All of the BBQ is awesome, Smash Burger is superior though! All of the sides are good but nothing beats the seasoned fries. Service is friendly and always happy to give you recommendations. It can get a little loud inside with a full crowd but they have plenty of seating outside. Place deserves ALL THE STARS on food, service, and ambiance but I would give it a FATTY ZERO on parking. Go with the mindset of walking a block or two, parking is very limited. if you're handicap-there's two at the front read more

We'd heard plenty of good things about Lawrence Barbecue, so we finally made the trip--and it lived up to the buzz. We started at the bar with martinis and Old Fashioneds before turning our attention to the food. The smoked meats were the real stars. We ordered pork belly burnt ends, pork ribs, smoked turkey, and grilled oysters, and each brought something different to the table. The burnt ends were rich, smoky, and deeply flavorful, while the ribs had that combination of tender meat and well-developed bark that you hope for at a serious barbecue joint. The smoked turkey was surprisingly juicy, the brisket moist and smoky, and the grilled oysters were an excellent change of pace. What makes Lawrence particularly interesting is chef and pitmaster Jake Wood's approach to barbecue. There's a clear Texas influence in the low-and-slow wood-fired smoking, but the cooking also reflects Carolina traditions and Southern ingredients. It doesn't feel like a restaurant simply trying to reproduce Texas barbecue in North Carolina; there's a distinct point of view here. The Cary location is spacious and stylish, with a lively atmosphere that feels more like a contemporary restaurant than a traditional barbecue joint. I also liked the fact that the bar is a destination in itself, rather than an afterthought. The cocktails were well made, and the service throughout our visit was friendly, attentive, and professional. I also appreciated the little details. In the bathroom, they actually provide dental floss--something I have never seen at a restaurant before. It's a small touch, but after a meal of smoked meats, it was surprisingly useful and definitely appreciated. It says something about the attention to detail and the thought that went into the guest experience. Lawrence has come a long way from its original shipping-container beginnings at Boxyard RTP. The new Cary location feels like a natural evolution of the concept--bigger, more polished, and ambitious without losing sight of what brought people there in the first place: really good barbecue. For me, the combination of serious wood-fired barbecue, creative Southern touches, good cocktails, attentive service, and thoughtful details makes Lawrence Barbecue a standout dining option in the Raleigh-Cary area. read more

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Y'all. Get out of here. This food is ridiculous. When they were at Boxyard, we went all the time, and they would always- ALWAYS- have a line of people, and would run out of menu items. They moved, and we were genuinely upset, because they were SO CLOSE to us. Yesterday, we had to drive half an hour to get there, but, again, it did not disappoint. The wings NEVER disappoint. The brisket sando was so good, and you never need BBQ sauce. It's moist, it can be messy, and the taste is always on point. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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My daughter and i tried the grilled oysters. Very delicious. These topsail oysters are small, buttery and succulent. Sauce has a little kick, just right for me. Bad part is you could eat a couple of dozen of these easy, and at $4 a piece that could get really pricey !! Just be aware, these little babies are addictive !! Chili crisp cheesy tots were yummy !! Will have these again ! We sat at the bar and bartenders were friendly and engaging. Will be back for sure !!! read more

We came here on a Sunday evening and sat outside where it's first come first served. There is a QR code at the table to order food. 4 out of the 5 orders came out on one tray. I ordered the turkey slices which were extremely tender and smoked. There were some pickle and jalapeño slices on the tray for all of us. Sauces cost extra. The grilled oysters were good. We did not have a specific server and waited our own tables. Dogs are allowed outside. read more

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I owe this place nothing. My friends who live in the area took us here on a Friday night. It was about 80% full. It was my husband and I's first time having Southern BBQ/ Carolina BBQ and Lawrence BBQ had set the bar high for us. Everything was SO GOOD. We got the Cedar Street Family Platter. It was able to feed 5 of us (3 guys and 2 ladies) and there were leftovers. So perfect for the recommended size. The brisket and the ribs were the faves. Honorary mention to turkey, that pleasantly surprised me. And I'm not a fan pulled pork but I can only have pulled pork from here from now now on. My least fav meat on the platter was the pork belly but it's still ranked at like a 7. That's how good the meats were. The sides were great supporting roles. They weren't spectacular but they're disappointing. The only side I didn't try was the orzo. I didn't get our waiter's name but he was such a delight. He made the experience really good. read more

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Seven of us for Sunday dinner. Service was quick and attentive, all of the food was delicious, the restaurant was clean and bright, but OMG the place is LOUD!!! read more

