In North Carolina, barbecue is king. Pig pickins’ are an unparalleled experience for Southerners—synonymous with hot summer days, tailgates, family gatherings and all-around pure joy. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as shoveling down a loaded (or, as the industry calls it, “slutty”—yes, for real) pulled pork sandwich—topped with coleslaw and sauce, of course—in between bites of mac and cheese, collard greens, hush puppies and other comforting signature Southern sides. (Hungry yet?) Barbecue brings people from all walks of life together—regardless of race, creed, social standing, gender or political belief, we can all agree on the Q (well, until we start hashing out sauce…). Barbecue isn’t just a method of cooking meat—it’s a celebration of time and place. It’s a tradition.
2020 was supposed to be the year of barbecue in the Triangle—but pandemic. Now, we’re finally starting to see some of those slated Q spots bow, joining the ranks of such time-honored joints as Clyde Cooper’s and Ole Time Barbecue. Enter Sam Jones BBQ, a long-awaited resto from one of the most prominent pitmasters in the state; Prime Barbecue from Christopher Prieto, a champion on the competition barbecue circuit who’s pumping out a style of ’cue that’s all his own—not to mention the forthcoming The Preserve from barbecue legend Ed Mitchell, with his son and the Moshakos family (of LM Restaurants fame—ya know, Taverna Agora, Vidrio, Carolina Ale House, to name a few).
Translation: It’s going to get a lot harder to choose your go-to Q spot now (and no one is complaining). Read on to get schooled on the new joints in town—and decide if you wanna try something new or kick it old school—or ’cue-hop to try them all (our rec!). Either way, there promises to be something (potentially sloppy, definitely delish) for everyone.
Once a lawyer, Wyatt Dickson now lays down the law of traditional barbecue at PICNIC in Durham, with executive chef Chris McLaurin by his side. Dickson’s main mission is to preserve time-honored North Carolina-style barbecue, which, to him, means oak-smoked, locally raised, whole heritage-breed hog (sourced exclusively from Green Button Farm in Durham) that’s handpicked—never chopped—and served with Pig Whistle sauce (or “the Great Carolina Compromise,” as Dickson calls it), the ideal combination of Eastern and Western style sauces. Southern sides round out a truly mouthwatering plate that we dare you to leave a crumb on.
“Every culture has its food, and in the South, it’s barbecue,” says Greg Hatem, owner of famed The Pit, where you’ll find the Eastern NC traditional style of cooking barbecue that dates back hundreds of years (whole hog over a hot charcoal pit), only in a more elevated and upscale environment—think valet parking and a bourbon menu. Additionally, Hatem takes great pride in working with local farmers to source AWA-certified hogs (no added chemicals or hormones) and vegetables for The Pit’s delectable scratch-made sides—Brunswick stew, fried okra and heirloom cabbage collard greens are fan faves.
Preserving the art, history and love of North Carolina barbecue is the main pillar of The Preserve, a premiere barbecue smokehouse from the Moshakos and Mitchell families—Ed Mitchell is a legendary pitmaster, and Lou Moshakos is the dining and hospitality titan behind LM Restaurants. Now, Ed’s son, Ryan, and Lou’s daughter, Amber, are taking the reins and opening The Preserve in the original Carolina Ale House location off Wake Forest Road. While there’s not an official opening date yet, Ryan promises that once the doors open, The Preserve will stay true to tradition, serving up whole-hog, Carolina-style chopped barbecue prepared with no added sugar and clean-ingredient sauces.
The BBQ Lab
North Hills Main District (4120 Main Street at North Hills, Ste. 135) The Redneck BBQ Lab: 12101 NC-210 B, Benson | theredneckbbqlab.com
Johnston County’s The Redneck BBQ Lab will debut its first franchise model, The BBQ Lab, in North Hills (opening date TBD). The new location will serve the same competition-style barbecue (including the rubs, “sawses” and techniques) that has won The Lab many BBQ competitions and awards over the years, plus offer up alcohol and a menu that will allow it to stay open for dinner. Founder Jerry Stephenson will keep the “redneck” in JoCo, but promises the North Hills location will continue to honor The Lab’s customer service-oriented mindset and core belief that “we are spreading love to each and every person we are honored to share our food with.” Amen!
