I was on the hunt for some good, classic Southern fried chicken and had heard that Clyde Cooper's is one of the places to try in Raleigh. The restaurant has been serving Southern food since 1938, and there's something appealing about stepping into a place with that kind of history. The fried chicken lived up to the reputation--crispy, well-seasoned, and juicy without being greasy. The sides were equally satisfying and had the comforting, old-school quality you hope for in a traditional Southern meal. The service also exemplified Southern charm and hospitality. I decided not to sample the smoked meats on this visit. I had read that Clyde Cooper's no longer relies exclusively on wood for smoking and now uses a combination of wood, electricity, and gas. For me, the smoking method is an important part of the barbecue experience, so I stuck with the fried chicken. That said, for classic Southern cooking, the fried chicken alone makes Clyde Cooper's worth a stop. It's a Raleigh institution with plenty of history--and the chicken still has the goods. read more

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Stopped by Clyde Cooper's Barbecue last weekend and they might have some of the best fried chicken in the NC triangle! When you arrive parking can be a bit tricky in this area depending on what time you arrive. We parked on the side street and walked over vs. parking in the lot out front. Walking in the restaurant feels historic, unpretentious, and casual. To be seated you'll check in with the host and then be shown to your table. We opted to sit outside as the inside dining room is a bit small. To start I ordered the Cherry Poppins cocktail (cape fear frying pan bourbon, lime curd, cheerwine soda) which had a pretty heavy bourbon pour but was good. For food we ordered the Meats & the fixins sampler with chopped bbq pork, fried chicken dark, brisket, and smoked wings (tossed in lemon pepper). For sides we ordered fries and the Mac & cheese. Wow, the stand out item by far was the fried chicken as it fell apart, was super moist and wish I ordered more of it. Our server even jokingly mentioned the fried chicken was better than the fried chicken she makes at home. Overall this was a great experience and definitely check out Clyde copper's bbq if you are in the north Raleigh area. read more

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Clyde Cooper's is a solid BBQ spot. There's a variety of meat platter and BBQ sandwich options. The waitress was so helpful with guiding us to the popular options since it was our first time. We wound up ordering the meat and fixins so we could try a variety of meats. We got brisket, dark meat fried chicken, chopped BBQ pork, and smoked wings with lemon pepper spice rub - plus mac and cheese and fries for our sides. The platter also came with pork skins and hush puppies. The brisket was unfortunately quite dry, which was not ideal given it was a $4 upcharge. I would skip that next time. Everything else was great though. The fried chicken was AMAZING. Like I would easily come back just for that. Also the hush puppies are incredible. Some of the best I've had anywhere. There is indoor and outdoor seating. It was such nice weather so we sat outside. I would recommend that since the indoors is a bit more cramped. Aside from the brisket it was a solid meal. read more

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First time at new location. They have a counter that allows single diners to sit at and not take up an entire table. The brisket sandwich was moist and tender with a hint of smoke. Wish I had a tangy sauce to add some extra flavor. The chocolate chess pie was delicious. Added 4 hush puppies and a lemonade and with tip it cost $27. read more

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Got the brisket sandwich and macaroni and cheese. It was nice and moist and pretty good. Got takeout which was fast service and they had it ready when I got there. A little small inside but they had a sign saying they were enclosing the front porch area so they should have more seating inside soon. For now a great takeout option in North Raleigh! read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - Beef Brisket and Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Clyde Coopers BBQ new location is getting adjusted since move from to downtown to midtown. Im so glad to have them closer. My dining was quick experience due to massage appointment in area. The pulled pork with coleslaw was generous portion plus the hushpuppies, fries and homemade skins were all part of platter and drink plus I added side of collards which were served hot and tasty. I did manage to enjoy half my sandwich, leftovers were still great later. Will definitely be back soon! The staff were really friendly. read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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First time here despite hearing about the original location for a while. I had the turkey, sweet potato muffin, chips and Mac and cheese. I shared the catfish bites with my husband. He got the chicken, potato salad and coleslaw with cornbread. We both agreed the catfish bites were the best followed by the homemade chips and the muffin. Love their big menu with lots of options as neither of us eat beef or pork. Turkey and chicken were ok. Sauce too. My husband is great on the grill so I am spoiled. His is better on both accounts. I normally don't love chips. These were awesome. Cornbread was weird. Very dense and not much flavor. Service was very friendly. read more

First time at Clyde Coopers bbq on Millbrook Road. Excellent super friendly service with lots of smiles. It had the atmosphere of a bbq place. Sitting is limited right now, but they're adding on a patio and enclosed front space. We got the pulled pork, brisket, ribs, fried okra, Cole slaw and hush puppies. All were awesome with that wonderful smoke flavor. They have two smokers attached to the building, so this is the real thing. We ordered a little of most everything, but the prices were good. I highly recommend and will be back soon. read more

