Where to find melt-in-your mouth burnt ends

Burnt ends can be difficult to find, so we did the digging for you and complied six Southern spots offering these crispy bites around the City of Oaks.

A plate of barbecue and sides from Midwood Smokehouse.

Midwood Smokehouse serves these smoked meats every day of the week.

Photo by RALtoday

Burnt ends are flavorful pieces of meat typically cut from smoked brisket, and we found six spots around Raleigh that serve these melt-in-your mouth crispy bites.

Note: Since burnt ends are difficult to make and are a hot commodity, restaurants typically have a set schedule for when you can order these flavorful pieces, so make sure to plan ahead.

Now, grab your wet wipes and let’s dig in.

Big Mike’s BBQ, 1222 NW Maynard Rd., Cary | Crispy bites sell out fast at Big Mikes — make sure to follow the restaurant’s Instagram page for information on “burnt end days.”

Chop Shop BBQ & Grill, 210 E. Six Forks Rd. | Call ahead or follow this barbecue joint on Instagram to see if pork belly burnt ends are on the menu.

A burnt end sandwich with cheese and a side of deviled egg potato salad.

Pro tip: Add provolone cheese to your burnt end sandwich at The BBQ Lab.

Photo by RALtoday

Midwood Smokehouse, 409 W. Johnson St. | Add burnt ends tossed in cola barbecue sauce on to any meal, or order them for your main course any day of the week (if they haven’t sold out).

Prime Barbecue, 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale | Get your hands dirty on Wednesdays and Fridays at this Southern spot.

Smith’s Smokehouse and Smoothies, 1318 S Main St., Ste. 108, Wake Forest | This recently opened smokehouse has a rotating menu which often features pork belly burnt ends.

The BBQ Lab, 4120-135 Main at North Hills St. | Available Tuesdays through Fridays, try a burnt end sandwich topped with provolone cheese and the signature Sweet BBQ Sawse.

More from RALtoday
Your personal library is about to get an upgrade. Read up on the independent bookstores of Raleigh.
Keep an eye on this article for all updates about the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2026 postseason and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
This new-construction home is filled with modern details and is steps away from 5,000 acres of protected forest.
Sponsored
A 4,000-unit residential living community called Asteria is Disney’s first Storyliving by Disney location on the East Coast.
In honor of National Poetry Month and Raleigh’s first poet laureate position, we’re inviting you to channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickinson, or Keats.
Dive deep into the record bins at these Raleigh music hubs.
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Who doesn’t love shopping local? Pack the perfect picnic using only local items.