It looks like a few people need some guidance about what exactly North Carolina barbeque is, and that, uh, they should actually be ordering the barbeque at a famous barbeque restaurant as opposed to, say, seafood. First of all, North Carolina bbq is chopped pork. It's not ribs. This state doesn't have any tradition in ribs whatsoever. When you go to a BBQ place in this state, please please PLEASE don't order ribs. That's a Texas/Kansas/Memphis/midwest thing. It's not in our bbq history. Second, when the guy is getting up at 2 a.m. every morning to chop the hickory wood and smoke the pig for 9 hours thereafter, and a place is steeped in such a tradition, why would you go in there as a party and no one actually order the "raison de existence" of the place? It's like going to the Louvre and then asking to see the children summer camp's artwork and being disappointed in the collection. or going to a SC Lowcountry oyster roast, and complaining because you ordered grilled zucchini and they funked it up. so in summary - when you're at a NC bbq restaurant - order chopped pork, and order, you know, BARBEQUE.
(5)
Colin S.
My family comes from the midwest so we're used to the Kansas City style of bbq. Allen & Sons serves a very different kind of bbq. My family's midwestern tastebuds really didn't appreciate the food here. I'm not saying the bbq was bad, we ate all of it, but it definately wasn't "good" by our standards. This place seemed like a good representative of Carolina style bbq (very vinegary). We all agreed that if we were from the area we would appreciate the flavor more than we did. I definitely recommend this place if you want to experience Carolina style bbq. I
(2)
Shane M.
Come on, this place is run down. It makes you feel like they have been pinching pennies for years. The food is okay, not great. The service is crappy at best...see below (sullen and grumpy...dead on my friend). They need someone to come in and do a once over and then replace all of the staff.
(2)
David H.
When I moved to NC, all I'd ever hear was North Carolina pulled/chopped pork and how good it was. Well I'm from the west and the vinegar taste doesn't always agree with me. I've tried over a dozen different vinegar based pork sandwiches throughout North Carolina and by far Allen and Son makes the best one! This is definitely a vinegar based pork that I like! A lot!!! The coleslaw works well but if you get it to go, then you'd have to separate the sandwich otherwise it'll be soggy by the time you get home. Also, I I wouldn't order anything else except the pulled pork sandwich. Well maybe the hush puppies. Stick to what they are strong at, the BBQ pork sandwich.
(4)
Jon B.
The two stars are for the hush puppies which I thought were pretty good. Everything else was below average. Had the ribs which were not tender at all and almost impossible to eat. They were served on a plate that was too small which made it even more difficult. Tough ribs on a small plate = lucky to not have launched the rack clear across the room as I attempted to hack through it like I was auditioning for the Saw series. The pulled pork was also not tender and probably a little too fatty for my tastes. Don't get the hype for this place. I can get much better BBQ in Los Angeles.
(2)
X X.
Finally made it out to Allen & Son to have North Carolina BBQ in it's native environment. The GPS got us close, but wasn't quite right. Better to just look at a map and figure out how to get there the old-fashioned way. The restaurant is in a shack-like building with a compact dining area split into two rooms. There's no one waiting to seat you--just go to any empty table. A server will take your order and bring your food and drinks, then you pay at the cashier before leaving. NC-style BBQ isn't my favorite, but for what it is, it is very good. You can taste the smokiness in each bite. The BBQ chicken also has that nice smoky flavor too. I think the sides outshine the meat. The hush puppies are crisp, light, and nearly perfect. They like to roll off the table since they are ball-shaped, so be careful or you'll lose one or two. I thought the coleslaw was excellent. Very light tasting and not drowned in mayo. Prices seem a little bit high by $1-2. The dining room feels cramped and is poorly lit. It's a little chaotic when crowded. Recommended, but won't be back any time soon because it's not my favorite type of food and it's out of the way.
(4)
M M.
Barbecue is very good, sides not great and a good chocolate pie. Service can be a little bit slow.
(3)
Mark S.
Best NC style BBQ and Brunswick stew! I always try to make a visit when I'm in Chapel Hill. The wife enjoys the hush puppies and homemade pies. I like it so much, I bought the t-shirt!
(5)
Jeff L.
Best BBQ in the area. Lived in Chapel Hill for several years and this is the best spot for East NC BBQ. The pork was delicious and is usually very lean. The hush puppies are amazing and they have great sweet tea. The deserts and pies are homemade and are also very good. Whenever I go back to visit friends in Chapel Hill I make it a point to stop by Allen and Sons. Classic
(5)
Eric L.
Everything they take the time to do, they do exactly right. Just the right amount of vinegar in the cue , magic hush puppies, and the best banana pudding I've ever had.
(5)
Jeff B.
The godhead of NC-style BBQ. The world's best pulled pork and chocolate chess pie you'd step over your grandma for. I can't speak to much else besides the pork, sides (almost perfect fried okra), and desserts, which are always amazing, but it's safe to assume the rest of the menu is great, and it's adorable to boot. Bury my heart at Allen and Son!
(5)
Big C.
Hands down the best barbecue in the Triangle. I lived in CH/Carrboro for 7 years and have traveled all over NC specifically to eat barbecue and can say that this is a top 5 sandwich. Yes, get the sandwich or the plate. Supplement the deliciousness with some of their great potato salad. Avoid the fries, which are never very well done. Wash it down with some tea and get a slice of one of the house made pies for dessert. Tip your server like you mean it, go home and take a nap. This is last meal on Earth material, folks.
(5)
Lee G.
Middle of nowhere and hard to find. If you cross the railroad tracks, you've gone too far. But if you're in the same area code, you had better plan to have a meal here. Allen and Son is the best, and worthy of the only five star review I've ever given to a Q joint. I've been here 7 or 8 times over the past ten years. On my last visit, I brought my posse of old college buddies. When our food arrived, the table fell silent. After a few bites, someone moaned "umm, wow". That about sums it up. Delicious barbecue that needs no other attention. The meat contains the right amount of smoke, to the point where it is delicate and not overpowering at all. The pork flavor, mixed with the smoke and a slight tang from the sauce all combine in the right proportions. You can taste the attention to detail these guys put in. The hush puppies are amazing in their own way. Most joints would rather get these from the food service truck. Here they are made from scratch and cooked golden brown and delicious. They're perfect for mopping up any sauce that remains on your plate. The fries are fresh cut and pretty good. The portion sizes are adequate but I still suggest getting the extra large plate. You'll want the extra barbecue, trust me. The dessert menu is also amazing. All made from scratch and all delicious. I tried the peach cobbler a-la mode with homemade ice cream. The peaches were from a can, yet still pretty good. Not the best cobbler I've ever had, but still a very nice finish to the meal. The ice cream was probably better than the cobbler itself. I've eaten some very good Q in my days. I've even judged competition barbecue from the guys you see on television. I can truly say that this stuff ranks right up there. Allen and Son could hold their own against the best of the competition barbecue in my opinion. They are masters of their craft. Eating here is pure barbecue heaven.
(5)
Harry K.
AMAZING BBQ!! This was our second BBQ stop from our NYC to New Orleans roadtrip. We were traveling in the midst of a blizzard and made sure we would stop by this establishment before making our way towards Lexington for our third stop (which never happened since they closed Route 40) The snow must've stopped the customers because we were the only ones seated. Upon arriving we were overwhelmed with a sweet, beautiful aroma that immediately got our mouth savoring. (later found out it was the hush puppies) This was our first time in North Carolina and our research lead us to order the BBQ aka pulled pork, ribs, chicken, hushpuppies, fried okra, and sweet tea. This was the best BBQ I have ever had in my entire 25 years of existence. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. The sauce was a bit on the sweet side but there was an extra side of sauce that was a bit more spicy which was more to my liking. The pulled pork was the best I've ever had. I love the vinegar-based style that can only be found in eastern Carolina. The chicken was near perfection, juicy and savory. The hush puppies were out of this world. We were joking of ordering 100 to go for the road. Unfortunately none of us took it seriously which we regretted while stuck in the blizzard munching on cheetos from the gas station. The sweet tea was also the best I've ever had, which doesn't say much since I usually drink Snapple.
(5)
David A.
When we pulled up to the restaurant, we felt like we were about to enjoy a local landmark that focused on serving great food and didn't worry about presentation or being fancy. The atmosphere was quaint and had tacky decorations, but that's not uncommon for many local restaurants in the South. Once we sat down and received menus, we were a bit surprised at the prices of the food. $10 for a BBQ Plate with slaw and hush puppies, $4.25 for a bowl of Brunswick stew, or $6.00 for a BBQ sandwich seemed a bit steep, but we thought it might have something to do with the portions. My dad is somewhat of a Brunswick stew connoisseur, so he ordered a bowl of stew (which came with hush puppies) along with a BBQ sandwich and a side of onion rings. Then, I tried to order. Let me preface this by saying that I'm not a difficult customer when it comes to dining out. I'm more the type that would rather just let something go than point out a mistake to the server or send food back because I'm unhappy with it - I don't like the confrontation. I'll eat something I don't even like because I don't wait to be a pain. So, I decided to order the BBQ sandwich with a side of hush puppies. So far, no problem. However, I noticed that the BBQ sandwich came with slaw on top of it and I tend to be rather picky when it comes to coleslaw. I asked the waitress if I could get the slaw on the side instead of on the sandwich because I wanted to try it to make sure I liked it before putting it on my sandwich. I do this all the time and it's NEVER been an issue - until now. She told me I couldn't have the slaw on the side. I figured there was a misunderstanding and she must have thought I was asking for an extra side of slaw - I tried to explain, "No, I would like the slaw that is going on the sandwich to be left on the side." She understood but it didn't matter. She informed me that we would be charged extra for having the slaw on the side. Stunned, I said, "Wait a second - you're going to charge me extra for the slaw you were already going to serve me if I want it put on the plate instead of on the sandwich?" She wasn't willing to budge and asked me if I wanted the slaw or not. I responded that I'd take the sandwich with the slaw and I would just scoop it off if I didn't like it. I tried to express how ridiculous this was but it didn't seem to phase her. Looking back, I was more accommodating than I should have been - we should have just walked out on principle. At this point, I was thinking this place better serve the best freaking BBQ in the country to put up with this nonsense. Once our food came, our mistake in choosing Allen & Son had been fully realized. For $7.50, my BBQ sandwich and hush puppies were little more than disappointing. AND THERE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE THAN A TABLESPOON OF THE INFAMOUS COLESLAW ON MY SANDWICH! The meat was a little dry and the hush puppies were good, but I wish there had been more than four of them. And as for my dad's Brunswick stew, I've been served bigger samples of soup at Costco than what he received in his $4 "bowl." Lacking in size and flavor but heavy on the price tag ($25.00) is a terrible description for any meal and that's how I would describe what we had. Two thumbs way down!
Once upon a time, the dilemma would have been whether or not to give Allen & Sons the fifth star. This time, however... Mind you, this has been my FAVORITE bar-b-que restaurant since coming to Carolina in '92. The meat has always been outstanding, the sauces superb, and better hush puppies than anywhere else. Period. The first change I noticed during this visit was the "take-it-or-leave-it" attitude that our waitress had. Could she be having a really bad day? (I'd swear she was trying to pass herself off as a New Yorker.) It didn't get any better when I asked her about the bar-b-que 'tray' on the menu, as opposed to the platter. She seemed to sneer at us when she explained "It's just smaller, is all." (...and it was - but also what I considered ample portions!) Next - the hush puppies - were... flat? I don't mean literally flat (no, they were the happy little round objects of deep-fried dough, as always) - I mean they were darn near flavorless. (Was the cook in a hurry, or distracted, and forgot to add an ingredient or two? Dunno!) Finally, the baked beans... which come as a side with the platter (which is more food than we care to eat), but you have to order them as a side with the tray. It wasn't until after I'd ordered them that my sweetie mentioned they were $3.30 for a serving. Really?!? $3.30 for a serving of baked beans? They must be really special! ...or so I hoped. But what we got was a tiny dish of what tasted like canned beans. (You can see them in the photo that I've uploaded.) I felt... used. I really hope that this was a fluke. Perhaps the waitress AND the cook were having an off day. Perhaps whoever printed up the menu didn't catch the typo for the price of those beans. Perhaps I was feeling a bit more critical than normal (although I don't think so). Perhaps the 91% Health Rating posted by the register was also a fluke. Perhaps I'll have another go at them before the summer is over, and try again. If that meal is in any way similar to this one, I'll have to unhappily drop Allen & Sons from my 'favorites' list. And to me, that would truly be a shame.
(2)
Steven L.
visit on 7/19/2011 I think it's been a long while since I've had pork bbq that's tasted like... well... pork. Too often, bbq places cover up the inherently delicious flavor of pork with too much sauce, rub, or even smoke. Fortunately, as I took a bite into the chopped bbq here, I was reminded how much I loved the taste of pork. The coarse-chopped, slow-smoked, pork shoulder at Allen & Son is just about perfect. Moist with a slight smokiness that flavors the meat but does not overpower the flavor of the pork. A few browned pieces of charr add a little bit of crisp and chew to the otherwise melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. I did try adding a little bit of their vinegary sauce which was quite tasty, but this pork 'que held its own without any sauce. Top this delicious pork with some of their slightly tart, refreshing slaw, served on a bun and I've finally begun to understand the meaning of Hog Heaven. Oh. And a side of delicious crisp hush puppies and your own pitcher of sweet tea? Yes. Please. Thank you.
(5)
Eric D.
Places like this are the reason you have the Yelp application on your smart phone. It is that out-of-the-way spot that is pretty much only known by locals, the USA Today, and the NC General Assembly Senate State (see pic of the letter dated 08/02/10). I am glad I searched and found a great place for authentic local NC barbeque. Atmosphere - This place is definitely in the cash cow phase of the business cycle. Keep it the same and collect your profits. Not much appears to have changed about this place in years, which makes it a local institution. Mint green paint and a hodgepodge of chairs and tables add to the appeal. Food - I order the flounder (wish I got a picture) that came with a side of hushpuppies and fries. The flounder consisted of two lightly bread fillets. One side of a fillet still had skin letting you know that this was probably breaded onsite. The fish was flaky with a nice mild flavor and was extremely hot (temperature) as it was right from the fryer. The fries were fresh cut and appeared to be cooked in older oil which gives it a very dark brown color. Similarly, the hushpuppies were also cooked to a dark brown color almost leading me to believe they were burnt but they were not and tasted as good as could be. Since I did not order the pulled pork, I stole a fork full from a coworker. The sauce used is that watery vinegar type that has the perfect balance between tangy and hot. I also had a D. Coke and a slice of sweet potato pie. The pie tasted a little pumpkin-y which was probably due to the spice used in the preparation. The crust was super thin which enabled you to taste more of the pie. Price - All of this w/ tip came in around $17 - $18 which was a little pricey. Plus, refills on soda were extra. Overall - It was definitely worth the trip and the price to get authentic NC food in a traditional Southern setting.
