- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Backyard BBQ Pit
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 8 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
129 reviews for Backyard BBQ Pit
Review Highlights
-
"You can't leave without trying their mac & cheese." In 54 reviews -
"Golden, round, crispy-outside-soft-inside hush puppies." In 28 reviews -
"I had the pulled pork which was spiced perfectly." In 21 reviews
Loading...
129 reviews in English
-
Review from Mark S.
Cary, NC
5/5/2012
The best BBQ I've ever had, and I've had lots. Perfect flavor, always fresh and great prices. No matter which "style" BBQ sauce you like, they have them all.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Lindsay S.
Raleigh, NC
5/10/2012
This is your country, home-cookin', southern goodness right here on Highway 55 in Durham folks! The parking picks are slim, but the line inside moves quickly. The menu is simple, but that's all it's meant to be. Perfect for a casual lunch or in and out to take something tasty back to the office!
BBQ plate with 2 sides for $6.49. Hello! Yes, please. They have quite a few sides to pick from coleslaw, okra, potatoes, fries, corn, mac'n cheese, green beans and more. Oh ya know, the standards when eatin' good comfort food! The plate has a good-sized portion of bbq and even comes with a few delish hushpuppies on the side too. I got corn and green beans as my sides. Add in a Sweet Tea and I'm in Heaven.
Go through the line and at the cashier they hand you your food in a standard styrofoam take-out box. Everyone gets it served that way whether you're eatin' in or out. I wish they were more Earth friendly and had some cardboard or some other kinda materials, but that food was good. We sat down at a booth. This building is ancient and the plastic chairs are too with decor mannerisms like an old Hardee's or something. There are drawings and writing all over the walls kind of like an old school cafeteria.
No pretenses. Just yummmm. For a change, I actually gobbled down all my food too with no leftovers! -
Review from Amy M.
San Jose, CA
5/1/2012 1 photo
This place is amazing. The pork BBQ was so good, it didn't need any sauce. I used some anyway, because the BBQ sauce was tasty too. After reading the reviews, I had to order the pork and the ribs. The guy behind the counter was pretty funny. He asked if someone was going to help me eat all the food i was ordering. I told him it would make great left overs.
I'm usually picky about mac and cheese. This one is worth ordering. The noodles were cooked perfectly and there is just the right amount of real cheese. Oh, so good.
The ribs were fall off the bone great. I could taste the seasoning on the ribs even with the BBQ sauce on it. YUM!
Wherever you are in North Carolina, if you want BBQ, come here. You won't be disappointed. The food was so good, I didn't mind the lack of air conditioning. Come here for the food and staff, not the decor. The price is right too. -
Review from A V.
New York, NY
4/25/2012 1 photo
Wow. If you like Carolina BBQ go here.
Drove straight to the BBQ pit from the Raleigh airport on a Monday night. Had the pulled pork combo with chicken (baked beans and mac & cheese as sides) along with a bottomless sweet tea. The pork was amazing. Well seasoned and moist. The white meat chicken had a nice amount of smoke and was also moist. I agree with most reviewers that the mac & cheese is very good but I also particularly enjoyed the baked beans which had an unexpected black pepper flavor. Oh, and the hush puppies were amazing. Fluffy and not greasy. Staff was pretty friendly and patient with customers struggling to decide what to order. If I return to RDU any time soon I will head straight back to the BBQ pit. Just go. -
Review from Danny B.
Durham, NC
5/16/2012
I fell in LOVE with this place when I first first discovered it. We've had some bumps along the way (including rude staff and staff members being obviously inebriated/high when serving the food and spilling mac and cheese all over the place), but what can I say? The food tastes better than my Grandmother's. I didn't think that was possible. Their BBQ is cooked to the T. Not sure where you will find better. If you like southern food, you have to come to this place.
-
Review from Indy J.
Zionsville, IN
5/14/2012
Small place, great food, generous and friendly folks!
-
Review from Jon T.
Updated - 3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was our fourth NC trip in two years and after eating here on each trip, I stand by this being a favorite. The pork is consistently flavorful, moist but not wet, perfectly sauced, slightly smoky, clean, not greasy. While writing this back in St Louis I really could use a plate for lunch. I had my favorites again this time; collards, fried cabbage and mac 'n' cheese. I almost wept it was so good. I like their mac 'n' cheese because it is sort of dry, not creamy like the usual Kraft stuff. I know there will be a lot of people who disagree, but this is the way I like it. I also like their hushpuppies, no detectable onion, slightly sweet, light and just a little greasy.
