Prime Barbecue
Barbecue restaurant · Knightdale ·

Prime Barbecue

Barbecue restaurant · Knightdale ·

Award-winning pitmaster serves brisket, ribs, pork & halal

Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null
Prime Barbecue by null

Information

403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545 Get directions

$20–30

Order delivery
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Information

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403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545 Get directions

+1 919 373 8067
prime-bbq.com
@primebbq

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Dec 3, 2025

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@bonappetit
5,315 Postcards · 1,006 Cities

How Halal Cooking Is Redefining American Barbecue | Bon Appétit

"Located in Knightdale, North Carolina, Prime BBQ similarly offers halal meats prepared on separate stations alongside its regular menu." - ByFarhan Mustafa

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/halal-barbecue-texas
Prime Barbecue
@eater
391,113 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

The 2025 James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalists From Across the Carolinas | Eater Carolinas

"Christopher Prieto is listed with this Knightsdale barbecue spot as a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist in the 'Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton' category, highlighting the chef's role at the barbecue restaurant in the nomination." - Erin Perkins

https://carolinas.eater.com/2025/1/22/24349346/2025-james-beard-foundation-award-semifinalists-north-south-carolina
Prime Barbecue
@eater
391,113 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

5 Most Anticipated Restaurants Around North Carolina, Spring 2020 | Eater Carolinas

"From champion pitmaster and cookbook author Chris Prieto, this March 2020 spot will focus on North Carolina pork barbecue along with spare ribs and brisket, served market-style on trays. The operation is expected to be open most days from 11 a.m. until sell-out." - Erin McPherson

https://carolinas.eater.com/2020/2/26/21150836/restaurant-openings-raleigh-durham-spring-2020
Prime Barbecue
@eater
391,113 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

Topsail Steamer Expands to Wrightsville Beach | Eater Carolinas

"Led by pitmaster Chris Prieto, this barbecue spot focuses on whole hog and beef brisket plus spare, beef and baby back ribs sold by the pound and served on paper-lined trays. Service is designed to be theatrical and educational—Prieto will tend the pits in the middle of the dining area—while the smoked meats reflect a hybrid of Texas, North Carolina and Kansas City flavor traditions." - Katie Toussaint

https://carolinas.eater.com/2018/5/30/17408660/topsail-wrightsville-beach
Prime Barbecue
@postcardnews
20,018 Postcards · 1,279 Cities

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.

https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/food/prime-barbecue-knightdale-christopher-prieto-james-beard-2025/
Best BBQ in Raleigh (2025)
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Prime Barbecue

Adriana P.

Google
I have so many wonderful thing to say about Prime Barbecue. My husband and I had heard such great things about Prime BBQ that we had to try it and our first experience did not disappoint. Since we were driving kind of far, we placed a to go order not knowing how long the wait would be. The woman that answered the phone was so friendly and very patient. Upon arrival, we drove to that back to the to-go parking section that had ample parking spots. There is a nice area behind the building with plenty of seating and even a small gated play area for children. The packaging of the to-go order was nicely organized, labeled, and packaged in a way to have the food be in its best possible state upon eating. Since this was our first time, we wanted to try a variety of foods. We tried their brisket and pork ribs which had a lot of great flavors and very tender. We tried their pulled pork which was my least favor of the three meats we tried but still tasted good. For sides, we tried their mac 'n' cheese which was creamy and had a nice flavor. Their barbecue rice was so delicious! We tried their big boss beans which we were not fond of as they had an overly celery flavor. Had the bread pudding for dessert which is apparently only offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Go on those days and get their bread pudding! I am a fan of bread pudding and this is on my list of top favorite bread puddings - just yum! This was a great first experience and we will definitely be eating here again!

Glenn G.

Google
This spot is a must-visit! I waited a little over 1hr 30mins, but it was absolutely worth it. I went with the brisket, which was incredibly flavorful and melted in my mouth. The pork ribs had that perfect smoky taste and literally fell off the bone. The pulled pork was tender and packed with flavor, and the spicy house sausage had just the right amount of kick without being overpowering. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and had the perfect touch of bacon. The coleslaw was creamy, fresh, and flavorful. I finished it all off with their homemade Blue Bell white vanilla ice cream, which was the perfect sweet ending. What really made this visit special was the personal touch. While I was eating, a gentleman came by to ask how everything was. Turns out, he was Christopher Prieto, the champion pitmaster and owner of Prime Barbecue! He’s truly passionate about what he does — all about flavor and creating food that leaves a lasting impression. I even asked if I could see where the meats were cooked, and without hesitation, he gave me a personal tour!! The food was phenomenal, but that genuine hospitality and passion made the experience unforgettable.