(5)
Jessica L.
Stopped by here on the way to Jordan Lake to pick up some lunch. We looked up food on our GPS and my husband loves Barbeque so we thought we would try it. The prices were at first a bit off setting but figured it must be worth it. I wanted the Chicken Fingers but since they were out had a Cheeseburger with a side of Tater Tots. My husband got the Barbque plate. He enjoyed his meal and mine ended up being huge. The burger was a bit sloppy but delicious as were the tater tots. We got our food to go, and things were a bit of a mess when we were ready to eat but still yummy.
(3)
Amanda M.
We saw this place written up in Southern Living magazine and decided to check it out. We ordered the BBQ sandwich, baked beans, French fries and ribs. Sandwiches and fries were pretty good. Ribs were excellent and the baked beams were pretty bland. Service was borderline un-friendly but their "policies" were very annoying. They will do ABSOLUTELY no substitutions. Want a different side than fries? Have to pay for both. Don't like coleslaw? Too bad, you can't get cornbread instead. Also, no free refills on soda, even though they have a fountain machine. They whole service part of the restaurant seemed lost on them. Overall - food - 8 service - 2.
(3)
Andrew D.
You won't say "it's the best BBQ I've ever had". You also won't say, "What a deal!". The plates are $9-10, which is a little spendy for a place that is really only appropriate for lunch, unless you don't drink, or go to sleep at 7:30pm. Having said all that, the BBQ is quite good, as are the desserts, and the service is endearingly gruff.
(4)
Bob H.
I eat lunch with three other friends at a BBQ place about once a month. We had been to Allen & Son BBQ before but the N&O just rated it as the best BBQ place in the area. We all agreed to disagree. The food is good, authentic, Eastern NC BBQ but it was too salty and contained too much extraneous material, such as veins & grizzle that I had to pick out of my chopped BBQ. I got the plate because the waitress said the tray didn't have as much BBQ. I'm glad I did because after I picked out the parts I didn't care to eat I had about the right amount. The slaw was very good as were the baked beans. The hush puppies were excellent. I wanted unsweetened tea, but all they have is sweet tea, so I got that. I guess they can't be bothered with diabetics. Thankfully I'm not one, but feel sorry for anyone who is and eats at Allen & Son BBQ. Their desserts looks very good, but I didn't try one. My BBQ partners did and enjoyed the cobbler they ordered. My friends said the restroom is clean but had trouble trying to dispense paper towels to dry their hands. Overall, I would say this is an okay place to eat, but I wouldn't go too far out of my way, and it is not really near Chapel Hill even though it has a Chapel Hill address. There are better BBQ restaurants in the area that are easier to find. One person in our group complained about an odor, but the rest of us didn't notice it.
(3)
Elizabeth F.
I very much enjoyed my pulled pork sandwich! It was well prepared - smoky, tender and moist. The waitress warned me about the sauce, saying it was "really hot and really spicy". But I thought it was just right, flavorful with a bit of a bite. Lots of sides from which to choose. I ordered baked beans and onion rings. But after seeing another review here, I should have ordered some hushpuppies! And maybe a piece of one of their homemade pies or cakes. I will on my next trip!
(4)
Jon T.
Allen and Sons seems to be on just about everyone's list and it has been on ours to try for a couple of years. We managed to find a table on a Saturday night. I must admit I was expecting a bigger place, perhaps one that had outgrown its origins and built something new, like Southside Market in Elgin Texas. One great thing about Allen and Sons is that it has not seen fit to build a new warehouse-like building and so it retains its charm. I found this to be great full flavored pork with perfect smoke and some bits of brown. It is a fairly fine chop and is fairly moist with plenty of sauce. I ordered mine as a platter and took my sweet time, enjoying every bite. A and S serves very good slaw that is well balanced between sweet and tangy. It is really perfect for this style of slaw. The potato salad has a little sweet pickle as evidenced by the hint of cinnamon that comes through. The "pup"s were a little sweet, with some onion and a nice firm texture. The okra was as good as fried okra gets. It was clearly home made from young, tender pods, sliced in small pieces. The flavor of the fresh okra shone through the light coating. Allen and Son's proved to us why they should be on everyone's list and will remain on ours. They belong in the the premier cru classe of Eastern NC barbecue.
(5)
Brad P.
I've heard stories about the devil being in the South offering special abilities and powers to those willing to sell their soul. I didn't think it actually happened but now I'm convinced that it does. The coleslaw here is not coleslaw at all. It is the manifestation of someone's bargain with the Prince of Darkness. Either Allen or Son or both must have given up something meaningful in order to put this recipe together. It is ridiculously delicious. It is soul-slaw. You should eat it because somebody sacrificed something eternal to put it together. That being said, the ribs were good but definitely took a back seat to the soul-slaw. The meat did not fall off of the bone as easily as I would have liked it to. The sauce was good but lacked the spicy kick that I look for in a rib dish. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend you get an extra side of it and use it as a dip for the hush puppies, which are tasty. The fries are meh and the pecan pie is good. All around, this place is a 4-star establishment, however I have strong rules about giving 5-stars to places that make the "best I've ever had" of something(soul-slaw). Well done, Allen & Son...well done. Mad props to Jane Y. for the rec.
(5)
Ben H.
It is kind of fitting that the only time I went here was with my Dad! Great little place! The service is sweet as is the tea! One of those places that you are just happy still exists!
(4)
Ras J.
Dear Allen & Sons, You are a BBQ joint and your BBQ sucks. Way to go. Had a bad experience in the restaurant a while back. Today they catered our department lunch party. EVERYTHING WAS TERRIBLE. It's almost like they're trying to make shitty food. In that case, they have succeeded beyond expectation. Fried chicken - breading was mush; tasted like old fryer grease; meat was dry as sand. Pulled pork - also dry as sand; way too much vinegar. Mac & Cheese - on par with Kraft boxed mac and cheese; it was topped with boxed cafeteria-style croutons... Seriously, WTF? Did you run out of bread crumbs and just said "Fuck it."? Hush puppies - tasted like old fryer grease. Cobbler - I'm guessing the fruit was canned since it was so nauseatingly sweet and shriveled; the fruit was DROWNING in liquid which made the crust complete mush. Pathetic. I had heartburn before I could even finish half of my plate. And that's all I could choke down before I threw the rest in the trash. I do not understand how this place gets ANY positive reviews. Zero technique; zero character; zero flavor. This is amateur-level cafeteria food at a premium price. Keep riding the wave of unearned success afforded to you by Oprah and culinary publications of yesterday, because that's all you have left.
(1)
K B.
The food was very good, but expect to be treated rudely. The waitress was so nasty that my husband and I almost paid for our drinks and left, but we stuck around thinking maybe she was having a bad day. She never got any better and the place was not busy.
(2)
Ryan V.
After hearing solid reviews for Allen & Son BBQ a group of us ventured out to Chapel Hill to see if all the hype was true. The restaurant sits a mile and a half off exit 266 on I40 in a cinder block building at the corner of 86 and Millhouse Rd. Upon arriving you'll recognize all of the no frills characteristics you hope for in an authentic BBQ joint. The smell of roasting pork, the sounds of car tires on gravel, and an interior atmosphere only too appropriate for the experience. The seating is basically first come first serve so the larger your group the longer you will probably be waiting. And trust me after 5 minutes of watching pulled pork pass by you from the kitchen and you'll be willing to say "hey see you guys later we're grabbing this two top." The service is well...what you'd expect. It's not fancy but it was effective. The waiter did a pretty good job of handling our group of seven. We did wait quite a while for the food (it was a Thursday evening) but I can't really say if that was abnormal based on our large group. I ordered the pork ribs which came with slaw, potato salad and hush puppies as my fiancee ordered the Pulled Pork BBQ Plate with slaw and hushpuppies. Skipping to the eating part of our night. This was hands down the best BBQ I have had in a Triangle restaurant. The ribs were a bit tough but the smokey and roasted pork flavor was there. The pulled pork too was excellent in flavor just a bit off in the texture in a few of the bites. This is how I imagine pork BBQ instead of one hiding in the bitterness of an overpowering vinegar base. One of the great things about this place is that the sides stood up to the main course. The slaw was flavorful and far from the pre-made stuff you typically get. The potato salad also had great flavor and with nice spices coming through. The hush puppies (round) were fried perfectly and had a delightfully soft and buttery center. I left off the last star because I believe in the power of consistency with restaurants and really want to go back for more earlier in the day to see if the flavor and texture can meet in a harmonious NC BBQ experience. I would recommend Allen and Son as a great establishment to bring those looking for an authentic NC BBQ experience.
(4)
Jessica P.
Mmm, I wish I could eat BBQ everyday. Forever. We went there on a Friday evening, and it was pretty packed, we barely got a table. I decided to order the BBQ with french fries. The BBQ was perfect - tender and delicious. I tried the sauce with it - but the sauce was a little spicy for me, I don't think it needed sauce. The slaw was probably the best I have ever had! Chopped very finely. The fries were not so great. They didn't seem to have any seasoning on them, not even salt. It's hard to make fries good without ANY seasoning. And yes, like everyone says, the hush puppies were also amazing. Definitely going back soon!
(5)
Mei O.
A ginormo carafe of sweet tea set down next to my pretty big glass of sweet tea, all just for me? YES! Did I need so much caffeine and sugar? Probably not, but it was yummy and I was smitten. And then my bbq plate came out, with a bottle of vinegary and slightly spicy sauce to go with it. YES! The pork was delicious and the flavor was spot on, in my humble, not that experienced opinion. All other bbq places will now be held up to Allen & Son for comparison. I loved that the cole slaw wasn't too sweet, and the potato salad hit the spot.
(5)
Stacie N.
God, the hours kill me. This place isn't open nearly often enough, or late enough. Sometimes, even when it rightly should be open, it's not. It's a trek. Seriously. I'm increasingly convinced it lives in a wormhole where there is no place that's actually close to it. The hush puppies? Good enough, but never legendary in and of themselves. The other sides? Mostly avoid. Their prices are in the top quartile of barbecue places in the Triangle. The servers have always been the same, and they probably always will, and they'll maybe never crack a smile or even pretend to be social, but they will ALWAYS do right by you. But you know what? Even though I can find better sides, and more sociable waitstaff, and a closer place that's open better hours (GOD. THE HOURS.), I will STILL keep going back to this place. *** Allen & Son is the gold standard of barbecue in the Triangle. Barbecue. Not ribs. Not chicken. Not flounder or crab cakes on fish fry Fridays. Barbecue. If you're complaining about anything but the barbecue, you ordered the wrong food. If you're complaining about the barbecue itself, your head needs checked. Keith Allen still does it old-school. He gets up at ungodly hours and makes wood coals and cooks pig for many, many hours over those wood coals. He may diverge from the Eastern norm in cooking only shoulder (rather than whole-hog), but you'll never hear me complain. Tender, slow-cooked shoulder gets pulled to the right size and consistency, lightly sauced, and served with slaw. You're a fool if you refuse the slaw--kind of unremarkable on its own, but barbecue perfection when eaten in the same mouthful as the pork. The sauce? It doesn't need any, as the hickory smoke flavor is great on its own, but I could bathe in the stuff it's so good. Plus, the desserts--when they're good, they're phenomenal. Ask what's fresh. Their still-hot sour cherry cobbler with house-made vanilla ice cream has been one of my best experiences: a dreamy marriage of flaky crust, tart fruit that's not from a can, and ice cream that's texturally more like snow cream than anything. Go. Get barbecue. And slaw. Enjoy. Tip your servers, even if they're a bit gruff. Save room for dessert. You know, I should have written this on a day they're open, so I wouldn't make myself miserable with this sudden barbecue craving. *** read this paragraph for the condensed review.
(5)
Andrew D.
Seriously, I LOVE NC BBQ! I was there last week and was with some NC people who shared my love for eastern NC BBQ (vinegar based with spices added to pulled pork) and they thought I would love this place. I did and should I ever be able to find it again in the middle of nowhere, I would go! The food was affordable and everything you would expect from an old BBQ shack (no offense to the owners). The place was busy and the sweet tea was fantastic. I think I am still rocking off the sugar intake. The crash is going to be ridiculous! Haha. It doesn't compare though to my favorite (Bill Ellis BBQ in Wilson, NC), but it was extremely tasty.
(4)
Clement L.
I would say probably one of the best bbq places in the triangle. I'd rate it ahead of Bullocks and the Pit. It's just plain good!!!! Their barbecue is smokey and full of flavor. Their vinegar sauce is nicely balanced with some spice on the back end. Basically its the epitome of what good NC style barbecue should me, so if you have people coming into town or if you yourself wonder what should NC style barbecue look like then look no further. Their ribs are pretty good too, but if you just want the real stuff go for the pork! Their hushpuppies are freaking addictive. So light and fluffy on the inside and nice and crunchy on the outside. You can just keep shoveling them down, so be careful!! Decor is pretty simple and servers are nice. I've been here with a small group (~8) before and they were pretty accommodating. It can get crowded on the weekends but it's well worth the wait!
(5)
Ben P.
Too expensive for portion size. Pulled pork was dry. Service was marginal at best. Hush puppies were good and so was the potato salad. More than $3 for a cup of coffee. Same for a side of potato salad.
(2)
Patricia G.
This place used to be a lot better. 5-6 years ago, when I first discovered it, it was amazing (even if overpriced a bit). The last 2 or three times I went (I gave it a few chances to change), it was mediocre at best. The only item that remains as good is the slaw. It also had a poor sanitation rating last time I went. I found out the pit master passed away, right about the time it went downhill, so I'm thinking that's why. The service is also pretty poor - sullen and grumpy waitresses. They almost seem like they are auditioning for a part in a bad movie with some stereotypical diner waitress in it. They seem to get annoyed if you aren't immediately ready to order upon sitting down. Oh well. I guess I'll mourn it, not return, and head to Hog Heaven, Smithfield, or Bullocks when I want barbecue.
