Where’s the best barbecue in the Triangle? Tell us your favorite spot
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- The News & Observer launches a poll to find the Triangle’s favorite BBQ spot.
- Nominations are open through Friday, Aug. 8 and exclude chains with 25+ locations.
- Barbecue styles range from Eastern whole hogs to Texas brisket in the Triangle.
Everyone in North Carolina has an opinion on barbecue.
There’s love for the vinegary Eastern style of slow-smoked whole hogs. There’s passion for the Piedmont style pork shoulders, tinged red with tomato-based sauce. And now there’s a hunger for Texas-style brisket fueling the nation’s barbecue revival.
In the past, the Triangle was somewhat overlooked in North Carolina’s big barbecue conversation. That’s no longer the case. Old-school joints are celebrated, and new-school spots are carrying the torch.
For The News & Observer’s August food poll, we’re closing out the summer in style answering the biggest question there is: What’s the Triangle’s favorite barbecue joint?
Nominate your favorite local barbecue restaurant from now until Friday, Aug. 8 and we’ll put it to a vote.
Note: We are looking for local recommendations, so chain restaurants that have more than 25 locations will be excluded.
This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Where’s the best barbecue in the Triangle? Tell us your favorite spot."