Sam Jones BBQ is a restaurant in Raleigh, NC. Open: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Phone: (984) 206-2555. Average rating is 4.4 stars from 2,110 reviews. Website: https://www.samjonesbbq.com/raleigh.
Sam Jones BBQ
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Exterior view of Sam Jones BBQ showcasing its inviting atmosphere.
4.4 2,110 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Whole-Hog BBQ Rooted in NC Tradition

Slow-smoked over Carolina oak, Sam Jones BBQ brings Skylight Inn heritage to downtown Raleigh.

About Us

Exterior view of Sam Jones BBQ restaurant with outdoor seating.
Exterior view of Sam Jones BBQ restaurant with outdoor seating.

Some barbecue restaurants talk about tradition. Sam Jones BBQ lives it. Every hog that comes out of this kitchen is cooked whole, over Carolina oak, the same way the Jones family has done it at the legendary Skylight Inn in Ayden for generations. The Raleigh location at 502 W Lenoir St carries that lineage into the city, and 2,100-plus Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars suggest Raleigh noticed.

The chopped pork is the anchor of the menu, tangy with Eastern NC vinegar and smoke that settles into the meat during a long, patient cook. Ribs, chicken, and sides round things out, and the cornbread has a story worth reading even if it surprises first-timers. This is not fusion, not trend-chasing, not barbecue dressed up for a new audience. It is the real thing, moved 80 miles west and served seven days a week.

The dining room is welcoming without being fussy, the kind of place where NC State students grab lunch and families celebrate with a platter that feeds everyone. The Dewberry Room is available for private events when you need something more intentional than a corner booth.

What We Offer

Dine-in is the full experience: order at the counter, find a seat, and let the smoke do the talking. The menu is built around whole-hog chopped pork, but two-meat platters let you mix and match ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork with your choice of sides.

Online ordering makes it easy to grab a meal on your own schedule, and catering brings the whole-hog tradition to your event, whether that is a company cookout, a rehearsal dinner, or a neighborhood block party. The team handles the logistics so you can focus on the crowd. Gift cards are available for the barbecue lover on your list who has everything except a good excuse to visit.

For groups needing a dedicated space, The Dewberry Room offers private dining with the same menu and the same smoke-forward cooking that fills the main room every day. Reach out through the website to plan your event.

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What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"We stopped in on the way back to NC State. Super close. This was a great representation of what real NC vinegar based whole hog bbq. The brisket was good but Texas has nothing to worry about. Lol. Mac n cheese was excellent and the beans were pretty good too. The pork rinds were really good being fresh and still warm. Definitely will be back."
— Ed Singleton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Might be one of my favorite barbecue spots in the Raleigh area! We tried the 2 meat platters with ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork. The brisket was nothing to rave about, but the rest of the meats were delicious! Usually don’t care for chicken, but the way that they seasoned and cooked it made it a star of the show for us. The size were delicious. If you’re going to go for two, I would say go for the potato salad and the mac & cheese. The collards and beans are also good but not mandatory. If you have to choose between the cornbread and the toast, go with the toast. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Wait staff were patient as we tried to order. Overall, really good experience!"
— Alyssa
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"We had a lovely time at Sam Jones! To get this out of the way, we didn’t like the cornbread. HOWEVER!! We read about the history of it and loved the story behind it- just not what we expected! Will definitely try the sweet potato muffin next time. The pork was outstanding, as were the mac and cheese, house made chips (!!), and collards. The beans were decent, just wish the sauce was a little thicker. Wish there were maybe just a few more sauces to sample, but the sweet bbq and the regular vinegar were delicious. Staff was super friendly too, which is always a delight! We had a perfect night to sit outside and eat on the benches. ☀️"
— Traveler353
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"I got the 2 meat 🥩 plate bbq pork and ribs. Both were excellent flavor and big portions. Smokey flavor of the meat didn’t need any sauce, but the vinegar sauce was an excellent match. Cornbread was unique I liked it. Sort of a plate to eat the bbq pork from. Comfortable seating and atmosphere perfect for the bbq theme. Order taker was friendly but a little flighty. I would definitely go again."
— Sean Brockway
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 weeks ago
"Friendly service, bbq joint type atmosphere, great bbq sandwich and 2 good choices for sauce. Baked beans were good as well. Definitely worth eating without the trip to Greenville."
— Corbett Shope

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of barbecue does Sam Jones BBQ serve?

Sam Jones BBQ specializes in Eastern North Carolina whole-hog chopped pork, slow-smoked over Carolina oak. The style is vinegar-based and rooted in the Skylight Inn tradition from Ayden, NC. The menu also includes ribs, chicken, brisket, and a rotating lineup of sides.

What are the hours at the Raleigh location?

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM. It is open all seven days of the week.

Can I order online?

Yes. Online ordering is available through the Sam Jones BBQ website at samjonesbbq.com/raleigh. It is a convenient option if you want to pick up without waiting in line.

Does Sam Jones BBQ offer catering?

Catering is available for events of various sizes. Whether you are planning a corporate lunch, a private party, or a large outdoor gathering, the team can bring the whole-hog experience to your location. Contact them through the website to discuss your event details.

What is The Dewberry Room?

The Dewberry Room is a private dining space inside the Raleigh location. It is available for groups who want a dedicated area for their event, from birthday dinners to business gatherings, all with the same menu served in the main dining room.

Where is Sam Jones BBQ located in Raleigh?

The Raleigh location is at 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601. It is close to downtown and convenient to NC State University.

Are gift cards available?

Yes, Sam Jones BBQ offers gift cards, which make a practical gift for anyone who loves North Carolina barbecue. They can be purchased through the website.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 9:00 PM
Monday Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
75° Cloudy Raleigh
Mon 77° 72°
Tue 84° 69°
Wed 97° 67°
Thu 102° 77°
Fri 101° 79°
Sat 103° 76°
Sun 96° 77°

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