Best BBQ in Durham, NC: 3 Smokehouses, Ranked
Picnic Durham cooks whole-hog barbecue and seasonal sides, using a whole-hog cooking method. The Original Q Shack has served slow-smoked brisket, turkey, chicken, and made-from-scratch sides since 2003. Byrd's BBQ has served brisket, ribs, and homemade sides since 1959. All three are in Durham, NC. Byrd's is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The Original Q Shack is open on Sundays. Rankings follow how many independent local roundups list each joint - tie-broken by verified fact count - and every listing is checked against the joint's own published information.
The ranking
Picnic
Picnic Durham serves whole-hog barbecue and seasonal sides. Its cooking method is whole hog. The restaurant is located at 1647 Cole Mill Road in Durham, North Carolina 27705. Hours are Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. The menu centers on whole-hog barbecue with sides that change by season.
The Original Q Shack
The Original Q Shack was founded in 2003 by chef Dan Ferguson and his wife Amanda. The restaurant serves slow-smoked brisket, turkey, chicken, and made-from-scratch sides. Its regular rib plate with two sides and hushpuppies is $18.95. The sausage plate with two sides, hushpuppies, pickles, and onions is $17.95. The address is 2510 University Drive in Durham, NC 27707. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 3 PM.
Byrd S Bbq
Byrd's BBQ Restaurant & Catering has been in operation since 1959. The menu includes brisket, ribs, and homemade side dishes. The brisket and ribs are served alongside homemade sides. The restaurant is at 2816 Cheek Road in Durham, NC 27704. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Byrd's BBQ Restaurant & Catering includes catering in its name.
FAQ
What style of BBQ is Durham known for?
Picnic Durham serves whole-hog barbecue. The Original Q Shack serves brisket, turkey, and chicken. Byrd's BBQ serves brisket and ribs.
What are the cheapest BBQ joints in Durham?
The Original Q Shack lists a sausage plate with two sides and hushpuppies at $17.95. Its regular rib plate with two sides and hushpuppies is $18.95.
Which Durham BBQ joints are open on Sunday?
Picnic Durham is open Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Original Q Shack is open Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Byrd's BBQ is closed on Sundays.
Where is the best brisket in Durham?
The Original Q Shack serves slow-smoked brisket. Byrd's BBQ serves brisket and ribs.