Ms T who is not a fan of Eastern NC barbecue (she has a few other redeeming qualities) ordered barbecued chicken. This is probably smoked and then finished in an oven. It is extremely well done, but sauced so it is not dried out. I will stick with the pork.
The people there are always wonderful. I just can't wait to return.Listed in: North Carolina Barbecue
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
2/21/2011
On the final night of our 2011 NC Barbecue tour took us back for a revisit of Backyard. We had… Read more »
-
-
Review from Sarah H.
5/1/2012
The whole side-of-the-road, BBQ joints are one of my favorite things about North Carolina and the Backyard BBQ Pit didn't disappoint. The prices were excellent, for $4.95 I got the working man's lunch with a BBQ sandwich with slaw and two sides. Both the green beans and the mac'n'cheese were delicious. The 'cue was especially moist, tender, and I really enjoyed their vinegar sauce. I agree with Christina G's complaint about the lack of condiments on the tables. Even stranger is their lack of any hot sauce (especially Texas Pete). But it's definitely a great place to pop into and add to your tour of NC BBQ.
-
Review from RINNA L.
Philadelphia, PA
3/12/2012
Pretty awesome. I walked 2 miles down highway 55 after reading all the awesome reviews on Yelp to get to this place from my hotel.
The food was amazing and cheap. 6 bucks for a pulled pork sandwich, side of mac and cheese, side of hush-puppies and a soda. The pulled pork was great and i love that they have all the options of sauces. Mac and cheese was ok - a little congealed, but still tasty. Hush-puppies were amazing - slightly cinnamon-y.
the service was fast and courteous. the over-all atmosphere is slightly fast food-ish. I was hoping it was a place i could get a beer, some food and chill - but it's not really. More of a take-out place for dinner time. But being that tasty and cheap - go for it. -
Review from Jim S.
Long Beach, CA
2/26/2012
Drove all the way from Atlanta on an emergency service call and this was the first stop,
Did our service call then headed to Smokies for food to drive back to Atlanta for later.
Backyard's pulled pork is great and the ribs are second to none in the wet catagory.
Fried Okra and Mac and Cheese. they just don't make it this way in California. I really like the family feel of the people working there. -
Review from Liz B.
1/18/2012 ROTD 3/19/2012
NC BBQ nirvana, elusive for so long, I have now found you. The pulled pork sandwich, while humble on the plate, is a miracle once it enters your mouth. I got the cole slaw on the side and smothered it on half the sandwich, and it's excellent either with or without slaw. I can't tell you how many times I've tried and hated collard greens. Backyard's collard greens actually taste good. Yet another miracle. And their mac-and-cheese is AMAZING. As tasty as Poole's, but way cheaper.
Although the food is stealthily fantastic, the true charm of this place is the staff--humble, cheerful, kind, and thoroughly unpretentious. One of the staff kept walking around the tables, checking in with all the customers, making sure they were happy.
Many have commented on the unpleasant appearance of this place. Well, I think of it this way...I consider a guy who's unattractive by conventional standards, shabbily dressed, maybe chubby, or very skinny. But he is completely at home in his skin. He KNOWS himself, without apology, and is genuinely warm, caring, funny. Backyard BBQ Pit is that guy. If that guy tastes like delicious, juicy, smokey, meaty heaven.
To compare, a certain overpraised shiny BBQ joint in Raleigh is the overgroomed, trendy metrosexual who tries too hard and tastes like Acqua di Gio. -
Review from Brittany B.
Raleigh, NC
2/17/2012
On a saturday afternoon we headed over to Backyard BBQ with the intention of having some excellent NC-style pulled pork BBQ. We've had it before and it is seriously some of the best in the area.
Unfortunately, we were there later in the day (around 4, and they close at 6 on Saturday) so they were out of the pork BBQ and Ribs. No matter, this was an excuse to try something different (which I know I couldn't do otherwise!). Instead we got their beef brisket and bbq chicken. The beef brisket was actually a little bit of a let down since the flavor was lacking a bit and the meat was significantly fatty. The BBQ chicken was solid - everything I could expect from BBQ chicken (still not pulled pork, though!). The sides were as good as always - the Mac and Cheese is AMAZING, it is very obviously homemade and loaded with real cheese. The sweet potatoes were very good, with a normal brown sugar and cinnamon sauce of some kind on it. The green beans were everything we could ask for from your standard BBQ place.
