10 Of The Best Barbecue Spots In And Around Raleigh, North Carolina Locals Swear By

A barbecue counter still serving Carolina-style plates after opening in 1938 is enough to make me pay attention.

That kind of staying power says a lot about how seriously North Carolina treats barbecue.

The old traditions are still here, but they are not standing alone.

Newer spots have moved in with their own ideas while longtime family businesses keep doing things the way people remember.

I like that contrast more than any single plate.

One afternoon can take me from a decades-old dining room to a newer pit stop that feels completely different.

The methods change, but the obsession with getting the meat right never really disappears.

For me, that is what makes this kind of road trip so dangerous.

I start out planning one lunch and suddenly need room for three.

10. Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque

Few restaurants can say they were serving barbecue before World War II, but this one opened in 1938. That makes it one of the longest-running barbecue names in North Carolina’s capital city.

The business left its longtime downtown home and now operates on East Millbrook Road. Happily, the old-fashioned counter spirit made the move too.

Carolina-style chopped pork is the main event here. Fried chicken and brisket keep it company, so your table can split up and still be happy.

Then come the sides, and there are plenty. Collard greens, mashed potatoes, green beans, fried okra, mac and cheese, Brunswick stew, and hush puppies all show up.

Want something a little playful? The Chicken and Hush Puppy Waffle sounds like a breakfast dream that wandered into a barbecue joint.

Seasoned fresh pork skins make a crunchy starter for the table. Banana pudding is the sweet ending that feels right at a place with this much history.

Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. That makes it an easy pick when you’re feeding a crew with very different opinions.

Catering is offered as well, handy for reunions or game days. Few things rescue a long meeting faster than a pan of chopped pork.

Timing matters a bit here. The kitchen closes at 5 PM on Sundays and Mondays, while Tuesday through Saturday runs until 8 PM.

Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch. A weekday lunch is a smart move if you’d rather skip the crowd.

Address: 1326 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

9. Sam Jones BBQ

Crispy bits of pig skin get chopped right into tender pork here, and that crunch is the whole point. It’s classic Eastern North Carolina whole hog barbecue, cooked over wood.

The family behind it has been doing this since 1947. That’s when the founder’s grandfather opened the Skylight Inn out east in Ayden.

The Raleigh location opened in early 2021. A detached pit house on the property handles the smoking, so the fire stays busy daily.

Hungry for more than pork? The menu also covers spare ribs, smoked turkey, smoked wings, and juicy barbecue chicken.

Indecisive eaters should eye the Pitmaster Platter. It’s built for people who want a little bit of the whole menu on one tray.

Pork Skins and Pimento Cheese might be the most Southern snack ever invented. Crunchy, creamy, and salty all at once.

For sides, look for baked beans, collard greens, and sweet potato muffins. The Smokehouse Baked Potato is a hearty option topped with smoked meat, bacon, cheddar cheese, scallions, and barbecue sauce.

Seating spreads across indoor and outdoor spaces, which helps with bigger groups. Dogs are welcome outside, too.

Reservations aren’t accepted, so plan around the rush. Saturday afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.

Parking can be tricky to find nearby, so give yourself a few extra minutes. The pork will be worth the walk.

Address: 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601

8. Longleaf Swine

Pimento cheese and mac and cheese finally teamed up, and downtown is better for it. That side alone makes a strong case for a lunch break on East Edenton Street.

Of course, the smoked brisket is a headliner too. Some plates arrive with aioli on top, which adds a creamy twist to the smoky beef.

Ribs, smoked chicken, and collard greens round out the eastern-style lineup. Crisp fries are there for anyone who needs a crunchy sidekick.

Then there’s the Pit Boss Biscuit Sandwich. A sausage patty and American cheese tucked into a buttermilk biscuit make a hearty brunch option.

Frito Pie and potato salad bring a fun, cookout feel to the table. Brunch also happens here, so mornings get a smoky upgrade.

Plant-based diners have a few thoughtful choices here, including the Smoked Carrot Sandwich with carrot-top pesto, tahini, and sumac onions.

Save room for dessert if you can. Banana pudding and chocolate chess pie have both appeared on the sweet side of the menu.

