Prime Barbecue’s Chris Prieto is bringing a combined BBQ/steak concept to Hub RTP.
“If you think Prime Barbecue’s good, just wait,” proclaims owner Chris Prieto, also of Primo Latin Cuisine. The author, TV personality, champion pitmaster, BBQ preacher and teacher is gearing up for his next venture: a meat mecca dubbed Prime STQ.
Opening at Hub RTP spring 2025, the restaurant will transition from a stripped-down version of Prime Barbecue by day to a new-meets-old steakhouse by night—think “regal with a touch of Angus Barn” or “Outback Steakhouse meets Ruth’s Chris,” says Prieto.
The renowned “barbecue nerd” notes STQ (the abbreviation for steak, like BBQ to barbecue) was always the goal, with his passion for the meat blossoming from his childhood spent eating affordable cuts into adulthood cooking competitions (“I learned a lot about how to push flavor into a steak,” he recalls) and frequenting steakhouses with fellow chefs.
Fast-forward to now, and he’s been in talks with Hub RTP for over a year—while Prime served as an incubator concept allowing him to, ahem, prime his own signature style of ’cue by studying how people consume. “I’m going back to the OG way of how I think barbecue should be done,” he maintains.
At STQ, expect a highly focused version of the Knightdale location’s menu: think the same brisket, turkey, housemade sausage, pork ribs and Puerto Rican-style whole hog (aka lechon) the area has grown to love—and travel miles for. Only, at the RTP locale, Prieto is also locally revolutionizing the way barbecue is presented, having guests select their sides first before making their way to a “more impactful meat-cutting experience” of a “multiple-cutter scenario” in which there’s a meat-cutter selling piles of meat from a block while the cashier listens in and rings everything up—similar to how Texas’ Terry Black’s BBQ and Salt Lick BBQ function.
“Barbecue is an old tradition, you need to give that reverence, but also what we’re doing is presenting something completely new,” explains Prieto, adding: “There will be nothing like the original location. They’re completely different concepts.”
While one might be wary of that barbecue-to-steak changeover, Prieto says there’s actually lots of overlap—and he’ll even use some of his same barbecue techniques for the steak and other dinner menu meats.
“I remember the first time I actually had steak. … It had that charcoal flavor, dripped the right amount of juice—and that is what I’m trying to replicate within STQ.” —Chris Prieto, owner, Prime Barbecue and Prime STQ
To wit, STQ won’t be like your average modern-day steak haven—in fact, you may as well throw all your standard expectations of a traditional “steakhouse” out the window. For one, there will be a sole signature steak on offer, a specific cut STQ hopes to become known for. The edgy decision was inspired by Peter Luger Steak House in NYC—in an effort to surpass the intimidation factor that comes with choosing from a plethora of different cuts sourced from various farms and served in different ways at myriad temps.
“I want to be perfect at cooking that [one] steak,” Prieto emphasizes. “Who cares what the steak is—just make it really good. That’s what people want.”
That steak, sourced from Creekstone Farms in Kansas, will be cooked over a live wood-fired grill using Prieto’s own unique blend of oak, mesquite and pecan wood—and served with a house chimichurri, a nod to his Puerto Rican roots.
STQ’s evening menu will also boast a 1.5-pound beef rib over French-style mashed potatoes and green beans verts, an elevated chicken-fried steak, two fish dishes (smoked salmon and grilled tuna), an “enormous ridiculous” wedge salad, and a custom-blend burger with the op to add a big slab of housemade smoked pastrami bacon on the side.
Baby got back! Chris Prieto’s award-winning Prime Barbecue was recently named the No. 2 top Texas-Style BBQ Joint Outside the Lone Star State by Texas Monthly.
When it comes to drinks, STQ will offer a thoughtful, concise selection of wines and proper tableside wine service. “My goal with this restaurant is to be Michelin-level when it comes to hospitality and service,” says Prieto.
Altogether, Prime STQ fulfills yet another passion of Prieto’s—and in an area with strong personal ties to him as well. A former nine-year IQVIA (formerly Quintiles) RTP employee—or “badge-wearer,” as he calls it—Prieto always said that if he were to do a second Prime it would be for them.
“I have such a passion for people in that area, and I know them so well,” he adds. “I want there to be a place [in RTP] you can bring your families back to—but in addition you can bring your corporate clients to, or you can go after work with a group of people and have a deep, rich experience.”
And Prieto stresses it will be “the best experience that side of the city has ever seen.”
Your guide to the land of barbecue and live music.
Let me just start off by saying, this ain’t my first rodeo (!). I love Austin—it’s one of my favorite cities. In fact, if I didn’t absolutely adore Raleigh, I’d choose to live there (though, honestly, I don’t know if I could stand that scorching heat…).
Nevertheless, it’ll be easier than ever to pop over for a long weekend getaway thanks to Delta’s extra added flight to ATX taking off in April.