One of the best part's about Backyard is that the prices are so reasonable for the quality you get. The actual restaurant looks more like a dive, but this is one we certainly will be headed back to! -
Review from Bernard J.
Chapel Hill, NC
4/2/2012
Once again, I was on campus, depressed and moping over the lack of viable dinner options when my friend asked me if I wanted to try this BBQ place. To preface, i've lived in NC for most of my life and thus have been to many BBQ joints around the area, including Bullock's, Allen and Sons, Q shack etc, but not to this one. Always up for something new, I jumped on the opportunity. And it was good.
The food:
So my friend and I arrived rather late (around 7:50pm, and they close at 8:00pm.) and the choices were limited. Still, we managed to snag some pulled pork and ribs. We also had candied yams and Brunswick stew for our sides, as well as some hushpuppies. The total came to around $7 for the pulled pork plate, a few bucks more for the ribs. The pulled pork was good, as i've come to expect from authentic NC places. The spice-vinegar balance was just right. There wasn't anything that stood out about it, but i've become so accustomed to legitimate NC pulled pork that that statement is a good thing. The (wet) ribs were exceptionally tender and had a rich, slightly sweet, smoky flavor. The Brunswick stew was a little sweet for my tastes, but with good texture and the candied yams were entirely adequate. The hushpuppies, however, were fantastic little balls of fried goodness with the perfect amount of sweetness. The meat dishes were definitely the draws of the restaurant though.
The place:
Given how close we came to closing time, the cashiers and servers were very friendly, never rushing our orders but still expediently getting us our food. We also got a few free cups of lemonade, which was a unexpected gesture of kindness and well-paired with our food. The place itself is kind of a dive, but in more of a charming manner.
Other coolness:
They have a "sauce bar" where you can pour yourself hot sauce, sweet BBQ sauce and vinegar sauce to taste. I wouldn't recommend too much of the vinegar, as the pulled pork is already seasoned very well.
What I missed:
Sadly, because we came so late, we didn't get any of the mac and cheese or any of the fish (which are the usual southern fried species.) I guess that just means we'll have to come back, again and again, until we do. I'm looking forward to it. -
Review from Chris A.
Durham, NC
2/5/2012
Most of my family is from Florida or New York, and most of them have a warped idea of what Durham, North Carolina is like - they imagine I live in a town with gravel roads, drive a tractor, etc, etc, and other such stereotypes of the South. While these visions are way off base, Backyard BBQ Pit is probably the one thing in Durham that actually fits their stereotype, but in a really good way.
BBQ has a sense of mysticism around it - great BBQ is as elusive as it is delicious, and everyone knows great BBQ can't be found in chains or upscale restaurants, oh no. I feel that in most people's minds, great BBQ is only found on the side of forgotten country roads, far off the beaten paths, cooked by someone in overalls with a tobacco leaf in his mouth.
Well, I have great news - that forgotten country road is Hwy 55, it's not all that far off the beaten path, and it's served by some of the friendliest folks around. Best of all, the BBQ is out-of-this-world good, only rivaled by the insane goodness of the mac-n-cheese and hush puppies. Seriously, you will not find better BBQ and mac-n-cheese anywhere.
For around $5, you can walk out with a BBQ sandwich, hush puppies and a side that will make you question why you ever eat anywhere else. Well, maybe because you would weigh 500lbs if you ate here everyday, but man, you would be the happiest beached whale of all time. -
Review from Tri T.
Arlington, VA
2/20/2012
If you're looking for down home soul food, Backyard BBQ is the right place. The food is amazing and the only thing that's missing is fried chicken. Come get your ribs, pulled pork, fried fish, bbq chicken, and all the fixens. I was so excited when I came across this and will gladly come back any day of the week.
The decor leaves much to be desired but you can tell it's a family establishment and a neighborhood friendly type of environment. I witnessed the daughter singing as she played her guitar to a group of family friends. Everyone stood up and clapped. Really talented and a pleasant surprise. -
Review from Casey L.
Carrboro, NC
2/20/2012
Backyard BBQ Pit is exactly what a North Carolina BBQ restaurant should be. Old-school mounted booths and tables with customer graffiti written all over the walls (most of it praising the BBQ).