Daniel T.

Google
This place was recommended to me by a friend who says it’s the closest NC has to Texas BBQ - I totally agree with that statement. Only thing I didn’t like about the experience was the very long wait - took me 45 minutes to finally get to order as there was a very long line. I did go on a Saturday, though it was like 3pm but the line was still so long. I ordered the triple meat: x2 moist brisket ($3 upcharge) and pork rib. I also ordered an additional jalapeño sausage link. For sides I got a double rice BBQ. Overall, food was bomb and the place deserves a 5/5 star rating. If I were to put my BBQ critic hat on, I’d give the moist brisket a 5/5 as it really is Texas level quality. I’m not a sausage link expert, but the jalapeño sausage was delicious so I’ll leave it at that. Rice BBQ was also 5/5 - it had so much flavor from the bits of meat in it. My only critique is the pork ribs. Though it was fall off the bone and flavorful, I found the bark a bit tough and the meat was dry. Maybe I just got a dry piece, but I’d give it a 3.5/5.

Omar O.

Google
Had the brisket and it was great. Waiting time is too much. 50 minutes in line and I am sure people wait longer usually. As a tip, if you get the one meat meal, they told me its about 1/3 lb so it is worth for the price since it comes with 2 sides compared to the 1/2 lb for almost same price with no sides. The seating outside is nice and there is an area for kids to play. Overall amazing experience!

Dan S.

Google
Wow—what an incredible lunch! We stopped in on a random Wednesday afternoon and were greeted by a line nearly out the door. My first thought was, “If this many people are waiting, the food must be worth it.” And I was absolutely right. After nearly an hour, we finally got our plates loaded with pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. The brisket was the star—so tender it was falling apart, yet unbelievably moist and juicy. The pulled pork and sausage were fantastic as well, and the BBQ sauce tied everything together into a symphony of flavor that played perfectly on the palate. The atmosphere was just as impressive as the food. It’s very family-friendly, with an outdoor play area for kids, and they even let my boys take home little army men as a fun touch. If I had one suggestion, it would be this: please offer beds for post-BBQ naps—because after a meal like that, you’ll definitely want one!

Brad C.

Google
I took my grand baby and his parents to Prime BBQ and I was glad I did! Upon arrival, the first thing I noticed was the large, and clean, outdoor space. They even have an area for kids to play. The inside side was just as nice. Neither of us has been here before, so we ordered the 2 Meat Plate (Brisket & Pulled Pork) w/ sides of Mac ’N’ Cheese, Big Boss Beans and Cole Slaw. The service pros behind the counter that loaded up our try with our order were all SUPER nice and were very helpful in answering our many questions. The Meat: We all tried the Brisket 1st. We each agreed that this was by far, the juiciest Brisket we have ever tasted! With a nice char on the edge, beautiful smoke ring and mouthwatering flavor, the Brisket was “worth the price of admission.” We next tried the Pulled Pork which was a little dry, but also full of flavor. The BBQ sauce helped to add moisture to the dryness of the pork. The Sides: The Mac ’N’ Cheese was very creamy and delicious. We sprinkled the chopped bacon bits they gave us on top and this was a perfect add! The slaw was dryer than I’m used to and quite crunchy. It really could have done better if it was prepped the night before and sat marinating in the sauce. Rounding out the sides was The Big Boss Beans which were very sweet and good. They do have a heavy celery flavor that I found got in the way a bit. Tone this down, and these beans would be great. All in all, we were all very impressed with our first visit and can’t wait to stop by again!!!

Erica S.

Google
This is a delicious place to stop!! I got a two meat plate with pulled pork and brisket with mac and cheese and sweet potato salad. The brisket was well cooked. It was juicy. The pulled pork had some crispy parts of skin and fat. My son like the mac and cheese because it was super cheesy. The sweet potato salad gave a sweet note to the meal. I enjoyed it and would come back. It has a little outside area with a space for kids. There is seating in and outside. It is cafeteria style. My only complaint is the price is a little high- that plate was $26. I had got my husband a one meat plate and it was too small strips of brisket and mac and cheese (not enough for an adult).