Sam Jones has known barbecue his entire life. He grew up working at his grandfather’s iconic barbecue restaurant, Skylight Inn, before opening his own barbecue restaurant, Sam Jones BBQ, in Winterville in 2015. The integrity of true Eastern North Carolina barbecue that Jones and his family hold so near to their hearts is further preserved at Jones’ new Raleigh location, which officially opened in March. Jones’ signature style of chopped barbecue integrates crispy skins, which adds a nice, textured bite to a sandwich or tray of ’cue—and don’t forget the Skylight Inn-style cornbread. “That’s the way [barbecue’s] always been done in my family—and the way I’ll always do it,” says Jones.
Prime Barbecue
403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale | prime-bbq.com
When it comes to barbecue, owner and pitmaster Christopher Prieto is all about breaking the rules—and making his own. A former professional competition barbecue cook, Prieto traveled the country studying different techniques and barbecue-cooking methods until eventually creating his own fusion style consisting of sweet notes of Kansas City competition-style ’cue, what he calls “Texas pepper simplicity,” North Carolina vinegar and a light touch of his Puerto Rican heritage. His meats, sides and desserts are completely his own—a one-of-a-kind barbecue experience that’ll keep you driving back to Knightdale for more. “Our food is steeped in tradition but given new life,” Prieto adds. “No matter what you grew up with, good barbecue speaks for itself.”
According to co-owner Ben Hart, Ole Time Barbecue has been doing barbecue “since before it got cool.” It was always his dad and great-grandfather’s dream to open a BBQ joint—and though Hart’s great-grandfather passed away in the ’70s before he could see that dream realized, Hart’s father was able to take over Ole Time from its previous owner in 1993. The bright yellow restaurant is nothing fancy, but the barbecue is dependable and the tight-knit community vibe makes everyone who enters feel right at home. “We’re a little roadside barbecue joint, and that’s all we claim to be—and that’s all we’ll ever be,” says Hart. “We believe in giving the best product for a fair price and treating everybody with kindness.”
Although Marc Russell and Adam Cunningham aren’t looking to reinvent the wheel when it comes to barbecue, their forthcoming restaurant is sure to keep things fresh and interesting. “We like to say if the traditional NC BBQ plate is Hank Williams, we try to be a little more Johnny Cash,” says Cunningham. Russell, Longleaf Swine’s pitmaster, delivers a Texas-meets-Carolina-style ’cue that’s influenced by his Puerto Rican background. Longleaf 2.0 (the original location was slated for Transfer Co. Food Hall) is a place not just for food, but experiences. Grab a pulled pork sando and stick around afterward for drinks with friends.
Jake Wood’s almost-famous barbecue is rooted in his family’s tradition and recipes—served with the laid-back escapist vibe that has become his signature. At Lawrence Barbecue, he offers simple ’cue that anyone and everyone can enjoy, no matter the occasion. A sweet selection of sandos runs the gamut from pulled pork doused in equal parts Lawrence Leisure Sauce (tomato-based) and OG vinegar sauce to Texas-style brisket to fried chicken. Served with a side of Wood’s to-die-for mac and cheese, deviled egg potato salad or ’cue beans and an alcoholic icee from Lagoon Bar (which is housed upstairs from Lawrence Barbecue in Boxyard RTP), the entire experience is like something out of (pitmaster) paradise.
Cooper’s is one of the longest-standing barbecue joints in Raleigh. Clyde Cooper opened the spot in 1938, and his original recipes have been passed down to his two successors—with some occasional updates. Current owner Debbie Holt moved Cooper’s to a new location around the corner from the premiere spot in 2014 but managed to take everything she could to retain the restaurant’s iconic vintage-looking feel, from the wooden booths to the green awning that now sits over the service counter. Today, the famed Q house’s chopped pork, traditional sides, decadent banana pudding and addicting sweet tea have stood the test of time for more than 80 years. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
WEB EXCLUSIVE Don’t worry, be hoppy! Easter is this weekend, and to celebrate, a number of Triangle-area restaurants will be offering special Easter brunch and dinner meals, dishes and drinks (for dine-in and takeout!) that will make the holiday that much more egg-ceptional. Check out our list of “eggstra” opps and hop to your reservations and preorders!