Their excellent ribs, BBQ, chicken, and sides are served cafeteria style by very friendly folks. My favorite is the "working man's special," a BBQ sandwich with two sides for only $4.99! I usually go with mac and cheese and fried okra.
The young woman that regularly plays live country music is a nice addition to the restaurant's ambiance. -
Review from Michael E.
Raleigh, NC
8/19/2011
Whatever you do make sure you use the entrance off of 54 directly in front of Backyard BBQ. I tried to be slick and pull in the business before only to be met with a grass berm. Needless to say I had visions of the Dukes of Hazard run through my head before I realized I was driving Brit's car and she probably would not appreciate the undercarriage damage from my cavorting.
So on with the show. I met a buddy out here for lunch. The line was long but moving relatively quick.
This place is not your sparkling, modern dining room in a newer establishment. There's some age there. You can almost hear the brick facade sigh from age and weight.
The staff here is welcoming and courteous.
I ordered their Pork BBQ, with brunswick stew and the greens. The BBQ was melt in your mouth good. Tangy, tart and very moist. I wish I'd have had some crispy bits to add some texture to the butteriness of the pork. The greens were sweet and bitter, with the saltiness added from the vinegar and bacon. The brunswick stew was filling and hearty. Three sweet corn hushpuppies come with the meal and were almost like dessert - crispy doughy balls of fluffy goodness.
The pineapple lemonade with free refills is where it's at. A cool refreshing drink, that had I not been heading back to work would've definitely had an addition from the ABC store next door.
Good food, good people, I'll be back. The live music in the restaurant by one of the relatives of the owners was a nice change to the hustle and bustle of the establishment. -
Review from Jacob C.
Durham, NC
9/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Backyard BBQ Pit is easily a heavyweight in the contest of who has the best Triangle BBQ. Even writing this review right now is making my stomach call for some good quality pulled pork.
I've been a couple of times and have loved every visit. It's like a BBQ place should be, small, unassuming, somewhat dingy but not to a point that it's gross. Basically the focus is on the food.
Great BBQ sandwich for lunch (at an excellent price) and they have a ton of sides to pick from. So far I've had the hush puppies, mac and cheese, collard greens and sweet potatoes. All have been above average.
They also have ribs, chicken and fried fish, but each time I've found it hard to stray from the delicious tried-and-true tastes of a pulled pork sandwich with slaw.
Maybe one day I'll branch out.
But either way, it's a great option for lunch, or any other meal for that matter, in RTP. -
Review from Tom D.
Flushing, NY
1/19/2012
I have eaten BBQ all over this country, and I have to say the pulled pork at this place is probably the best I have had. The mac and cheese was great too, collard greens very good. Nice staff too. The place is nothing to look at but you aren't paying for the view. I visit RTP regularly for work and I am so happy I found this place because there isn't much in the RTP area.
Oh the chicken was very good too. I did not try ribs or brisket as I didn't think that was the specialty here. The best ribs in the country are at Pappy's in St. Louis and the best burnt ends are at Big T's in Kansas City. -
Review from Corey S.
Durham, NC
1/28/2012
This is a great BBQ dive joint. They have the best pulled pork I've eaten. Being from Texas, I like smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and sausage better, but this is the first place I really liked the local BBQ tradition. They smoke the meat low and slow the way you are supposed to. Just start with the pulled pork sandwich, it is one of the best food deals around. Unbelievable value. The smoked brisket is not quite up to snuff but I have very, very high standards (only select Texas restaurants make it right), but it is tender - make sure to add some sauce or salt and pepper.
-
Review from Matt M.
Durham, NC
1/15/2012
I have hit most of the players for Eastern NC style BBQ; Allen and Son, Hog Heaven, Barbecue Lodge, Original Q Shack, Bullocks and even The Pit. As far as the pork is concerned; look no further. This is the best. Tender, smokey, great texture, expertly seasoned.
They also win top prize for their Collards, Mac & Cheese and Catfish. That is not a throwaway statement; it's well earned. The Mac & Cheese has a layer of real cheese; it's tender but not mushy. The catfish is crispy, hot and tender. The collards? Unbelievable. If you think you don't like greens I would challenge you with these. You will walk away a convert.
