It’s no secret that Southerners love their barbecue. In fact, in some cities, it’s a veritable way of life, with many regional and national debates over what barbecue truly is, taking into account details such as style, method, preparation, type of meat and condiments served. From the pork-centric, “wet” and “dry” preparation found in Memphis, to the beef-dominated, “cowboy style” in Texas, to the “whole hog” style of the vinegar-based North Carolina style, barbecue can be found in almost any way imaginable. Here, we detail some of the best barbecue joints near downtown apartments in Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city.
Ole Time Barbecue
Why: Located just minutes from downtown apartments in Raleigh, Ole Time Barbecue is one of the city’s culinary institutions. This tiny, no-frills roadside joint offers up two house-made sauces and tasty, made-from-scratch sides including macaroni and cheese, killer hush puppies, fried okra and collard greens. Try their famous pulled pork sandwich and bask in the Americana-themed knickknacks that line the walls.
Where: 6309 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27606
Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue
Why: If you’re fortunate enough to live in downtown apartments in Raleigh, make sure to stop by Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue, a friendly place that has been serving up Carolina-style barbecue since 1938. Founded by the great Clyde Cooper himself, this pork haven cooks top-notch lean pork shoulders and hams and adds a dash of their homemade barbecue sauce for a flavor that is out of this world. Add a side of Brunswick stew or crispy pork skins and top off the meal with a sweet and creamy order of banana pudding, and you’ve got yourself a meal made in hog heaven.
Where: 109 E Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
The Pit
Why: Mixing Southern hospitality with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic in a restored 1930s meatpacking warehouse, The Pit has made a name for itself for being the can’t-miss, slightly upscale barbecue destination near downtown apartments in Raleigh. Drawing media attention from Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” The Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” and magazines such as Bon Appetit and Southern Living, The Pit is known for top-notch pork as well as unique starters such as Fried Pimento Cheese and Pumpkin Skillet Cornbread. The Pit even serves up barbecue turkey, Texas-style brisket, fried chicken and a barbecue tofu dish for those looking for an alternative option.
Where: 328 W Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/TheCrimsonMonkey
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