(2)
James W.
The barbeque was good. It had a nice smoky flavor. The tray meal was small. You can't make substitutions, which is annoying. The hushpuppies were sweet and a good taste, but the consistency was weird. For those that have to avoid sugar, they only have sweet tea. I had to use a knife to cut up one big chunk of barbeque. You should never need a knife to eat chopped barbeque. I now know why I haven't been back since school. There are other, better barbeque joints around.
(3)
Lee M.
The bbq is very good and so are the hush puppies and the baked beans (which are fairly sweet, so if that's not your taste, don't order them). The sauce for the bbq (which is chopped, smoked pork) is a hot pepper/vinegar sauce served in a squeeze bottle to add if you like. The meat is moist without it. The coleslaw is eh and so is the sweet tea. Definitely skip the french fries. I would go back for the things that they do well. Service was efficient.
(3)
Lisa B.
I loved the vinegar sauce, pulled pork, and slaw. I thought those were about as good as it gets. The hushpuppies had a little too much sugar, and the fried okra was weak. Onion rings were okay but nothing special. We had good service, but it got very crowded and loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
(4)
Danielle P.
I grew up with a NC Momma who raised me on tomato based 'que and creamy coleslaw. Then I met my NC raised BF who took me "back home" to meet the family and eat at Allen & Sons. HOLY MOLEY! This is the best BBQ I have ever had that I didn't make myself. I ate the tenderest smokey-vinegared with a slight kick pulled pork shred, fried okra (a little soggy and not cornmeal crisp enough for me but still good), slaw and perfectly sweet yet corny hush puppies. Sweet tea to drink of course. Had I been able to fit in the desert I would have. Great atmosphere and the fire department was there eating too so you KNOW it's good food. This is right up there with the best places I have ever eaten. Really. Go there, eat, experience BBQ bliss.
(5)
Charlene G.
In the realm of North Carolina BBQ, Allen and Sons are the kings. There is nothing quite like the smokey, vinegary goodness of their chopped pork that has been slow cooked over a real wood fire for hours and hours. I imagine that this must have been what a lot of BBQ tasted like way back in the 40's- but Allen and Sons has outlasted them all because of their special touch and wonderful meats. A simple sandwhich with slaw is the best option for me, but I've tasted the ribs once or twice and they are rich and tender too. The menu has stuff like cheeseburgers, but really- why would you order that here? At the location in/near Hillsborough (off 86), we always go in to eat. There is plenty of space and the service is always great. I ususally pass on the sweet tea because it is a truly southern recipe- add sugar until the spoon stands up straight on it's own. However, other options are just plain old southern goodness- hush puppies, slaw, and fried okra. Again- why order fries when you can get real food? My husband loves brunswick stew and orders it everywhere- Allen and Sons is his favorite. We also always finish off a meal w/ a cherry cobbler or some kind of pie. Sometimes it seems like the hours are spotty at this location, but after 10 years we know enough to call before driving the 45 min out for a sandwhich. It's a great place to take any out of town (especially northern) friends and relatives. The decor is all about taxidermy - which cracks me up because I was raised with it. The building itself reminds me of a milk parlour w/ it's concrete block walls and the fact that it's not super bright. However, it's always clean and welcoming. At the Chapel Hill location, they normally have some good fried pies available. I've never actually eaten in there because they have a great little pick up window where you just order and wait on line for your goodies. There is most often a line, but it's worth the wait.
(5)
Jon M.
The benchmark for Eastern-style NC BBQ. All others take note; this place does it all right. The ambiance is exactly what a family BBQ joint should be, the service is so polite... oh... and the food is freaking tasty. In addition to the excellent pork, the sides are so satisfying. This simple BBQ shack is my idea of heaven, and when I get the privilege to visit home, I'll make every effort to swing by.
(5)
F G.
Very yummy! Loved potatoe salad and BBQ! We will be back!
(5)
Lori L.
One of my missions for my trip to Raleigh was to experience real Eastern style NC BBQ. Allen & Son's was highly recommended and now I know why. My cousin and I hauled ass up to Chapel Hill on a Saturday afternoon. When we pulled up it was exactly how I imagined it would be; old looking wooden building with a faded sign. We walked in and it was everything I could hope for; the typical family bbq joint. Servers were bustling about with trays upon trays of mouth watering bbq goodness. We grab a table and proceed to scan over the menu. This being my first time ordering eastern style BBQ, I was a bit confused with the menu. Do I order a plate vs a sandwich vs a tray? What meat do I exactly get with that order? Our server was very helpful with explaining the menu. I decided to go with the plate. It's a pile of shredded pork, two sides, and some hush puppies. I went with the slaw and potato salad. Both were very good. The highlight was of course the bbq pork. They served a bounty of it. It literally fed me for two more meals. The pork was flavorful and nicely smoked. The vinegar sauce had a good kick to it, which I wasn't expecting. It wasn't spicy enough to prevent me from eating it though. So my BBQ mission was a success. Allen & Son's is definitely worth the drive from Raleigh.
(4)
David S.
Allen and Son is back open after their summer hiatus which stretched well beyond July 4th this year...but that is part of what I love about A&S, that it is informal, still family-run and Keith does it his way. Barbecue was outstanding (got some outside brown without asking for it), the fresh-cut french fries are a little greasy as always, but again, that comes with the territory, I can live with that. The hush puppy discussions below are amusing - if you like soft hush puppies, you won't like these, they are bit done, but that is to get that crunch before you get to the soft delish inside. If you think they are greasy - you gotta let them cool for 60 seconds! The slaw is my favorite of any cue place in NC, and it is peppery. Some love it, some don't. Bottom line, Keith Allen is still doing it right, and this is a hybrid eastern/Lexington style place (essentially eastern flavorings with Lexington cut of meat) that still cooks over hickory. 90% as good as it has ever been in my book.
(4)
Perry H.
Growing up in eastern North Carolina I've had my share of good barbecue, and after many years of travel sampling various regions throughout the States, I'm happy to say this is some of my favorite. I love the atmosphere, the service, the portions, the dessert, the sweet tea - I love it all. Whether you choose a large or extra large plate or a smaller (yet quite large) portion of a bbq sandwich you'll definitely leave full. The barbecue is tender & flavorful and even better when dabbled with their own hot sauce. I like their brunswick stew a lot and their homemade, handcut fries are superb. Don't get me started on their hushpuppies...wow...my favorite. Wash all this down with some super sweet ice tea with lemon and for dessert a slice of their homemade cream cheese pound cake (make sure they heat it up a bit). My wife & I had some friends visiting from Boston last weekend and we started wth barbecue "family style" at Bullock's in Durham then tackled Allen & Sons the next day for lunch. Allen & Sons won in every category - from sweet tea and hushpuppies to the brunswick stew and barbecue. Definitely stop by Allen & Sons and soak up a little North Carolina hospitality.
(5)
Charlie T.
The best chopped pork bbq in the Triangle. Period. Good hushpuppies. The tea is atypical, and great. Dark in color, very sweet. Reminds me of my Grannie's. The pies are pretty good, too. I like the chocolate chess and blueberry. I don't think these guys need the money anymore. At least half of the time I stop they're closed. Call ahead.
(5)
Pinaki S.
Umm. Wow. My first BBQ experience in the triangle, and I'm sure glad to be randomly driving down this road on the way back from the DMV (I'll give that experience a 1 star, if I gave one star, but I digress). I was on a mission on not eating out my first week in the Triangle (or at least paying for it.. my parents came and got me Indian food.. another review) and I drove by the place initially. But then I thought, I am in the mood for some BBQ (my favorite food) and turned around and found a spot. It was packed! On a Wednesday. Before School is in session. But I simply told the counter girl "BBQ sandwich with coleslaw". $5.44. Literally 5 minutes later I was chomping down my sandwich in the 100 degree heat. Less than five minutes later, I was done. Sweet, spicy, vinegary, porky. Fantastic. Pure incredibleness. Must visit to when in Chapel Hill.
(5)
Lauren W.
This place is a great place. I even had them cater my wedding, in return I had my guest calling me for 2 weeks asking who my caterer was. They have something called the vegetarian casserole that my family goes crazy for (my family, eating vegetables without me begging is funny) Only con I can think of is the seating area. It is a true BBQ style but I like a little more room when I eat. It just adds to the personality though.
(5)
Liz M.
It took me to move away from Chapel Hill to come here. Yes, that should revoke my NC residency card. Now, I come from a non-vinegar line of thought, but here they cook it to down-right tasty. The hush puppies are the devil's temptation, sent to earth as a gluttonous sin. We came on a mid-week lunch run, and even still, there were quite a few people in the place. The waitress was nice enough, but not much of a talker. I also really like the location of this place. It would come off as gimmicky on Franklin Street, and the 86 location gives authenticity and honesty of the joint.
(4)
Chris V.
This place is far from the city. Expensive. Everything in this place is very very old and not in a nice way (I mean I wouldn't say that this place has "tons of character"). Even the costumers are old. The food wasn't particularly great either. I would just go to QShack which is cheaper and tastes way better.
(2)
Arianne T.
My love affair with Yelp started with Allen & Son's. It was the Spring of 2008 and I had been sent to Raleigh for a week long training class. To my disappointment, my classmates opted to eat at chain restaurants.. Red Robin, PF Chang's, you know, food that you can find in almost any city. Towards the end of the trip, after eating pizza two days in a row for lunch, I suggested BBQ for the 10th time and they finally agreed. Since I had suggested BBQ, they gave me the job of choosing a BBQ restaurant. Little did they know, I had been scoping out Allen & Son's for at least a week on Yelp. I pulled up Yelp, printed directions and we caravaned over. I have to say, everyone was a little worried when we had gotten off the main road and were on a back road going through a heavily wooded area. We eventually got there and then they were really worried after they got out of the car and saw the place. I could sense the hesitation but we were there so we had to go in. We were seated at a red checkered picnic covered table and were served sweet tea. Everyone ordered something different (I think there were 8 of us) and we pretty much covered the menu. Despite the location and the looks of the place, everyone was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. I had the pulled pork sandwich, with a side of coleslaw, and had the peach cobbler for dessert. No other pulled pork sandwich will ever compare to the one that I had at Allen & Son's. Oh yeah, the vinegar based BBQ sauce deserves a five star rating itself.
(5)
Joe G.
It's funny how BBQ is such a divisive topic. Some people rave about Allen & Son having the best BBQ in the world, while others say it's not good at all. I happen to think Allen & Son is a very solid BBQ establishment. I've been coming to this restaurant for years and don't think I've ever had a bad meal. It atmosphere has not changed at all throughout the years and I hope it stays that way. Stick with the BBQ plate here. I've had ribs before and they were pretty good, but you really can't go wrong with the BBQ plate. The hushpuppies are delicious and always freshly made. The BBQ has a very intense smoke flavor and the spicy vinegar-based sauce accentuates the meat perfectly. Yeah, it costs more than $10 for a BBQ plate, but making this meal is a very labor intensive process. The owner wakes up at 2:00 a.m. every day the restaurant is open to start the fires and get the pork cooking. I'm willing to pay more for the authentic product. Bottom line, this is a Chapel Hill institution and a place worth checking out if you're in the area.
(4)
Brett A.
Best BBQ I've ever had.
(5)
David B.
This was my first stop in Chapel Hill. Some friends out West mentioned we had to stop here when we were in town, and their recommendation was spot on. The food was authentic, unpretentious and absolutely delicious. The pulled pork was juicy with plenty of flavor; the hush puppies were light and not overly greasy; and the coleslaw was killer . Make sure to order sweet tea (but I imagine this goes without saying for those who live in the South). For dessert I ordered the bread pudding, another great dish. My only complaint - I wish it were larger, so good!
(4)
Meghan P.
Holy cow. Or maybe holy pig. I don't live in NC anymore, but I fell in love with Allen & Son's NC-style BBQ and I crave it so much it hurts. Before you go, there are a couple of things to keep in mind: 1. It is among the holiest of holes-in-the-wall. If you're coming up from Chapel Hill or off of I-40, it's on the left just before the train tracks. It's really hard to see the sign coming from that direction, and yes, it looks more like a shack than a restaurant. 2. If you're expecting something slathered in red, tomato-based sauce, that's not what you're going to get. The BBQ meat is flavorful, vinegary, and unbelievably tender and juicy with just the right amount of smoke. Open your mind and enjoy. 3. Skip the limp fries and go for the hush puppies. They're sweet, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. 4. They do carry out, and it's just as good, as long as you can get it home while it's hot. Just try to stay on the road - it's hard to resist sneaking into the bag for a bite on the way! Enjoy a good meal for me!
(5)
Monica M.
This quaint little restaurant is definitely one to stop by and visit on your tour of Carolina 'que! It boasts many awards, and when you ask about BBQ in these parts, the name is bound to come up. It would be fantastic if they'd serve beer. Because really, beer and BBQ are synonymous in most parts of the south. Oh well! We started out with some hushpuppies while we scoured the menu looking for the perfect meal, and as always, they were pretty tasty, but nothing too impressive. We ordered a pulled pork sandwich, and a smoked chicken plate for our meal with a side of baked beans, so we got a pretty good taste of what is on their menu. The chicken was falling off the bone, and definitely full of flavor. The weird part is, we thought we'd be able to smell hickory smoke in the restaurant, or even outside for how smokey it tasted! The slaw was really good - coming from someone who typically hates slaw - and the potato salad reminded me of HEB's mustard potato salad (its a Texas thing). I had a taste of the pulled pork too, and it was good. Definitely not a bad experience either time I've been there - just not too impressive. It may be because I pine for the brisket and sausage from a Texas BBQ joint, but it really feels like the menu was pretty limited.
(3)
David W.
Okay, after spending 4 years in Texas, I still really just can't get pumped up about NC barbecue. Yeah the pulled pork is good, but it's not great and not something that keeps me coming back. The pork ribs were not good at all. They were still very tough and and difficult to bite through. The best part of the meal here is definitely the hush puppies. They have a perfect buttery sweetness inside and are nice crisp on the outside. The prices are pretty reasonable, $10 for a barbecue plate and $15 for a rib plate once you factor in tax and tip. They also include a side of slaw and hush puppies with it. This place is worth trying once, but I don't think it's a place worth going back to several times especially since it's so far out of the way compared to anything else.