Is everything here perfect? No. Their Brunswick stew is too sweet to my tastes. I don't recommend the brisket. The ribs didn't look all that appealing, and they really need a soda fountain. (drinks come in cans with a cup of ice, blech) Everything is served in foam containers, eat in or not. Service can be brusk.
The atmosphere is very casual; the walls scribbled with the signatures of thousands of fans. some tables, a TV in the corner. There's a little stage in the corner for live music, but I've never been in the evening. -
Review from Larry M.
Lansdowne, PA
11/13/2011
Even though I'm from the north I know a little about BBQ or Barbecue or Barbeque however you spell it. This place is pretty good, have only been there once but I tried a bit of everything and the only thing I didn't like as much as the other stuff were the ribs but they were still pretty good. The pulled or chopped pork that they just call BBQ was excellent the best I have ever had.
If you are in the area or are visiting from out of town and want good BBQ this is your place. -
Review from Bruce G.
6/15/2011
This review is going to have a similar tone to my review of Mami Nora's a while back in the aspect that I have driven by Backyard BBQ Pit off of Hwy 55, near the intersection of Hwy 54 in Durham quite often and never thought to stop there. The place is small and kind of hidden and there is nothing about the exterior (or interior) that stands out. It basically looks like a shack.
After reading the highly positive Yelp reviews, I decided to give this lil' ole BBQ shack a try and boy was I impressed! I ordered the food to go and got the Pork BBQ plate with green beans and boiled potatoes as my two sides. The que was some of the best I have had anywhere. I was smart and took home some of their sauce to put on it and to borrow a phrase from Guy Fieri that sauce was money! It added just the right amount of tangy-ness to the pork and gave it some extra flavor. The green beans and potatoes were excellent also. They were seasoned a plenty and were a perfect complement to the meat. Lastly, the hush puppies they served with the meal were moist and delicious!
Backyard Barbecue Pit may be a hole in the wall kind of a place but they deliver on the food, and to me that is what is most important. This was my first visit there, but it won't be my last!Listed in: Que it up!
-
Review from Jerry B.
Raleigh, NC
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The packed full plate of they serve you is almost over the top. The service is GREAT and the food is good. The decor is, well...let's say, the hand writing is on the wall, literally...it appears everyone writes on the wall.
Today the Mac&Cheese was Extra cheesy, the cabbage was tasty and the chopped Barbecue was okay. Here's a good Greasy Spoon. Service 5/5 Decor 2/5 and Food 3/5 are the rating for todays meal.Listed in: Casual Dinning Bistro
-
Review from Leo C.
Chapel Hill, NC
2/12/2012
Get the RIBS!!!
-
Review from Adri T.
5/18/2011
Friendly, fast, flavorful! What more can you say that has not already been said?
Ordered brisket with okra and macaroni. The food was ready quickly and the okra was fried to order. We loved that the okra was brought out to the table when it was ready, and loved even more that it was given to us in a Chinese take out bag!
The macaroni is like I always wished my grandma made - you know the kind - the kind with that layer of orangish flavorful cheese grease on top? Yes, that's it. And - Aw - My - Gawd - was it amazing!
The brisket was served with a gravy type sauce that (admittedly) scared me a little when I opened my styrofoam box. However, one whiff and a good hearty bite and I was convinced that this stuff was divine!
Cannot believe we have not been here before now, and cannot wait to go back. Next time I'll bring my Sharpie to autograph the walls. -
Review from Osamede O.
Boston, MA
5/27/2011
Writing this review at 12am, as I wake up from such a wonderful itis induced by my meal from Backyard BBQ Pit.
This small spot is a tough find with a narrow drive-way, but once you pull up its gametime and you'll know it deep in your soul.
When I walked in, I was disappointed by the look of the place. Although reviews had warned me, I still was not ready. There are signatures on the wall by everyone whose came. The food looked like it was sitting there for a while. Thankfully, two customers were in front of me and I could see how happy they were, so I decided to proceed. The people working the front were southern to the core, which gives you a very authentic feel.
I ordered the rib plate with macaroni and cheese as well as fried okra. The food was great. The ribs were literally fall off the bone. I slid out each bone before I "went in". The ribs were interesting because although there was sauce on them, the dry rub still stands out. Most of the time, sauce plays too much of a role, and this wasn't the case. The macaroni and cheese was great. It was the type that had the layer of cheese on the top. The fried okra was great. I couldn't explain how good it was great. It tasted like everyone's grandmother was huddled in the back deciding on the best way to prepare them. The hush puppies were great, and basically were sweet cornbread fried aka delicious. To drink, Pineapple Lemonade. The concoction was great. One of those ideas where you think "why haven't I tried this".