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New location they moved because businesses left downtown and didn't come back. The location was formerly red hot and blue bbq. Super staple in Raleigh. Disclaimer: Atmosphere lower because it's an odd setup in the inside. Music didn't fit what they are doing ascetically. They are getting settled so they get a pass from me. My taste buds are from New Orleans Live in Texas for 7 years bbq in a bbq capital Customer service is a 3: One lady was very helpful in recommending things. Being kind. Another just may have had a bad day or something she wasn't welcoming at all it was almost like she rubbed people the wrong way that she worked with. This my most important thing with restaurants because it returns customers great service and consistency in flavor of food. I will return to explore the menu tho! read more

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We did a to go order.. combination plate - 2 meats - brisket and ribs came with 2 vegetables (we got butter beans & corn plus fried okra), hush puppies and fried pork skins ! The place had a very nice feel! Loved the decor was good to see it was 80+ years old! Yet the service felt not so great, others were shown a table while we were asked if we want to sit or order to go! So I felt a little unwelcome. Anyhoo it wouldn't matter if the food was worth it but the meal was very overpriced for the quantity and mediocre bbq as both the meats were a little dry and chewy. Loved the side of corn& butter beans though! This meal was not worth $26 (before tax and a 20% tip) read more

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Descent old school eastern NC barbecue. Need more slaw on sandwiches. Everything was okay. Staff was great very friendly. Place was clean and so was the bathroom. read more

It has been a long time since eating Coopers BBQ. Has it always been so HOT?! Very lean and good but do not add sauce before tasting. Fast takeout service at 11:45 on a Saturday read more

Everything was great. Brisket and fried chicken were spot on. Delicious. They have a small seating area in the back which was where we sat although I heard they're adding seating. Very friendly service. They added pork rinds to the meal which was a nice touch. read more

What can you say about a BBQ place that has been around for a long time that others haven't already said?!? The food is good and good is what they do! As soon as you walk in the door, you can smell the amazing smell of BBQ! Fast service, amazing sides, makes this BBQ place a must read more

Nice place for a super casual, old-fashioned NC-classic type of lunch. Paper napkins and no silverware kinda classic (just setting your expectations right up front). As a self-proclaimed hush puppy connoisseur (I've had more than my fair share), I can confidently say Cooper's BBQ in downtown Raleigh serves up some of the best hush puppies I've ever had! A must try. I ordered the Chopped Chicken BBQ sandwich with coleslaw which was good! And to add a little Southern authentic touch, it came in a little plastic basket wrapped in red and white paper alongside PORK SKINS (!!!!) and the hush puppies. LOL This restaurant is super casual and has a retro, old-school country vibe -- no frills, no fuss, very laid-back. I was looking for silverware but there was none on our table. LOL. Only one small gripe: the front door is heavy. So brace yourself when you walk in--but once you do, it's all good eats from there. read more

cooper's BBQ has been around for a while from his downtown location to this location. The food is still amazing. The service is still great Pretty small environment. read more

My burnt ends sandwich and fried okra were SO GOOD they also bring fried pork skins complimentary to the table and wash it down with real sweet tea read more

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Incredibly delicious southern food! We stopped here on the way back from the beach. Our server was nice and very attentive

The bbq was fantastic. I ordered off of Goldbelly for my 65th birthday. It was the best birthday dinner ever. The pork BBQ was true NC BBQ. The sides were excellent, bbq beans, coleslaw, and yummy brunswick stew. It came with homemade banana pudding foe dessert. I will be ordering again in the future. Oh and if you worry about shipping, it was packed really well, made the trip from NC to Louisiana still frozen and had multiple frozen ice packs. read more

Note the new location on Millbrook Rd at Falls of Neuse Rd, in the former Red Hot & Blue, formerly a gas station. This is much like the Coopers restaurant that was downtown, but now in a new location in North Raleigh. I had the St Louis style ribs, which were very good. Whereas RH&B had counter service, Coopers has table service with wait staff. The menu has many great kinds of barbecue. I'm disappointed that one barbecue restaurant closed, but glad that another very good one had opened in its place. read more

This review is showing the location in downtown Raleigh on Wilmington, but that one is now closed. Today was the 1st day at the new location on Falls of Nuese Road at Millbrook. It was just a soft opening today as they are still moving things over and getting the new location looking like the Clydes we love. They said the menu was limited, but it was still extensive. I had the brisket sandwich and it was on point!!! They are expanding the kitchen and dining area of the new location soon, and will also have live music. The food, the atmosphere, the service, and the staff are everything we love and have always loved about Clyde Cooper's BBQ!! And now in an easier location to park. They will continue the magic that was started in 1938. You should plan to go get the amazing food before word gets out about this incredible new location. I am lucky to live less than 2 miles away from the new location. It will be a regular stop for sure!!! read more

