THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK

First time trying this bbq spot and it did not disappoint! We had pulled pork sandwich and brisket sandwich. They both came with hush puppies and we got French fries which were so fresh and delicious! Everything was amazing and the flavor was perfect. The service from the gentlemen in the kitchen was above and beyond. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for some great bbq!

Anytime I'm visiting from out-of-town I go here multiple times. The sliced Beef Brisket sandwich is absolutely excellent and comes with one side and the best hush puppies I've ever had in my life. Get it with the fries and a Sunkist, you can't go wrong. Cool environment, very reasonable prices for what you get, and again, the food is excellent. The only downside is the parking (it's not their fault - so still 5 stars).

To set the stage, I felt like North Carolina bbq, but I'm a newbie. I don't even know what a hush puppy is. I decided on this place due to the existing ratings. I picked the 3 meat combo so I could try the options. Ribs. Brisket. Chicken. Sides were creamed spinach and spicy pinto beans. I opted for the leg for the chicken. They cut the meat right in front of you, and brush with some sauce before playing on the tray. I loved the ribs. The brisket was tender and very good with some sauce. The chicken skin was good but I felt the meat itself was a texture I didn't like. I ate the skin. I really liked the creamed spinach, and the beans weren't spicy at first - a slight kick in the back end. And those hush puppies? I really really liked them. I don't normally go for sweetish things but... oh man. I had to get a takeout box.

The meats are smoked to perfection and the okra is delicious. The mac and cheese terrible just box Kraft and the spicy pintos tasted like it was the starter for Brunswick stew not at fan at all. The meats are 10/10 sides leave something to be desired and that's my take. I will return for the meats but not for that box mac or spicy pintos. They need work for sure. I had ribs, brisket and pulled pork

The brisket melts in your mouth. Wasn't a fan of the hush puppies, too sweet and over-fried, but the fried okra was the bomb. Fast, friendly service. Some of the best bbq I've ever had.

GREAT FOOD AWESOME SMOKED Q. Sean had the 2 meet combo and could not finish his melt in your mouth smoke brisket and pork ribs. Loved his sides of jack cheese creamed spinach and his collard greens. I had the 2 meat combo pork ribs that were falling off the bone awesome tasty and probably I could use enough adjectives to fully describe their extreme flavors. My second meat was smoked turkey and I had so much I could not eat all that 4 thick slices of moistness. I loved the hush puppy fingers that so good I could eat a bag full by themselves. My sides were that yummy jack cheese creamed spinach and deep fried okra. Both of had 1/2 iced teas. Service was excellent. Wish I lived closer to visit more often. I would recommend to anyone looking for a BBQ place for properly smoked tasty meats.

Overall Score: 6.9/10 – A busy BBQ spot with great value, smooth service, and a unique, casual atmosphere. The menu features some standout items and offers fair pricing across the board, making it a worthwhile stop for BBQ lovers. Atmosphere and Service: 6.7/10 – The place gets packed quickly, which makes parking tight, but the line moved smoothly. It’s a seat-yourself style setup with a laid-back BBQ vibe. Staff seemed friendly, and while the place was a little dirty in areas, it wasn’t too bad. Food came out on time, and the variety on the menu—including unexpected items like meatloaf—added character. Brisket Baked Potato: 7.1/10 – A strong dish with great value. The potato was large and generously topped with sour cream and tender brisket. Very filling and flavorful. Chicken: 6.4/10 – Served as a bone-in breast, this was a juicy and flavorful cut, cooked well. Mac n Cheese: 5.7/10 – A fair-priced and decent side. Nothing fancy, just a solid standard mac. Ribs: 7.6/10 – One of the highlights. Extremely tender with a bold, flavorful seasoning. The meat fell right off the bone and delivered on all expectations.

I think I like the sides and the chili better than the main course. I think the barbecue could’ve had more flavor. I had the brisket. I tried my friends pork, and I thought I had a lot more flavor. They were out of quite a bit of items by the time we got there, no chicken The barbecue sauce really works just OK.

Q Shack was our first BBQ since moving to the triangle area and it did not disappoint! We loved the variety of side options and loved the meats. Definitely feel like the pork was their best meat and paired best with their sauce. Brisket wasn't our favorite but still good!

For my son in laws bday he wanted to eat here. Me & Kel had brisket & 2 sides. D had 1/2 a chicken. It was enough to share. May do so next time Not sure why he didnt have bbq? The food was so tender & fresh & yummy ! It was lunch time so very busy. Help very friendly. I've been here several times & always delicious!! Can sit inside or out on patio. Was raining the day we were there so sat inside.