(3)
Jacob C.
Allen & Son's is what NC BBQ is all about. If you think of yourself as someone who is serious about barbecue and you live within driving distance of the Chapel Hill area, you have to give it a visit. Seriously, the place is that good. Tucked away in the Carolina pines, Allen & Son's is cooking pig the way it was supposed to be made. The BBQ is tender, juicy and full of flavor. Great coleslaw either as a side or, how I like it, right on top of my chopped pork sandwich. Fried okra is great too. But seriously, I have to give extra love to my favorite menu item. The hushpuppies people! It's all about the puppies. They have some of the best that I've ever had. These crunchy, sweet balls of fried cornmeal are the perfect complement to anything on the menu. They almost outshine the pork (almost), and that's saying a lot. By far my favorite place for BBQ in Chapel Hill, or anywhere else for that matter. It has to be on your list of great barbecue joints and is a must stop in the tour of NC BBQ.
(5)
Christina G.
How can you even begin to review a legend in the local and national food scene? Here are one native North Carolinian's impressions... *table service -- unique, refreshing *country kitchen decor is a perfect setting for this Southern fare *SMOKED MEAT: I :finally: can taste the difference! *pulled pork in a zesty Eastern Carolina style vinegar sauce *hushpuppies that WILL change your life -- perfectly fried crust that gives way to a sweet doughy center *banana pudding that is ideal for this winter weather -- warm and spiked with spice. Decadent but oh-so-homemade (the best food foil)!
(4)
Shannon W.
We came in famished, from a crazy hike where we were lost in the woods for hours. And we left STUFFED. Seafood combo, side order of okra, and split a piece of sweet potato pie. Mmmmm. My friend had said to Mama Dips about the small portions and comparable prices, "MAMA DIPS?! It was more like, Mama Gyps!" (sorry for politically incorrect usage of "gyp" meaning Roma peoples....but this was too funny) I also went to the other Allen and Son BBQ on 15-501, when I ate pork because of the history of the wood pit BBQ. But then come to find out the one on 15-501 has switched to gas, and this one on 86 has retained the tradition of wood pit. To tell the truth, although the people at the 86 restaurant were Very Nice--and the food was delicious, because I no longer eat pork--I prefer the other one. I think you get more food at the other restaurant, although slightly more traditional BBQ--the 86 one has crab cake and fancy crab dish, whereas the 15-501 restaurant had a big bucket of fried stuff (most of which was unidentifiable until you bit into it). I bet also, the portions for pork are larger at the 15-501. I also like the seating was only outside at the 15-501 place, and the people were like 150 years old, and also very sweet. The 1`5-501 place played old fiddle music while the 86 played my favorite 80's hard-rock and soft rock mix... So depending upon your mood, take my advice on either place. Either, you're in for a wonderful meal, with reasonable prices. Matters if you like girth of food over fancy.
(5)
Serena S.
I can't believe I didn't find out about this place earlier! I came here with my oh so lovely lunch bunch to see what the fuss was all about. I ordered the pork ribs with coleslaw and potato salad. I'm not sure if I had hyped up the ribs in my own head too much, but I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I hate to say it, but I think I like the ribs at The Pit better :-/ The first bite was good, then meat got really beef jerky-ish towards the center. I was thoroughly bummed at that point. The taste was all there, but it just seemed like someone didn't take the ribs off the grill in-time. Perhaps I just got a bad batch? The upside to all this was the fact that I hate coleslaw, but ate all of it off my plate. It didn't have too much mayo, which I love and it had a good crunch to it. I also liked the potato salad, which I believe had some nutmeg in it. Nice twist! And the dessert...OH...the dessert. Miss Christina G. and Ron W. were kind enough to share their banana pudding and cobbler with us and it was UH-MAZE-ING. I never had warm banana pudding before, but it was perfect for a cold December day. The cobbler gave old church ladies a run for their money! Ambiance is great and they even sell fresh honey and dog bones for your pups! If you haven't tried this place, you definitely should. My friends got chopped BBQ and that looked delicious too! I wouldn't compare this place to the Pit as much, but if you like Hog Heaven, you may want to try this place and see which one you like better ;-)
(4)
Kelly C.
Yum! The vinegar-based bbq sauce was exceptional!!! Had the shredded pork (which didn't come with the sauce but my friend had the bbq ribs so I stole some of the sauce from her) which was pretty good. What I loved were the hushpuppies... those things were really crispy on the outside and nice and sweet. For the price, it's pretty good... you'll definitely leave satisfied. Unfortunately, I couldn't try out their dessert cuz we were too full. Next time...
(4)
Ch M.
This is the best BBQ in the triangle area, hands down. The hush puppies are the most delicious things ever, the bbq is meticulously smoked, and the pies are homemade with terrifying yet delicious ingredients like marshmallow fluff and peanut butter. You really can't go wrong...unless you are a vegetarian. The only downside is that they just sort of close whenever they feel like it, without notice (at least in my experience). I guess that is your prerogative as a small family business?
(4)
Stacy T.
I am driving around, not really sure where this place is and I see a shack that has the name Allen & Son. Shrug, I guess this is it. I want to take a picture, but refrain because it is too touristy. The best way to describe this place is "home-cooked" food. The restaurant itself looks like a cozy cabin, just with a bunch tables and chairs. The food was very welcoming. The pulled pork was not over seasoned. It is made how someone would make it at home. If you are looking for sauce dripping, too much salt and pepper pulled pork like the kind from Dallas BBQ, this is not it. It was seasoned moderately, very soft, and served on a soft bun. The cole slaw was refreshing - it tasted home-made. The cabbage was cut into little pieces and it wasn't drenched in mayo. The baked beans were hot and sweet. My favorite. Not a bad place to get a home-cooked meal.
(3)
Tom B.
I came back here after my previous visit like I said I would. I am very glad I did. This time I went with what they are known for. BBQ! I got the BBQ sandwich for lunch with the slaw on the sandwich. I think they are going to make it illegal to have it with the slaw on it. I added just a little of the home made vinegar sauce. That was the best BBQ( Pulled Pork) I have ever had. I opted for the onion rings for a side and was not disappointed at all. Awesome. I up my rating to 5 for this visit. I still like the ribs and chicken wings at the Q better but will come here for BBQ.
(5)
Tim M.
BBQ is very good the pulled pork and sauce is spot on. The lady serving the food is not friendly so watch out. Overall, a decent experience
(4)
Ariel P.
So you're going down South and you want the real Southern experience? Look no further. Yes, Mama Dips is closer to campus and well recommended, but it's also too expensive for it's lack of authenticity. My 4 simple tips for getting the best out of Allen & Son: 1. COME EARLY! I cannot stress this enough! They make what they make and when they're out of it they close and due to popularity they can be out of ribs and possibly closed by 7:30. 2. Eat them hush puppies! I don't care what kind of diet you're on or if you've previously disliked them, Allen's hush puppies are the best and they're served in a basket on the table like bread at an Italian place 3. Save room for pie. There pie is hot with great ice cream and obviously homemade by someone's Southern grandma. 4. Get the sweet tea. You're in the South now, get the sweet tea! Whenever my Northern family & friends come to visit, I plan on taking them to Allen & Son BBQ and nowhere else for that fine Southern cuisine.
(5)
Harry P.
Let me preface this review by letting you know I'm from Alabama, where BBQ is done right, where it is not cooked via boiling water, where it always gets some sweet ketchup based sauce put on it. I've got an aversion to most Carolina BBQ, except Allen & Son's. The vinegar stuff is still awful, but these guys do some nice bbq ribs. I went their recently for a UYE with some super Yelpers. We ordered copiously and didn't shy away from the desserts. I ordered the rib plate with some fries. The meat is cooked perfectly, which isn't "fall of the bone" (overcooked) but is tender and an excellent vehicle for their sweet sauce. The portion was generous and would easily satisfy most people. The coleslaw was really good, as in probably the best thing there. It's like how KFC used to make it. Finely chopped, slightly sweet, crisp and delicious. I've had it on their BBQ sandwiches and it makes the vinegar bbq almost palatable. The fries were terrible. It's how it goes at most bbq places, so I'm not that surprised. The hushpuppies were great. Nicely fried with a crunchy outside with a soft center. Ours were a little oily, but that didn't stop anyone from putting a hurt on the basket. The dough was slightly sweet too, that was nice. Their peach cobbler was really good. The banana pudding was served warm with a very high banana ratio. I like a high nilla wafer ratio, but this was still excellent. The marshmallow topping was really good. I tried not to eat it all since I was just having a "taste" of someone else's. Oh yeah, here's a tip. You don't pay at the table but at the little window near the kitchen. It's a fun place with good food and a nice country atmosphere.
(3)
Jacquelyn S.
My friends who took me here schooled me on what's considered BBQ in NC: pulled pork and nothing else! I was expecting the typical array of barbeque ribs, chicken, brisket, etc.. and of course that's all offered on the menu. But I HAD to order the classic BBQ plate, and I was happy that I did! The pork was tender and juicy, the sauce was thin but pleasantly mouth-puckering. Probably helped that I doused even more on top... The hush puppies were totally addicting, I had to stop myself from eating them all (wanted a snack later).. and I don't normally like coleslaw, but Allen & Sons' wasn't too heavy on the mayo and the veggies were still crisp! Sweet tea was great -- waitress gave me a whole pitcher so I could refill as much as I wanted. And the final touch -- fresh, hot peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm.. I could've had 2 of those. I loved the simple decor, the checkered tables, and all the piggy paraphernalia. If you want authentic Southern bbq with a matching environment, go here!
(4)
Scott A.
It is one of the two places i send people for BBQ East NC style, you must try if you love BBQ, never had a bad meal, place is older than dirt, and you'll love it!
(4)
Lucy F.
There are so many things I love about Allen & Son. The pork 'que is tender and flavorful. I'm a true North Carolinian so I prefer the vinegar based sauce. It's just the right 'tartness' and not too vinegary. Hush puppies were excellent. I like mine hot and crispy. I got cole slaw and fries with my plate. Fries were hot/crisp as well. I don't want to forget - you get your own pitcher of sweet tea!! Now, that's a winner for me. If you go make sure to get some peach cobbler or 'Nanner pudding! Delicious!!! Nice country ambiance. Lots of little trinkets around and plenty of tables for service. I suggest you give this place a try. My best friend's family always uses them for takeout for Christmas Eve dinner. It's a yearly tradition but, if you're going to do that, get your order in EARLY.
(5)
George F.
This is one of those fantastic restaurants that a professional restaurateur just doesn't understand. Everything is honest. Food made with old recipes. Authentic atmosphere and taste. I always take my visitors to get some bbq, if we have time to go to Allen & Son (it's kind of out of the way), this is the best place, hands down.
(5)
Jennifer P.
The BBQ is to-die-for. Delicious! The hush puppies are so good, they practically melt in your mouth. The other side dishes were "ok", but that's ok because their homemade desserts are so good that you can skip the sides to save room for dessert! If you don't have room, take home a chocolate chip cookie (or two).
(5)
Erwin L.
The 6th stop along the North Carolina BBQ trail took me into rival territory as I ventured west from Morehead City to the homeland of the Tar Heel Blue, Chapel Hill. This trip had two purposes: to eat amazing barbecue and to meet the authors of the book Holy Smoke, which is a very detail reference on the history of North Carolina BBQ and the people who create it. Michael was of course excited about this opportunity, however the evil that was his work threw a wrench into his plans by calling him in on a Saturday, so I was to go this journey alone. When most people think Chapel Hill they think of UNC and Franklin St. but Allen & Sons is a good ways from that out on NC 86. It's a quiet, roadside establishment with kind, down home employees and loyal clientele. I met up with the Reeds under cloudy early fall skies and the three of us seated ourselves at a table near the door. The staff knew instantly who they were (They sell copies of their book by the cash register) and provided use with Mason jars of sweet iced tea and a carafe on the side if we needed refills. For our meal, I chose their combination plate: BBQ with sides of Brunswick stew , cole slaw and hushpuppies. The meal was divine. Even without their spicy Eastern style sauce the barbecued pork shoulders were perfect and you could taste the hickory smoke in the meat. The cole slaw (also Eastern style) went perfectly with the 'cue, the Brunswick stew was delicious and the hushpuppies were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. But this lunch wasn't over. The Reeds managed to convince me (albeit I needed little convincing) to try the fresh peach cobbler topped with homemade ice cream. It was hands down the best peach cobbler I have had. After the meal the Reeds took me out back to see the barbecue pits and even signed my copy of Holy Smoke, the perfect ending to a perfect BBQ filled day. Allen & Sons is a must for anyone passing through or living in Chapel Hill. I may not care much for UNC being an NC State graduate, but their BBQ is top notch and their attention to detail and tradition make their spot on the NC BBQ trail secure for a long time.
(5)
R S.
Fantastic NC-style (vinegar & pepper) BBQ. I was thrilled with my BBQ platter with coleslaw, potato salad, and hush puppies. I mostly wanted to comment on the cost - I see that Yelp has Allen & Son categorized as a $$ (Moderate - $11 - 30/person on average). The BBQ platter is just under $10 and provides a huge amount of food. The BBQ sandwich on the other hand is just $6 and, with a side, is a very adequately sized meal. I found that paying for a four person meal was actually quite cheap!
(3)
Larry G.
Very pleased with every thing about Allen & Son. BarBQ was tasty, even without the sauce. Okra was great, as were all the sides. Even dessert was excellent, not just an afterthought. Prices were in line with our other barbecue haunts. Server was friendly and always there when needed. The place wasn't that busy even on a Friday, parking was adequate, so a big plus versus the Q in Durham.
(5)
Duke C.
The BBQ here is absolute as good as it gets. Best in the area. The side items are all delicious too. I'd write reviews about the other dishes but quite frankly, I've never been able to stray past the BBQ. One caveat - it is NC style BBQ. If you're used to KC, Memphis, Texas style Q, this isn't it.
(5)
Dan S.