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First off, the burnt ends pork belly was so hard and tough, it was basically inedible. The sauce was nice though. The brisket, how do you mess up brisket, was dry and the bark was so salty it made me choke a little. The Cole slaw was decent and the Mac and cheese was good, but I came for BBQ, not sides. My son gave the ribs a C- with the hush puppies at a Solid B. Oddly enough, the oysters were great. I paid $100 for absolutely terrible food. I didn't make a scene because I was with my son, if not I would have sent it all back and paid for the oysters and Pepsi. I came to NC to try a new BBQ place and ended up having one of the worst dining experiences of my life. I've already given a hard time to the person who recommended this place. This is why you dont fancy up BBQ. 1/10 because of the oysters. read more

Really large and tasty brisket sandwich with different kind of bun and pickled onions. Fries were very tasty and fresh. Mac and cheese was also very good. Service was prompt and delivered on time. Very nice, modern space. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Chopped brisket sando - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Lawrence BBQ is kind of a fusion of western BBQ and soul food. Unique and tasty with a lot of balance between sweet and savory. I went to a party about a month ago and there were some people there who kept looking at the time and seemed anxious to leave. I thought maybe they had a babysitter to get home to. It turned out they wanted to go to Lawrence BBQ and wanted to leave before closing time. Naturally, this piqued my curiosity about it. Last week I got take out...Brisket, wings, mac and cheese, deviled egg potato salad, collards and beans. Everything was great. I expected the brisket to be shredded and it was in big slices, but you could easily shred it and pour some bbq sauce over it. It's definitely not Eastern NC BBQ which is great because I don't really like the tang of NC BBQ. The collards were both sweet and tangy, not at all bitter. The wings were plump and had a thick, sticky sauce on them. I'm actually not a fan of wings but I really like these. Mac and cheese was on point, creamy and slightly tangy which might have had some horseradish or dijon mustard in it. I really liked the texture of it. Deviled egg potato salad had chunks of egg white in it. I would have preferred a little smaller pieces but the uneven chunks added to the homemade feel of the food. Beans were tasty with chunks of brisket in them. I was able to park in a nearby restaurant parking lot to pick up my order. I'd recommend parking anywhere close-by and walking over. The street parking is tight, but it looked like more parking might open up in a nearby garage at some point. They have a large patio and it looked like a good place to bring a group of people. Inside was kind of a warehouse no-frills environment with some TV's playing sports. Definitely not a quiet place but a friendly vibe. I'm definitely looking forward to going again. Wings and mac and cheese are at the top of my list. read more

All you really need is the nachos with pork barbecue and the beef brisket quesabirria. It doesn't get better than this. Great food, great restaurant, great people. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Nachos with pork barbecue and beef brisket quesabirria - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

OK so my favorites were the ribs and the brisket queso! They were so freaking good. The brisket sandwich was really great too. Side note the chips were terrible. We ordered them as an appetizer and threw them all away. They were hard as a rock. But literally everything else was delicious. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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Prepare your taste buds for an uplifting experience at the just-opened Lawrence Barbecue in the heart of downtown Cary. This isn't just another Carolina barbecue joint; it's a testament to culinary innovation, top-quality ingredients, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.   Having recently relocated from the Research Triangle Park area and expanded (big-time) into a shiny new building in Cary, Lawrence is about to build on its well-deserved reputation with a buzzing, "intergalactic surf cowboy" vibe. The menu is a delicious elevation from the standard BBQ joint norm. Here, owner/chef Jake Wood blends Carolina tradition with a Texas-style influence. The Texas-style brisket is already legendary - it is so juicy and tender, you can cut it with a plastic spoon. The smoke rings are perfect, and the bark is packed with a delectable blend of salt and pepper. But the brisket is just the beginning. The chicken wings have been called "some of the best" ever eaten, and the ribs are sticky, sweet, and perfectly smoked. No wonder Southern Living named Lawrence as one of the best new barbecue joints in the South.   Jake Wood doesn't limit himself to one style of barbecue. You can also expect smoked chicken and turkey, carnitas-style pulled pork, and who knows what else they might add along the way.   Old timers, cheapskates, whiners, and complainers might gripe about the missing "BBQ purity". But owner Jake Wood says, "We are not a Texas BBQ Joint, we are not an NC BBQ Joint... we just love cooking delicious food that comes from our soul."   And I say "amen" to that!   The inventive menu features plenty of unexpected delights, like fresh, local oysters served raw or grilled, and a Smash Burger made with chopped brisket - all of which I tried the first 2 days the new location was open, and they were great.   But perhaps my favorite is the birria tacos. I'd had them before at the old location as part of Leroy's Taco Shop, yet they're perhaps even better now. (See photos).   Beyond the food, there's a full bar, plenty of soft drinks and cold beer... and then the friendly and attentive staff elevate the entire experience. Regulars at the previous location may recognize a bunch of familiar smiling faces.   The casual yet trendy, bright open space - with full table service - has ample seating, and the energetic atmosphere is contagious.   Whether you're a barbecue purist looking for some elevated takes on the classics... or just a food lover looking for a fun new culinary adventure... Lawrence Barbecue will not disappoint. It is a genuine dining paradise. read more