Grabbed take-out from here recently and enjoyed it! The parking lot was kind of a zoo, but we did manage to find a spot near the restaurant. We walked in and our food was ready at the time estimate, which is great! It was sitting there already bagged up, so I guess we could have come a little earlier, but it tasted fresh so no big deal. I ended up getting the chopped pork BBQ sandwich with a side of collard greens and some banana pudding for dessert. The meal also came with a side of hushpuppies, so it was definitely a good amount of food. I really liked pretty much everything! It was a little strange to me that they gave me an empty bun and all of the BBQ on the side, so I had to make my own sandwich. That being said, the portion of BBQ was pretty large (more than would fit in my sandwich!), so I kind of get it. Overall, I would definitely come back here - maybe I'll grab the brisket next time!

The chopped pork plate came with pulled pork that was tender and juicy. There were an array of barbeque sauces on the tables to choose from, which were delicious. The hush puppies were crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside. The collard greens were well-seasoned and the mac and cheese was solid too. Overall, a stellar pick to satisfy barbeque cravings and reasonably priced! It is casual, self-seating after you order and get your food at the front counter. A must try!

I think I like the sides and the chili better than the main course. I think the barbecue could've had more flavor. I had the brisket. I tried my friends pork, and I thought I had a lot more flavor. They were out of quite a bit of items by the time we got there, no chicken The barbecue sauce really works just OK.

I love The Original Q Shack, especially their sides. I usually order chicken because it's super juicy but this time I tried the ribs. They were good, just not my favorite. I wish they had been a bit juicier. One thing I really appreciate about this place is how quick the service is. Even if the line is long outside it moves fast. They also have plenty of outdoor seating and a good amount of space indoors.

What a great place for a BBQ dinner while traveling in the area. You order at the counter and they get the food to you as you move down the counter. I am guessing this could be slow if they were busy but at 4 pm it was very fast. The brisket, turkey and ribs were very good. Not always easy to all meats great at the same time. I loved the fries that had a dusting of some rub. It came with wonder hushpuppies and that was surprise. Wonder BBQ in the south and worth a stop to try.

Wow! This was my first ever North Carolina bbq experience and it was amazing. The service was fast and friendly. Hardest part was choosing what I wanted, everything looked amazing. I went with the meat combo to try some different sides as well! Collard greens were delicious, I highly suggest the fried okra!!! That was amazing. The meat melts in your mouth and is so flavorful. It was not too busy when I went on a Friday afternoon but I hear it gets busy. Well deserved, what a great place. Will be returning!

What a great meal! Delicious and a great deal. This meal plate was enough for 2 people! I was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant was small and a little crowded; there was a line out the door! But it waa definitely worth the wait. Ordering is super easy, and the food comes out fast. Definitely recommend the ribs. Mac was also great. Would hit this classic Durham spot again!

Unimpressed? That's like saying a cat has a mild interest in a laser pointer. I was on my way to a different BBQ joint, but it was closed Monday-Wednesday, which by the way, is a weird time to take a vacation from BBQ. So, I did what any sensible person would do: I searched for "BBQ places near me." Spoiler alert: I should've brought a parachute. Upon entering, I was greeted by an ambiance that can only be described as "post-apocalyptic diner chic." Everything looked like it hadn't seen a paintbrush since the last time the local team won the championship. But hey, the locals seemed to love it, probably because they were busy eating... or planning their escape. After 15 minutes of trying to make a decision (and contemplating whether I could just order takeout from the place I originally wanted), I decided to embrace my inner BBQ explorer. My friend advised against the mac n' cheese, which looked like it had survived a nuclear fallout. But who are we to judge? We don't turn down squid based on appearance, right? I finally settled on the 1/4 chicken, greens, and yes, the infamous mac n' cheese. Why, you ask? Because I believed that BBQ magic would transform it into gooey goodness, and maybe, just maybe, I would find the holy grail of cheese. Spoiler alert: I did not. When my tray arrived, I was greeted by a leg and thigh combination that screamed, "Surprise! I'm dark meat!" Not my favorite, but I was on a mission of culinary bravery. The chicken looked like it had just come back from a pink-tinted vacation and was not quite ready for the plate. I took a bite and felt like I was playing a game of "Is it done yet?" If anyone viewing the picture, please let me know if it's done or am I too picky. I need a second opinion. Now, the mac n' cheese was my second mistake of the day. Imagine if six boxes of Kraft mac n' cheese had a party in a giant bowl and decided to invite a sprinkle of pepper. That's what I got. Zero flavor, zero cheese, and definitely a zero on the "this is acceptable" scale. The greens, however, were the shining stars of this culinary train wreck. I would return just for a side of those delightful greens, but that's the highest praise I can muster. So, if you're expecting grandma's BBQ, you might want to rethink your life choices. Just remember to take this review with a grain of salt--one that should have been generously sprinkled on the food!

