When it comes to BBQ, Durham, North Carolina, is like a treasure chest just waiting to be opened. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this city’s BBQ scene, and let me tell you, it’s packed with amazing flavors and mouthwatering dishes. I’m excited to share my favorite spots with you, so you can dive into the deliciousness that Durham has to offer.
So, what’s the best BBQ in Durham, NC? Well, the best BBQ here features a mix of fantastic restaurants that serve up everything from smoky brisket to tangy pulled pork. Each place has its own special twist, making it a fun adventure for your taste buds. You really can’t go wrong with any of these spots if you’re craving some good BBQ!
Get ready to learn all about the top BBQ joints in Durham! I’ll share what makes each place special, the must-try dishes, and why you should check them out. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this tasty journey!
Top 10 BBQ in Durham, NC
- THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK
- City Barbeque
- Backyard BBQ Pit
- Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue
- Lawrence Barbecue
- Byrd’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering
- Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q
- Maverick’s Smokehouse & Taproom
- Picnic
- Moe’s Original BBQ
1. THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK
Phone: (919) 402-4227
Menu: www.theoriginalqshackdurham.com
Directions: Open on Map
Oh man, The Original Q Shack is such a cool place! When I first walked in, I could smell all the yummy BBQ, and it made my mouth water right away. I loved sitting outside in the sun, just soaking in the chill vibe. The place is super simple, but that’s what makes it feel like a real BBQ spot, like you’re at a friend’s backyard cookout.
What I really love about The Original Q Shack is how they mix Western Carolina and Texas BBQ styles. Everything is smoked right there, which makes it taste so fresh and delicious! If you go, you have to try the pulled pork sandwich. It’s so juicy and full of flavor, and the coleslaw on the side is the perfect crunchy addition.
And don’t skip the brisket! It’s so tender and smoky, just melts in your mouth. Seriously, whether you eat there or take it home, you’re gonna be super happy with your meal. Trust me, you’ll want to come back for more!
2. City Barbeque
Phone: (919) 237-9509
Menu: www.citybbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
City Barbeque is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, the yummy smell of BBQ hit me right away, and I got super excited. I loved that I could pick to sit inside or outside, and it felt so cozy and friendly. It’s just the kind of place where you want to hang out and enjoy some good food!
What really makes City Barbeque special is their classic BBQ dishes. Everything is made with so much love, and you can really taste it! If you go, you have to try the brisket. It’s so soft and tasty, and it just melts in your mouth! And don’t forget to get their mac and cheese—it’s creamy and super delicious!
Whether you eat there or take it home, City Barbeque is sure to make you happy. You’ll leave with a big smile and a full tummy, ready to come back for more!
3. Backyard BBQ Pit
Phone: (919) 251-8669
Menu: backyardbbqpit.com
Directions: Open on Map
Backyard BBQ Pit is such a fun place to visit! When I walked in, I felt like I was at a real roadhouse, and the smell of BBQ cooking over oak and hickory wood was just amazing! I loved sitting outside, feeling the nice breeze while enjoying my food. It’s super chill and makes you feel right at home.
What really makes Backyard BBQ Pit special is their old-school BBQ style. Everything is cooked in an outdoor pit, and you can taste that smoky flavor in every bite. If you go, you have to try the ribs—they’re so tender and juicy! And don’t forget to get some baked beans on the side; they’re sweet and really yummy!
Whether you eat there or take it home, Backyard BBQ Pit is sure to make you happy. You’ll leave with a big smile and a full belly, ready to come back for more delicious BBQ!
4. Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue
Phone: (919) 383-3211
Menu: www.bullocks-bbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue is such a neat place! When I walked in, I could feel the love from this family-owned spot that has been serving BBQ since 1952. It felt so cozy and welcoming, and I really liked that I could sit inside or outside. It’s a place where everyone, even celebrities, come to enjoy some hearty BBQ!
What makes Bullock’s super special is their history and how much care they put into their food. Everything is fresh, and you can really taste it! If you go, you have to try the pulled pork. It’s so tender and packed with flavor! And don’t forget to grab some of their hushpuppies; they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Whether you eat there or take it home, Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue will definitely make you smile. You’ll leave feeling happy and full, and you’ll want to come back for more yummy BBQ!
5. Lawrence Barbecue
Phone: (919) 593-6923
Menu: www.lawrencefoodco.com
Directions: Open on Map
Lawrence Barbecue is such a fun place to check out! When I first walked in, I was really impressed by how clean and nice everything looked. I loved that I could choose to sit inside or outside, and the friendly vibe made me feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some yummy BBQ with friends or family!
What really makes Lawrence Barbecue stand out is how fresh and tasty their food is. If you go, you absolutely have to try the smoked chicken. It’s super juicy and packed with flavor! And don’t forget to grab some sweet potato fries—they’re crispy and just the right amount of sweet, which makes them a perfect side!
Whether you eat there or do curbside pickup, Lawrence Barbecue is sure to make you smile. You’ll leave feeling happy and full, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more delicious BBQ!