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I stopped in on a Friday, rush hour drive time to place a carryout order. First the good. The bbq in my box was plentiful. What I didn't realize is that I was supposed to ask for sauce when I ordered as there was none in the bag. Also, when I made my drink , I chose the Cheerwine option, but it turned out to be root beer. I didn't notice until driving home. But the most aggravating was the number of flies that I were flying around in the area where several of us were waiting for takeout. I might give it another try, again the bbq itself was quite good, but would check my carryout before leaving. Also, perhaps a double door entrance might help keep the air conditioning in & the flies out. read more

Meat is just bland. No seasoning. No bark. No char. Just meat. Meh. Would not go again.

Was in town for a work conference and came here for dinner with some friends I met...because how could we come to Raleigh without trying bbq?! Glad we gave it a try! Portions are generous but the prices are reflective. I got the baby back ribs and the beef brisket combo with mac n cheese, baked beans-- which also came with hush puppies and pork skins. The brisket and the baby back ribs were pretty good! The Mac N Cheese and the baked beans were also very tasty! I didn't care much for the pork skins. My friend really enjoyed the burnt ends she got as well. Waitress was kind, gave recommendations when asked and checked back often enough! They also had music bingo going on during the time I was there! The surrounding environment outside the restaurant was a little sketchy..so I don't know if I'd come alone when it's dark outside: Would definitely recommend though! read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Brisket with baked beans and Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Service was quick and the food was good and hot. The place was clean. The ribs would melt in your mouth. The BBQ had a good Eastern NC TASTE. read more

There's a lot of hype around this place. It's been here a long time. I've been here twice. The food and the service are good. The BBQ is very good. The brisket is excellent. The Brunswick Stew was average. The puppies were good. The pork skins are a very nice touch My take is that it's worth the stop, at least for the nostalgia of it. Have I had BBQ that's as good or better? Yes. I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to Eastern NC BBQ. Mostly, honestly, I'd put this place at maybe a 3.5 star spot overall read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Want some good Ole down south bbq in downtown Raleigh? Look no further, Clyde Coopers has you covered. This historic bbq restaurant has been a staple in downtown Raleigh since 1938. You'll be greated by friendly staff that make you feel like your at an old friends. Indoor seating only with that rustic classic bbq restaurant vibe. All the staples are there and you can't go wrong brisket, pulled pork, collards, hushpuppies, Clyde Coopers has it covered. read more

First and last time I will go here. Decided to eat in - BIG MISTAKE. Waited at least 15 minutes before a waitress came to take our drink order. Then another waitress was taking our food order, and the first waitress comes back with our beverages and snaps at the other waitress for taking our order. Unprofessional. The first waitress took our order and the food came quickly which was nice. The food? Not so much. We ordered brisket which was cold. The fried chicken which had no flavor. Chopped bbq chicken which was okay. The sides were better. The corn and limas were the absolute best thing. Seasoned well and hot. We also ordered Mac and cheese, collards, coleslaw, baked beans and Brunswick stew. The stew was disgusting. Absolute trash. The worse stew I've ever tasted. The other sides were actually tasty. The coleslaw had a different flavor than most. More peppery. Enough about the food. Seating is tight. Not a lot of space. The waitress do not come back to check on us until we were ready for the check. Another waitress exchanged the nasty stew for more corn and Lima beans but even that couldn't salvage this dinner. Will not be going back. Heard it was better when they were still located downtown. Try it if you want. You've been warned. read more

Meh. We went because this was supposed to be one of the best places for BBQ, and we had out of town guests who wanted to try it. Everything was mediocre, and the portions were small for the price. Sides were plain and flavorless. Not worth coming back. read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - Burnt ends, corn and butter beans and fried okra - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I have visited CCB many times over the years. My husband and I helped celebrate on New Year's Day ! They had a buffet saying goodbye to downtown Raleigh after 88 years. It was so good. Great BBQ and hushpuppies. The staff were walking around telling stories, laughing and ringing in 2026!! We cant wait to visit the new location. Sad to see you leave your landmark, historic location but we will continue to support! Best wishes!! read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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We tried at the new location. SMALL & not yet organized. Sorry not impressed. It was busy. It was around lunch time. They were out of collards, REALLY? We settled for pork rinds which were good. We had pork bbq and chicken bbq. Chicken was good and moist. Pork bbq wasn't as good as others we have had. read more