Awesome barbeque and sides! We love this place for the authentic barbeque and great sides. Never had a problem getting a table. We like the combos, but if you have a larger group, you should order family style/sharing. The brisket and ribs are great, and the accompanying table sauces are great. A must-visit for every trip.

This place is my favorite briskets joint in the US!!! Generous juicy slices aided with homemade hush puppies and delicious bbq sauce.

The food was hittin'! Everything was flavorful, fresh, and served hot. The pulled pork was tender, the greens were seasoned just right, and that mac & cheese? Comfort in a scoop. Solid spot for some no-fuss, good BBQ and hearty sides. I'll be back!

Do not be alarmed by lines out the door at lunch time. They are very popular but you order right where you come in, and the line moves fast. Good food, good Carolina barbecue, and the sauce is good and sticky. I liked it. Mac and cheese was amazing too. So many good BBQ in here, this is one of them. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Parking can be tricky.

Average bbq at average prices. Plenty of seating and lots of it outdoors. They're somewhat limited on sauce options. The chopped meats are ok though I think the sides are pretty decent, especially the okra and spinach. I just think I'm more a fan of central Texas style bbq. It's counter service and you clean up after yourself so pretty straightforward.

Wow! Best BBQ in the triangle. I've been here several times and I am always impressed. I've tried several of the meats and sides and the ribs are my favorite. Nearly everything comes with hush puppies and they're great. They also have daily specials that change so there's always something new to try. Friendly people, it can get busy and the parking lot is too small but the wait is well worth it. This place rocks!

BBQ done right! Juicy meat, rich flavors, and generous portions. The staff made me feel right at home. Will 100% be back with friends next time.

Pretty decent food. My chicken was over cooked and dry. I came in the middle of the week during lunch time so that could be why. The ribs were perfect and the mac and cheese was surprisingly good. The service was quick and efficient. They had outdoor seating and indoor seating as well. Would go again.

We have been wanting to try Durham BBQ joints for a while, the Original Q Shack was our first! Great choice!! Smoked Turkey was moist, cut it with a spoon and full of flavor! Bravo! Pulled pork very delicious. Beef Brisket was cut in with a spoon tender as well and flavor was very good! Each BBQ has its own flavors and this was no different. And oh! The hush puppies, some of the best we have had. The sides we have to be better with next time. Creamed spinach we wanted more and it wasn't . The menu stated deep fried eggs and we received just old deviled eggs, nothing to write home about. So we will pick better sides next to then have a complete meal. We will be back!

Food, mouth water good. Efficient service. Ambiance more than VG for a shack. We were here on a Saturday evening at 4-ish. No waiting line. FYI, none of the 4 BBQ joints in Durham on our list opened on Sundays we discovered on Sunday. Plan ahead if Q is on your menu and you don't live nearby. Two of us shared the 3 meat combo which includes 2 sides and it was plenty filling. We had spareribs, pulled pork and brisket-all excellent choices. Our 2 sides were fried okra and Mac & cheese plus 2 beers. We ate there. It's an excellent BBQ joint type vibe. Plenty of togo orders (large and small) went of the door while we ate also. It's a very efficient operation. I need beer with my BBQ and they did not disappoint me (see photo).

Came by for a late lunch around 1PM. No line, so we were able to order right away. Let the staff know and they will quickly prep your order. The highlights for me were the brisket, ribs, and mac and cheese. I wasn't a fan of the pulled pork. On the really dry side. Portions are large. There is seating inside and outside. Limited parking in the lot, but we were lucky enough to get a few.

I love this barbecue place, and I think it was a great value for the price. Me and my family came here, we got our food very fast, and everyone was super friendly. There was plenty of seating for us, and we all agreed this barbecue was really well-made! Definitely one to check out if you were in the area!

As a vegetarian, sides were decent. Hush puppies were good but a little oily. The Mac and cheese was nice, but not the cheesiest I've ever had. The banana pudding was phenomenal though and worth going back for. We sat outside on a nice day, the space is large inside too. Service was very fast.

Absolutely terrific BBQ! We enjoyed everything about the Q Shack. Our orders arrived super fast.

