From smokehouses with decades of history to new‑school pits and a standout food truck, these independent spots show Raleigh’s barbecue range today—whole‑hog traditions, Latin twists, and serious brisket included.
Best BBQ in Raleigh (2025)
8 Places
From smokehouses with decades of history to new‑school pits and a standout food truck, these independent spots show Raleigh’s barbecue range today—whole‑hog traditions, Latin twists, and serious brisket included.
Clyde Cooper's Barbeque
Barbecue restaurant
A Raleigh institution since 1938, Clyde Cooper’s still turns out chopped Eastern NC pork, cracklin’ cornbread, and Brunswick stew in the heart of downtown. Praised by Eater Carolinas and local critics, it remains open while planning a 2025 relocation, per WRAL.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant
Downtown’s warehouse‑district landmark keeps the whole‑hog flame alive with pit‑cooked pork, Texas‑style brisket, and a deep bourbon shelf. Frequently cited by Southern Living and local guides, it even founded National Whole Hog Barbecue Day—proof of its cultural footprint.
Sam Jones BBQ
Restaurant
Heir to the Skylight Inn legacy, Sam Jones brings wood‑fired whole hog, chicken, and banana pudding to downtown Raleigh. Regularly highlighted by Eater Carolinas and Southern Living, and singled out by national roundups in 2025, it’s a must for classic NC flavors.
Longleaf Swine
Restaurant
Born from a food truck, this market‑style spot slices brisket and ribs to order while championing Eastern NC whole‑hog. Named one of the South’s Best New Barbecue Joints in 2024 by Southern Living and praised by The News & Observer, it’s Raleigh’s modern standard‑bearer.
Lechon Latin BBQ & Bar
Restaurant
Family‑owned and proudly Raleigh, Lechón layers Latin flavors—pernil with crispy skin, rotisserie chicken, empanadas—onto NC barbecue technique. Southern Living’s 2024 list and The News & Observer spotlight its fresh take and community roots.
Ole Time Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant
This West Raleigh stalwart serves chopped pork, fried chicken, and baskets of hot hushpuppies in an old‑school setting. A regular on locals’ lists and noted by Axios Raleigh, it remains a beloved, independently owned time capsule of the city’s barbecue culture.
Prime Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant
A quick hop east of Raleigh, champion pitmaster Christopher Prieto blends Texas technique with NC touches—including a mojo‑kissed whole hog on select days. Lauded by Southern Living and The News & Observer, he was a 2025 James Beard semifinalist, per WRAL.
Corner Boys BBQ
Mobile caterer
A community‑minded food truck turning out tender brisket, ribs, and collards around Raleigh. Recently spotlighted by viral critic Keith Lee and active at Triangle events, it offers a grassroots, flavor‑first take on the city’s barbecue scene; check schedules before you go.
