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Prime Barbecue

4.6 (494 reviews)
ModerateBarbeque, Southern
Closed • Closed
Updated 2 months ago

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Moderate noise
Casual
Trendy
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Prime Barbecue

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Emily C.

I came by on a Friday for lunch. I got in line at 10:50 and had my food right at 12:00, so it wasn't too bad! I got a two meat plate ($30) with smoked turkey breast, pork rib, Mac and cheese, and BBQ rice. Both of the meats were solid! I'm not a huge fan of red meat and I know turkey is always a gamble on the dryness, but it was nice and juicy! The ribs were good too. Mac was solid. The BBQ rice was pretty disappointing - super mushy texture, I didn't end up eating it. Super nice staff and clean space!

Jon S.

In a place that is seemingly in the middle of nowhere stand this massive building for bbq. Equipped with great outdoor seating space and a kid play area, they were very thoughtful in how they designed this place. The outdoor seating has outdoor fans and table fans for bugs and the inside bathrooms are super clean and sleek with mints and toothpicks! As I said very thoughtful! Came by on a Thursday a little after opening and waited maybe like 30 min or so to order; pacing was pretty fast turn around for how many people were already here. Customer service is great and there are workers that make sure that you have all you need. They were also great handling a dairy allergy for my kids! So service and ambiance 5/5 The food! We got a bit of everything. Moist Brisket: 4/5 it was very tender for the most part and was great flavor, a little tough in some places but really good overall! Cheddar Jalapeno sausage: 3.5/5 about average but slightly better. Could use more kick (but my wife thought it was spicy) The casing was a little tough in my opinion, but the overall flavor was pretty good. Beef cheek (this was a special for Thursday): 5/5 SUPER TENDER and great flavors. It was similar to a burnt end texture on the outside but the inside was amazing tender. Was great! The ribs! 5/5 This was honestly the star of the show. It had a great bark crust flavor and amazingly tender, wow, it was amazing and I don't say that lightly. Would 100% order again. The pulled pork:4/5 how do you say this is an average pulled pork feel like it's kinda hard to mess this one up, but it was pretty good. A standard pulled pork! As for the sides, they were okay if I'm honest. The baked beans were pretty good. I got it only because someone recommended it, but I normally am not a baked beans kind of guy. It was a little bit on the sweeter end but not bad at all. The mac & cheese was an average mac & cheese. Nothing super amazing or great but good enough I guess. My kids didn't devour it as they would have in other places so I guess that goes to show that it was just average. Overall, I would come here for the meats because that is what they're known for! Worth the weight and would totally come again

Insta: mmmashterchef   3 meat plate
Mike M.

14,000 mile 48 state foodie road trip and had to return here for another bbq plate. While everything was amazing, the smoked slice beef cheek daily special was truly my favorite bite of the 49 day trip. The first time, chef Prieto was handing out lemonade to the line outside. This time, he was going table to table greeting everyone and he schooled me on the evolution of beef cheek and how he has experimented with smoking and slicing. Genuinely nice guy and clearly passionate about his refined craft!

2 neat plate - brisket, pulled pork, baked beans, greens beans, and cornbread
Eboni B.

I came on a Saturday afternoon and had to wait about an hour in line (the line went all the way to the door). By the time we got to the front they ran out of several items that we wanted to try but the food was very tasty. Some of the best bbq sauce I've ever had. Not sure if I would wait an hour in line for it again but I would maybe place an online order next time. Also think that they need to provide more bbq sauce, only 2 sauces come with the meal and you have to pay for extra

Brisket, Ribs, Creamed Corn, Mac n Cheese
Jan K.

What does Prime look like on a Sat morning? I'll tell ya... a line that snakes out the door and around the patio. Don't worry, the wait is long, but it isn't that bad. While on our hour + wait, we made friends with the people to the front and back of us, we were served some awesome beer off the tap by the owner, and we get to smell the illustrious smoky aroma that makes this bbq so famous. Service is always top notched. If you're really lucky, the servers may slip you a tender sample of brisket while you make you final decisions on the cut of meat you want for your meal. And then you get to sit down with your plate. Was it worth the wait? Oh, most definitely!!!

Full Nelson
Fred C.

