You just know when (and it’s not ‘if’, it’s ‘when‘!) you munch into the best ribs in Raleigh that the chefs and cooks invest time, passion and commitment in making their racks stand out from the rest.
So don’t waste a second more of your day – grab a bunch of your closest friends, look through our list, and pay a visit to some of the top places to eat the very best Raleigh ribs…
One might argue that North Carolina, as a state, is Rib Country, USA. So it makes sense that you’ll find some incredible ribs in Raleigh, and Clyde Cooper’s is a top shout. They’ve been a local barbecue staple in the area since 1938 and have won countless awards for their BBQ fare, with many dishes still using the same original recipe.
Winston’s Grille is a classic American restaurant that has all sorts of tasty favourites on the menu, but their ribs are a real highlight. The ribs here are baby back ribs that come with honey BBQ sauce, hand-cut fries and coleslaw.
Beautifully sticky, with a rich charring and meat that falls off the bone.
The Pit is all about traditional barbecue with contemporary twists, so alongside The Pit beef brisket, baby back ribs, barbecue turkey and fried chicken, you’ll also find a can’t-miss barbecue tofu dish.
It’s those ribs that will have you rushing back here time and time again, though. They’re Carolina-style, so are smoked low ‘n’ slow with a spicy-vinegar bbq sauce.
While Angus Barn might be best known for its steaks (they serve over 20,000 a month!), the ribs here are some of the best in the state. They offer both beef and pork ribs, and that does really pose you a huge problem as both of them are as just good as each other.
No matter which you choose, know that you’re in for a world-class dining experience.
Big Al’s BBQ cooks up some great brisket and pulled pork. However, locals seem to also love their ribs, which have an incredible smokey and savoury taste. You’ll want to visit this place extremely hungry, as their pork is addictive no matter how you order it.
Slow-smoked pork ribs and a special house sauce are two of the most popular items on the menu here. But, if you ask any patron they’ll likely tell you that anything they’ve ordered at Ole Time Barbecue has been fantastic.
Finish it off with a locally baked dessert of peach cobbler or banana pudding.
With locations across the country, J. Alexander’s is known for its delicious menu of American classics, which happens to include some of the best ribs in Raleigh. The barbecue baby back ribs are served with a tangy Plum Creek bbq sauce, french fries and Southern coleslaw. You can’t beat it.
