Sam Jones BBQ

Southern Foodways Alliance 2024 Fall Symposium Moves to Raleigh | Eater Carolinas

"A barbecue-focused establishment owned by Sam Jones, whose presence among the event’s speakers highlights the restaurant’s role in conversations about regional barbecue traditions, hospitality practices, and the community and labor dynamics that define Southern restaurants." - Erin Perkins

How Carolina Barbecue Legend Sam Jones Cooks a Whole Hog | Eater

"Built on a four-generation family tradition of whole-hog cooking, this Carolina barbecue operation practices a simple, patient method: the hog’s skin is wetted and salted—nothing else is applied—and the animal cooks roughly 18 hours over wood until the ribs and backbone begin to separate. The pitmaster then exposes the pig to direct wood heat to crisp the skin to a parched but not scorched crunch, and uniquely chops the skin in with the meat to create a contrasting, balanced texture in every bite. The chopped pork is finished with a light dressing rather than a heavy sauce so the eater can taste the wood, smoke and time that define the meat; it’s served on its own or as a sandwich on a burger bun with slaw. Using six wood smokers, the team also prepares chicken, ribs and turkey and can handle up to a dozen whole hogs at a time." - Avery Dalal

11 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Raleigh and Durham | Eater Carolinas

"Sam Jones is one of America’s most foremost pitmasters, and for years fans had to make the trek east to Winterville, North Carolina, to get a taste of his award-winning barbecue. Luckily Jones and his team opened a Raleigh location that serves much of the same menu, with some twists for the big city folk. Go-tos include the Jones family barbecue tray (smoked pulled pork, a piece of Skylight Inn-style cornbread, and a side) and the Jones family chicken tray (choice of white or dark meat slow-smoked chicken quarter, choice of bread, and a side). There’s also fried catfish bites, pork skins, and pimento cheese, with plenty of sides and salads." - Matt Lardie

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.