Best BBQ for Families in the Triangle
Living in North Carolina and not having strong BBQ opinions would be like living at the beach and not caring about waves. We've raised our kids on Carolina BBQ, and the Triangle has some of the best. Here's where to take the family for pulled pork, ribs, and all the fixings.
A Quick BBQ Education for Newcomers
North Carolina BBQ has two main styles:
The Triangle sits between these two traditions, so you'll find excellent examples of both.
Raleigh BBQ
The Pit on W. Davie Street in downtown Raleigh is probably the most well-known BBQ restaurant in the area. The space is a converted warehouse that's large and lively, the whole-hog BBQ is cooked over wood coals, and the sides (collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread) are outstanding. Kids meals $6-8, adult plates $14-20. High chairs available, booster seats too. Reservations recommended for weekend dinner. The noise level is forgiving for families.
Clyde Cooper's BBQ on S. Wilmington Street has been serving Raleigh since 1938. It's a no-frills, counter-service spot with some of the most authentic eastern NC BBQ in the city. The chopped pork sandwich is a masterpiece. Plates $8-12. Cash and card accepted. Limited seating, so takeout is common.
Sam Jones BBQ on Lenoir Street is the Raleigh outpost of the legendary Skylight Inn in Ayden. Whole-hog BBQ cooked the traditional way, with a modern restaurant setting. The cornbread is baked crispy and the banana pudding is mandatory dessert. Adult plates $12-18, kids meals $6-8. This is the BBQ we bring visitors to.
Durham BBQ
Picnic on W. Pettigrew Street is Durham's beloved BBQ spot. The pulled pork is excellent, the fried chicken is an unexpected standout, and the pecan pie might be the best in the Triangle. The outdoor picnic table seating gives kids room to roam. Plates $10-15. Counter service means fast turnaround. Cash and card accepted.
Backyard BBQ Pit on NC Highway 55 in Durham has been a local favorite since 1993. The Texas-style brisket is surprisingly good for a Carolina BBQ joint, and the pulled pork is top-tier. The atmosphere is pure no-frills BBQ joint — paper-lined trays, plastic forks, and incredible food. Plates $8-14.
Cary & Beyond
Prime BBQ in Knightdale has generated serious buzz for their whole-hog BBQ. The pitmasters came from well-known BBQ backgrounds, and the quality shows. It's worth the drive from anywhere in the Triangle. Plates $12-16. They sell out regularly, so go early or check their social media for availability.
Smokey's BBQ Shack in Morrisville is a reliable, family-friendly BBQ option with a drive-through that's a lifesaver on busy evenings. The pulled pork sandwich is solid, and the hush puppies are great. Plates $8-14.
Why BBQ Is Perfect for Kids
Quick Guide to Ordering BBQ With Kids
1. Start with a pulled pork plate. It's the safest bet for kids — soft, flavorful, not too spicy. 2. Get the mac and cheese. BBQ-restaurant mac and cheese is a different (better) thing. 3. Order hush puppies. Always. 4. Don't forget banana pudding. It's the standard BBQ dessert for good reason. 5. Ask for sauce on the side. Let kids decide how much they want.
Quick Reference
| Restaurant | Location | Style | Price | |—————-|—————|———-|———-| | Sam Jones BBQ | Raleigh | Eastern NC whole hog | $$ | | The Pit | Raleigh | Eastern NC whole hog | $$ | | Clyde Cooper's | Raleigh | Eastern NC | $ | | Picnic | Durham | Mixed, with fried chicken | $$ | | Backyard BBQ Pit | Durham | Mixed/Texas influence | $ | | Prime BBQ | Knightdale | Eastern NC whole hog | $$ |
Carolina BBQ is a birthright for kids growing up in the Triangle. Start them young.
More Guides You'll Love
Mom Tip
Got a tip about this topic? We're building a community of Triangle moms who share their insider knowledge. Stay tuned.