Treat you and the fam to an egg-stremely bougie three-course Easter Sunday brunch at Il Palio. Choose from apps like lamb and ricotta meatballs, and a caramelized leek and potato frittata; entrees such as brioche French toast and penne shrimp fra diavolo; and desserts including focaccia bread pudding and grapefruit sorbet. ilpalio.com/easter
Make a resy for Easter brunch anytime between 10am and 2:30pm to enjoy Midtown Grille’s spiral ham feature—which includes glazed spiral ham, green beans, Southern potato salad and deviled eggs—or anything on the resto’s regular brunch menu. themidtowngrille.com
13 Taco and Taps
Chef-owner David Peraza created a special taco just in time for Easter weekend. Dubbed The 13th Taco, the Central Mexico Hidalgo-style taco features lamb barbacoa, cilantro, onion and Chile de Arbol salsa served on a housemade blue corn tortilla (taco ’bout yummmm!). Grab yours March 30 through April 3 for dine-in or takeout. 13tacosandtaps.com
Sitti promises its Easter package has everything you could ever want (and need) for an egg-cellent holiday feast. Ditch the standard ham and potatoes for avocado hummus, goat cheese-stuffed peppers, boneless braised lamb and maamoul (Lebanese Easter cookies)—and much more. Call to order by April 1 for pickup this Saturday or Sunday. sitti-raleigh.com/event/easter-package
STIR
An alfresco Easter brunch on STIR’s sunny patio is something everyone can get egg-cited about. Make a reservation for Saturday or Sunday to enjoy delicious dishes like sauteed salmon cakes, ceviche, fish tacos and chicken picatta—plus $5 bloody marys. stirraleigh.com
Tonbo released two new refreshing spring cocktails just in time for Easter weekend. Toast to the holiday with a Mangomosa or Strawberrymosa—both best accompanied with a delicious bowl of ramen. Cheers! tonboramen.com
Margaux’s Restaurant
Enjoy a three-course prix fixe Easter luncheon courtesy of Margaux’s for to-go (limited quantities available) or dine-in. Choose from apps like crab and corn chowder, and lamb gyro dumplings, and entrees such as Thai-style grilled pork chops and vegetarian eggs Benedict; then finish on a sweet note with a chocolate mousse, creme brulee or other sweet selects. margauxsrestaurant.com/margaux-menus/easter-menu
Let La Farm take care of the carbs this Easter, and order sweet treats like Easter bunny bread, hot cross buns, lemon poppy seed yeast rolls and carrot cake by March 31 for pickup on April 3. lafarmbakery.com
Longleaf Swine BBQ
Today (March 30) is the last day to order Longleaf Swine’s Easter barbecue buffet! The menu features smoked prime rib roast and smoked ham, along with sides such as pimento mac and cheese, whiskey baked beans, deviled eggs, and collard greens. longleafswine.com
This North Hills mainstay is offering a to-dye-for three-course Easter brunch for dine-in as well as a three-course Easter dinner to-go. The special brunch menu includes New England-style clam chowder, lobster frittata, shrimp and grits, and a flourless chocolate espresso cake for dessert—plus a classic mimosa because, hey, it’s the weekend. thecapitalgrille.com/events/easter-brunch
Angus Barn
Make Easter memorable by indulging in a decadent plated meal at Angus Barn (think ham, green beans, mashed potatoes and chocolate chess pie), or by ordering the popular resto’s ready-to-cook bone-in prime rib Easter feast, which serves four to five people and also comes with sides and dessert. angusbarn.com
Poppyseed Market
Could there be a better Easter dinner combo than glazed ham and cheddar biscuits? We think not. Enjoy all that and more (without doing any of the work yourself!) by ordering Poppyseed Market’s Easter meal to-go by Thursday, April 1 for pickup Saturday, April 3. poppyseedmkt.com
Tazza’s uber popular brunch is back just in time for Easter weekend! On Sunday they’ll be serving up popular dishes like heuvos rancheros and crab Benedict—alongside classic and housemade cocktails including the beloved Greyhound—from 10:30am to 3pm. tazzakitchen.com/location/cameronvillage
Raise your hand if you got a pup during quarantine. We know, there’s a lot of you—during the pandemic, dog adoptions and sales soared (because what better way to entertain yourself during quarantine?!) Just in time for you to show off your new pooch to the world (and finally get out of the house), two new dog bar concepts have already been announced in Raleigh this year.