Amanda S.

Google
Stopped in for lunch with several people, plenty of places to sit, open live atmosphere. The people behind the counter were super nice, and the food was great I ordered a brisket and fully loaded baked potato. Prices are a little high but worth what you get for quality.
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Peter B.

Yelp
We got almost everything and nothing disappointed. Skipped turkey as it was the day after Thanksgiving. Ordered ahead to beat the line and drew dirty looks from folks who thought we were skipping. Staff members were very helpful, kind, and accommodating. Couple notes on food: -Pork ribs and brisket were standouts. -Pulled pork was fine, but the least favorite protein we ordered. Mixing with some coleslaw saved it. -Mac and cheese and beans were great. -On desserts: Bread pudding was better than banana pudding but both were good. Banana pudding featured Biscoff cookies -- an interesting touch. This was our third time here and we will always find a reason to come here when in Raleigh area.
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Adriana P.

Yelp
I have so many wonderful thing to say about Prime Barbecue. My husband and I had heard such great things about Prime BBQ that we had to try it and our first experience did not disappoint. Since we were driving kind of far, we placed a to go order not knowing how long the wait would be. The woman that answered the phone was so friendly and very patient. Upon arrival, we drove to that back to the to-go parking section that had ample parking spots. There is a nice area behind the building with plenty of seating and even a small gated play area for children. The packaging of the to-go order was nicely organized, labeled, and packaged in a way to have the food be in its best possible state upon eating. Since this was our first time, we wanted to try a variety of foods. We tried their brisket and pork ribs which had a lot of great flavors and very tender. We tried their pulled pork which was my least favor of the three meats we tried but still tasted good. For sides, we tried their mac 'n' cheese which was creamy and had a nice flavor. Their barbecue rice was so delicious! We tried their big boss beans which we were not fond of as they had an overly celery flavor. Had the bread pudding for dessert which is apparently only offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Go on those days and get their bread pudding! I am a fan of bread pudding and this is on my list of top favorite bread puddings - just yum! This was a great first experience and we will definitely be eating here again!
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Matty F.

Yelp
C'mon...any time I'm home I have to come to Prime to get a combo plate. The food is excellent . The service is excellent . The ambiance is what you would expect from a bbq joint. Pro Tip: order your food well ahead of time because the WILL run out of whatever you have in mind. Don't wait because the line will be out the door no matter the time of day.
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Mia G.

Yelp
Ok...I now understand the hype!!! Wow!!! So, my first time at Prime was a few days ago. Start to finish...I see why they're so popular. I hoped to try their food when I was in town back in April, but my schedule just didn't work out to do so. So I made SURE to make a stop this time around. SO GLAD I did! Surprisingly...had it not been for a woman taking a very long time ordering an extremely large order...the line moved quickly considering the day and time (Friday afternoon). I think I made it in after the lunch rush, but the line was steady and people kept coming. The staff serve you in a very efficient manner. They're friendly and attentive. If you know what you want, you can be at the register with your order in hand within 5 minutes of ordering, if not less. What I ordered: - 2 Meat Plate: Turkey breast, Pork Ribs - Sides: BBQ beans, Green Beans, and side of Macaroni and cheese - Condiments: pickled onions, dill pickle chips, BBQ sauce - Dessert: Pecan Pie Everything was really, really good. I didn't "love" the BBQ beans, but the green beans were DELICIOUS and the Macaroni and Cheese, although not the "best" I've ever had, didn't disappoint. The pecan pie was plentiful and baked just right. The STAR of the show was definitely the meats. Both the turkey and ribs were seasoned, smoked, flavored, cut, and presented perfectly. I am STILL thinking about it and I can't wait to go back and place another order! Although I had to order my food to-go this time, the dining hall was very large and well laid out...I might dine-in next time. The restaurant is in a great location with plenty of parking and lovely walking paths nearby. Although online ordering is available, it seems that on Fridays and Saturdays, it is not. It would be nice if very large/catering-type orders that hold up the line were taken separately, so the line can keep moving. Nevertheless, I fully understand the hype now! Well done, Prime Barbecue! Well done.
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Ken P.

