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    Prime Barbecue

    4.6 (491 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Southern
    Closed • 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    About Prime Barbecue

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    Prime Barbecue Photos

    PRIME BARBECUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Prime Barbecue

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    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!

    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

    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!!!

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!

    Full Nelson, cornbread, Mac n cheese

    I was visiting from out of state (Kansas City) and came here because I heard it was the best bbq in the area. It was decent. A little fatty and salty. The sandwich was huge and worth its price. The small piece of beef rib was dry and hard like jerky. The Mac and cheese was sadly bland. My husband had the pork ribs which were good. Cornbread was tasty too. Maybe the hype set my expectations too high. The atmosphere was really nice and the staff was very helpful.

    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

    Meat carving
    Sarah K.

    Absolutely fantastic from start to finish! There is a line all day. It never stops from early in the morning until it sells out. But, I don't see anyone annoyed about the line. Everyone expects it and waits patiently. The service from ordering, at the cashier to the floor is top notch. I've learned almost everyone's name on the floor and felt really taken care of. The food is top notch as well. Chris, the owner, is known as a barbecue nerd and it's so true. I had the privilege to hear from him how he cooked the meat from start to finish. So much care and engineering behind it. I also got he Pit Tour and was it eye opening. You know for sure that they care about their meat and the quality. But, if you ask Chris, he's not in the barbecue business, he's in the people business. You'll see it everywhere in the store. He really care about his staff and the customers. There's a family station, which is more than a baby changing station, with all the items stocked. Their kids high chair is much better than any other restaurants' I've seen. They also have a kids play area outdoors for the warmer weathers. The sitting style is like family style. You really need to love your community and sit together. Love the atmosphere it brings and the energy. Newcomers, always get the brisket. Their burnt ends are amazing. You cannot add the burnt ends as part of the meat option of a plate, but you can get it separately a la carte. Expect to spend around $30 per person. If you're going to feast, then $45 per person.

    Our plate.
    Michael L.

    The food was fantastic, as was the service. We had brisket, pulled pork, ribs and added a sausage. Barbecue rice, sweet potato salad sides plus a piece of cornbread. Brisket was the best I've had, everything else was only great. The employees were welcoming and engaging. More than once they came out from the kitchen or behind the counter to greet customers in line that they recognized. Of course I'll be back and want to try the entire menu.

    Full Nelson

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    1 month ago

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    Page 1 of 13

    Prime Barbecue Reviews in Other Languages

    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

    View All 5 Questions

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    Recommended (with an *)…read more City Barbecue has a lot going for it, but probably not for the BBQ purist (*). This Ohio-based chain has over 70 locations in the U. S., including six in the Triangle area. All the meats are tender enough, but just don't have that distinctive pit-cooked flavor that I crave. However, when one of their excellent sauces is added, they're really quite tasty. Sauce options include Original, Sweet City, Brush Fire (Actually not all that hot), Swine Wine (like Eastern NC Vinegar) and Low Calorie (why bother?). I found the portions to be ample, the selections varied and the food generally very good. On my first visit I tried the basic Pulled Pork , Baked Beans and Cole Slaw I added a little of each Sauce to some of the BBQ and enjoyed them all. The Beans were tangy and tasty. The Cole Slaw was outstanding - slightly sweet, creamy and delicious. I also sampled the Pulled Chicken with Fried Okra and Sweet Corn Pudding. The chicken was pretty bland, but very good with some of the sauces. The real stars were the sides. The Fried Okra was as good as any I have ever had (with or without the Chipotle Ranch Dressing). It was lightly breaded; slightly crispy but tender. The Corn Pudding was loaded with sugary corn kernels, butter and sour cream. My two favorites are the St Louis Ribs and the Beef Brisket. The Ribs were slightly crusty but tender. I find that three Ribs and a couple of sides are plenty for a filling meal. You can get the Brisket either lean cut or full cut (I prefer the full cut). City's Hush Puppies are crispy, golden and packed with Southern flavor - perfect. Be sure to ask for the 10% military veteran or senior discount (age 62).

    I will be honest - the food was so hot and fresh - we ate it before I thought about taking a photo…read morelol so I took one of the building! On a serious note: the customer service was great. Very friendly and attentive. We used the drive thru to complete our order - so I can't speak for in the inside of this location. However, from what we had - I believe we will be back to see what else goodies they have at this location.

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