And, no, we don’t mean places where your beloved Fido can guzzle down a beer—but rather parks and grooming and boarding spots where you can let your doggo(s) off-leash and enjoy a round or two yourself. Here, we do a deep-dive into all the “utlimutt” dog-friendly sip spots bowing around town, plus a roundup of places to pamper your pooch post-play sesh.
CityPlat dog park and outdoor bar
Photo by Leo Suarez | DTRaleigh.com
Commercial real estate agency CityPlat was the first to announce its dog bar concept in late February. The agency’s fun new digs were proposed for the triangle-shaped lot at 504 Hillsborough St. (where Edenton merges with Hillsborough), which has been relegated to parking-lot use for several years. The dog park and outdoor bar will feature drinks—think coffee and beer—served out of shipping containers; retail; and a large play area for dogs to roam. “Picture an open and welcoming community-focused space for dog owners and dog lovers alike to connect and play fetch right in the heart of the city,” said Gaurav “G” Patel, senior advisor for CityPlat, in a LinkedIn post last month. An opening date has yet to be shared, but we sure can’t wait to hit up this “pawsome” spot once it’s unveiled.
West Street Dog
Triangle Business Journalrevealed plans for a new full-service grooming and boarding spot that’s reportedly opening at 400 N. West St. (the former Still Life nightclub location) near Smoky Hollow this summer. The 7,000-square-foot concept is the brainchild of commercial real estate attorney Grey Littlewood, who’s working with GoDog pet hospitality business owner Ben Eberdt and Raleigh-based Suite Paws Pet Resort & Spa’s Tom Rhoads to bring his vision to life. West Street Dog will be a place where both pet owners and their fur-children can lap up some social time. During the daytime, says Littlewood, owners will be able to drop their pups off for daycare and grab a coffee to-go, while on nights and weekends, the space will “convert to an off-leash social place for dogs and their owners with a full bar.” It’ll truly be the best of both worlds. Cheers to that!
Spoil Your Pooch
While you wait for these dog bars to open, Fido could use some fur-bulous self-love. Treat your pup at one of these luxe local dog spas and groomers—they’ll be the most pup-ular (and good-looking) pooches at the park.
Recently opened in Apex, this wellness-focused grooming concept ensures your doggo is clean, healthy and happy with a six-point wellness check that ensures everything from Fido’s teeth to his skin to his glands are in good shape. Scenthound offers essential services (baths, ear cleaning, nail clipping, teeth brushing), blowouts (yeah, your dog can get them too) and haircuts. After a visit, your pup might look better than you…
Even Fido could use a staycation. Drop your pooch off at doggy daycare, where he/she’s sure to make some furry friends with Suite Paws’ outdoor play yard, structured play activities—and even pool time! (You may find yourself saying to your pup, “Trade lives with me.”) Pet spa services like breed-specific grooms, shave downs, baths, deshedding, nail trims and nail grinds are offered as well.
Woof there it is! If your pooch is in need of some pampering (um, always!), Woof Gang is dedicated to giving your pet the best of the best with VIP treatments like salon-style grooming, baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning and more. Woof Gang also features premium, all-natural foods, health products, treats, to name a few—plus homemade Fido-friendly cookies. All good boys (and girls!) deserve one.
WEB EXCLUSIVE The Easter bunny came early this year and hid a plethora of Easter eggs around the Triangle, sparking some egg-citing fam-friendly spring activities starting this weekend. There’s no egg-scuses not to join in on the fun—what with the near-80-degree weather we’re supposed to get come Saturday and Sunday (save for the chance of rain *sigh*), so be sure to participate in one (or a few!) of the entertaining hunts listed below—and remember, mask up and practice social distancing!
Hop on over to Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill from now until April 4 for a plethora of fun-filled spring activities starring baby goats, pigs and horses! Hunt for Easter eggs filled with candy (and “Goat-Luck-Coins” to score extra special prizes); take the Tractor Train Express on a beautiful tour of the farm; or hit up the crafts station to build and design your own birdhouse or pots for housing springtime plants with a local artist. Not a baaaaad day right?
Egg-stra Special Egg Hunts at Raleigh Parks
Raleigh parks has modified its traditional egg hunts to be fun and safe for the whole family. From now until April 5, search high and low for wooden eggs on your own time at Pullen Community Center, Abbotts Creek Community Center, Biltmore Hills Community Center and Tarboro Road Community Center; then submit a form online for a chance to win cool prizes. How egg-cellent!
