s woven into the fabric of Cary life.

Award Winning Recognition From The Community

In 2022, Big Mikes BBQ Cary earned the Maggy Award for Best Barbecue, a recognition voted on by local readers and food lovers. This award validates what regular customers already knew: this place serves exceptional barbecue that stands out even in a state famous for it.

The trophy isn’t just metal and engraving; it represents countless hours of smoking meats and serving customers with care.

Awards like this don’t happen by accident or through marketing tricks. They come from consistent quality, fair prices, and treating people right day after day.

Mike and his team earned this recognition by refusing to cut corners, even when easier options existed.

Seeing the award displayed in the restaurant adds to the atmosphere, reminding new visitors they’ve chosen well. It also motivates the staff to maintain those high standards that earned the honor.

Community recognition means more than critic reviews because it comes from people who eat here regularly.

This achievement reflects the restaurant’s impact on Cary’s dining scene and barbecue culture. It positions Big Mike’s among the best in a competitive field, giving newcomers confidence in their choice.

The award celebrates past success while challenging the team to keep improving and innovating.

Welcoming Atmosphere With Friendly Service

From the moment you walk through the door at 1222 NW Maynard Road in Cary, the staff makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Servers check in regularly without hovering, managers stop by tables to ensure satisfaction, and even Mike himself sometimes greets diners.

This personal touch creates an atmosphere where people relax and enjoy themselves.

The casual setting with sawdust floors and barbecue-themed decor sets expectations for a no-fuss experience focused on great food. You don’t need to dress up or worry about complicated etiquette; just come hungry and ready to enjoy.

The outdoor seating area provides additional space for families and groups who want fresh air with their meals.

I noticed staff genuinely smiling and joking with regulars, creating a neighborhood vibe that welcomes newcomers, too. They handle busy periods with grace, maintaining quality even when the dining room fills up.

The willingness to accommodate special requests and dietary needs shows flexibility and customer care.

This combination of delicious food and warm hospitality explains why people become regulars after just one visit. The restaurant feels comfortable and unpretentious, a place where you can bring anyone from coworkers to grandparents.

Great service elevates good food into memorable experiences worth repeating and recommending.