Similar to Raleigh in many ways, Austin and its “weirdness”—or quirkiness, if you prefer—is exactly what makes it so attractive. Each hip sector of the city boasts its own distinct vibe—from Sixth Street’s (aka the famous entertainment district) lively bar scene to South Congress Avenue’s kitschy shops and restaurants to East Austin’s diverse cuisine and culture.
NTM the Live Music Capital of the World is, well, a mecca for music lovers (see, namely, South by Southwest and ACL Fest that attract top talent every year) and food and bev fans alike, what with its ever-growing cast of sip and sup spots gaining national attention. In the same vein as our own City of Oaks, ATX is also home to a variety of green areas and outdoor activities.
A sister city of vibrance, entertainment, excitement and all around fun, Austin promises to be a weird—er, exhilarating—getaway. Here, a few spots to set the soundtrack of your trip.
Rowing Dock
DO
Rowing Dock Row, row, row yourself gently down Lady Bird Lake via kayak, pedal kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard rentals as you feast your eyes on Austin’s skyline—and get a pic for the ’Gram, natch. Relax and meander through the water, or BYO bait to try your luck at catching a fish or two. Bonus: You can even paddle with your pooch via canine-friendly SUPs. rowingdock.com
Barton Springs Pool Splish, splash! One of Austin’s crown jewels, this natural spring-fed watering hole remains at a cool 68–70 degrees, making it ideal for a year-round dip. Located within Zilker Park, its teal waters are surrounded by grassy embankments for those itching to soak up some rays, while various trees offer shade for when the sun becomes too unbearable (it’s bound to happen).austintexas.org
Bat Bridge Kayak Tour The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bat colony that emerges from under the Congress Avenue Bridge nightly is quite the sight to see—and even cooler from a POV on the water. Observe the natural wonder by kayak as your tour guide schools you on the nocturnal creatures, all while enjoying a beautiful Austin sunset and superior skyline views. #GoneBatty! lonestarkayaktours.com
EAT
Granny’s Tacos I could write an entire dissertation on Austin’s breakfast taco scene (So. Many. Great. Options.), but Granny’s Tacos might be my favorite. Served out of a simple food truck on East 7th and East Caesar Chavez streets, these bad boys are the real deal thanks to family recipes passed down by generations and scratchmade salsas, marinades and seasonings. My go-to is a bacon, egg and cheese brekkie taco, but the migas is also delicious. Taco ’bout a great way to start the day!grannystacosatx.com
Gabriela’s Downtown For immaculate brunch vibes, look no further than this happenin’ Mexican spot boasting locations in East and South Austin. Post up on the spacious outdoor patio and groove to the beat of a live DJ while chowing down on authentic fare (pro tip: Order the choriqueso) and sippin’ on elaborate drinks (see: the signature “Sparklers” served in a literal blender). It’s giving clubby Miami resort—and I’m here for it. @gabrielasdowntown
Terry Black’s Barbecue You can’t go to Austin without eating at Terry Black’s. Period. The inevitable long line is beyond worth it for the legendary Central Texas pit-smoked meats and housemade sides. For the full experience, order the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, juicy sausage, and creamy mac and cheese. But really the best way to do it is to bring a crew and try it all. terryblacksbbq.com
Ramen Tatsu-Ya It’s not all tacos and BBQ in Austin—the city’s ramen game is also strong, and one visit to this noodle haven touting five ATX locations is all the proof you need. The “Japanese soul food” spot is a collab between local chefs/DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto—and you can bet their heart-warming bowls put that 10-cent grocery store ramen to shame.ramen-tatsuya.com
DRINK
Flat Track Coffee Roasters Rise and grind with a visit to this industrial biker-themed coffeehouse and cafe serving up all your fave coffee and espresso bevs made with freshly roasted beans and custom house blends. The cute and quaint patio is the ideal perch for enjoying a cuppa, along with baked goodies like croissants, cookies and kolaches. flattrackcoffee.com
Cosmic
Cosmic An escape within an escape, both Cosmic locations are nationally recognized wildlife habitats showcasing local art, music, purveyors and craft beer in a lush outdoor-focused setting. Backdropped by serene water features, flora and fauna, and various vibrant art, the all-day oasis makes for the perf gathering space to enjoy a coffee by day, or something a little stronger by night. cosmichospitalitygroup.com
Upstairs at Caroline Where my rooftop bar lovers at?! You could—and should—spend the whole afternoon whiling away at this “urban backyard party” above Caroline Restaurant offering comfy lounge spots, colorful picnic tables and games galore (think giant Jenga, foosball, cornhole and checkers) in a secluded yet funky AstroTurf-covered terrace. NTM refreshing drinks and snacks that are a perfect match for day (or night) drinking. carolinerestaurant.com
Low Down Lounge I’m a dive bar gal at heart (cheap drinks FTW!), and luckily Austin has no shortage of them. This retro-esque East Sixth drinking den has it all: decently priced cocktails, shots (they make a mean pickleback), beers and seltzers; pool; a hangworthy patio; and a plethora of pop-up events with food, music, comedy and more. The lowdown? No matter what’s going on, you can always expect a good time. lowdownlounge.com