Family run business. Clean, small and comfy to enjoy the food which was plentiful! I tried the 3 meats w two sides. Cashier definitely gave an insight on what to order.

Let me start with the staff. (Very straight to the point... "May I help you with your order?" Though it's written in LARGE letters infront of me I asked what do you have for sides. Without hesitation or Tude I was told every side there was with the biggest smile (almost like it was being sung) AND the line was full. In a nutshell these people were professional and pleasant. Picnic styling, VERY clean and neat. The hostess (who I'm assuming is taking care of the family business, so much care and friendliness almost like you're in there living room. NEED I say I love it here. Came for lunch. Now the FOOD. You see my TRAY? I HAD TWO meats, the Ribs which were tender and tasty, the meat fel off the bone into my mouth. (Cooked to perfect) The Beef brisket... WOW AMAZING (I'm really picky) the fat on this brisket was even heavenly. (

Awesome brisket and bbq, everything on the menu was delicious. Great customer service, clean, nice outside seating. I would highly recommend this place if you are passing through or live in the area

I ordered the turkey with, beans, potato salad, & banana pudding. The turkey was good, the beans were ok, the potato salad was great, and the banana pudding was ok.

Amazing barbecue!!! It's a self service sort of place without wait staff Country music at a little noisy level 1960s tables and chairs The ribs were moist and delectable and sauced just about right--maybe a little on robust side. Chicken was soooo moist and delicious. Brisket was moist and had a nice smoke ring! Come here and you'll come back !

My favorite bbq restaurant in all of Durham! From the moment you walk in, the delicious scent of fresh bbq is amazing and the decor is cozy and pure southern-comfort. Try the hush puppies with the honey cream cheese packets they have near the drinks, it will not disappoint! The pulled pork sandwich was delicious and the mac n cheese had the perfect touch of pepper to make it far more than your average mac. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available, though many people take-out or get catering orders. Parking is a bit limited, but it is easy to park across the street and walk over. Service is fast and easy. The staff was helpful and provided great recommendations, with the brisket being one of their absolute favorites!

Great Carolina BBQ. I try to come outside of the lunch rush but have regretted it a few times since they were out of the mac and cheese side (one of my favorites). The food always comes fresh and order is right. When I have time, I enjoy sitting in the outdoor section on the benches and enjoying my meal there.

Always greeted with a smile. Brisket and pulled pork platters were overflowing with yumminess. Tried their cheeseburger and it was wonderful. Double patties and double cheese. Get here!! You won't be disappointed.

We had carryout. Everything was great. I really liked the brisket! Pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, and hush puppies were all good. Food was ready a little bit late, but it was not a long wait.

Anna helped us plan the perfect rehearsal dinner for our son's wedding. Anna set up everything beautifully. The pulled pork , chopped brisket, and turkey stayed warm in chafing dishes. There gluten free sides and sauces. For some of our family, it was the first time having North Carolina BBQ, and they were blown away! Good thing I ordered extra because everyone wanted seconds. At the last minute we remembered we needed fish for people observing Lent. Anna made that happen without hesitation. Q Shack remains our favorite!

Stopped in for lunch and was completely enamored with everything. The staff was patient (menu is expansive but manageable) and friendly (was greeted and thanked multiple times). Great atmosphere and the food was incredible! I usually post a photo but we devoured the food almost immediately lol Had the brisket, ribs, chopped pork and wings, all of them were delicious! Fantastic restaurant, I wish I didn't live 9hrs away! Definitely will be returning the next time I'm in town. Amazing experience. Thank you for the delicious bbq!

We were in town and looked up Brisket BBQ. Saw the 4 stars and said let's go! First parking is a challenge as it is a funny shaped lot with minimal parking. (Saturday night around 7:00pm). Loved the menu board outside so you could decide before going in. Easy ordering, cafeteria style and when you get to the register your food arrives as well. We order Brisket plate w/ 2 sides. You get a lot for your money which is a PLUS! Slice Brisket Mac n cheese Creamed spinach Sliced Brisket Fried Okra Side Salad Our brisket was delicious. Great flavor and didn't require sauce. (I am not a fan of southern bbq sauce as too much vinegar) this sauce was good, simple and added flavor if needed. My husband used the word " succulent" for the brisket. Ya'll that spoke volumes. Hush puppies Mac n cheese Creamed spinach, so so Side salad looked awesome and hubby said it was great (didn't share ) Fried okra The atmosphere took us back to Texas. See pics below . Music was old country. The newest song we heard was Elvira by the Oak Ridge Boys. For some reason I love the larger pig painting. Just brought a smile to my face. This place is clean and busy. The most important thing for us was our tummies left full & happy We will definitely stop in again when in the area.