Yelp
Great bbq and sauces. I'll be back often!!! Nc h lol h I'll h k go. I'm hog I'll Kiki him hug k flick hi g ok I y I y I'll he
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Hannah H.

Yelp
Recently stopped by prime on my way back from the beach. We ordered online for pickup so we didn't have to wait in line when we arrived (definitely do this!!) We got the pick three and chose jalapeño sausage, pulled pork, brisket and added a side of their burnt ends which are available on Wednesdays! The brisket and burnt ends were my favorite. Truly perfect! We got their Mac and cheese which was creamy and topped with bacon and their sweet potatoes salad. Overall prime is one of my favorites in NC for BBQ!
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Jbear F.

Yelp
Very clean good size restaurant by the farmers market in Knightdale. The interior is subway tiles and wood tables with padded seats. A really efficient space. Very friendly service, one of the pit masters came out and spoke to everyone and someone else came by asking if I needed more sauce or anything. I ordered the three meat tray which comes with two sides. Today one of the specials was burnt ends but I really wanted to try the brisket, BBQ or pulled pork and the turkey breast. They ask if you want lean or fatty brisket, the sliced turkey was dipped back in its juices and the chopped pork was combined with what looked like a vinegar based sauce. They asked if I wanted pickles and/or pickled onions. I went with the onions and said yes to the slice of potato bread. For sides I went with the sweet potato salad which comes with bacon and the green beans. Everything tasted great. Two sauces came on the tray, one sweet and one smoky. The sweet one was a bit too sweet but both tasted good. Like their sign says "BBQ is not a sauce" but they were there so why not even-though none of the meats needed a sauce. The brisket was good of the best I've ever had and the pork and turkey were nothing to sneeze at. I will definitely be back to try more of their items.
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Dan S.

Yelp
Wow--what an incredible lunch! We stopped in on a random Wednesday afternoon and were greeted by a line nearly out the door. My first thought was, "If this many people are waiting, the food must be worth it." And I was absolutely right. After nearly an hour, we finally got our plates loaded with pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. The brisket was the star--so tender it was falling apart, yet unbelievably moist and juicy. The pulled pork and sausage were fantastic as well, and the BBQ sauce tied everything together into a symphony of flavor that played perfectly on the palate. The atmosphere was just as impressive as the food. It's very family-friendly, with an outdoor play area for kids, and they even let my boys take home little army men as a fun touch. If I had one suggestion, it would be this: please offer beds for post-BBQ naps--because after a meal like that, you'll definitely want one!
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Mujtaba M.

Yelp
I couldn't believe they offer halal brisket option. I flew from the opposite part of the country and saw a TikTok post mentioning it's halal. Went to this with my cousins who were visiting from London. We have been dreaming about this type of bbq. We finally got to experience and man the experience was 11/10. The staff was super helpful and answered all of our questions about bbq. They even let us taste, too so we can decide how much leaner or fatty our meat should be. They were friendly and respectful. Food. IT WAS AHMAZING!!! I still can't get over the taste of that beautiful brisket. It was moist and so much flavor. Ambiance was another factor that we loved the food. You really need to experience this in order to understand what I'm trying to say. To the staff, hats off to you. This should be a benchmark for all the other restaurants. Please don't stop offering halal option for brisket. We need to advertise more so people learn about this place and its offering. 11/10. Absolutely will visit this place again when I come back. 100% worth it. I forgot to mention, the staff will make sure they'll use a separate knife, clean the counter and put new aluminum so there is no cross contamination going on from pork.
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Y C.

Yelp
OMG! So worth the drive and the wait to try this spot. I will warn you to get there as early as possible to opening time because the line is insane and out the door. However, everyone knows the deal and patiently waits. Once you get to the counter, someone is there to take your order and prepare the fresh food. Once it's gone, it's gone. So, if you are looking to try something specific get there early. Food was DELICIOUS! BBQ style. I even tried Mac and cheese with bacon on top and it was out of this world. Disclaimer: I never eat Mac and cheese. I also tried the rice which had pork on it (reminded me of Puerto Rico ) I would absolutely come back here. There are plenty of inside and outside tables. Plenty of parking. Come hungry!
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ted c.