Our utterly wonderful server is named Johnsie - my guess is, she, like the restaurant are institutions in the downtown restaurant scene. They closed at 6:00 pm - we showed up at 5:59 and 59 seconds and she welcomed us in like we were the first customers of a new day. The food was awesome, the conversations were joyous and her banana cream pie was to die for!!! I've eaten from coast to coast and have to say, Miss Johnsie might not be able to turn water into wine, but she sure as hell made us welcome and filled our bellies with some of the finest BBQ I've ever had. Thinking when I retire, this would be a fantastic place to work and help others enjoy what we were given. Pure love and great food. Thank you Johnsie!!!!!!!!! Come to Vermont and I'll make you dinner! read more

Came in after the Raleigh Christmas Parade. Place was busy. We all got bbq sandwiches it was tasty. I rather get a sandwich and fries here instead of Smithfield chicken and bbq read more

This place is simply...awesome! I loved my experience here. This is a locally-owned small business restaurant with a great southern vibe! It's been established for 85 years. #SupportLocal. The menu offers quite a few options of bbq, including funky looking and delicious hush puppies. I went for a tray of the beef brisket with corn and butter beans and cole slaw along with a Cheerwine, and what a tue delicious bbq experience I had. It was amazing! The service was great, and even the owner was working a shift greeting and being awesome to the customers. Common areas were clean and the space is cozy! This place is centrally located with plenty of paid street parking around. Overall, 100% recommended. I am definitely coming back for more. read more

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First time having Carolina barbecue in my life. We went here after going to the NC Museum of Art. My friend made sure I tried everything. Brunswick stew, cracklins, hush puppies, brisket, ribs, chopped pork, pulled chicken, collards, butter beans, cheerwine baked beans, mac and cheese, sweet tea, banana pudding. All of it was so good and sooo filling. Definitely recommend. The atmosphere was inviting and it was just great southern hospitality. Fun fact: I don't love bananas at all, but I sure enjoyed and devoured the banana pudding here. read more

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Checked out Clyde Cooper's Barbecue while in Raleigh, North Carolina and had a good meal. The ambiance has almost a diner sort of feel to it and the staff was immediately attentive and helpful throughout the dining experience. I opted for a chopped pork plate which came in the Carolina style and the vinegar based sauce on the table definitely added a nice touch to the pork. For sides I opted for the Cole slaw and the yams with the yams being one of the real stars of the lunch. For a BBQ restaurant, the Cole slaw was just okay. Avoid the lemonade at all costs as it was poured from a gallon jug and was so sweet it almost afforded you with an instant cavity. My brother had the pulled pork and brisket combo with the pork being solid but the brisket had an almost pot roast flavor to it that was less than enjoyable. The hush puppies that came with his combo platter were quite good and I used the vinegar based sauce to dip them in, as well. The food was good at Clyde Cooper's but wouldn't have me rushing back to Raleigh again just to go get some more barbecue here. Prices were reasonable. read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue is a very specific niche, vinegar style barbecue joint that offers the basics (pork, brisket, chicken) and maintains a low price point. Barbecue should always be accessible to the masses and CCB delivers. We enjoyed our first Cooper's barbecue run and got a booth seat quickly after the lunch rush. Because the menu is basic and well laid out, service is quick and very direct. We ordered the "combo" with pork, brisket, and fries. CCB's barbecue, food quality, and décor well represent their price point. Yes, you've had better barbecue, but you've also paid more for it. If you're in doubt and it's your first time, order the pork and sprinkle it with some (house) vinegar. Yes, we're those guys (KC native right here) who requested traditional barbecue sauce. And yes, our server dumped out a generic Sam's club sauce container into a little container and brought it to us. We'd love to see some other *homemade traditional sauce options, fresher side (fries, mac and cheese, etc.) options to compliment the (delicious) pork. Yes, we understand that these upgrades will increase the price point. read more

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Clyde Cooper's exceeded every expectation. The barbecue was phenomenal -- flavorful, authentic, and easily competitive with the best anywhere. Without a doubt, it's a 10+ experience. Bomb.com read more

This was my first time here and food was pretty good. The collard greens had a strange after taste and that's my only complaint about the food. Atmosphere truly tells the story of this historical restaurant and it was fun to look at. The customer service could have been a little better but hey everyone is entitled to a bad day. Over good experience and I will be back especially for the pork skins. read more

Clyde Cooper's Barbecue - Brisket and rib combo with 3 sides. - Barbeque Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

From the ribs to the fried chicken to the brisket to the pulled pork you really can't go wrong but my favorite will Always be the fried chicken. The fried chicken is always hot and fresh. The macaroni and cheese is cheesy and baked and one of my favorite sides. The potato salad is the best I've had from a restaurant I also like the fries, baked beans, and greens. I feel like it's safe to say this is the best hometown bbq in Raleigh. read more