The pulled pork sandwich was good but I had heard so many good things about this place I was kinda let down. The hush puppies were overly sweet and the prices are way to high. 2 BBQ sandwiches and a dozen hush puppies nearly 20$ are you kidding me?! I really wanted this place to be great but with the prices and simply okay food I can't do it. At the very least the staff was very friendly.
(3)
Sara A.
Having grown up in Maryland, I'm not always a huge fan of eastern NC style BBQ. I don't love a strong vinegar flavor on anything. But Allen & Son's pork BBQ is delicious. Coarse-chopped, with just the right mix of vingar, sweet, spice, and smoke, it's BBQ heaven. I personally prefer the BBQ sandwich with a lot of the sauce. I don't think it's very spicy - it adds just a hint of kick. But be warned - it's very runny and comes out of the bottle super fast. No need to elaborate much on what others have said here - I love the hush puppies a whole, whole lot. They are slightly sweet with a hint of onion and finely ground cornmeal with a thick crust. I really like the fries, which are made fresh, fried kinda dark with the skin on, but that's a matter of preference. Pretty much everything in the side-department is a slam-dunk. The desserts are pretty awesome, but after much internal deliberation, I'd have to say not usually worth saving room for. This is more a comment on how delicious all the other food is than something to be held against their homemade desserts. My only advice: Arrive hungry, and after you're finished eating in, get some to go and take it with you - hush puppies are just as good the next day. Oh also - they have weird hours, and occasionally close without warning. If you have your heart set on Allen & Son, call ahead to make sure they are open.
(5)
Sarah C.
Finger lickin' good! I ate everything on my plate! BBQ ribs, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, hush puppies and pecan pie a la mode! Everything was amazing, and their sauce for the pulled pork (which the bf had) was killer. Word to the wise, they only take CASH, we did not realize this until half way through the meal and we were cashless . . . sooooo I had to run to the nearest gas station ( a mile away), alas the meal was fantastic!
(5)
Chris S.
4:00 am - Wake up in Chicago (don't eat, save it for NC) 7:25 am - Flight leaves bound for Raleigh (don't eat, save it for NC) 10:30 am - Arrive in Raleigh. I'm hungry. (but don't eat, I'm in a friggin airport) 12:30 pm - After driving around Chapel Hill aimlessly for a couple of hours, I'm famished, and I know where I want to go. 1:00 pm - Walk into Allen & Son, and immediately see, smell, and taste smokey, porky goodness. I still don't know if I was delirious from travel and hunger, or if I was in some sort of NC porkified heaven. I sat down in the humble cinder block building at a green plastic tablecloth covered table and order up the BBQ plate and a sweet tea. What arrives is just about as good as could be. Crispy, fluffy hush puppies, salty homemade fries, and the pork...oh the pork. It was just what I needed. A half gallon of sweet tea to wash it down and a slice of homemade sweet potato pie ensured a comatose afternoon and capped off a rather surreal experience - one that will likely never be duplicated...but the next time I fly in, I am certainly going to try.
(4)
Allison T.
This place is AMAZING! We're big BBQ people so I've had it from all over and I think this is my favorite so far! Meat is juicy with great flavor. They have a whole board of homemade desserts. I had the key lime pound cake for dessert and loved it. If I was a local I would eat here all the time. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I think it's expensive. Overall great experience and I will definitely be back!
(4)
K N.
I know I know. This is supposed to be THE barbecue place in these parts. But the ugly truth is, it's good but not great. Sides are atrocious -- avoid at all costs save the hush puppies. I feel like I've had barbecue that's equally good at Hursey's in Burlington, and a now-shuttered bbq place in Durham whose name I'm forgetting right now. Also, their wait staff leaves a bit to be desired. The last time I went, our waitress was rude and acted like she was being asked to donate a kidney when we asked for a few more minutes to review the menu. Finally, this joint is almost never open. You're like "Hey, it's Saturday night, let's go get some 'cue." NOPE. I guess for some people, that is part of the appeal -- the exclusivity factor. For me, I'd rather spend my money where people appreciate my business and the business is actually open at some time other than 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday.
(2)
Lauren P.
This is not only some of the best BBQ I've had in the Durham/Chapel Hill area in awhile, but it's also some of the best sides & desserts offered at any BBQ place. It's really important to note, this place is closed Monday. Just like Chik-Fil-A, that's always the day I really want to go... :( Anyway, like I said, their barbeque is delicious and so are their sides. I definitely recommend their hush puppies, slaw and beans. (My mouth is watering as I write this) And if you managed to save room, you should definitely try their pies! They're all homemade and fantastic! I've had the apple pie and something like Moose Tracks pie. (Great, now my stomach growling for food) Plus it's got a nice country atmosphere. It's right across the street from this tiny market, and the decor is all antiques with red/white checkered tablecloths. Unlimited sodas and tea refills. Really, does the South get any better than that?? This place is great, fast and fresh. Stop by, and if it's nice take your food outside.
(5)
Jennifer C.
Allen & Sons is a home-like structure out in the middle of the woods of Chapel Hill. The wait staff is great, and I love the cozy checkered table-cloths and random decorations (like an ancient coffee grinder, and a pig with his nose broken off). For the hush puppies here, I would give 5 stars. They are phenomenal, probably the best in the area. And I loooovvvee my hush puppies. For the bbq, I give 4, only because I've had better elsewhere in North Carolina. For some reason the bbq tastes way better in a sandwich with slaw, than on its own. So if you come here, I would get the sandwich with slaw inside rather than getting the plate. Also person who got ribs, why did you do that? Oh, and I would call ahead to make sure they're open, because sometimes they randomly close shop and disappear somewhere. I can only imagine they are off on some secret bbq ritual.
(4)
Eatwell F.
I am a bbq fan, and have been known to drive 20 miles off the highway if there is a whiff of smoke and q. On a recent long road trip, we stopped to visit a family friend in Chapel Hill. We asked for a bbq recommendation for dinner, and without hesitation, we were directed to Allen & Sons. We should have known better when we walked up to the building and smelled no smoke. We should have known better when we entered and smelled what seemed to be old shortening - but no smoke. But we were hungry, and after all, we had been sent here by a friend who lived nearby. The food at Allen & Son was extremely disappointing, to say the least. The fried seafood platter delivered a few ok shrimp, done in a light batter. But the "Crab cake" was a store bought, machine-formed puck of bread crumbs, with barely a hint of crab. No flavor, no crab. The third member of this trio was a piece of fried flounder. The fish was a typical thin fillet, but the skin had been left on one side. This is more typical in the South, but usually on thicker fillets such as whiting or catfish. On the wafer-thin flounder, it was an annoyance. True, you don't go to a bbq place for fried seafood. But it is a common enough menu item, and Allen & Son would be better off to just sell the ok fried shrimp. Of course, I ordered q, and had a chopped pork plate. Again, I respect regional styles, and knew that the meat would be unsauced, and offered with a vinegar-based sauce on the side. that's fine. But I expect the pork to be well-smoked, possibly seasoned with a good rub, and tender from many hours in the low-temp smoker. Not at Allen & Son. The meat was mainly tough and chewy, and totally lacking in the requisite smoke flavor. Considering the fact that we did not smell smoke in or around this place, we had to wonder how this pork was actually cooked. Frankly, it seemed more like an oven roast than a bbq item. The side slaw was tasty in the regional Carolina style. Long thin shards of cabbage, well-dressed in a vinegar dressing with a bit of heat. But the "bbq" beans had no flavor other than the taste that Heinz put in the can. The one shining star at Allen & Son - and worth getting to go, before you drive on to a place with better food - are the hush puppies. fresh and hot, with a toothsome shell yielding to a steaming interior. The moist corn meal flavored with just enough onion. Pretty close to hushpuppy heaven. Allen & Son was busy, and clearly the local guests seemed satisfied with their food. But it is a place I can not recommend if you are seeking tasty bbq. We left ours on the plate and drove on.
(1)
Samantha E.
THIS is real NC barbecue. Every single thing on the menu is absolutely brilliant and whether you are eating in or taking out you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jay G.
The BBQ is expensive and worth every penny. Take it from me, a certified BBQ judge, it just doesn't get any better than Allen & Son. The BBQ is world-class and the hushpuppies are banging too. The only item on the menu i dont like are the awful french fries. Get potato salad instead. Good luck saving room for desert, but you're in for a treat if you do. Man, I'm getting hungry just thinking about Allen & Son!
(5)
Mary V.
I've been eating at Allen's for 30 years. Since the dad died this place continues it's steady slide downhill. The barbecue is good, but grossly overpriced, screwy hours, and ATTITUDE! I went there this past week at 7:15pm, (they closed at 8) and they were already obviously preparing to close. We ordered a chopped plate and although the BBQ was good, and the slaw was good, the hush puppies were near-burnt on the outside and raw in the middle. French fries were limp and greasy. Holy Crap! You mean to tell me that after 30+ years in business they haven't figured out how to make french fries? Seriously? Or hush puppies? puh-leeze. Plus, (and this is the part that drives me crazy) they put the table barbecue sauce in the old ketchup containers! You guessed it, both my brother and I put bbq sauce on our french fries and hush puppies. GAH! WHO, in God's name, decided to do THAT? So, upon leaving I pointed out an obvious stupid idea and also made them aware of the raw hush puppies and greasy limp french fries, and was basically told to go pound sand. They just really don't care what anyone thinks... so, I think I'll find another BBQ place. The Allen and Sons in Bynum was sold to someone who cares and thus it's much better. Also, there's a great place in Mebane, another 1/2 hour down the road on 86. Plus, a new place on Weaver Dairy Road about two miles back toward Chapel Hill. Keep it up, y'all, and you'll find yourselves all alone one day, no one putting up with your sorry attitude and declining food quality.
(1)
Brian G.
Just get the bbq plate.. This is the real deal carolina style pulled pork. Excellent cole slaw and crispy hush puppies.. If you want to be fat like me, wash it down with some pie.
(5)
Tom P.
Awesome BBQ sandwich at Allen & Sons. You have to decide whether you want slaw or not on your sandwich - I opt for no slaw. The sides are not really the best - unlike other NC BBQ places, you go here solely for the BBQ. Well, not solely - the deserts are also really good. Here's the tip of the day. The banana pudding is to die for, BUT it is only available on Fridays. The one watch out - Allen & Sons definitely runs on the expensive side for bbq places. Price for a sandwich with one small side and a slice of pie with ice cream was $15. A diet coke was $3, with no refills. Really? All the sweet tea you can drink, but you can't get a refill of a diet coke? Enjoy the BBQ.
(4)
Meg C.
Wow. I was not expecting to like NC bbq this much. Seriously, the descriptor "vinegar-based" makes me think of stomach acid, so I was pretty confident my body was not going to be happy. But my curiosity outweighed my health, as it usually does, so I ordered pulled pork, slaw, hushpuppies and a sweet tea. The vinegar produced wonderfully tender pork which was surprisingly not overwhelming in terms of acid content. It was definitely the best pulled pork I've ever had, it was not too mushy and the sauce did not cover up the piggy flavor. The slaw complimented the pork perfectly, I think if I came here again I would order the sandwich. The best part might have been the hushpuppies, honestly. I was traumatized by my college's cafeteria which served something like hushpuppies, but extremely gross. But these were sweet and salty, not too heavy and wonderfully moist. Oh, and tasty as hell. I loved the restaurant itself as well, this place is literally a shack. Paired with the sweet as pie waitresses, I know I had an authentic taste of North Carolina.
(5)
Mari C.
The service isn't amazing, but this isn't exactly 4 star dining either. However, the food is fantastic! Great BBQ, good peppery coleslaw, and potato salad. I've had the cobbler, and although it was a little mushy and cakey it was still very good. They also do take out orders. We did this for a party and it was great. Heat everything up at home, and it's an easy and fairly inexpensive way to feed a lot of people.
(5)
Jim N.
My second visit yesterday, and it was packed with people who also made the beautiful drive out from Chapel Hill to Allen's for BBQ. I have had their BBQ Pork (it's wonderful), so this time we tried the pork ribs and the BBQ Chicken. Wonderful smoky flayor; but, I prefer less tomato in the sauce. Great french fries and potato salad, good coleslaw, good iced tea, and hushpuppies to die for! As others have said, the use of a wood fire in lieu of gas cookers is what makes this place special and worth the drive. I'll be back to try the fish and more pork BBQ.
(3)
Eric L.
As one of my first food adventures in my new home away from home, I went out to Allen & Son, what a pick I made. Set out off the highway and with a great patina, Allen & Son looks the part of a great eatery, and when I tasted the first bite I was hooked. The server must have thought I had not eaten for days the way I devoured everything in front of me. Don't hold back on the sauce, it just helps bring out the great flavors of the BBQ. I have gone back a few time and tried other items including the ribs, which are just as good, but I can't help go with greatness and order the BBQ. Oh ya, and the slaw is amazing.......someday I will need to leave room for dessert. Go out and enjoy some great North Carolina BBQ at Allen & Son.
(5)
Donna V.
I was very disappointed. The food is one of the worse tasting BBQ I have ever had. . The place is in dire need of redecorating. Plastic table cloths need to be thrown out and new ones put in their place. Overall I think one star was being generous.
(1)
Trevor B.
One of the few regrets from my 5 years in Chapel Hill is that I didn't discover A&S earlier. This place is heaven for BBQ lovers. The pulled pork is succulent and the hushpuppies were always satisfying. And those little jugs of sweet tea...oh, how I miss them! In addition to the BBQ, I definitely recommend their cheeseburger with chili on top - that was my go-to back in the day.
(5)
Michael L.
Loved it! Been wanting to try it for years after reading about it in Planet BBQ book. Food was Excellent. I would go back!
(4)
Josh H.
A caveat- I do not like North Carolina bbq. I never have. Do not bother trying to tell me I must try this, that, or the other place, or that I've never had "real" NC bbq, or that I must not care for pork. I grew up down east. I spent my high-school years waiting tables at probably the most famous bbq place in Greenville. The things they did to pigs still make me shudder to this day. No animal, especially one so tasty, should be so abused on it's way to the table. And yes, it tainted my soul such that I am forced to have pretty high standards when it comes to the preparation of swine for consumption. I began my redemption those many years ago when I discovered B's outside of town. It was so simple- serving house and pit. That's all. Nothing fancy. Allen and Son is the closest I've found to that experience in this area. The restaurant is simple, as it should be since the food is what you show up for. And the meat- lovingly cooked in a pit, not overly sauced, and it hits the table tasting like they made it just for you. These folks know pigs, and know how to get them to the table properly. You also can't downplay the location. The restaurant is in the middle of Orange County, which is perhaps one of the most underrated locales in this area. Do yourself a favor and only get vague directions to the place. You'll truly enjoy the extra time spent driving past woodlands and rolling farmsteads on the way there.