A covered patio gives you an easy outdoor option on nice days. Dogs are allowed, which makes it a solid stop on a downtown stroll.

Watch the calendar before you go. The doors stay closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, then open 11 AM to 9 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

Reservations aren’t taken, and Wednesday and Saturday evenings get busy. Counter service keeps things moving pretty quickly anyway.

Address: 300 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601

7. The Pit Authentic Barbecue

Real plates, real silverware, and pit-smoked free-range pork make this a barbecue meal you can dress up for. Or not, since the vibe stays smart-casual.

The restaurant sits in a former warehouse in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District. It has also earned recognition from the Michelin Guide, which is a big deal for a barbecue spot.

Eastern-style chopped pork leads the way. Brisket, Carolina ribs, and pulled pork back it up, often with house-made barbecue sauce.

Ever had meatloaf at a barbecue restaurant? Here it comes with gravy, and the mashed potatoes get the same treatment.

Starters are worth a look. Pimento Cheese Balls and Seasonal Skillet Cornbread are fun to share, if you’re feeling generous.

Brussels sprouts give the table something green. A barbecue tofu dish has also appeared for plant-based eaters.

Not in the mood for pork at all? The Pit Bacon Cheeseburger stands by, ready to save the day.

Planning a dinner? Reservations are accepted and recommended in the evening, and a private dining room is available for bigger events.

The kitchen keeps late hours compared to many barbecue joints. It’s open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Parking can be paid and hard to find nearby, so budget some time. A terrace offers outdoor seating when the weather cooperates.

Address: 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601

6. Ole Time Barbecue

Old-fashioned barbecue tastes even better in a dining room that feels like a trip back in time. This down-home joint on Hillsborough Street welcomes guests for dine-in meals, takeout, and delivery.

Classic North Carolina barbecue has been coming out of this kitchen since 1993. The Hand Chopped BBQ Pork Plate is the order that sums it up best.

Plates follow the meat-and-three idea. You pick your meat, then choose sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or Brunswick stew.

Ribs here have a reputation for falling right off the bone. Fried chicken and chicken pastry also show up for anyone wanting a break from pork.

Hush puppies come by the dozen, which is the correct amount. Sharing is optional.

Not every craving is barbecue, and that’s fine. A BLT sandwich and a cheeseburger are both on the menu.

Dessert leans old-school. Banana pudding and peach cobbler make a strong closing argument.

Going to a game or a big party? Tailgate platters to go make feeding a crowd a whole lot easier.

Doors open at 10 AM Monday through Saturday, and the kitchen closes at 8 PM. Sundays are a day off.

Popular items can sell out, so earlier is safer. Tuesday afternoons and Saturdays tend to get busy, while Saturday mornings are calmer.

Address: 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27606

5. Midwood Smokehouse

Burnt ends might be the best accident in barbecue history, and they’re a must here. Those crusty little brisket cubes are pure smoky candy.

The smokehouse started in Charlotte and opened its Raleigh spot in February 2023. It sits in the Smoky Hollow development, which is a fitting name for a barbecue address.

North Carolina hickory fuels the smoke. The meats cook in an Oyler rotisserie smoker, a big piece of equipment built for serious volume.

Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork cover the classic bases. Smoked wings are a smart add if your table likes to snack.

The room has a roadhouse feel. Plates and sandwiches let you go as big or as handheld as you want.

Sides get real attention. Broccoli casserole, collard greens, Brunswick stew, and hushpuppies all earn their spots.

Don’t overlook the Cornbread Skillet. House-made pickles also add a sharp, tangy bite between rich forkfuls.

Reservations are accepted, which is handy for groups. Saturday evening is usually the busiest time.

Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days. Fridays and Saturdays stretch until 10 PM.

Outdoor seating is available, and dogs can join you there. High chairs are on hand for the smallest barbecue fans.

Address: 409 W Johnson St, Raleigh, NC 27603

4. The BBQ Lab

A barbecue spot named like a science class? Fair enough, since the recipes here were tested on the competition circuit before landing in North Hills.

The barbecue concept began in January 2017 in Johnston County, while the North Hills restaurant opened in November 2022. Its signature sauce even carries the competition name: RBL Competition Sawse Red Label, sold by the pint.