Portions were very big! Brisket is good, potato salad and Mac and cheese were amazing sides, but the coleslaw was a bit lackluster.

Visiting North Carolina, so a trip to try the barbecue was essential. After an informal survey of several locals, the place chosen was The Original Q Shack. Service was quick, the tables were clean, and the food plentiful. The pork was very tender and yummy. The hush puppies were my favorite part of the meal.

After being away from NC for 8 years, have been back twice in the last three months. At first, I was underwhelmed going with my family for dinner. Q Shack always had my favorite both ribs and brisket in the Triangle, but everything when I went to dinner a few months ago was Meh. The brisket was Mohr chopped than I remembered, and both the food and the location had a tired feel to it. I almost gave up but went with a friend for lunch yesterday and it was just like old times. Great and large portion of sliced brisket, cooked perfectly. Ribs were very, very meaty. Creamed spinach was the best I had anywhere, restaurant was bustling. My impression is that they are still awesome for non-NC BBQ (ribs, brisket, sausage) but you want to go for lunch, dinner is not very popular and their focus is on the afternoon crowd.

My favorite BBQ place I've tried thus far!! The food was delicious! We waited in a solid line before ordering at the counter. I got the pork platter with creamed spinach and baked beans. Some of the best creamed spinach I've had, I highly recommend. Most plates come with their hush puppies which are also very good. It's a large portion for a totally reasonable price. If I came again, I don't think I would get the baked beans but I still enjoyed them.

one of the best bbq places in the rtp area and i can see why! got their brisket and it wasnt my fav but i have to try their ribs next time bc i think thats a staple here. sides were all amazing too!

Very popular BBQ place near Duke University. I have fond memories of this place from a couple of years ago and decided to revisit. The food is good, but I think the portion sizes might have been reduced. The food: I got the three meat combo plate ($22.95), which comes with 3 meats, 2 sides, hush puppies, toast, and onions, and pickles. I super appreciate the additions, really rounds out the meal. I enjoyed the brisket the best -- tender and flavorful. 2nd best was pulled pork, also very tender, a hint sour on the BBQ sauce. The ribs, which is usually my favorite for BBQ, were dry and not much meat on the bone. All the sides were great. I might've enjoyed the sides more than the meats. I wish the meats could've shined more. I was surprised that the meat portions were on the small side. It only came with 2 ribs. I got it to go, and I like that they use the aluminum foil to separate the potato salad from everything else so nothing gets soggy. Also automatically packed up 2 little containers of BBQ sauce, which was convenient. The service: Super efficient, and they really seem to take their BBQ seriously. Came on lunchtime on a weekday -- it was busy but still no wait. You get in line and get already cooked meats placed on a plate. Bus your own tables. The space: clean, I like the benches inside and outside, plenty of room to sit, and gives it a good vibe for BBQ. Tl;dr: Popular casual BBQ near Duke. Would recommend the brisket and sides. Nice space for a quick bite or casual meet-up with friends.

Tried out the Q Shack which I've been meaning to do and I'm glad I didn't delay any longer. It was absolutely delicious and so much food for such a great price. I was absolutely starving and it was more than enough. The service was quick and friendly and it's counter serve so it's fast and without delay which is nice. It was pretty crowded inside with a line going out the door so I'm glad it's a popular spot!

Simply amazing brisket and pulled pork took a Freind for lunch bday. Great time had by all. Very casual good service and fair prices

It's a real BBQ place, so the vibe is low key no ambiance, at counter service, and great food. Had the cut brisket, spicy TX pinto bean and mac&cheese. Very good all around if you like none Carolina style BBQ. Will be back to try the ribs, turkey and all the other good food. Great BBQ!

I placed an order on the phone and I was in and out of the restaurant pretty quickly. Parking is nuts though. The food was great!

The food was okay. The brisket was all point and very fatty. The ribs were pretty good but no rub on them and lightly smoked. The okra was tasteless. I was expecting better visiting the area for the first time.

Easily the best sides at any bbq spot I've been to in the area. The entrees are great too but I really loved the sides! The hush puppies were also really good.

My beloved Q Shack. Chopped pork, Mac and cheese, creamed spinach, two deviled eggs, half sweet tea/half lemonade with a splash of water so it's not too sweet. Trust me on this. The only negative is that they're not open every day and sometimes you just want bbq on a Monday :(