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Best BBQ in Clayton, NC

Clayton, North Carolina, is such a cool place for BBQ lovers like me! There are so many amazing spots to grab some delicious, smoky goodness. I’m excited to share my favorite places with you, so you can find the best BBQ in town and enjoy every bite.

So, what’s the best BBQ in Clayton, NC? Well, let me tell you! There are several fantastic restaurants that serve up mouthwatering BBQ, from juicy pulled pork to tender brisket. Each place has its own special twist, so you’re in for a treat no matter where you go!

Stick around, and I’ll take you on a tasty adventure through Clayton’s BBQ scene. You’ll learn about the top spots, what to order, and why each one is a must-try for anyone who loves BBQ as much as I do!

Top 10 BBQ in Clayton, NC

  1. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
  2. J-Top’s BBQ Shop
  3. Low and Slow Smokehouse
  4. Mannings Restaurant
  5. The Redneck BBQ Lab
  6. La Cocina Clayton
  7. Yi Ge(NUMBER One) Asian Cuisine (壹哥烧腊)
  8. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
  9. Char-Grill
  10. Culver’s

1. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

10414 US-70 BUS, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 553-4553
Menu: www.scnbnc.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh man, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is such a fun place to eat in Clayton! I remember walking in and smelling that yummy BBQ right away. The staff was super friendly, and I loved that I could sit inside or outside. It felt really cozy and relaxed, perfect for enjoying some good food.

What makes Smithfield’s really special is their vinegar-based sauce. It’s tangy and just the right amount of sweet! I totally recommend getting the BBQ plate with their crispy fried chicken. The pulled pork is so tender, and the chicken is crunchy and delicious. Every bite is packed with flavor, and it really shows off what Southern BBQ is all about. You’re gonna love it!

2. J-Top’s BBQ Shop

J-Top's BBQ Shop

8948 Cleveland Rd, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 934-0093
Menu: www.jtopsbbqshop.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, J-Top’s BBQ Shop is such a cool place in Clayton! I remember the first time I went there; the smoky smell of BBQ just made my mouth water. The atmosphere is super chill, and I loved that I could pick to sit inside or outside. It felt like the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some yummy food with friends.

What really makes J-Top’s special is all the tasty BBQ choices they have. I totally recommend the brisket sandwich! It’s so juicy and full of flavor, and it just melts in your mouth. Don’t forget to grab some of their homemade coleslaw on the side. It’s crunchy and goes perfectly with the BBQ. Every bite is just so good, and I can’t wait to go back for more!

3. Low and Slow Smokehouse

Low and Slow Smokehouse

3149B Swift Creek Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577, USA
Phone: (919) 578-6479
Menu: lowandslowsmokehouse.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh man, Low and Slow Smokehouse is one of my favorite BBQ places! I remember the first time I walked in; the smoky smell wrapped around me like a warm hug. The atmosphere is super cozy, and I loved sitting down with my friends to enjoy some really good food together.

What really makes Low and Slow special is how they cook their BBQ. Everything is slow-cooked to perfection! I totally recommend trying their smoked brisket. It’s so tender and juicy, and it just melts in your mouth! And don’t forget to get their homemade mac and cheese on the side. It’s creamy and goes so well with the BBQ. Every bite is just delicious, and I can’t wait to go back for more tasty treats!

4. Mannings Restaurant

Mannings Restaurant

406 E Main St, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 585-7005
Menu: www.manningsonmain.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, Mannings Restaurant is such a cool place in Clayton! I remember the first time I went there; the staff was super friendly, and I felt right at home. I loved sitting on the rooftop patio, soaking up the sunshine while I waited for my food. It was such a nice spot to chill and enjoy a meal.

What really makes Mannings special is their yummy mix of Southern comfort food and BBQ. I totally recommend getting their BBQ platter! It has a little bit of everything, and the flavors are just out of this world! The pulled pork is so tender, and the sides, like the collard greens, are super tasty. Every bite is just so good, and I can’t wait to go back for more delicious food!

5. The Redneck BBQ Lab

The Redneck BBQ Lab

12101-B NC-210, Benson, NC 27504, USA
Phone: (919) 938-8334
Menu: www.theredneckbbqlab.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh man, The Redneck BBQ Lab is such a cool spot! I remember the first time I walked in; the rustic look made it feel super cozy. The smoky smell of BBQ was everywhere, and I was so excited to try their food. I loved that I could choose to sit inside or outside, which made it a fun place to hang out with friends.

What really makes The Redneck BBQ Lab special is their classic BBQ dishes. I totally recommend the brisket! It’s so tender and full of flavor, and it just melts in your mouth. And you have to try their cornbread on the side; it’s sweet and buttery, just like I love it! Every bite is so yummy, and I can’t wait to go back for more tasty BBQ!

6. La Cocina Clayton

La Cocina Clayton

764 Shotwell Rd, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 550-7323
Menu: www.lacocinanc.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, La Cocina Clayton is such a fun place to grab a bite! I remember the first time I went there; the bright colors and friendly faces made me feel super welcome. I loved sitting outside in the nice weather while I waited for my food. It was just a great spot to chill and enjoy some yummy dishes.

