Raleigh BBQ!!!! (place, visit, about)

[roscomac]

Originally Posted by CHTransplant

One place to consider is The Pit.

The Pit

I'm not going to claim it's the best - although there are those who would. It's very good authentic eastern NC style BBQ. What sets it apart is that it's also a nice restaurant - which is not usually true for the good NC BBQ joints. For an out of towner, it's a nice place to have a nice, relaxing lunch or dinner and sample some fine NC BBQ.

They also have vegetarian BBQ!

[Bmateo]

Originally Posted by roscomac

They also have vegetarian BBQ!

That's an oxymoron!

I'd say Clyde Coopers is your best bet due to location. I'd also try Watkins simply based on Mike's recommendation. I lurk this board a lot, and he generally gives accurate and helpful advice. (Never met him, just an observation)

[VaNC]

I like Cooper's for the ambience, but the Pit is the only one in Raleigh that cooks over wood...a must for real eastern NC bbq. And, yes, whole hog is the way we do it here and falling off the bone too.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by VaNC

I like Cooper's for the ambience, but the Pit is the only one in Raleigh that cooks over wood...a must for real eastern NC bbq. And, yes, whole hog is the way we do it here and falling off the bone too.

I don't know why this myth persists that the Pit is the "only" place in this area to use a wood pit. I can't list all that do, but Allen & Son in Chapel Hill does. Read a description here:

Allen & Son Barbecue, Chapel Hill

In Durham Backyard BBQ Pit says they use a wood pit. (I've never been there.)

And for what it's worth, here's a listing of a few others in NC:

NC Barbecue Society Historic Trail

[ech86]

If you want the best BBQ in NC you need to go to Lexington, not Raleigh.

[joe530]

Since the OP will be visiting RALEIGH and not all of NC, my vote would be for The Pit. Its just great food and nice surrounding to eat in. BTW, Danny's owner, from what I can remember, is from Fla. and trying to recreate Texas style que. Still, it is very good food.

[joey2000]

Originally Posted by ech86

If you want the best BBQ in NC you need to go to Lexington, not Raleigh.

Good stuff but not the vinegar-based which the OP is looking for.

[Lcoleman]

Clyde Cooper's is the best in Raleigh, and if you head north on US 1, Holden's, (right outside of Wake Forest, towards Franklin County) is excellent.

[Jellobiafra]

Man, I should have waited a week before doing this. Reading the thread is making this OP very hungry! Thanks everyone!

[TarheelsMatt]

I thought Clyde Cooper's had dry food. I recommend the Pit. :]