6. Byrd’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering
Byrd’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering is such a cozy little spot! When I walked in, I felt like I was at a friend’s house. The comfy vibe and friendly people made me smile right away. I loved that I could choose to sit inside or outside, and the smell of BBQ was just so yummy! It’s a perfect place to enjoy a nice breakfast or a tasty BBQ plate.
What really makes Byrd’s special is their down-home cooking. Everything feels warm and inviting, just like a big family meal. If you go, you have to try their BBQ plate. It’s super tasty and comes with all the best sides! And don’t forget to get some sweet tea; it’s the perfect drink to enjoy with your meal!
Whether you eat there or take it to go, Byrd’s BBQ will definitely make you happy. You’ll leave with a big smile and a full tummy, and you’ll want to come back for more delicious BBQ!
7. Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q
Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q is such a cool place to grab some food! When I walked in, the yummy smell of BBQ hit me right away, and I just knew I was gonna love it. The vibe is super chill, and I liked that I could sit inside or outside. It feels like a no-frills BBQ joint, which is just perfect for enjoying some good eats!
What really makes Hog Heaven special is their big menu. They have everything from chicken to shrimp, so there’s something for everyone! If you go, you have to try the pulled pork. It’s so tender and full of flavor! And don’t forget to get some crispy fries; they’re the best side to go with your meal!
Whether you eat there or use the drive-thru, Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q is sure to make you smile. You’ll leave feeling happy and full, ready to come back for more tasty BBQ!
8. Maverick’s Smokehouse & Taproom
Phone: (919) 682-8978
Menu: www.maverickssmokehouse.com
Directions: Open on Map
Maverick’s Smokehouse & Taproom is such a fun place to visit! When I walked in, I loved how cozy and rustic it felt. The yummy smell of BBQ filled the air, and I was super excited to try some food. I really liked that I could sit inside or outside, and there were TVs showing sports, which made it even more exciting!
What makes Maverick’s really special is their classic American BBQ and the full bar they have. If you go, you absolutely have to try the smoked brisket. It’s so juicy and packed with flavor! And don’t forget to get their mac and cheese on the side; it’s creamy and super delicious!
Whether you eat there or get takeout, Maverick’s Smokehouse & Taproom is sure to make you smile. You’ll leave feeling happy and full, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more tasty BBQ!
9. Picnic
Phone: (919) 908-9128
Menu: www.picnicdurham.com
Directions: Open on Map
Picnic is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, I loved how cool and rustic it felt. The yummy smell of BBQ made my tummy rumble, and I was super excited to try their food. I really liked that I could sit inside or outside, enjoying the nice vibe while munching on some delicious BBQ.
What makes Picnic really special is their whole-hog BBQ, which is super fresh and locally sourced. If you go, you have to try their pulled pork. It’s so tender and packed with flavor! And don’t forget to grab a craft beer or cocktail; they have some really tasty drinks that go perfectly with the food!
Whether you eat there or get takeout, Picnic is sure to make you smile. You’ll leave feeling happy and full, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more yummy BBQ!
10. Moe’s Original BBQ
Phone: (919) 237-1004
Menu: www.moesoriginalbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map
Moe’s Original BBQ is such a fun place to eat! When I walked in, I loved the chill vibe and the yummy smell of BBQ all around. I was super excited to try their Alabama-style pulled pork, and I could pick to sit inside or outside, which was really nice!
What makes Moe’s really special is how they smoke all their meats right there in-house. If you go, you have to try the pulled pork. It’s so tender and packed with flavor! And don’t forget to get some coleslaw on the side; it’s crunchy and super refreshing!
Whether you eat there or do curbside pickup, Moe’s Original BBQ is sure to make you smile. You’ll leave feeling happy and full, and you’ll definitely want to come back for more yummy BBQ!
Map of BBQ in Durham, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE ORIGINAL Q SHACK | Moderate | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | No |
| City Barbeque | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
| Backyard BBQ Pit | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
| Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | Yes |
| Lawrence Barbecue | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No | Accessible | No |
| Byrd’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | No |
| Hog Heaven Bar-B-Q | Inexpensive | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | No |
| Maverick’s Smokehouse & Taproom | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | Yes |
| Picnic | Moderate | Yes | Yes | – | Accessible | No |
| Moe’s Original BBQ | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Accessible | – |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Durham, NC?
Oh, there are so many great BBQ spots in Durham! Some of my favorites are The Original Q Shack, City Barbeque, and Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue. Each place has its own yummy flavors, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
2. What type of BBQ styles can I find in Durham?
In Durham, you can find all kinds of BBQ styles! There’s Western Carolina, Texas-style, and even Alabama-style BBQ. Each restaurant has its own special twist, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
3. Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants in Durham?
Yes, definitely! Many BBQ places in Durham have vegetarian options, like coleslaw, baked beans, and salads. Some even have veggie BBQ dishes, so there’s something for everyone!
4. Can I get BBQ delivered in Durham?
Absolutely! Lots of BBQ restaurants in Durham offer delivery, so you can enjoy your favorite BBQ right at home. Just check their websites to see what options they have!
5. Is there outdoor seating available at BBQ places in Durham?
Yes, many BBQ spots in Durham have outdoor seating! It’s a great way to enjoy your meal while soaking up the nice weather and having a good time!
