Talk about pride in place — Carolinians love their sweet tea, university rivalries, and most importantly, their barbecue. We’re putting our hands in the fire to highlight some of our favorite pulled pork joints in the City of Oaks.
🍖 Best bang for your buck
Old Time Barbecue, 6309 Hillsborough St.
- This spot is a real down-home eatery, serving vinegar-based Eastern Carolina chopped ‘cue. After serving the community for 28+ years, Southern hospitality is included with your plate of BBQ.
- Pro tip: Students get 10% off with a student ID everyday and seniors get 10% off on Thursdays. And don’t forget — Old Time is open for breakfast.
🍖 Longest standing BBQ joint
Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque, 327 S. Wilmington St.
- Established in 1938, the oldest BBQ spot in Raleigh serves up Eastern Carolina style ‘cue with a vinegar-based sauce and Cheerwine baked beans. The sides are just as tasty as the slow cooked pork shoulder.
- Pro tip: Keep it classic with the chopped pork sammy tray, complete with slaw, hush puppies, and fresh pork skins.
🍖 New to Raleigh, veteran background
Sam Jones BBQ, 502 W. Lenoir St.
- This spot is rich in history with its Eastern Carolina style BBQ. The flavor began in 1947 when Sam Jones’ grandfather, Pete, opened the Skylight Inn in Ayden, NC. Pitmaster Sam went on to expand the family’s slow cooked, whole-hog barbecue to Raleigh in 2021.
- Our picks: The pork skins and pimento cheese.
🍖 Southern proper, with a twist
Smokestack Cafe, 701 E. Lane St.
- This little slice of Carolina heaven is tucked into the historic Oakwood neighborhood. The cafe offers bourbon BBQ flavors and southern classics with a twist (like the pulled grilled cheese). Everything is made in house and sourced as locally as possible.
- Pro tip: The menu changes daily, so follow their Instagram to keep up. Also make sure to check out the market for homemade goodies.
🍖 Social butterfly
Backyard Bistro, 1235 Hurricane Alley Way
- The pulled pork shoulder is topped with a special “Jessie P” sauce, and trust us when we say, it’s a must-try. Backyard Bistro and chef Joe Lumbrazo have been featured on The Food Network and Discovery Channel multiple times for their “on-site cooking” and creative food innovations.
- Pro tip: Stop by before a Canes game or concert at PNC Arena.
🍖 Branch out award
Lechon Latin BBQ, 5959 Triangle Town Blvd.
- ‘Cue with a Latin flair. Eastern Carolina style is tried-and-true, however, Lechon breaks barbecue barriers with its slow roasted pork shoulder and Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken.
- Pro tip: Try the tripleta platter which includes; three meats, two sides, pulled pork, and carnita rice.
This list only scratches the surface of good barbecue in the Triangle — send us your recs here.