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My husband and and I love BBQ and can't believe we didn't know about this place sooner! Came for lunch on a saturday afternoon and was seated right away. They have a drink station and a spot to get your sauces, but there was a waiter that came to take our order. My husband and I shared the leisure lord sampler platter and ordered the brisket, pork belly burnt ends with sides of mac and cheese and thru deviled egg potato salad. Our food came out in about 10 minutes. The brisket was tender and so delicious. I loved all the dipping sauces they had. The pork belly burnt ends had a yummy, tangy sauce on top. The sides were a great size and both tasted great. It was all the perfect amount for my husband and I to share. The waited checked in with us often to make sure we were good. My husband and I enjoyed this spot and will definitely come back! read more

Lawrence Barbecue - pork belly burnt ends, briskets, mac & cheese and deviled eggs potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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A nice clean and mostly white interior decor with the appropriate barbecue signage and pigs around. But beware there is no parking. The service was very friendly and the food tasted good. Not great. Almost seems like more of a sandwich place instead of a barbecue place. I ordered the sampler meat platter because I want to try several meats. Maybe it would've been better if I sampled some of their regular meats, but I went with the Carnitas style pulled pork and the pork belly burnt ends. For sides, I chose the brisket Q beans, and the sweet and spicy collard greens. The pulled pork tasted good and came with an avocado sauce on the side with a verde salsa on top with raw onions and cilantro. The pork belly burnt ends were cooked perfectly and tasty with some kind a sweet sauce that fully covered them. The burnt ends were just a little spicy, which I like. Tasty and melty fatty. The baked beans were a little too sweet with cilantro and raw onions on top. The collards were way more sweet than spicy, and OK. A good place to try, but you might wanna ask when you're ordering stuff if it comes with anything on top not described on the menu. So if you don't like raw onions on your food, beware. Like I said, a nice place, but more new age barbecue, it seemed to me. read more

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I am absolutely in LOVE with Lawrence Barbecue, and I am equally in love with the Boxyard, which is possibly the cutest location ever. I got an entire sampler of everything but the wings, which I now wish I hadn't missed. The special that day was a Hoodoo Brown Crispy Skin Pork Belly with a skin so loud and a meat so tender. It's been so long since I've had ribs fall off the bone, thank you, Lawrence, for actually making them right! You CAN get good Brisket outside of Texas. Their smoke is solid, and the pulled pork is also sure to please. You're here for the meat, but the sides are strong, and you'll need at least some Slaw to balance out the meaty-meat. Baked Beans are beefy and smoky, and they get creative with the charred Brussels. It's been a long time since I've had BBQ this good, and I think it'll be a long time before I find any this good again. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Some of the best brisket and burnt ends I've ever had. The Mac and cheese was delicious and I normally am not a fan. This place is bookmarked and we will be coming back when we are in town read more

I'm still sad that they abandoned their Boxyard location, but I shouldn't downvote them that harshly. I had great food from them when they were here and hope someone fills that BBQ-shaped hole in the Boxyard experience! read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Looking in thru the pickup window... - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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Amazing BBQ place - food was fantastic, especially the turkey. Also got the Mac and cheese & deviled egg potato salad. The BBQ SAUCE WAS THE BEST read more

The burnt ends and ribs were delicious. Our server was really good too! The ambience is what you works expect from a bbq spot. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Burnt ends & collard greens - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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We stopped in here for lunch and got a platter to share. We also got the chimmichurri crab claws (a bit strange). The grilled oysters were really good as well! We loved the vibe inside and outside. Very relaxed and clean. We sat on the patio. They were still ironing out the kinks of the patio, but the servers were all great! We would definitely come back! read more

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Best barbecue we had on our trip! Service was friendly and welcoming! Highly recommend!