(4)
Jason M.
This place was recommended to me twice in one day via Facebook from friends who knew I was traveling and since I was in the area I decided I needed to check it out. While I wasn't necessarily wowed by the service or the staff (not bad just unremarkable) this review will focus on what is important here and that is the BBQ. I got the BBQ plate which consists of chopped pork BBQ with a side of hush puppies and coleslaw. I asked to have the hush puppies replaced with okra but apparently that's not allowed so I just got a side of okra. The pork was perfect. It was very tender with a nice lite smoky flavor. The sauce was perfect, nice and tangy with just the right amount of spice. The cole slaw was great. I liked that it had black pepper in it and wasn't too runny. I could have cared less about the hush puppies, so on to the okra. Deep fried okra is quite possibly one of my favorite things and this okra was hot and crispy just the way I like it. So, the food was good. The service was whatever. I would definitely go again and would recommend Allen and Son to anyone traveling to Chapel Hill (especially because despite walking around the area for two hours it seems that if you aren't in a frat or attending school there doesn't seem to be a whole lot to do) Oh and the sweet tea was tasty.
(4)
tegen d.
Pretty good BBQ, but not at all worth the enormous hype. And be warned that it is (like nearly every Chapel Hill eatery) overpriced. Allen and Son's runs a ways behind Grady's and Skylight.
(3)
Hannah M.
This place is delicious. I always get the barbecue plate with some sweet tea. I love the meat and the hush puppies, but I'm not really a fan of the coleslaw. Also, they give you a whole pitcher of sweet tea and you can take it home if you don't drink it all.
(4)
Steve M.
5 out of 5. Easily the most authentic delicious BBQ in the research triangle area, right on down to the sweet tea y'all.
(5)
Zachary R.
Good bbq, but overrated and pricey for what it is. The appeal is it is a little shack in the country, but that is kind of ruined being just outside of Durham. It is always crowded and service is sub par. I think The Pig is a much better establishment, but this place is still one of the better bbq joints in NC.
(4)
Charles D.
Allen & Son is a pilgrimage. It's heaven, it's the pinnacle of human culinary development, it's quite simply the greatest restaurant in the world. We fly to Chapel Hill twice a year and the first stop off the plane is at Allen & Son, ordering an XL plate, at least 2 different pieces of pie, and a sweet tea (which is just sweet enough to kill your palate). As I said before: Always get the pecan pie, unless there's banana pudding, then get both. Be polite. Don't gawk at the taxidermied animals. Never ask for unsweet tea. As for the ambiance? It's family. Last week the only two other tables in the restaurant were also worrying about Rodney Hood's jump shot, whether this year's Carolina team would have won the ACC with PJ, and whether UNC fans should ever storm the court. Simply put, if you love Carolina, there's nothing finer than Allen & Son.
(5)
Vanessa B.
I was seriously looking forward to the hush puppies here, but they were off. They had a crumbly mealy texture, not crunchy and creamy like I've heard they're supposed to be. I got an extra large BBQ plate for takeout. The meat is 1 star worthy. It didn't have much flavor to me, was dry and some parts of it were burnt, and not in a tasty carcinogen kind of way. The cole slaw was sweet and that's it. It would've benefited from some onion and more mayo or something; it was just really flat. I didn't get any in house sauce, but I suspect it's a must have to make the meat palatable. Finally, I took off another star bc I think it's super overpriced. I paid $13+ for some burnt chopped pork, bland coleslaw, and 7 disappointing hushpuppies. I can understand that price for ribs or maybe even really really good smoked chicken, but pork? No way. I'm hoping it was just an off day bc I was super excited to try this place based on the reviews. I like backyard BBQ pit way more, but my brother does prefer the Allen and son pork, so maybe it's just difference of opinion. Service was good though!
(2)
Fade E.
The bbq sandwich was pretty solid, and that was basically the best part. The fries were undercooked and too greasy. I ended off the meal with a klondike pie and it was honestly the worst dessert I've ever had at a restaurant. Just poor quality all around. To top all of this off, when I was attempting to pay with a credit card, I was given the rudest look. I'm not sure how this place has the notoriety that it currently holds, but this establishment is light years behind Backyard BBQ pit in nearly every way. Stay away.
(1)
Nicholas S.
My Korean friend had never had good ole' Southern BBQ before so I took it upon myself to fill the void in his life. I wasn't too sure what was good around Chapel Hill so I looked to Yelp for guidance. Yelp had it right. This was some of the best BBQ I've ever had. If you have a Korean friend and they haven't had the chance to experience the heaven of Eastern Carolina BBQ, you need to bring them here. We both got pulled pork platter and it was all it was hyped up to be. Delicious. Korean BBQ is delicious, but this was the best. The community of Allen&Son lovers is pretty nice, too. They overheard me explaining the different types of BBQ to my friend and they were not shy about jumping in! They gave some great advice and really added to the experience. They were some devoted fans!
(5)
Josh T.
Barbecue was really flavorful, great coleslaw and other sides. Server was friendly and relaxed; made us fee welcome. I ordered the half chicken -- but it was more like 1/4 chicken. Decor had the old time charm, but it could use some updating -- new and clean tablecloths would be a start. Definitely good, but could be so much better, even while keeping its casual, hometown feeling.
(3)
Tori H.
If I could give an extra half star I would, it's pretty good. BBQ tasted similar to The Pig and Bullocks, it just wasn't as chopped as I personally like. The hush puppies were delicious. Much better than other places. The cole slaw was WAY better than The Pig's...but not better than bullock's slaw...(although bullock's slaw had salmonella a few years ago...so depends on if you wanna play Russian roulette with your slaw).. Baked beans were good but dang why $3 something for BEANS? Jeez! They should re-name them BANK beans. Pie was good but not great. Crumbly chocolate pie. I will be back with my Dad, he will go nuts over this joint.
(3)
Randall B.
Best Q in Chapel Hill, none better. Pulled pork, slaw, baked beans and hush puppies. Yummy! And some sweet tea, and you will know you are in the Southern Part of Heaven. Highly recommend it.
(5)
David S.
Allen and Son is one of the best barbecue places I have been to in North Carolina, or anywhere. Today was my fourth visit, and two days ago was my third visit. The barbecue sandwich was great, the vinegar dip, a little spicy, was also fantastic. The hush puppies were incredible. Two days ago I also had their peanut butter pie, which was great.
(5)
Mage L.
I ordered a BBQ "tray", which is actually smaller than a "plate", some sweet tea, and peach cobbler, which ended up being just over $17. Seemed a bit pricey for a single person at lunch. The BBQ was good but the portion was so small. The left me enough room for dessert at least. I ordered the peach cobbler and was surprised to see it's made with pie crust instead of a crumb crust, but I guess that's how they do it in the south. I was a bit disappointed. Here I am my last week in NC, trying to hit all those major landmarks before I leave. Now I think I need to go back to the Pig and try their BBQ again, since I always remembered it being the best around here.
(4)
Jennie T.
Was Allen & Son as good as the Raleigh yelpers hyped it up to be? Um, yes. I loved it. I really loved their vinegar sauce, and I loved it on the pulled pork. I am really glad that we came here for our first taste of the Eastern Carolina style BBQ. My friends and I split a large BBQ platter. It came with pulled pork, hushpuppies, and a cole slaw. Everything was really good. I'm not a fan of hushpuppies, but my friends loved it. I will have to say that I liked Allen & Son's version more than The Pit's. We also ordered a plate of ribs. The ribs were good too. It came with a side of delicious fries. Everything was so good that we all fell into a food coma afterwards.
(4)
Gina A.
Okay, well, while the barbecue was definitely barbecue and tasty, the prices led me to believe I would have some leftovers on my plate. I did not. Their "full" side of ribs was a half, cut in half so you got 'two pieces'. Big deal. They do not substitute so to have any of their baked beans, you had to purchase them separately. For $3.75, again I thought this would be an amount to share; it was not more than 3 to 4 tablespoons at best. Hushpuppies were good but hell fried shoes are probably good. Don't get me wrong; the flavor was there. But the fact that the only side that came with any meal was cole slaw did not inspire me. I'm not a cole slaw fan so I felt like I was being held hostage. "To taste our bbq, you MUST consume this cole slaw." All of the reviews said, "Try the pecan pie." DO NOT try the pecan pie; the pecans were stale and you could taste it. ICK. Had I eaten the pie there, I would have complained but we got it to go for a snack. Bad choice. The chocolate pie my friend had was actually NOT chocolate pie but chocolate chess pie, and looked like pecan pie, and for about $5 a slice, I would have thought it would have been a bigger slice. Maybe if I'd gotten the pie to eat there, it would have been; I can't say. I know the to-go box was small and I assume they felt the need to "make it fit the box". Whatever. Also, the sweet tea touted in the other reviews, well, it was just sweet tea, not any better than anybody else's sweet tea. Leaving a full pitcher on my table, with ice floating and melting in it, also uninspiring. I like my tea fresh, each glass, not becoming increasingly watered down with melting ice right in front of me. I literally wanted to pick up and start refilling my fellow diners' glasses, just so it wouldn't be wasted. "Hurry up, drink this, it's becoming pale sugar water!" Egad. Wait, while I'm filling you in on the real deal, the ribs, tasty yes, tender no. And you're not given a sharp knife, so I literally had to hold my half of a half rack up to my face to eat it. Good thing I'm young and tough too because I can't imagine taking my grandmother there and expecting her to pick up four ribs at a time and gnaw into it like I did. Why not either A) cook them more tender so you could pull it apart, or B) give me a knife for Pete's sake, or C) start it for me in the kitchen with a couple of well placed cuts. That's the way I've always had ribs in Florida, either tender or 'started' for me. Gee whiz, it shouldn't be a workout to eat ribs. To sum it up, if the portions had been bigger, then maybe I would say, "I'll be back" but I'm not sure. $50 for dinner for BBQ seems a bit excessive when the food wasn't ample and some of it downright not good. On the plus side, the service was friendly, quick and efficient.
(2)
Allison Q.
I had the ribs, coleslaw, and french fries, followed by pecan pie for dessert. Definitely a delicious meal! The restaurant itself is in the middle of nowhere and very rustic looking...it just adds to the whole experience. It was my first venture into NC BBQ and I was very pleased! I'll return ASAP.
(5)
Sherwin U.
I visited this place while on a business trip I took to NC, and I have to say I'm going to miss the BBQ vinegar pulled pork that I had here. Great BBQ...warm and kind service... what's more to ask?
(5)
Brent L.
Lives up to the hype. Great barbecue in a great setting. So much better than The Pit in Raleigh. This is what barbecue is supposed to be. A pitcher of sweet tea on the table, delicious pig and good potato salad in a simple restaurant. Well worth the drive from Raleigh (or anywhere else). Sauce was great with a perfect amount of heat and tang.
(5)
Vito M.
I've been giving this review a lot of thought and I could only come up with two negatives. #1- After living in Durham for 8 years, I only found this place in year 7 which was way too late. #2- I moved away and they're now a 12 hour drive from my new place. Sadness. Truth be told, I'm a huge fan of "My Cousin Vinny." At first appearance, this place looks like the diner that Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei visit: it abuts train tracks, has a simple menu, and there are plenty of southern accents to go around... but I digress. The lunch BBQ sandwich combo with fries and the klondike pie was my staple every time I went. Every time I strayed to another delicious choice on the menu, I'd see the mouthwatering pork go by on another tray and eater's remorse would immediately set in. I'm holding back the urge to salivate while I'm writing about it! Definitely use the extra bottle of vinegar-based sauce that accompanies pork perfection on a sandwich bun! Don't (I repeat DON'T) skip dessert! Everything is homemade including the ice cream.
(5)
Sara M.
This PLACE. It's so much fun to go to. It's also nice to eat here. I separate these two ideas because the atmosphere was the first thing I really noticed at Allen & Son. You enter through a screen door into a foyer, and you're met with gingham tablecloths and the smell of savory/sweet bbq. It's adorable in a farm-country kind of way, and the waiters/staff are quite nice. I felt like I was in someone's dining room or kitchen when I was waiting for my food, which, by the way, was really great. Shredded bbq with slaw and hush puppies was definitely great, and my friend had a bbq sandwich which was also very tasty. When I have visitors, I take them to Allen & Son and will continue to do so!
(4)
Coleen T.
Awesome bbq and chicken sandwiches. The fries suck, but eh hushpuppies are delicious. The Iced tea wasn't sweet enough but maybe it was a bad batch!
(5)
Care H.
Great local haunt with great BBQ, especially if you love Carolina-style, vinegar-based BBQ. (I don't, but I can still appreciate this place for what it is!) A few things you should know: 1. It's hard to find. Other yelpers have described the location and you should keep those details in mind because it really is in the neck of the woods! 2. Seat yourself. When you get in, you should seat yourself and the server will come to your table. As a first-timer, I didn't know that, so we stood there waiting for about 5 minutes before we realized what was up. 3. Service is slow. Our waitress was really nice, but they were clearly understaffed that day. Gotta be patient. Otherwise, the food is great. They do a great BBQ. I got the rib platter. The meat fell right off the bone, very soft and tender. My boyfriend got the pulled pork sandwich - also great. I am especially in love with their apple cobbler and a la mode homemade vanilla ice cream. The ice cream still haunts me to this day - so yummy, creamy, with simple natural flavors. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)
Jimmy R.