Yelp
Long, wait during busy times. We waited about an hour in line. The brisket and brisket sandwich was great. Meat was moist. The pork ribs were a little on the salty side, but was fall off the bone. The sides were OK. We liked the coleslaw and green beans and the barbecue rice. The desserts were great. We loved the cobbler and banana pudding. The restaurant is great located by a park and able to accommodate big groups. The servers were great and quick to clean up tables for a quick turnover.
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Jacqueline C.

Yelp
This bbq was very flavorful. The meats were good even without the sauce. I normally like the meat cooked with the sauce but, this wasn't bad. The meat was very tender. The atmosphere is welcoming and the service was great.
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Zachary A.

Yelp
By far the best BBQ i have ever had! The restaurant is in a perfect location! They have a wonder outdoor seating area that has a spot for your kids to play. I have gone every day of the week and tried all the specials. All are amazing but my favorite is the bbq Cuban sandwich. The owner is wonderful and will come and talk to customers to ensure they are having a good experience. Ensure you get there early because 1. The line will be out the door down the street. And 2. Once they sell out for the day they close.
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Jan K.

Yelp
How do you say YUMMM!!! We were still drooling after we finished our meal. I arrived at Prime Barbecue way before noon on a Thursday morning and the line was soooo long and the outdoor and indoor dining rooms were already filling up. But I figured it was well worth the wait and got our food to-go. We got the two-meat (brisket & homemade sausage) and the pastrami bacon by the pound. I am a pastrami fanatic and loved their smokey bbq twist on my long-time favorite. I was also eye-balling the plates of other diners and spotted their huge chicken fried steak that was the size of a dinner plate! The lady that ordered it, said "it was amazing and worth coming out on Thurs" for this treat. Guess what, I'll be back on Thurs so that I can check that one out too.
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Mackenzie G.

Yelp
Fantastic food, I particularly like the pulled pork, Mac and cheese and beans. The service is always amazing the the staff is incredibly nice.
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Megan W.

Yelp
The best barbecue I've had during my time in NC so far! The line is long (we waited for 30 minutes at 3pm on a Saturday). They will sell out of things, so if you can go earlier in the day that's probably better. The owner gave us free beers and iced water while we were waiting in line which was really thoughtful. I especially loved the brisket. It was so tender and fell apart easily. My favorite side was probably the mac and cheese which you can get topped with bacon. The line is "cafeteria style" so you order and make your way through sides and have your food once you're at the register. They let you sample things too if you're unsure what you want!
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Adam B.

Yelp
I was driving from Raleigh to Roanoke Raids and I decided to try Prime on my way up. the first thing I'm going to say is this place is clean! In the men's room, they keep floss picks and breath mints. I swear every BBQ restaurant in America should be required to do the same thing! Pepsi drinks or on tap, along with sweet and unsweet tea. Ok and onto the food. The guy carving the meat was nice enough to give me a free sample of brisket and it melted in my mouth. Good seasoning, well cooked. I ordered the burnt ends, since it was their Friday special. They came doused in their sauce. I liked the sauce, but I honestly think they might have been better without it. I also ordered a half pound of turkey. Some of the best turkey I've had anywhere at anytime. Moist as can be, top it with a little BBQ sauce. Perfect. For sides, the beans and spicy slaw were both excellent. If I could change anything, there should be more than one sauce. Maybe a spicy sauce, a mustard sauce? Prime may not be traditional NC BBQ but boy, they know how to make some amazing food. It might be a half hour from where I lie, but I'll certainly be back. I have ribs, pastrami, and mac to try...
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William F.

Yelp
This is an outstanding place. If you love barbecue, you definitely have to stop here. The ambience is great. Kids area. The only bad thing is a long week. But it's well worth it!! Service is very courteous and they give generous portions. Price is just right. Queen's harvest wheat from compass rose is very good.
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Brian W.

Yelp
Stopped in for lunch based on the recommendation of a fellow pilot. Absolutely amazing meal. I had the lean brisket with mac & cheese and cole slaw. What made the experience even better was when the pit master came over and asked how the food was. We talked to him for a short while ~ he is extremely passionate about barbecue and wanting his customers to have a great meal and experience. The facility was clean and well laid out. It wasn't overcrowded with tables. Utensils were easily accessible. All of the staff members that we encountered were polite, courteous, and respectful.
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Alex C.