Coming from Boston this was a wonderful treat. The people were great and there were plenty of places to sit. Hopefully I can be back. -
Review from stacy W.
It's BBQ :P (that's me licking my lips)
It's Delicious :}
PINEAPPLE LEMONADE. :') (that's me crying with joy)
I live down the street from these guys so I can't speak to the dine-in experience. The first time I ventured in here was months after I moved down here. A friend of mine from back home basically screamed at me for not trying this place out. SO - i had to go :)
I was in one of those annoying indecisive moods that evening. Yeah - you know the person that just stands there staring and asking every possible question about what it tastes like - that's me. The girls behind the counter were delighted to make my try everything.... EVERYTHING. I was actually a little stuffed from the testing. Don't worry I brought home some chicks and mac and cheese and hush puppies anyway!
I'm not a big giver of 5 stars but this is my 5 star local bbq place. it's perfect for me. a little dive-y, they're fast and even though NC style bbq isn't my first choice - they do it RIGHT. I think most of all the service, the people in here are absolutely wonderful. and they make this world a better place by distributing something called pineapple lemonade. a tall icy glass of this stuff, and a plate of bbq goodness from backyard IN my own backyard is the definition of a perfect summer weeknight at home.Listed in: When My Cool Friends are in…
-
Review from David C.
Raleigh, NC
6/10/2011
Backyard BBQ Pit is the best BBQ I've encountered in the Triangle since moving here a few years ago. After a few disappointing trips to other, maybe more "well known" BBQ joints, Backyard BBQ restored my faith in the area's BBQ potential.
When you first walk in the door, you'll be greeted by an incredibly friendly and helpful staff. OH, and the smells! The place looks, feels, and smells authentic. It's a down home place with great food. My personal favorite is the pork sandwich with mac n cheese and fried okra on the side. The slaw is awesome, too, and I always have them put some on my sandwich.
The prices are very reasonable, service is fast, and the Q is great. What more could you want? Highly recommend. -
Review from Pebbles W.
Clayton, NC
1/20/2012
Absolutely delicious BBQ! Exactly what BBQ should be! All you haters going on about service need to head over to The Pit if you want chi-chi atmosphere, & overpriced food! If you want the REAL DEAL...Backyard BBQ is it!
-
Review from Kyle B.
Cary, NC
6/16/2011
Place to go if you want Carolina BBQ. Also good southern home cooking. Pulled pork is light on sauce but they give you plenty to dress it how you like it. Also beef brisket and fish (I love the flounder here). Greens and Mac&Cheese is excellent. Lemonade everyone raves on as well they make from scratch.
Only downside is their place is always full, and parking lot is limited. Feel free to use the ABC store next door to park in. -
Review from Steven L.
Charlottesville, VA
visit on 7/18/2011
More of a soul food restaurant than a bbq spot. As such the bbq is good, but not great. Pork sandwich was moist and tasty. While some enjoyed the ribs as being "fall off the bone," I felt that the meat had become much too soft to the extent of being almost mushy. BBQ ribs, in my opinion needs to have some chew to it. This did not. The hush puppies along with their other sides were pretty good though.
This would be very good 'que in most other states, but I just don't think it holds up against the best in this BBQ state of NC. -
Review from Michael B.
Raleigh, NC
Updated - 8/28/2011
Droped back in for some barbecued goodness and was very pleased, i mean if you have to work on a Sunday you might as well do it on a full belly.
I had the pork ribs this go-round and besides trimming a little more of the fat from them it was all good my friends.
i think im becoming addicted to these ribs!!Listed in: You Gotta try this place!, old skool country cookin
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/18/2011
Had take-out from this place last night and the food is great. i really enjoyed the beef ribs the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Andrew T.
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
The. Winner. My parents had visited on their last NC BBQ trip, and as the evening got late, and we found ourselves unable to visit some of the spots we had yet to try, this was our bailout option. Oh, darn.