A True Pitmaster Prime serves some of the best smoked meats I have ever tasted - all slow-cooked over 100% hardwood. The results are tender, succulent and tasty. They pull, chop or slice it right in front of you, so you can see that you are getting the best bites. One caveat - It's better to get there earlier, rather than later; because they often run out of the most popular menu items well before closing time. Don't overlook the daily specials - they are mouth-watering. Prime has large and spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas (though it can get quite loud inside). Takeout and bulk items are also available. The star of the show is the Brisket. You can tell by the distinctive smoke ring that this king of Texas barbecue is something special. The Pulled Pork is as good as you will find anywhere around here. The smoked pig is tender and tangy enough without any additional sauce (sauce options are available). The House Made Sausage is another winner (makes a great sandwich). If you are a true BBQ carnivore, then the Full Nelson has your name written on it. It is a "Sandwich" that is piled high with Sausage, Pulled Pork, Brisket and Pickled Onion with a large Beef Rib and Cole Slaw on the side. I had enough left over for lunch the next day. One of the Thursday & Saturday specials is Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy and Mashed Potatoes. Each serving is cooked to order and served piping hot (you'll have to wait a few minutes). Tender steak, crunchy breading and tons of flavor without too much salt. Prime also serves some really good sides. My favorite is the Big Boss Beans - smokey and hearty with a hint of Celery. The Sweet Potato Salad seems to be everyone's favorite and sells out quickly. That old comfort food standby, Mac 'N' Cheese, is brought to life with a mellow Smoked Cheese flavor and Bacon Bits topping. The Cole Slaw and Barbecue Rice are also good choices, but the slaw is a little dry for my liking. If you feel the need for something on the healthy side, Green Beans are also available (I have never succumbed that urge).

Brisket, sausage, pulled pork, mac and cheese, barbecue rice
Lauren K.

Great location next to the Knightdale station park! We ordered online for pick up then took our order to the nearby playground with pavilions to enjoy our haul and let our daughter burn off some energy. Utensils and napkins weren't automatically included so make sure to bring your own or specifically ask. The brisket was my favorite with a mix of lean and moist cuts and a nice crust on all. The sausage and pulled pork didn't slack either. The Mac and cheese was ultra creamy, and the barbecue rice was loaded with bits of meat. We meant to take home leftovers, but ended up stuffing ourselves and not having room for the bread pudding. That reheated well at home for something sweet later in the day. 10/10 would spend an afternoon like that again.

2 meat plate (pork rib, and brisket with mac & cheese and beans) and 1/2 lb of pulled pork and cornbread
Shelby F.

lord. this sent me into a food coma after the two hour wait in the sun. my favorite items were the beans, pulled pork, and cornbread. it's definitely worth trying at least once, but I recommend showing up before they open (if its a saturday) to avoid the long wait. i went at 11 (the time they open) and didnt sit down with my food until just before 1pm. the staff were super sweet and came outside with cups of water for those of us waiting. they also answered any questions I had with patience and every employee i spoke with was very nice. they have 4 sinks near the to-go box area by the exit which was awesome, especially after my hands got sticky from the ribs.

Merch
Cheryl L.

Arrived at the restaurant approximately 12:30. Before we arrived, thet were sold out of Beef Rins. While standing in line, they sold-out of the baked potato (my number 1 choice), as we approached the staff member to order, it was announced pork ribs were sold out (choice #2). I tried the brisket, it was delicious but opted for the BBQ Pork. Which was amazing, as well. Mac n cheese was ok, nothing to write home about. The baked beans were amazing. Green beans were also a hit. Eventhough there was complete pandemonium that I'm sure they're used to, the staff was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Restaurant remained cleaned, tables were cleared and wiped down as patrons left. Staff were always moving about asking if anything was needed and how we enjoyed the food. I will be back and will make sure I am there as the doors open.

Whole pig lechon
Chris C.

I had been planning on visiting Prime if I was ever in the Raleigh area. Saturday we were in town and gave it a try. There was a crowd there, and I quickly understood why. The brisket was up there with the best I have ever had. We tried each meat available. All were great. Great smoke flavor. Sides were good too. Don't sleep on their banana pudding either. The manager Marcus came out and spoke with us at our table. He gave us a sample of their whole hog lechon. I was pleasantly surprised at the flavor of it. The restaurant was new and very clean. We will definitely return if we find ourselves in the Raleigh area

Interior
Evangelina W.