Yelp
Loved the barbecue here! I came in on Saturday for lunch, so it was very busy. Waited for about 50 mins in line, so next time we'll probably try ordering ahead! The meal plates didn't come with a lot of meat so will also try getting those by the pound next time.
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Walt L.

Yelp
As a home chef and avid smoked meats fan, I'm picky about my Q! Prime did not disappoint. I got sausage, brisket, baked beans and banana pudding. The brisket was moist and tender. The smoke level was perfect. The jalapeño sausage and a perfect heat level. I'm not a huge fan of baked beans because they are often gloppy and overly sweet. At prime, they may be the best baked beans I've eaten! ( I would love it if they shared the recipe!) For me, good Q stands on its own, sauce is not needed. At Prime, it was not needed but a wonderful addition. This too is something I'd love to recreate at home. My only complaint -- and I say this with tongue somewhat in cheek -- is the banana pudding didn't have vanilla wafers served with it. When visiting Raleigh, I'll go back. The six hour drive to get there will be worth it!
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Ava R.

Yelp
FIVE STARS! Best bbq I've ever had! The employees always let us have samples when we're having a hard time choosing from the wide variety of Texas bbq! It is expensive and a long wait, but it's worth it. Every. Single. Time. Desserts are good, but the brisket and pulled pork are BUSSIN I would totally recommend

John A.

Yelp
Ribs tasted like creosote. The turkey was ok and sides were ok. This place is way overrated. Clean your smolers and use better wood!
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Phillip L.

Yelp
Prime is prime. Probably the cleanest bbq place in NC. I suggest you get there early because the line gets long. I've had their brisket, ribs, and their epic beef ribs. All are very good. The beef ribs sell out fast on Fridays and they are spectacular. Their sides are all very good and their cobbler does not disappoint. Definitely a go to spot.
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Sarah M.

Yelp
I've lived in Raleigh for almost a year now and haven't had BBQ yet (i'm a disgrace), so I figured my long-awaited NC BBQ experience needed to be a great one. I did some research and this spot in Knightdale, Prime BBQ, had some of the best ratings in the area. Let me tell you, it lived up to all the rave reviews. The brisket had the best smoky flavor and was not too fatty like a lot of brisket is. The pork ribs fell right off the bone. The pulled pork was so juicy and flavorful. Baked beans were on POINT and the green beans were alright - nothing to rave about. I also loved their BBQ sauce - it was almost a blend between a sweet, thick BBQ sauce and a vinegar-based one. NOTE get there early if you want any of their daily specials! We showed up at 3:30pm on a Friday and they were unfortunately sold out of their burnt ends (which people praise online). *3 Meats Plate (comes with/ 2 sides): Brisket, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork; Sides of Big Boss Beans & Green Beans [NOTE: pictured cornbread muffin is homemade by muah ]

Stephanie S.

Yelp
Omg what a great meal. Had the lechon platter with some rice and beans and it even came with a little Puerto Rican flag. Service was amazing, everyone was super nice and even if the line was long , they gave free beer. Best birthday lunch ever....
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John C.

Yelp
Tried for the first time last weekend. 60 people in line before the doors opened at 11am. Now I see why. Brisket the best I've had - and ive had all over NC. Beans, slaw, cornbread, bbq sauce all top notch. I'd stand in line again
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Ryan L.

Yelp
My wife and I have been to many barbecue places and this is by far the best one we ever been to; get there early or you'll be waiting in line but it's worth the wait. Everything was perfection. The restaurant is in a nice quaint little town and was very clean and the outdoor sitting area was very refreshing and a nice view of the park across the street.
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Kevin N.

Yelp
My son told us about his This NC BBQ house was better than any he's sampled in Texas . We spent about 45 mins waiting in line and man , it was sooo worth it . We got two three meat plates to sample all meats and 4 sides . Pork ribs , pulled pork , turkey - amazing ! And best fatty brisket you can fantasy about . Beans , green and baked plus sweet potato salad - oah my gosh killer . Great beers too ( and a free one while we waited ! ) and the manager came by and had a nice chat about our experience and the new Prime opening in Durham . Best Sat afternoon foody trek we've made in NC .. make it a must do to kick off your 2025 y'all
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Ted L.