Killer sit down order from the table barbecue spot with great staff, owner/chef onsite, cute decor (vintage wrestling toys for nostalgia), and quality good merch! The mac and cheese is like a cacio e pepe. The turkey is well seasoned and super juicy - i paired it with a side of buffalo and a side of cherrywine bbq sauce. Beans were delicious, fluffy bread, thick juicy wings, seasoned fries, and the only thing to describe the adobe brisket sando is perfect. Pepsi fountain soda plus sweet or unsweetened tea. Full bar is coming next week apparently. 4 tvs for sports. Indoor and outdoor seating. Super spacious and really clean 10/10 (not sticky like other bbq competitors). read more

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Just (barely) OK, and they admit to intentionally elevating their prices (see closing comment below). I had lunch on a Friday afternoon. Immediately when I walked in, I was struck by just how insanely L-O-U-D it is inside. I mean it was "I-can't-hear-you-when-you-talk" loud. And the place was at only about 50% capacity. When I sat down at the bar, the bar top was filthy with a large (4" x 6") patch of dried sauce/BBQ drippings. The staff quickly addressed it, but should I have had to point it out? And when they did address it, they had to put some serious elbow grease into getting it off, so clearly it had been there for a good while. I ordered a brisket sandwich, red slaw, and collards. The sandwich was so-so, the collards were excellent, and I received white slaw instead of the zesty red I ordered. Not once was I asked if things were as I expected. And not once was I even offered a top-off of my tea. And, let me remind you, I was sitting at the bar! And the wait time! Geeze!! It took a l-o-n-g time to bring me my simple meal. By long, I am pegging it at 15 minutes, perhaps longer. All in all, I will go elsewhere the next time I get the urge for BBQ. This place failed me today. One last thing ... as you calculate your tip, note that their prices are elevated so they can share a portion with their employees, so 20% may be going above and beyond. read more

Top notch barbecue!! Service was great and the interior was bright and welcoming. Highly recommend trying the three cheese Mac. Will be coming back soon! read more

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Food quality is excellent. It will seem pricey, that is until you find that they package tips into their pricing.

This is a small restaurant located inside the Boxyard. Plenty of outdoor seating which is nice when the weather is nice! The sign outside mention a Chili Crisp Cheeseburger & a side for $14. The description read: 2 brisket laced smash patties, American cheese, salsa macha, chili crisps, cilantro, onions, & macha Dukes. So of COURSE we ordered that. We also ordered the mac n cheese even though the cashier recommended the brussel sprouts. Y'all....this burger was one of the best I've had in a LONG time. I was seriously contemplating going back the next day to have another! The mac n cheese was really good (except there was a little something sweet crumbled on top which I didn't enjoy) but I will definitely be returning to try the brussel sprouts. They took our name with our order and said they'd call us when it was ready...there was a live band and I was wondering how we were going to hear it...no worries, they have a bull horn! read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Specials - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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Let me just say this right off the bat: Lawrence BBQ is that spot. The kind of place that makes you rethink every life choice you've ever made that didn't involve eating here sooner. This place is a revelation. A pilgrimage-worthy institution. A barbecue sanctuary disguised as a restaurant in Cary, North Carolina. From the moment I walked in I knew I was in the right place -- the place is spotless, dialed-in, not a crumb out of formation. And the staff? I don't know what's in the water down here but these are some of the most absurdly attractive humans ever assembled under one roof. It's borderline distracting. They're kind, they're sharp, they're helpful, and they look like a casting call for "Southern Hospitality: The Movie." Unreal. Jake, the steward of this pirate ship of deliciousness. Is the salt of the earth that makes the oceans salt water. His care, his vision, his life is in the blood of this business and it shows. In starting to wonder if he is a superhero because his talent knows no bounds. Now the food... buckle up. The barbecue is exceptional. Not good, not great -- exceptional. The brisket? Tender to the point of emotional. The ribs fall off the bone like they're trying to escape into your mouth. The turkey is so moist it should honestly come with a warning label. These folks understand flavor on a molecular level. You taste the craft, the patience, the obsession. It's all hits. No skips. But the thing that sent me into another dimension? The grilled oysters. These things are divine. I'm talking next-level, robe-and-halo, "is this legal?" levels of good. Perfectly grilled, beautifully seasoned -- you could convince me these oysters were touched by celestial beings. I'd believe you. They're that magical. Secret BBQ butter? Lick thy recipe and throw away the key liken the diamond on the titanic. And let's talk value because this blew my mind: everything here is priced like they actually want you to come back. Portions big, flavors bigger, wallet somehow intact. A rare combination in today's world of "that'll be $49.95 for three bites and a garnish." Lawrence BBQ is firing on all cylinders -- ambiance, service, food, vibes, everything. It's the full package. The Cary culinary crown jewel. I can't recommend it enough. Five stars, easy. All hits. No misses. This place is going to be a destination for decades. read more

