Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Raleigh area by diners

Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.

American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.

Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.

Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.

Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.

If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Raleigh based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Raleigh were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.

Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!

1 / 26

#26. Logan's Roadhouse

- Rating: 2.8/5 (187 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1000 Timber Drive East Garner, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp

2 / 26

#25. DeMario's

- Rating: 2.9/5 (66 reviews)
- Address: 1155 Timber Drive East Garner, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp

3 / 26

#24. Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q

- Rating: 3.0/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4000 Jones Sausage Road Garner, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Shop, American
- Read more on Yelp

4 / 26

#23. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.2/5 (523 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11440 Capital Blvd. Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

5 / 26

#22. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.2/5 (250 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8121 Brier Creek Pkwy Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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6 / 26

#21. Carolina Barbecue

- Rating: 3.2/5 (135 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 733 US Hwy 70 West Garner, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Desserts
- Read more on Yelp

7 / 26

#20. Remington Grill Burgers & BBQ- Cary

- Rating: 3.3/5 (120 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 208 Crossroads Blvd. Cary, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

8 / 26

#19. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.4/5 (178 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 300 Conservation Road Garner, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

9 / 26

#18. Shane's Rib Shack

- Rating: 3.4/5 (123 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5811 Poyner Village Parkway Bldg 101, Ste J1 Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

10 / 26

#17. City Barbeque

- Rating: 3.7/5 (64 reviews)
- Address: 4122 Lake Boone Trl Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

11 / 26

#16. The Pit

- Rating: 3.8/5 (3590 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 328 West Davie St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp

12 / 26

#15. Clyde Cooper's Barbecue

- Rating: 3.8/5 (260 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 327 South Wilmington St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

13 / 26

#14. Buldaegi BBQ House

- Rating: 3.8/5 (91 reviews)
- Address: 2470 Walnut St. Cary, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

14 / 26

#13. Danny's Bar-B-Que

- Rating: 3.8/5 (262 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 311 Ashville Ave. Ste G Cary, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

15 / 26

#12. City Barbeque

- Rating: 3.9/5 (316 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9424 Falls Of Neuse Road Ste 108 Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp

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16 / 26

#11. City Barbeque

- Rating: 3.9/5 (316 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 110 Cabela Drive Garner, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp

17 / 26

#10. Sam Jones BBQ

- Rating: 3.9/5 (270 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 502 West Lenoir St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Tapas/Small Plates, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

18 / 26

#9. The BBQ Lab

- Rating: 3.9/5 (96 reviews)
- Address: 4120 Main At North Hills St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

19 / 26

#8. City Barbeque

- Rating: 4.0/5 (727 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1305 Kildaire Farm Road Cary, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp

20 / 26

#7. Ole Time Barbecue

- Rating: 4.1/5 (442 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6309 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

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21 / 26

#6. Lechón Latin BBQ & Bar

- Rating: 4.2/5 (153 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5959 Triangle Town Blvd. Ste 2121 Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Latin American, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

22 / 26

#5. Midwood Smokehouse

- Rating: 4.3/5 (184 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 409 West Johnson St. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, American
- Read more on Yelp

23 / 26

#4. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

- Rating: 4.3/5 (155 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 3105 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

24 / 26

#3. Seol Grille

- Rating: 4.4/5 (528 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 2310 Walnut St. Cary, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

25 / 26

#2. Ktown Market

- Rating: 4.4/5 (165 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6014 Duraleigh Road Ste A Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Japanese
- Read more on Yelp

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#1. Chop Shop BBQ & Grill

- Rating: 4.7/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 210 East Six Forks Road Raleigh, North Carolina
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.