The BBQ Lab

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🍗 BBQ

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Raleigh

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casual-dining

4.2
Bold barbecue in Raleigh's North Hills with tender meat, soulful sides, and friendly hospitality that keeps locals coming back.

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$$

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casual-dining

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The BBQ Lab

Raleigh

$

Experience top-notch smoked barbecue and soulful Southern sides at The BBQ Lab in Raleigh's North Hills. Open daily 11 AM to 8 PM.

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About
4.2
(
478
)

The BBQ Lab delivers a rich blend of Texas and North Carolina barbecue, highlighting slow-smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork paired with hearty sides such as mac and cheese and cornbread. This vibrant spot offers a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff serving lunch and dinner daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, with no reservation needed.

What to Expect:

    🔥 Expertly smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork
    🍽️ Soulful Southern sides like mac and cheese, collards, Brunswick stew
    🍺 Beer and alcohol available at the onsite bar
    👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-friendly with high chairs and kids' menu
    🅿️ Free parking options including garage and street parking

Important Information:

    – Hours: Open daily 11 AM to 8 PM
    – Location: 4120-135 Main at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
    – Service: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering available
    – Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating
    – Payment: Accepts credit/debit cards and mobile NFC payments
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📍 Local Insights

🔥 Signature Burnt Ends: Burnt ends receive rave reviews for their smoky, tender texture and rich flavor—an essential order for first-timers.

🍽️ Soul Food Sides Stand Out: Cornbread, jalapeno mac and cheese, and collards are repeatedly highlighted as perfect complements to the meats.

🅿️ Parking Tips: While street parking is available, the nearby free parking garage offers plenty of spaces and is highly recommended especially on weekends.

🍻 Hospitable Staff & Onsite Bar: The bar onsite adds to the experience, with visitors praising the helpful and friendly team including management for personalized service.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Tuesday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Wednesday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Friday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM

Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM

👉 Best For

Barbecue lovers, families, casual dining, groups
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The BBQ Lab

4120-135 Main at North Hills St
,
Raleigh
,
NC
27609

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Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The BBQ Lab offers some of Raleigh's best barbecue with tender, flavorful meats and well-loved Southern sides. Guests consistently praise the friendly, welcoming staff and fresh-cooked dishes. While most find the food worth the price, a few mention occasional dryness and uneven seasoning. Some concerns were raised about service and food safety, but many reviewers return for the high-quality brisket and burnt ends.
Last updated on
December 9th, 2025

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

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The Selection

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Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Burnt ends; Brisket; Pulled pork; Cornbread; Jalapeno mac and cheese; Fried okra; Collard greens; Hush puppies; Deviled egg potato salad; Kid's menu; Beer; Quick bite; Small plates; Bar onsite

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit weekdays from 11 AM to 1 PM or early afternoon for lower crowds; Saturdays 3–5 PM are busiest, expect wait times.
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