So I grew up in Los Angeles, but I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the years, I consider myself a BBQ connoisseur. I've eaten BBQ everywhere and this place is a bit different. It does remind me of Filipino prepared BBQ beefs because this pulled pork concoction uses vinegar for sauce!! Even without the vinegar based sauce, it has soo much sweet flavor to it. The waiter brings us this unlabeled, red bottle that is eerily warm. Out of it pours the sauce with spicy flakes in it. The ambiance was so relaxed. Mind you, we went near closing at 845pm at night and the outside looked like a shack in the middle of less traveled road. Inside, it smelled good. I loved the sweet potato pie. I didn't know North Carolina was known for sweet potatoes so this was icing on the cake. One pulled pork BBQ dish was enough for two people to eat. This was one of my affordable meals for sure. Did I mention the hush-puppies were the BEST HUSH-PUPPIES I have ever had in my entire life? They were so sweet. They were encrusted with some greens of some sort, which I can't figure out. This is not your traditional BBQ but for what it is, it is the best in its class. I tried to go a second time but ran out of time for the trip. Yumm. Oh yeah. I also forgot to add i HATE cold slaw... but at this place? It was REALLY GOOD.. crisp, refreshing, not drowning in mayo fat. I enjoyed it. How amazing is that?
(5)
Fumi M.
Little disclosure --- This is a 5 star review on a first time visit. I am certainly not trying to start a holy barbeque war or anything of that sort. Having spent the last 15 years in Southern California I can't say that I have tasted every barbeque joint in the Carolina's. Furthermore, I am not a certified barbeque judge, nor would I pretend to be a "connoisseur of barbeque". What I can tell you is that I've traveled and eaten pork and barbeque in many different States, and no where outside of North Carolina do you find barbeque the way it's cooked and served in N.C. What can I say, I am a carnivore with enhanced taste buds and N.C. style barbeque happens to be my favorite when it comes to the slow and low. With all that being said, of all the freaking barbeque joints that I can walk in to I ended up at Allen & Son. For that I am so dam grateful and must thank my friend Brian! Tender, juicy, hint of hickory-smoked flavored barbeque, oh-so-heavenly!! I can't wait to book my next flight to N.C. so I can go back for more.
(5)
A S.
Very overrated! Pork BBQ plate was over $10 with no side substitutions!! - ridiculous if you're used to NC BBQ. You get slaw and hush puppies. You can order sides extra but no green beans or potatoes, only fries etc. Also no combo with BBQ chicken meals! Meat was very fatty and slaw was more vinegary than the BBQ. Plenty of better BBQ around for less money so I don't recommend this place at all.
(2)
Kimberly Y.
This was my first taste of North Carolina bbq and I scarfed down the plate and wanted seconds. The service is casual, but quick. They are located in an out of the way place, but it was definitely worth the trip. The vinegar spiced sauce added just the right touch to my chopped pork. The sweet tea was good and the peach cobbler was fresh. Next time, I'll skip the potato salad, because the slaw is the perfect foil to the chopped pork.
(4)
Rhea G.
This place was recommended to us by the bellhops at the Washington Duke Inn. They did not lead us wrong. The decor and waitresses (we had Tammy) were charming, the sweet tea makes your fillings hurt and most importantly the bbq and sides were spot-on. We had the extra large bbq plate and it was plenty to split between two people. The bbq was vinegary and packed with flavor and the hush puppies were the best I've ever had - crispy, a bit sweet and super fresh.
(5)
Adam F.
First off, I went to Allen & Son like an hour before they were ready to close up so I'm willing to accept my experience as a matter of end of the day "get out of my store " service. The BBQ - Good but a bit on the dry side (which I personally don't mind) The Service - A little slow and things came out piecemeal. The Sweet Tea - I say it was pretty perfect. Not too sweet not to bitter. The hush puppies - Way too dry for even me. The price - For four of us, 40 bucks with tip. When compared to the $13 my wife and I spend at Hog Heaven for the same exact meal minus one tea, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, pricey for what you get. But maybe I caught them on an "off day". Although the people I went with are regulars and they said it was pretty much dead on for Allen & Son so... I leave it to you.
(2)
Michael C.
We met there today with a good friend of my son's and his two adorable children. A little over an hour and half drive for lunch, But I'll drive 30 miles for a good hot dog!! Allen And Sons had a smokey smell when we got out of the car a real good sign or smell, I can't decide like em both!! A good crowd had gathered for some Q eating, we where not alone. My son suggested a large chopped plate. Several sides where available I chose Cole slaw and hush puppies with ours. The Q was very good,hush puppies where home made, slaw had a good taste. Plenty of tea and water where kept in our glasses. Desert was peach cobble and Nana pudding. I chose the peach, the cobbler was warm and very Good. I wish I'd tried the Ribs or chicken I guess that means another trip back.No sliced BBQ will be eaten at Allen& son's they chop the hole shoulder. The sauce was a vinegar based and it was ok. One of things that turned me off where NO substitutes on the plates the first place I've seen that strict, no was our answer.The second was I had diet coke , no unsweetened tea. No refills on soft drinks, come on now, I've played with food from the time I was 14 yrs old when I worked in a BBQ restaurant, I did some small time catering, to meals in our church or our local Civitan Club, a refill is not much. A rustic old place with old tire rims as decorations in this old wooden building plus it was tight quarters in some seating areas. The tasty BBQ made up for it. Our friends children had a child's shrimp plate, looked pretty good. Came with fries and cocktail sauce. Their dad had a BBQ sandwich with a side of okra. He had another Q-sandwich for desert go figure. Good food, good trip.....
(4)
Jared G.
NC-style, vinegar based bbq sauce. The pork bbq plate is very good, but this is the home of the best cole slaw I've ever had (sorry Mom). I'm not a cole slaw fan. In fact, I hate cole slaw. I have no idea what makes theirs so good, since I don't usually care what is in it aside from chopped cabbage. For the first time in my life, I actually asked for another side order. I'd even go so far as to say they might want to change the name to Allen and Sons Cole Slaw (and bbq)
(4)
Ben M.
You'll probably see me repeat my rule for good BBQ anytime I feel like telling you about a place that serves it up. The rule is simple: "The worse the building looks, the better the food will be." Allen & Son is a small place that looks like a stiff breeze could do some damage and feels like - in spite of being just off of I-40- you're in the middle of nowhere, and the food is phenomenally good. Inside, you feel like you're sitting in someone's kitchen, with the plates and utensils even getting in on the act and a staff of super-nice people with very southern accents to finish off the down home atmosphere. The Q itself is the best reason to go, a vinegary joy that can only be topped by Ole Time in Raleigh, except at Ole Time you need extra sauce. The sides are all traditional southern winners and whatever dessert they have available is worth it...but hope for cobbler. If someone with you doesn't think BBQ is their thing, this will change their mind. If not, there's plenty of other options like the ribs or fried catfish that are all also well worth the trip.
(5)
Doug M.
I waited seven long years to return to try to eat here. My last visit was after a drive from New Bern hoping to have lunch here before going back to RDU to catch a plane. On a Monday. They're closed on Monday. However, on a bright Carolina Wednesday afternoon they were open and ready to seat us. The service is friendly and the barbecue lived up to expectation - just an excellent balance of smoke and good pork. It lives up to its legendary status. I had the combo plate so that I could try their Brunswick stew as well. Excellent! I would also compliment the coleslaw. It's crisp and fresh. What I really enjoyed was the whole atmosphere. They know they're a barbecue icon. But they come across as just a nice place out in the country to sit down with your friends.
(5)
Karla M.
This place is pretty good. It definitely has a cult following, and with good reason. I liked the BBQ, the potato salad is DELICIOUS, and the hush puppies are not the best in Chapel Hill. The pick-up only location is cash only, so if you head out that way, make sure you are prepared. Their menu is consistent (as opposed to Barbecue Joint, whose menu varies, but is second to none in my book) and has all the traditional NC BBQ bits you would expect - including Brunswick Stew.
(4)
Jim C.
Speaking as a former Yankee, this native BBQ and home made sides and desserts are top notch. Humble interior with friendly, timely service.
(4)
Heath T.
Good rural BBQ spot. Solid food, exactly the kind of atmosphere a BBQ place should have, and friendly service. The pulled pork sandwich and onion rings would all compare with most good BBQ places. The baked beans were a little below avg. Had the blueberry pie for desert. It was really good. Word of warning the place closes at 5:00 sharp and is closed on Mondays.
(4)
John E.
The best NC barbecue, and possibly any barbecue, I've ever had. We also had an amazing sweet potato pie, but even without that pie it warrants a five-star rating. It is the best.
(5)
Melodie S.
Oh my. A rare 5th star. I have seen the BBQ light. If you are anywhere near Chapel Hill and don't make time for Allen & Son the joke is on you, my friend. (Note: NC BBQ is not the sweet molasses-ey stuff (which I also love) that you get in other parts of the US) Served in true down-home fashion on plastic plates, with coleslaw (the best I have EVER had) potato salad or whatever southern side you fancy. For you foodies out there, note the subtle synergy that the flavors in the standard BBQ plate throw down. Add a little sweet tea and you are bordering on nirvana. Challenge yourself to save room for a homemade from scratch cobbler. These guys were recently listed in Esquire among the best BBQ in the country- worth the trip.
(5)
Ted Z.
Allen and Son should be required eating for anyone new to NC, or new to NC barbecue. This is it, the creme de la creme (or the porc du porc?) of eastern NC bbq joints. I can't say I've had anything on the menu except the pork plate. The meat is cooked over hickory logs, and you can taste it in each bite. I'm told the sauce they bring to the table is good, but I don't find it necessary. The hush puppies are divine, the cole slaw a revelation, but the potato salad merely average. Pies are great too, so save room for dessert. Prices are higher than most barbecue restaurants around here, but when you're the best, does it matter?
(5)
Romin B.
Disappointed to say the least with all the glowing reviews. Let me preface this by saying that I am not hard to please when it comes to barbecue. I've enjoyed a delicious pulled pork sandwich at the airport no less. But I expected much more out of a supposedly high caliber barbecue joint. I had a combination pork and stew plate, which came with cole slaw and hush puppies. The pork was fine, but could have been switched out with the pork from a dozen other joints and I probably wouldn't have noticed. I've never had brunswick stew before, but had remembered reading a few recommendations for it on yelp so decided to go for it. If I somehow find myself at Allen & Son again, I'd definitely skip it. It had a cafeteria-like feel to it and came in a miniscule serving bowl. I'll give them credit for the vinegar sauce which had a nice kick, and their hushpuppies were very good. But those weren't enough to ever make me want to return. Especially not at $11 for the combination plate.
(2)
Karsten H.
The Triangle is not known as a bbq mecca. We're on the fault line between eastern and piedmont style NC bbq -- and occasionally that yields pleasant hybrids, like Allen & Son. Allen & Son cooks pork shoulders (that's a piedmont thing; eastern is whole hog) but uses a vinegar-based sauce with no tomato added (eastern). Either way, it's a place both my partner and I can agree on: he's a coastal boy, and I grew up in the piedmont. Also, of paramount importance: they still cook with wood. The bbq itself is very good -- I find it to be just the right mix of lean meat and delicious fat. The cole slaw is some of the best I've had outside of my home town. If there's one negative, it's that the portions are somewhat small and somewhat expensive. I'll gladly pay more to keep the tradition alive, though!
(5)
Dan R.
Had the Stew and BBQ plate today. Stew was great, tasty, corn was sweet and not mushy. The BBQ is tasty and moist, very nice. The sauce is super: tangy, spicy, lip smacking.
(5)
Don N.
I was in the Duke University area, and I found this place recommended on Chowhound. So, I decided to give this place a try. First, one of the waitresses was not very friendly. Not only did she ask me if I was ready for my check when I was in the middle of my meal, but she visibly sighed and appeared completely bothered when I asked for two pieces of cobbler to go. Definitely reduced my enjoyment of the meal. Now, as for the meal itself, I decided to get the combination plate (BBQ and BBQ stew), and I got the coleslaw, hush puppies and baked beans as side dishes. The hush puppies were AWESOME. In fact, I think that they were the best hush puppies that I have ever had. The BBQ was very tender. Another waitress gave me the warning that the sauce was very spicy. When I tried the BBQ sauce (which was extremely watery), it was not spicy in the least! I guess their regular customers can't deal with real spiciness. The BBQ stew was even better than the BBQ, much to my surprise. Overall, the meal was delicious, but the surly service seriously detracted from the experience.
(3)
Adrienne E.
As several people have already said, the BBQ here really is unparalled in the Triangle. I can't give it 5 stars because every time I've been there the service has been less than stellar (not rude, just inattentive). However, the vinegar-based BBQ is fantastic, the hushpuppies are delicious (and unlike the okra, I believe they're home-made), and the sweet tea is perfection. The food is also relatively inexpensive (under $10 per person). I'm not crazy about the coleslaw - I think that maybe they use a less-traditional "secret" ingredient, although I haven't figured out yet what it is. I would make the drive to Bullock's BBQ in Durham if you're looking for great coleslaw (although their BBQ isn't quite as tasty). Can't win 'em all, I guess.
(4)
Harry L.
Probably best bbq I've had North of High Point....while I ususally don't love "eastern-style", this was phenomenal. Tack on above average brunswick stew and hushpuppies that were out of this world...and the place gets a 4...pushing it over the top are the homemade desserts. Cobblers, pies, cakes, cookies, etc...this Friday it was banana pudding served warm...jackpot!!! Get there if you're on the road near Durham/Chapel-Hill...it's a quick stop off of I-40 and well worth a detour.
(5)
Carole K.
We could not eat this greasy unedible mess. The onion rings were dripping with grease & frozen, the" Brunswick Stew" tasted & looked like pork & beans with corn and a little meat & potatoes thrown in and very salty. I boxed up the barbecue meat to take home to a homeless cat who appeared yesterday & the hungry cat wouldn't even eat it. We had to request our table to be cleaned off and that was done with a wet cloth used over & over to wipe everything without any cleaning policy. Stryrofoam cups are used which we have avoided for 25 years for healthy lifestyle. For us we will drive to Saluda, NC to GreenRiver Barbecue where the homemade Brunswick Stew is from Heaven, many choices like fried Okra with no greasy residue, veggies, homemade desserts, & the best barbecue in NC is cooked on site over wood fire.
(1)
Muebla S.