What really makes La Cocina special is their tasty Mexican food. I totally recommend trying their tacos! They’re packed with fresh ingredients and so full of flavor. And you have to get a margarita too; it’s super refreshing and goes perfectly with the tacos. Every bite is just so delicious, and I can’t wait to go back for more tasty treats!

7. Yi Ge(NUMBER One) Asian Cuisine (壹哥烧腊)

Yi Ge(NUMBER One) Asian Cuisine (壹哥烧腊)

12849 US-70 BUS, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 550-5115
Menu: www.yigeasiancuisine.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, Yi Ge (NUMBER One) Asian Cuisine is such a cool place to eat! I remember the first time I went there; the cozy vibe and friendly staff made me feel super welcome. I loved sitting outside in the nice weather while I waited for my food. It was just a great spot to relax and try some yummy dishes.

What really makes Yi Ge special is their delicious Asian food. I totally recommend trying their roasted duck! It’s so juicy and full of flavor, and the skin is nice and crispy. And you have to get some rice on the side; it goes perfectly with the duck. Every bite is just so tasty, and I can’t wait to go back for more yummy meals!

8. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q

Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

15 Publix Dr, Clayton, NC 27527, USA
Phone: (919) 371-2722
Menu: www.scnbnc.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is such a fun place to eat! I remember the first time I walked in; the yummy smell of BBQ and fried chicken hit me right away. The staff was super friendly, and I loved that I could choose to sit inside or outside. It felt like a great spot to enjoy a meal with my family.

What really makes Smithfield’s special is their Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ with that tangy vinegar sauce. I totally recommend getting the BBQ plate! The pulled pork is so tender, and the fried chicken is crispy and juicy. Every bite is just bursting with flavor, and I can’t wait to go back for more delicious food!

9. Char-Grill

Char-Grill

11581 US-70 BUS, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 553-2427
Menu: clayton.orderchargrill.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, Char-Grill is such a cool place to eat! I remember the first time I walked in; the smell of those charcoal-grilled burgers made my tummy rumble right away. The atmosphere is super chill, and I loved that I could sit inside or outside. It felt like the perfect spot to grab a quick meal with my friends.

What really makes Char-Grill special is their yummy burgers cooked over charcoal. I totally recommend trying their classic cheeseburger! It’s so juicy and full of flavor, and the fries are crispy and just right. Every bite is so delicious, and I can’t wait to go back for more tasty treats!

10. Culver’s

Culver’s

11959 US-70, Clayton, NC 27520, USA
Phone: (919) 243-8448
Menu: www.culvers.com
Directions: Open on Map

Oh wow, Culver’s is such a fun place to eat! I remember the first time I walked in; the friendly staff greeted me with big smiles, and I felt right at home. I loved that I could choose to sit inside or outside, which made it a great spot to enjoy a meal with my family.

What really makes Culver’s special is their yummy ButterBurgers and creamy frozen custard. I totally recommend trying their ButterBurgers! They’re made with fresh beef, and they’re super juicy and delicious. And you have to save room for their frozen custard for dessert; it’s so smooth and tasty! Every bite is just amazing, and I can’t wait to go back for more yummy food!

Map of BBQ in Clayton, NC

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant Price Seating Takeout Delivery Wheelchair Reservation
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q Inexpensive Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
J-Top’s BBQ Shop Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Low and Slow Smokehouse Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Mannings Restaurant Moderate Yes Yes No Accessible Yes
The Redneck BBQ Lab Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
La Cocina Clayton Inexpensive Yes Yes No Accessible
Yi Ge(NUMBER One) Asian Cuisine (壹哥烧腊) Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q Inexpensive Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Char-Grill Inexpensive Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Culver’s Inexpensive Yes Yes Accessible No

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best BBQ places in Clayton, NC?
    Oh, there are so many great BBQ spots in Clayton! Some of my favorites are Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, J-Top’s BBQ Shop, and Low and Slow Smokehouse. Each place has its own yummy flavors, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them!

  • Is there BBQ with outdoor seating in Clayton?
    Yes, definitely! Lots of BBQ places, like Smithfield’s and Mannings Restaurant, have outdoor seating. It’s super nice to enjoy your meal outside when the weather is great!

  • Do these BBQ places offer takeout?
    For sure! Most BBQ restaurants in Clayton, like Char-Grill and The Redneck BBQ Lab, let you take your food to go. It’s super easy to grab some tasty BBQ and enjoy it wherever you want!

  • Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants?
    While BBQ places usually focus on meat, some, like Mannings Restaurant, have sides and salads that are vegetarian-friendly. It’s always a good idea to check the menu or ask the staff for what they have!

  • What is the typical price range for BBQ in Clayton?
    The price for BBQ in Clayton is usually pretty affordable, ranging from inexpensive to moderate. You can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much, which is awesome!

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