It's simple - get the chopped pork. Get whatever sides you want, but the mac and cheese has the best texture, plus their collards are awfully good. The pork comes in a huge serving for about $6.50 with those sides. It's moist, smokey, with complex flavor, easily, head and shoulders, the best pork I've had on this trip, and quite possibly ever. The sauce is delicious - but it's barely there. Just enough to bring out the flavor in the pork, not enough to drown it or overwhelm it with vinegar flavor. This passes my five star test - if you put it in your mouth, close your eyes, and go "oh my god," then it's five stars. Winnar. They're cooking over hot coals, just out back, and you can smell it when you drive up. If that doesn't make you want to eat, there's something the matter.
The folks are, just like everyone else, super friendly. Checking in, making sure we were OK, and when we ordered a slice of warm lemon pound cake to try, the girl who had baked it came out to see how it was - it was her first one to sell to the customers, and she was nervous to see how we liked it. And it was pretty good, with lemon peel in the cake for a little extra flavor. For about $1.50? Sure, I'm down. Of note, we got there about 7, and they were still busy, so any concerns about this being a lunch place were quickly dispelled. Everything was still fresh, and they were still doing a brisk business.
The high reviews aren't unfounded. It's simple, but it's extremely delicious. We were thinking...if we were going to be in town tomorrow...we'd go here for lunch. -
Review from Faith X.
San Antonio, TX
3/17/2012
This place is awesome! Growing up with Texas BBQ (tomato-based), I'm normally not a fan of the Carolina-style vinegar based BBQ but the BBQ pork here is AMAZING! The hush puppies are to-die-for! They're fluffy and remind me of a beignet sans sugar. The mac and cheese is oh-so-cheesy and amazingggg....I don't think I've seen cheesier goodness. :)
-
Review from Bobby T.
Durham, NC
1/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Backyard BBQ pit is a true eastern NC style dive. I've called cooper's the best BBQ in the triangle for the last decade, and I'll say Backyard BBQ Pit's BBQ is just as good. Overall they get a slight edge over cooper's because the sides are better.
The mac and cheese might give you a heart attack, but it'll be the happiest heart attack you could have.
I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing that I live a mile and a half away. -
Review from Jay K.
Austin, TX
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great pulled pork sandwich, homestyle mac & cheese. Family banter between staff made for an inexpensive dinner. Order and pick up at counter. They do have beer including Stella Artois (which seemed a bit out of place).
For the money, a severely unpretentious barbecue of the Carolina style - then you could do a lot worse and spend a lot more money. -
Review from Katherine K.
Newark, DE
2/26/2011
What broke my heart was entering into these doors for chopped BBQ, only to be told that they had run out of said chopped BBQ. "It'll be ready in about an hour, if you want to wait."
Having our 22-month-old daughter with us, that was sadly not an option. I went for the fried whiting, my husband opted for the pork chop. The food was not bad, but I've had better. Nothing to go home and smack your grandma about.
Biggest complaint = the banana pudding was warm...I've had warm banana pudding that was crazy good prepared that way. This was not one of those taste results. This banana pudding was like what would happen at a family picnic when grandma's pudding sat out too long in the hot sun. Not a fan.
I'm sure the chopped pork is good, alas I have yet to try it. Maybe one of our many trips "back home" we'll give it another go. -
Review from Bob M.
Raleigh, NC
7/8/2011
Any time any of my team is anywhere near Backyard BBQ, I have them bring me barbecue, cabbage and collard greens. It just doesn't get any better than this!!
Also, their brisket is awesome, as well.
First class and the Real thing - it's all that! -
Review from Cathy W.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Don't let the outside appearance fool you or steer you away!
We weren't sure about the place when we pulled up, but I'm so glad we went inside. I felt a little out of place, as we were somewhat dressed up for the Yelp DPAC Hair event... but no one looked at us funny or made us feel weird.
The menu is pretty limited and it's all posted on the board. You go up to the counter and it's like cafeteria-style... the guys were super nice and very understanding when we took a little time to figure out what to order. My husband and I both got the ribs and mac-n-cheese, and then he got the okra and I got the stew potatoes.
We were going to order Cokes to drink and someone in front of us got a pineapple lemonade, so we both figured to try that instead. It wasn't cold enough for my liking (even after sitting for 20 minutes in a styrofoam cup of ice) but it was delicious.
It has a very unique look inside, there are signatures all over the walls, and I guess that's what makes it a unique place to dine. All in all it was great and I'd come back again! My favorite place for BBQ is still the Pit in Raleigh, but this was a close runner-up!