Notable for the great service and food, Prime Barbecue is 100% worth the visit and a treat. I made a special trip to Prime Barbecue even though it is almost a hour away because I had heard so many good things about the meat, but what I left with was just an incredible amount of respect for the intention behind the restaurant. From the water provided during our wait in line, to the samples at the ordering station, to the details in the bathroom every part of the experience was very intentional. I loved the modern and classic decor. As you wait you can look around at the details and you'll also notice you can ask to take a tour of the kitchen. The restaurant is situated in a great location which allowed for a post lunch walk in the park. Will be going again! Must order the brisket! It is SO JUICY.

Ribs, Brisket, beans and creamed corn
Jennifer B.

I can't stop thinking about my meal at Prime Barbecue. I had read a TON of reviews before heading out to Knightdale to check this place out. I had prioritized my list of things to try. This is a good 30-40 minute drive from my house and SO worth it! 2 friends and I had decided to check this out on a Friday. I knew there would be a line out the door and possibly down the street, but I was not working that day and REALLY wanted to try the food, Upon arrival, there is ample parking on the street or across the street in the park. The line was outside on their covered patio (with heaters); we heard it would likely be over an hour wait from where we were, but despite the cold January weather, it was quite pleasant waiting. Carlos (one of the guys who makes it his business to make sure those waiting feel welcome) offered us water while we waited. Little things like that go a long way for me. I wanted to go on Friday because there were 2 fabulous sounding features (Beef Ribs and Burnt Ends). While Burnt Ends were my priority, I was intrigued by both. I knew I was getting Brisket (likely fatty/moist as that's what I prefer) and was hoping to get a 2 meat plate with Burnt Ends as my second; unfortunately, features can't be added to meat plates, but can be purchased as an add-on. As we waited in line, I was checking out what others had purchased including meats, sides and desserts. I don't usually buy dessert at a Barbecue restaurant, but the cobbler with vanilla ice cream was quite popular. Based upon my research, I had decided to order Mac & Cheese (with bacon) and Barbecue Rice as my 2 sides. When we finally got up to place our orders, I was given a sample "bite" (it was way bigger than a bite) of brisket, and I was instantly in a very happy state. The flavor was AMAZING! It was worth the trip just for that sample. I ordered a 1 meat plate of sliced moist brisket with Mac & Cheese and Barbecue Rice as my sides with an add-on of 1/2 lb of Burnt Ends to share with my friends. My friends (who also have great food taste) got some additional items including pork ribs, beans, creamed corn (feature of the day), corn bread, and the HUGE baked potato. During our fabulous meal, we met some of the great people who work at the restaurant. They "suggested" trying the House Made Sausage which was good, but does contain jalapeños so be prepared for a kick. In addition, it was also "suggested" we try the Texas Cobbler with vanilla Blue Bell Ice cream (Blue Bell is a Texas treasure); the flavor of the day was blueberry, and historically I have not been that into cobbler, this was AMAZING! I can't wait to try other flavors on my next visit. While you can expect to pay ~$21 for a one meat plate, 2 sides and no drink, I do feel the quality of the food makes it worth the money. The quality of the food and taste IMO is SO much better than the chain BBQ restaurants. I was so impressed and stuffed with my experience at the Prime Barbecue; I will absolutely go back. Next time, I think I will go for a 2 meat plate with chopped and sliced brisket to better compare the 2 options. For sides, I will stick with Mac & Cheese (with bacon of course) and the other side is TBD. I will also get the cobbler because I would regret it if I didn't!! Thanks so much to the team at Prime both front of the house and behind the scenes. You made my day with amazing food, and I can't wait to go back!

Michelin 2025
Neluta G.

It is a Texas type barbecue, lines are put in the street. You wait in line for hours then you order your food, once you have the food you have a seat at a table and eat. I wish they would figure out a better way to do this to shorten the lines. Barbecue sauce too sweet but it is Texas style. The best things are jalapeño, cheddar smoke sausage, rigs and pecan pie. The pecan pie was one of the best I have ever had. Filled with delicious pecans and less of the sugary layer, crust delicious. A must try pecan pie.

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Ask the Community - Prime Barbecue

Do any of the sides have pork in them? If so, which do and in what form (oil/fat/bacon/etc)? Thanks!

the bbq rice - pieces of sausage (the sausage is brisket with pork casing) mac & cheese - optional bacon on top… 

Do they serve beer?

Yep and in true Texas style BBQ fashion they have shiners on ice for you to grab while you wait to order

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