Raleigh Area - time for only 1 BBQ joint. Where?

I'll be doing an overnight trip to the Raleigh area in a few weeks. I'll have time to go to 1 BBQ spot for dinner. I consider the vicinity to be 40 minutes from Raleigh, as I'll be alone and will have a car.

Do I go to Wilson? Up to Allen and Sons? Bullocks in Durham? Thoughts?

I would vote for Allen & Sons.

Allen & Sons is greatly over-rated. Bullocks is great for family style eating. I particularly like McCalls in Clayton and Stameys in Greensboro...but both are a drive from Raleigh.

Coopers on E.Davie St in downtown Raleigh is wonderful-ate there this past summer.Hours of operation are limited,so call to find out.

How about Murray's in Raleigh? Is that a good representation of the eastern NC style, or should I make the drive to Goldsboro?

Hazelmn-
I'm pretty sure that Murray's is closed. I drove by their place about a year ago and they gone out of business. That is, if we are talking about the same Murray's.

I am actually in Raleigh now. One of the places I ate at today was Parker's Barbecue in Wilson. Really good 'cue and not too far of a drive.

I'd go with Allen & Son, either of the locations, though many say the Chapel Hill shop is better than Pittsboro.

There are/were two Murray's in Raleigh. The good one, on Old Poole Road, is closed; the other one gets not-so-good reviews. Bullocks is ok, but in IMHO, the sauce is too sweet; and the last time I was there their brisket obviously was fresh out of the microwave (though I should have had more sense than to try for beef in an East NC place).

OK, life long NC native and BBQ expert ( ), here's the lowdown.. 1-5 stars.

2* Allen & Sons: Sauce is strange, contains butter. Sometimes they don't control the wood properly and it flames for periods of time causing bitter meat. Not impressed with the sides either.

2* Cooper's: Has gone downhill the last couple of years, Q very greasey in the late afternoon and early evenming. Sides are pretty good though. Fried chicken is pretty good as well. Would rate higher but Q has been poor last couple of times.

1* Don Murray's: This is not the place to go at all. Poor health inspections and sub par Q. The OTHER Murray's closed a little over a year ago due to not being able to keep their head above water. He was selling his Q for $8.00 a pound averaged out and it was costing him $10 a pound to produce.... the were worth the trip.

3* Bullock's: They have fairly good Q, but so busy that it's sometimes a pain to get in and out. Sides are nice.

4* Barbque Lodge: When it's properly salted, some of the best Q around. Great fried chicken and sides. Don't pass up the cornbread sticks. When the salt is too light, the Q lacks a little. Nice desserts.

5* Wilber's: Last stand for old time, perfectly cooked Q. You do have to travel to Goldsboro, about 45 minutes away. You can see the wood stacked up as you pull in, and smell it a couple of miles away. Drooling now. He also sells it by the pound. I have been known to take $100 of Q to Myrtle Beach when we visit family there.


Dennis in Cary