Yelp
Ok my advice, get there early as the line can get long. On the plus side it gave me time to think and I changed my order a few times in line. Restaurant and staff were awesome. Mac n cheese really good. Pulled pork was great. I love their home made picked onions and pickles. Now for the best part, hands down best damn brisket I have ever had, not even close. Owner stopped by the table too and was very cool. You guys killed it!
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Casey J.

Yelp
Amazing food, atmosphere and service! The line to get food didn't scare me off, it was a statement of how good the food is and well worth the wait. I was blessed with the coveted burnt end sample when I went to order! The owner came to my table and genuinely asked how my food was, and I was happy to express my joy! Toward the end of my meal the owner came up again and saw my cup was empty and filled it up for me, I was blown away by the above and beyond customer service. I only came to NC for the day but told friends in the area and I will be back!!

Leah S.

Yelp
Hands down best BBQ I've had and I don't say that lightly. Meat is well seasoned it doesn't even need extra sauce. But the BBQ sauce is perfection. You can tell they care about the small details to elevate the experience. Greta atmosphere and kid friendly. Already planning another trip from Charlotte!
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Janet C.

Yelp
The best BBQ! The brisket, pulled pork, green beans, and Mac and cheese are are favorites. Highly recommend ordering ahead and picking up your meal in the back parking lot, so much easier than having to wait in line and run the risk of them running out of your desired meal.
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Mike B.

Yelp
Worth the wait in line. The brisket and pulled pork were excellent. I'll definitely be back.

Gwendolyn D.

Yelp
I ordered to go OMY Goodness this food is a 10 out 10 if I could give it 1000.00 I would the boss beans WOW some one in that kitchen is a real live Boss the ribs fall of the bone the brisket just delicious and the sweet potato salad o my goodness this food was made out of love because I can't wait to order again the food is simply amazing
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Charlene F.

Yelp
Food was amazing. Service was fast. Expect a wait during peak times. Indoor and outdoor seating.
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Andrew G.

Yelp
Christian and the team are unbelievable!!! This was our first trip to Prime, but we were fired up!!! Make sure to leave plenty of time for the crazy long line, but don't worry, we got surprised by a complimentary round of beers! We got everything- brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage. The sides include baked beans, sweet potato salad, coleslaw, bbq rice, and an extra pint of mac & cheese. All were stellar and the brisket may have been the best of the bunch. To add even more to the experience, there were toy soldiers in a box that customers are meant to take home in order to remember to pray for our troops. Wow!!!
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Raul V.

Yelp
Wow!!! What a find!! I had no idea Texas was alive in Knightdale. Brisket is by wayyyy far the best meat they serve. Don't get me wrong, all meats are great. Friendly service. The place have outside and inside seats available. Well worth the trip. Highly recommended.
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Paul E.

Yelp
Love the meats and service is outstanding. Just make sure you come before it runs out. Ate the brisket today and slaw.

Tracy W.

Yelp
The food is awesome! So far I haven't missed. The brisket, ribs, and pork chop have been amazing. Had friends there on Sunday. Will have another this week.
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Byron L.

Yelp
Incredible food. The full Nelson was everything it's cracked up to be. The burnt ends were splendid in the taste, texture and size. The service was unbelievably kind and attentive. The decor is hip and the restrooms are fantastic. Bravo!
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Stan T.

Yelp
I thought prime was the best (been 4 times) and waited until today to review it after going to Dampf good bbq in Cary. Prime is fantastic. Great atmosphere, great food. I usually get pulled pork and brisket but also tried all the sides, turkey, ribs, burnt ends, wings. Chris the owner is super nice and down to earth. I am giving only 4 stars since I have found Dampf. I won't be driving 35 minutes anymore since I have the best much much closer. Chris told me he didn't have competition but I would have to disagree.
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Liz M.

Yelp
First time trying Prime BBQ. Wow! We ordered BBQ sandwich, Sausage, Ribs, Coleslaw, Beans, Mac and Cheese, Baked Potato w/ Brisket, and Smoked Turkey. A really delicious smoke house. I typically frequent Mike D's Smoke House and I find both to be equally delicious. Perhaps I'd give a slight nod to Prime BBQ for the Coleslaw, and Macaroni, but Mike D's for Baked Beans and Collard Greens. Neither provides a vinegar based sauce for the pulled BBQ. Either way, you can't go wrong. # If you're a northerner who grew to love Eastern style BBQ, like me, I generally add a cap or so of apple cider vinegar with several shakes of hot sauce. I find this works in a pinch. Smokehouse BBQ 4.7
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Mike B.

