Restaurant Help! (Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham: chapel, restaurants, food)

[indraman]

I'll be driving up from CLT to pick up my folks at RDU next week. As they are arriving at dinner time...I'm hoping for a few recommendations. I have watched probably 100 shows about how great the BBQ is in Raleigh...but of course I can't remember any of the names of the restaurants. If given the choice, my folks would pick Cracker Barrel....hence my need for a better option. Thanks in advance.

[Clever User Name]

My top picks are the Pit in downtown Raleigh. They are consistently very good. It's kind of an upscale space (which your folks may see as a good or bad thing). Their sides are very good, they have great fried chicken, and have a very good beer list. Shocker for a BBQ place, their wine list (they have one!) is also very good.

For a more rural, low frills spot, Allen and Son is often cited as the gold standard in the area for BBQ. Both of these places slow cook on wood. No wine list here. Just sweet tea and lemonade. If choose this one, be sure to go to the one north of Chapel Hill not in Pittsboro as there is a difference (both have the same name - family split).

These are the two that always get the most press anyway. I like both. Both do an Eastern NC BBQ that has a light vinegar sauce. Choose the chopped pork BBQ at the Pit for their signature style (although they offer other types of BBQ as well).

[Bmateo]

Allen and Son's gets my vote. Especially if you are driving back to Charlotte, as it is more on the way. (It is on the Charlotte-side of Chapel Hill). If you are staying in Raleigh, then it is probably out of the way a bit. I've not been to the Pit, so I don't have a comment. (plus there are countless threads about it, and people either love or hate it.)

If you go to Allen and Son's, be sure to hit the one that is North of I-40, not the one on 15/501 near Pittsboro.

[adlnc07]

I went to The Pit last year with my sister when she was visiting - we had a good time and really enjoyed the food. I'll have to check out Allen & Sons though - can't have too much BBQ!

[panchodog]

There are a couple of really good BBQ places in Durham, too. Can't bring the name to mind, but something like "Bullocks"?

OP, which locale would you like this restaurant to be in?

[didee]

Yes, Bullock's is really good. It's kind of on your way back to CLT.
Bullock's BBQ

[panchodog]

If you're wanting country cooking/soul food you might check out Mama Dips in Chapel Hill. Pretty sure there's BBQ on the menu, too, but I haven't been in awhile.