Brisket and burnt ends lead the menu. The Prime Brisket Plate is the move if beef is your love language.

Pulled pork comes with a vinegar-based sauce, which keeps things rooted in local tradition. Can’t pick? The 3 Meat Plate solves that.

Some menu items have names instead of labels. The Skinny is smoked chicken, and The Judy is smoked turkey.

Sides go beyond the basics. Jalapeño mac and cheese, okra, collard greens, Brunswick stew, and pork skins all appear.

Cornbread comes two pieces at a time. A Brisket Sand works well if you want lunch in your hands instead of on a tray.

Meats spend many hours on the smokers. When they run out, they’re gone for the day.

Ordering happens at the counter, then you grab a seat inside or out. Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM daily.

Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. A free parking garage nearby makes the trip easier.

Address: 4120-135 Main at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609

3. SmokeStacks Cafe

Once upon a time, this building was a corner store. Now it’s a neighborhood eatery where house-smoked meats share space with a menu that changes daily.

That rotating menu keeps things interesting. You never quite know what will show up, which is half the fun.

Smoked wings are the signature. If you only try one thing, start there.

Hand-Cut Tallow Fries make a fine partner for those wings. Tallow gives them a rich, old-fashioned flavor.

The barbecue here leans Carolina-style, with a more polished touch. Ribs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches also appear on the menu.

Comfort food stretches beyond the smoker. Deviled eggs and shrimp and grits have both made appearances.

Want something lighter? A Caesar salad is available for anyone pacing themselves.

Thursdays bring a burger special. That’s a good excuse to sneak out midweek.

Hours are unusual, so check before you go. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open evenings on Wednesday, and open lunch and dinner Thursday and Friday.

Saturday runs 11 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday wraps up at 5 PM. Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings tend to be busiest.

A fireplace adds charm inside on chilly days. Outdoor seating is also there when the weather is kind.

Address: 701 E Lane St, Raleigh, NC 27601

2. MISSION BBQ

Lunch comes with a side of gratitude at this Creedmoor Road stop. The walls feature memorabilia honoring soldiers and first responders.

It’s a casual chain, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. The focus stays on straightforward barbecue and classic sides.

Pulled pork is the anchor. Ribs give you something to pick up with your hands and enjoy the mess.

Cornbread is on the menu, and so is mac and cheese. Together they make a comfort food duo that’s hard to argue with.

Ordering happens at the counter. That keeps things quick when you’re squeezing in a meal between errands.

Kids are welcome, which helps on busy family nights. There’s plenty of seating, plus outdoor tables for nicer days.

Planning a party or office lunch? Catering is available, so you can bring the barbecue to the crowd.

Reservations aren’t accepted, and guests can order meals for dine-in or takeout. Catering delivery is also available for larger gatherings.

Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the doors open at 11:30 AM and close at 8 PM.

Friday evening is usually the busiest time. Monday and Tuesday are calmer if you’d like a quieter meal.

Free parking is usually easy to find in the lot. That’s one less thing to stress about when you’re hungry.

Address: 7520 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613

1. City Barbeque

Sauce lovers, this one’s for you. A wide variety of sauces sits ready, so you can play mad scientist with your pulled pork.

This counter-serve smokehouse chain brings a rustic, down-home look to Falls of Neuse Road. There’s a comfortable outdoor patio, too.

Lo Lo’s Pulled Pork is a menu standout. A kids’ version means little ones can join the fun.

Brisket shows up in sandwiches and even in the baked beans. Baked Beans with Brisket is a side that thinks it’s an entree.

Craving ribs? The Half Slab of Ribs is a solid way to get your hands dirty.

Green beans come with bacon, which might be the best way to eat vegetables. Moist smoked chicken is another option worth considering.

Sandwich packs make feeding a family simple. Pulled pork and beef brisket versions are both available.

Banana pudding closes things out on a sweet note. It’s hard to leave a barbecue spot without it.

The kitchen opens at 10:30 AM daily and runs until 9 PM. That’s early enough for a late breakfast craving.

Friday and Saturday evenings get busy. Weekday mornings and Mondays are usually quieter.

Curbside pickup, delivery, and catering are all options. High chairs are available for families who dine in.

Address: 9424 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615