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Pretty good overall. Mac and cheese was amazing. Service was great. Several TVs around inside so a good place to catch a game. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Brussel Sprouts 8/10 - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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OMG! My daughter did a pick up from Lawerence BBQ as a reward for helping her move. I had read about them. The brisket sandwich and beans had me humming and singing there praises. I took a nap after lunch and dreamed about my meal! I will absolutely visit in person on my next visit as they are my favorite bbq joint now! Well done! read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Lawrence BBQ smokers - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

We recently went to Lawrence and was not disappointed! Their turkey and brisket was absolutely delicious. Our server was Hanna and she was amazing, so friendly and knowledgeable of all the menu! Thanks to her we had the best time and cannot wait to come back again!! read more

While I wouldn't call it fully traditional bbq, as they put their own twist on it, the brisket and the burnt ends are excellent. By far some of the best brisket I've ever had. If they had some better sides (the mac n cheese is subpar), it would really take this place to the next level. However, the banana pudding might've been the best I've ever had. read more

This is absolutely the best BBQ I have ever had. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. I live in Seattle, but I am genuinely considering planning a trip back to the area just to eat here again. Honestly, Lawrence Barbecue has ruined all other BBQ for me. This is the standard that I will hold all other BBQ to. read more

Amazing bbq. Solid brisket, great ribs, and unique sides. Plus oysters! Love this spot read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Came in this evening. It's a Friday. They were out of sliced brisket, pork belly burnt ends, and turkey. I got the chopped brisket sandwich and it was filled with onions and cilantro, topped with some type of Latin style spicy spread. Not was I was expecting and will not order again. Was almost what you might expect a chopped pork taco to taste like. We are inside and it was very loud. The service was good and the deviled egg potato salad was excellent. It's new and they have some things to work out. read more

Their food is DELICIOUS! My friend got the smash burger with "gov't cheese" (American). I got the BBQ sandwich with the vinegar-based slaw(also choice of a mayo slaw) and a choice of a side and I got the collards. The collards were on the sweet side. They have a variety of self-serve sauces. Our waitress was attentive and we got our food quickly. There is a full-service bar that is separated but see-through. They have decorated it with touches of their life. There are no cushioned booths. There are tables and chairs. I will be back soon with my husband. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Cannot say enough positive things about the food at Lawrence Barbecue! I'm an NC native, so I've grown up on classic eastern BBQ and all the fixin's. I like it, but it's not something I often want to eat. When I do, it's rare to find a place doing the food so well that I want to continue coming back. This restaurant combines traditional BBQ flavors and methods with new, fresh flavors. The team is so sweet and I loved the ambiance of the place. It's so open, and family friendly. I cannot wait to be back. read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Chili crisp queso tots - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

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It was my first time at Lawrence Barbecue's new location, and I really enjoyed it! I tried the pork belly burnt ends, mac & cheese, sweet & spicy collard greens, and their New York cheesecake, and everything was delicious. My server, LaShanda, was super sweet and attentive as well. I'll definitely be back! read more

Lawrence Barbecue - Pork belly burnt ends, sweet and spicy collard greens, macaroni and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Cary, North Carolina

Drove all the way to Boxyard RTP only to discover they moved. . Drove all the way to Cary to the new location only to be disappointed. . The new dig is beautiful. Plenty of seating and open space. Staff were friendly and helpful. The bartender who helped me was very nice. Food was nasty. I ordered the 2 meats and 2 sides, a side of burnt ends. ($51). I should have been suspicious when the food came out in 5 mins. The brisket was ok but too fatty. The ribs were not sauced as he said they would be and so nasty I didn't finish them. Fries were limp and not hot. The burnt ends were ok but cold. I was so disappointed because I really some good fall off the bone ribs. The meat was stuck to the bone and I had to gnaw it off. Horrible. I ordered take out so I was already home and couldn't send it back. I am so tired of wasting money. I need to resume cooking. I won't be back because my visit before this was a bust as well. Like the new location tho. read more

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They are open on Cedar St in downtown Cary and they are amazing. Food, service, chill vibe, and DELICIOUS food. The brisket quesabirria is my absolute favorite. We've been twice and it's definitely on our regular rotation. read more

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