Hoppin’ From Home Egg Hunt Kit
What’s better than an egg filled with candy? A golden egg that earns you a special prize. Pick up an egg hunt kit at Mordecai Historic Park from now until April 4 for your chance to win—plus score some fun kid-friendly activities. Stay tuned for details on the park’s Hoppin’ Eggspress giant egg scavenger hunts as well.
Glow in the Dark Egg-stravaganza
As the sun goes down, the eggs light up during this fun drive-through glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt at Carolina Pines Park on Friday, March 26. See how many glowing eggs you can peep from the safety and comfort of your vehicle; then up the competition even further with a holiday-themed game of Kahoot It. Each participating family will receive a gift bag filled with treats and prizes. Game on!
Hoppening Shell-ebration Egg Hunt
Hit up Roberts Park’s egg hunt this Saturday and you’re in for a hopping good time. Young “egg-plorers” will have to hunt for colorful eggs, each designated with a letter, to unscramble a hidden message. You’ll also score a take-home a kit filled with prizes and prestuffed eggs.
Register your fam for Dix Park’s bunny hunt this Saturday for a chance to exercise your mind and body and win a fun prize. Start at the newly renovated chapel, where you’ll receive your bunny hunt instruction sheet and first clue—and then it’s off to the races! Each colorful spring bunny you find will get you one step closer to solving the puzzle. There will also be an ice cream truck on site and kids’ crafts.
Tail Waggin’ Treat Hunt
Fido can get in on the fun too with this dog-friendly Easter egg hunt at Kiwanis Park on Sunday. We’re sure your pooch will have no problem sniffing out the eggs filled with Milk-Bone treats! Afterward, let your furry friend(s) off-leash to ruff it with other doggos in the dog park, compete in a mobile agility course, snag a pic in the photo booth area, and more.
WEB EXCLUSIVE “Wellness” is a broad term that encompasses physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. Whether it’s working out, going to the dentist or eating healthy, a lot goes into our total well-being—and the following wonderful women keep us in check.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on exceptional Raleigh females over a plethora of industries each week. These fearless females are leading the way in their industries, making a difference in their communities and serving as an inspiration to others who aspire to do the same.
This week, we’re shouting out some of the resilient women in Raleigh’s health/wellness industry who us look and feel our best.
Guerin is a local licensed mental health counselor, wellness coach and personal trainer who co-founded Current Wellness in 2020. Geurin, who believes in a holistic approach to wellness, and co-founder Nathan Williams combine their background, knowledge and experience to make Current Wellness an inclusive space for exercising not only the body, but the mind and the community as well—from functional fitness and yoga classes to a teaching kitchen for food education to private coworking offices for mental health counseling, bodywork and other wellness practitioners.
Dr. Vivian Throop, DDS
Photo courtesy of theknowwomen.com
A graduate of Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry, Throop boasts over seven years of experience in the medical field. Now the owner of City of Oaks Dental, she works to brighten the smiles of people all over town. Throop is also a member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Raleigh Wake County Dental Society—so you can be sure she’ll take great care of your pearly whites.
If you’re looking to beautify yourself, look no further than Azura Skin Care Center. Kowaleski founded luxury medspa Azura in 2016 after obtaining advanced training and certifications in various medical and aesthetic procedures from distinguished leaders in the industry. Her philosophy involves helping people achieve natural results at each guest’s level of comfort.
Also known as Raleigh’s “Medicine Mama,” Terry started making her own CBD balms and lotions after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Soon, her friends and family were asking to buy them—and popularity grew so much that Terry opened an online shop, Medicine Mama’s Farmacy, and eventually a storefront at 2418 Hillsborough St. A trailblazer in the Triangle’s cannabis industry, Terry now offers a variety of full-spectrum NC-grown and -made CBD products for natural pain relief—including products for pets!
Blue Water Spa welcomed Dr. Schmidt, a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University (where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience), a few years ago—she is one of only a select few plastic surgeons with advanced aesthetic surgery training endorsed by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. At Blue Water, Schmidt is passionate about providing the highest level of care to her patients in the safest environment possible. And with her extensive training and education, she’s definitely one to be trusted.