Yelp
Another visit, still exquisite! Finally had a chance to try the burnt ends. They're not really burnt - just well done, crunchy on the outside and moist and delicious in the middle. Cole slaw and sweet potato salad as good as ever. This place has the best 'Q around. Well worth the wait in line!
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Amy H.

Yelp
When we got there around 1pm the line was to the door. As soon as we lined up an employee approached us and offered free beer! That was nice! A drink while waiting in line for food. Today I got the loaded baked potato with brisket! They also gave me a few sample slices of the brisket, delicious! We got a pint of Mac n cheese for the kids to share. The cheese gets into the pasta shells. My kids ate it up! The service was fast and they were friendly. Lots of seating indoors and outdoors. There is also a nice outdoor area for the kids to play in. Some of the best bbq I've had! I was sad they ran out of the Saturday special Lechon. Got to get there early because they do run out of things.
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Cynthia K.

Yelp
I ordered $133 of Food, my I did not get any of dessert that we paid for, It is kind of mess up when you travel from Greenville NC, where we have a lot of Old School BBQ places. I am sticking with my Skylight Inn BBQ or Sam Jones. Skylight Inn BBQ Coconut Cake is awesome. That is my last time going to travel to Raleigh-Knightdale where everything is overpriced and under serve.
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Jim P.

Yelp
Great food, good service for a large crowd, plenty of space. I'll go here again! My wife and I both enjoyed our meal here.
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Amber D.

Yelp
To be expected, this place is ALWAYS on their A game! Sheesh what is there not to like about this place?! It's beautiful and inviting inside and out (man, they had to have had a professional decorator come in who for REAL knows what their doing), it's organized, the line flows quickly, the workers are friendly and do their job very efficiently, and the food is beyond incredible! I honestly go out of my way to come here after my Duke doc visits, and it always makes my day! Thank you guys for all you do! Being a mom of 8 amazing kiddos, I don't typically splurge on myself; but this is my husband and I's favorite eatery in pretty much all of the US! Also, the fact they honor those who are in or have been in the military with 10 percent off your bill is just indicative of how beyond awesome this owner/chef is! You go boy....i am aching to sign my hubby up for your bbq chef class in March 2024....hoping to Purchase this for his birthday surprise somehow! I know God will provide!!! He always does!
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Melissa Z.

Yelp
Prime barbecue is phenomenal. I came by once before and they were sold out way before they closed. I left wondering how that was possible, until I came back this time and tried it. To explain how packed it is, I stood in a line that wrapped around the sides of the restaurant and the woman behind me told me people usually start lining up in the mornings before they even open. They even have an employee who calls himself the hype man who walks along the line and talks to guests. That's how busy it is. However, the restaurant is very spacious with indoor and outdoor seating so it doesn't feel crowded inside. By the time I came the ribs, sausage, and turkey were all sold out. I came for brisket anyways. I was told by an employee that their creamed corn takes 3 hours to make so I had to try it, along with mac and cheese, plain rice, a chopped brisket sandwich, and 1/2 pound of brisket just to try some slices alone. Everything was amazing. The creamed corn was so rich and tasty, and I actually enjoyed their mac too. Mac is always a hit or miss but they have a pretty good one. Their barbecue sauce is amazing so the sandwich was great too. Their brisket is probably the best in Raleigh. Super tender, flavorful, and satisfying. No wonder they sell out before it's time to close. As someone who doesn't eat pork, I missed out on 2 sides that looked great- the bbq rice (rice with sausage bits) and sweet potato salad (has bacon). Their cobblers also looked amazing and they had a whole mini blue bell ice cream fridge to accompany their cobbler orders! I knew I'd be too full to even order but next time. Every day is a different special (beef ribs, burnt ends, wings, pastrami/cuban sandwiches, etc.) so I'm excited to come back and try the turkey, beef ribs, and triple threat wings that are smoked, fried, then grilled!