Reviews & Ratings for Allen & Son Pit Cooked Bar-B-Q

12/29/11

The Real Thing

by TarHeelBoy at Citysearch

The stacks of hickory wood out back are the first hint. The tea only comes sweet would be the second. This place is the real deal. To be honest, I've never strayed from ordering the pulled pork, so can't comment on anything else, but it is the best I've ever had. Try to go most every time I'm in Chapel Hill, but they seem to take long vacations from time to time. Call before you go!

07/25/11

Good food, nothing fancy

by durhamresident at Citysearch

I've been here twice & have really enjoyed the food. The atmosphere isn't that great, but it's a bbq joint, not a posh restaurant. The Brunswick Stew is filling & excellent, & the barbeque is tender & flavorful... wood-smoked out back.

07/05/11

Did not like!

by beckadge at Citysearch

Had read alot about this place. Went there july 2nd 2011. Very dissapointing, dirty looking, sanitation rating only 91.0. Food was okay, nothing to write home about. I've had much better bbq and sides. It was pricey but that wouldn't matter if they lived up to their reputation. Maybe it's just seen better days.

Charlies bbq right here in Clayton is much better.

05/10/11

Don't go, unless your loaded.

by CSMobileUser6 at Citysearch

I'm literally sitting in the restaurant right now, the portions are a joke. I just payed $8 for a snack. They won't substitute anything either. Seriously, don't come here unless you can afford to buy 2 over priced dinners to fill you up. It is tasty, but I'm only a 160 lb male and this is not even close to a small meal, its tiny. Not a good bbq house. Sorry.

01/28/11

Excellent BBQ

by ToddP1 at Citysearch

Great BBQ, reasonable prices. I highly recommend it.

11/23/10

awesome!

by cyncity64 at Citysearch

Allen and Son's is fantastic! When I was in college, my department used them to cater most of our functions and it was much appreciated. When I moved back to town, I decided to check them out and I was not disappointed. It's the perfect little bbq joint.

03/13/10

No longer the best

by NC Native Son at Citysearch

I have previously praised Allen and Sons as the best in NC. No more. Recent trips and conversations with other BBQ lovers have convinced me that they are off their game. Too often, I have seen large chunks of gristle, an unpleasant moment. If you can get around this --and I cannot -- the BBQ is good.

• Pros: Good quality meat outside of the gristle
• Cons: Large chunks of gristle

03/08/10

The genuine article

by CRogers at Citysearch

After reading the reviews on Citysearch I was conflicted by the wide range of opinions about Allen and Son BBQ so I decided to give it a try myself. Without reservation or hesistation I can say that Allen and Sons is the genuine article. Their bbq is "exactly" what is meant by the term "North Carolina Barbeque" Simply stated if you don't like Allen and Son's barbeque you don't like "North Carolina" barbeque. In an age of convenience where gas cookers and machine shredders are all the rage, Allen and Son has held true to tradition bronzing their shoulders over live hickory coals and chopping it all by hand. Yes the texture is varied, and yes you may find one big ole' hunk of fat...but you will also find smoky meat so tender it melts in your mouth. The sauce compliments the meat as opposed to overpowering it. The slaw is of the creamy variety and wonderful. The homemade desserts are just like your grandma made, my personal favorites are the peanut butter pie and the peach cobbler with homemade ice cream...My one knock is the ribs. Because the ribs are also cooked over live coals the outermost layer gets a little tough and it is off putting to some. However once beyond the outer layer the ribs are quite tender and the sauce is wonderful...I have seen many mention the price and while I will admit it's higher than the famous bbq chain store in town it is obvious why...pit cooking over wood certainly requires more time and expense. My bet is you are happy to pay the bill once you've experienced the true art of pit cooked barbeque...I know I was....

• Pros: The barbeque and homemade desserts!
• Cons: Ribs are good, just not great

10/16/09

Simply the Best BBQ in NC

by Croqueteer at Citysearch

For me, pork barbecue sandwiches are the real test for Eastern Carolina Barbecue. I grew up on it, and my standards are high. Allen and sons simply has the best available. I get it with slaw on top and add some Texas Pete's for that extra zing. The sandwiches are large and are a problem to deal with for the first 60 seconds or so - then it gets easier. Wait staff is very pleasant and the sweet tea is very sweet. Seating is a bit uncomfortable, but I already know that going in.

• Pros: The BBQ Sandwiches
• Cons: Somewhat hard to find, furniture falling apart

10/15/09

Nothing to Write Home About

by CodyShive at Citysearch

First time there is the last time there. Painful hostess, server who ignored us after delivering the dinner, and burned fish were only part of what made the experience something that made me want to stop by Harris Teeter and get their BBQ ribs on the way home.

Not only was the meal not good, but when we ordered, the server snapped (yes, snapped) that they were out of two of the items we had come in to get. Okay, I'm flexible. I got the fish. It was dry, burned and lousy.

My recommendation: Find BBQ somewhere else.

• Pros: None that come to mind
• Cons: Service, food, value