I have been going to this family-run restaurant for 30 years, and the menu never changes. It has always been my favorite restaurant in the area, and I was delighted to discover that it had acquired a national following. I'm a yankee, and had never had southern barbecue before I came to Allen's. For me, barbecue was a term referring not to a food, but to an occasional event that involved cooking chicken and hamburgers over a charcoal grill. It was a called "a barbecue". This barbecue is pork that has been smoked over hand-split hickory on site and then chopped. You should order a "sandwich", which means it's served in a white bread bun with coleslaw on top of the meat. You can add sauce to it if you like (vinegar and hot pepper) but because it makes the sandwich soggy, I don't bother. With it, you should have hush puppies and "tea". Yankees need to know that this means iced tea that is presweetened to a degree that you will feel as though your teeth are dissolving. It's an acquired taste, but it's perfect with barbecue. They will bring you an entire pitcher of the stuff, and if you're not careful about how much you drink, you can get a major buzz from it. I would not bother with the other menu items...the chicken, the ribs, or the fries. Some people like the Brunswick stew, which to me looks like---well---never mind. And a lot of people rave about the desserts, which I find so-so. I'm always looking for an excuse to go to Allen's when I'm in the area. it's only about 10 minutes due north of Chapel Hill, maybe 5 minutes from I-40, on the left side of 86, just before you cross the railroad tracks. Allen's is closed on Sunday, and you should probably call before you go even if it isn't Sunday.
(5)
Jim M.
A great sampling of Carolina cuisine. I like the rustic exterior and interior. The staff was friendly. It's a nice place to hang and relax and enjoy a hearty meal.
(4)
Jak K.
Was referred here by another yelp person. Went at lunch. Crowded but very pleasant eventhough I was alone. Service was terriffic and helpful. My first eastern north Carolina barbecue. I loved it. Had a plate with chopped pork, slaw, and potato salad. Plus hush puppies. Way too much food. Didn't eat it all. Liked the sauce also. Quite different from what I've experienced in the past. The best was the hot peach cobbler an today's fresh home made vanilla ice cream. Was the real deal. Glad I mAde the stop.
(5)
William J.
Allow me to start off by saying that I don't get the crazy fanatical devotion to one style of BBQ or another... Can't we all just get along? Now, on to more important matters. Allen & Son lives up to the hype. I normally wouldn't go this far out of my way for BBQ despite the fact that I love it so much... After all, I've got good BBQ joints right by my house. But this stuff is really special. When my friend dragged me here I was amazed at the quality of the stuff, moist but not over-vinegary, filling and flavorful. You will not find anything special here, no frills or special service or amazing innovations. They do awesome BBQ and that's it. And that's enough.
(5)
Stephanie L.
This was the first time I tried this type of BBQ and suffices to say that it was...interesting. I don't think it is my favorite. The pork was cooked well, smelled delicious and seasoned perfectly...but it just wasn't my thing. The fried okra was okay but I had better the previous day and the hushpuppies were delicious, albeit a little burnt. The nephews gobbled a dozen up in a split. Still picked up a bottle of their BBQ sauce, worth the experience.
(3)
Aj P.
Solid NC BBQ in a down home location. The first bite of pork has a nice smoky flavor which seems to mellow as you chow through your plate. Very moist meat but the crust can be a wee bit dry at times. In some ways, this is a plus - like a little bit of jerky mixed in. Cole slaw is finely chopped and a nice foil for the pork, but I almost like a little more tang in my slaw. Well done hush puppies - a plus for me, crispy and crunchy. I fine this place a buck or two more than other BBQ joints, but it's still a reasonable deal for a meal. If you're lucky, they might have some locally made honey made by a guy down the road. Grab some.
(3)
J G.
I don't really have much to add to the other reviews. This place is fantastic, and a true NC BBQ staple.
(5)
Jonathan V.
There are many big decisions in life. I was faced with one on my first trip to Allen and Son's BBQ restaurant today. It was after my meal, when the waitress came up to me and said, "would you like any dessert today". Well, the answer was "yes", of course! But which one? Chocolate pie, coconut chess pie, peanut butter pie, Klondike pie, cream cheese pound cake, cobbler with ice cream, sweet potato pie, and the list goes on. Wait a minute, I'm getting ahead of myself. When I stepped out of my car, the very first thing I noticed was the aroma of the wood smoke from the BBQ. Oh, it smelled soooo good! I decided to try the BBQ sandwich and onion ring combo. It was $5.90 before tax. I also got a sweet tea. Everything was excellent. The BBQ had a great taste. And to be honest, I'm not a big fan of eastern NC BBQ, but this was really good. I wanted to try the BBQ plate, but at $9.50, that's kind of steep for a plate (in my opinion). So I just stuck with the sandwich and rings. And finally the dessert. I ended up with Klondike pie. It had a granola crust, with ice cream on top, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Topped with chopped pecans. Total bill for sandwich, rings, tea and slice of pie was $11 and some change. There is no doubt, I would recommend this place to others.
(5)
Patrick T.
I went to graduate school in Chapel Hill and Allen & Sons was one of my favorite spots. I live in Texas now and really miss Carolina barbecue (the pork shoulder is for some reason banned in Texas barbecue). I just had a business trip to Raleigh and made the quick trip over to Chapel Hill to Allen & Sons. It was timeless, just as I remembered, and awesome. The pork, slaw, hush puppy combination is just killer. I will be back...
(5)
Jeff M.
This place is fantastic. It reminds me of one of my favorite places in the country, The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, TN; you feel like you're being welcomed into a person's countryside home. It's simple, right off the road, with great service and top-notch food. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw. I loved Lexington Barbecue, but this was even better. This sandwich was PERFECT. Juicy, smoky, flavorful, with a kick and perfectly complemented by the slaw. And it's bigger than the Lexington Barbecue sandwich, another plus. The potato salad was delicious. I don't know what the deal is with potato salad in North Carolina, but it's clearly better than any I've had in the past. I've been waiting a long time to eat here. This place exceeded expectations. A must-visit for any BBQ lover. A must-visit for any sandwich lover. It's places like this that reminds me why the pig is my animal of choice.
(5)
Alex M.
Best onion rings I have ever had. Definitely try them--they are perfect! Big chunks of sweet onion in a nice light batter that doesn't fall apart!! The food is plentiful and authentic, and there are tons of great options. Definitely try the hush puppies, and if you like this Carolina style of barbeque (it has a vinegar flavor--not sweet or spicy--a little sour but completely excellent, and delicious with the sweet sides) or you're not sure and want to try it out (go for it!), the pulled pork is fantastic--certainly hard to beat! Whenever I'm in the area, I always want to go to Allen & Son. Good pies too--Millionaire Pie is a local favorite. Casual interior with lots of memorabilia and other cool stuff. This place is the real thing.
(5)
Alicia G.
This place was a hidden gem, tucked right next to some old train tracks. The bbq was delicious and the pies were even better! The waitress was even nice enough to warm up the desserts. All I can say is friendly, fast service and delicious food. It's a must go!
(5)
Caroline S.
This is tough. But I'm actually going to have to write a far from positive review for an establishment I respect. I've been to Allen & Sons before, enjoyed the country atmosphere, their focus on traditional NC BBQ and their table service. However, when I visited for lunch today I was disappointed. The sweet tea was horrible, and I mean so bad that the entire table had to send it back. I got a water instead and it tasted horrible, I didn't have the heart to send it back. Looking back they may have had an issue with the cleaning of their glasses. I ordered hushpuppies to start out with, which didn't after until well after we got our main meal. And sadly, my bbq sandwich was a pitiful combination of dry, tough meat and gristly, fatty meat - none of the great bbq I was used to. To top it off the sandwich and fries barely fit on the tiny plate they served it on, meaning that I was struggling just to hold everything together. I was very disappointed, but given Allen & Sons history hoping things will improve!
(2)
Ron S.
Excellent BBQ and stew! Serving size is perfect and worth the price. The sweet tea is also a must try. Elena is a gem and made the meal awesome!
(5)
Nate B.
A bit pricey and greasy, but very tasty BBQ.
(4)
Roll T.
3.75 stars. I am going to repeat the sentiments of Nick from Houston; if you are looking for Carolina Style BBQ, go here. Bullock's was a MAJOR disappointment. Here, you will find a vinegar-infused mesh of pulled pork that needs no extra condiments to deliver a winning combination to your tastebuds. I was thankful that the ribs used a combination of tomato and vinegar for their sauce base (similar to Alabama's style of BBQ) instead of a pure vinegar base (which, frankly, is disgusting). This is not the BEST BBQ spot in the Triangle. Right now, that title would have to live with the Q Shack (which serves both TX and NC style BBQ). However, if you are in the area, this place has the Southern charm and the excellent BBQ that combines to knock your socks off.
(4)
Paige T.
So, this was a day out of say, the 1950's or something. We took our out-of-town guests from Quebec to a local waterin' hole to do some wading down off of 15-501. Conveniently, on the way back home, there it was in all its humble glory, Allen & Son! It was a perfect topper to an otherwise lazy, hot, simple summer day. We stood in line behind what seemed like an impossible amount of people for 3pm on a Friday afternoon off of 15-501. We waited patiently, though, and determined our order: 4 bbq sandwiches and 1 side of cole slaw--all you need, really. Oddly, the place was being run by what appeared to be a couple of 13 year old girls, but they shuffled about behind the musty glass of a take-out window and got orders up in a pretty timely manner. The line petered out and, at last, our order was up. We went just around the corner to one of the picnic tables and proceeded to unwrap and delight in our bbq treats. The sandwich was perfectly vinegar-y and the bbq just melted. Our sandwiches were pre-topped with there divinely minced and flavored coleslaw, which contrasted nicely with the steaming hot bbq. We got a side of the slaw, though, because it is just that good, healthy tasting almost--gasp! Overall, Allen & Sons does it right, no mess, no complications. This was a welcomed accompaniment to our lazy day in the sun. One last thing, Allen & Son is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
(5)
Smanda P.
Awesome barbeque. Checkered vinyl table cloths. Diner style condiments. It's pretty much the type of joint you want to take your out of town guests to for them to enjoy real NC bbq. Try the peanut butter pie. I've been going here for years only ordering the peach cobbler for dessert. And all this time I have been missing the orgasmic goodness of peanut butter pie. I'd eat it for all 3 meals if it didn't have a bajillion calories.
(5)
Christopher G.
August 27, 2014. Stop by to try and eat today, online said they were open but no one was there. Did they move, close, etc? Three other vehicle pulled up at the same time I did.
(1)
Fred B.
My step-son, who has been in Australia for over 2 years, was in town for a few days, and really wanted to have barbecue as often as possible. Took him to Country Barbecue (on Wendover) for a quick sandwich on the way in from the airport late yesterday afternoon. His sister is having a variety of items from Blue Smoke in Winston for dinner this evening, and it will br 12 Bones in Asheville tomorrow for lunch. But today we took him to Allen & Son, and the pork was as good as ever, perhaps even the very best I've had here, and that covers a lot of sandwiches, trays, and plates - with a few chili dogs thrown in for good measure. The meat was tender, moist, loaded with smoke, sauced perfectly (for my tastes at least) out of the kitchen. My step-son (this was his first visit here) absolutely loved it. This is just excellent barbecue (and the chili dog is still very good), and the only difference is that there is less meat on the plate, the tray, and the sandwich - happening everywhere it seems, a sign of the times. The fries here are still god awful, but so what.
(5)
Tess M.
Great BBQ sauce- North Carolina BBQ sauce- vinegary. My friend loves the sauce and bought two jars. The BBQ chicken isn't that great so I'd advice against it. Stick to the pulled BBQ pork. Try the fried okra. I will have to try the pittsboro location to see if it's any different/better.
(3)
Norm L.
Absolutely the best eastern style BBQ sandwich I have ever eaten. The cobblers and pies are also amazing ! If you are driving down I-40 in the Durham - Chapel Hill area this is a must stop ! Norm
(5)
Lawrence N.
Briefly---We ate there Friday, Feb. 28th. We are all Southerners who have eaten good bbq all our lives. So: The bbq itself is good, very good, and worth the trip. The slaw is good. The fries are good. The onion rings and the hush puppies were grease soaked. You could have squeezed them out like a sponge. The ribs were awful, a waste of money. And speaking of money....we were there for lunch and it was overpriced. The service was good.
(3)
Dwain S.
First the food. Overall, very good. The BBQ was flavorful and moist. It really did not need any of the sauce (which was also good). The hush puppies were also great. The fried okra was also up to southern standards. Every one in our family enjoyed their meals. The food would get 4 1/2 stars. At least. However, the service was blah. And I hate to blame this on wait staff; I don't believe they are the source of the issue. Its very likely the owners. The problem is the overall attitude. Allen and Son has this magical reputation in the Triangle; arguably the best BBQ in the Triangle. I might even sign up for that. But the mystic has went to their heads. It is really an attitude of "we neither need nor want your business." Two points to back this up. My daughter asked for the cole slaw to be put on side and not on her sandwich. "NO. We will chage for an extra side if we do." Refill on a diet soda? "NO. We charge full price for that. " And basically I did not get the impression tha our business was appreciated. So will I go back? Maybe. But it will likely be carry out if I do.
(2)
Alan K.
I had read great reviews about Allen & Son so my wife and I decided to give it a try. We were looking forward to a really good meal but that was not in the cards. We may have caught the restaurant on a bad night but our experience was terrible. The wait staff was less interested in service and more interested in texting and talking. The 'Q was greasier than I was willing to eat and the sides were so-so. It had more large chunks of fat than edible pork and tasted as if it had been held in a steam-table pan for too long. It tasted as if it had been cooked over gas instead of charcoal or wood and had not the slightest hint of smoke flavor. We ended up leaving without completing our meal. After attracting the attention of a staff person, I explained our disappointment. On the upside, we were not asked to pay for the meal and were told that our dissatisfaction would be passed on to management. Although I think consistency is key in building a reputation, I know that persons and establishments have "off days". We will likely give the restaurant another try and, if warranted, a better review.
(2)
Kevin Z.
Call the BBQ Police! BBQ crime in progress . I would expect this from a diner in Massachusetts but North Carolina? Ribs Taste like they were fresh out of the oven . Bad ribs and bad sauce don't really go together . sauce tastes more like stewed tomatoes than BBQ sauce . Rib plate came with what looked like overlooked small ends . To be fair the slaw was a tangy delight and the fried okra was too legit, too legit to quit . You have to wonder about a place that WILL not sell a slab of ribs or sell unsweetened tea. Bad food and Zero Customer focus. The Pit would have been a better move .
(2)
K C.
Allen & Son is a bit outside the build-up of Chapel Hill and is very non-descript looking. My GPS was slightly off and if I had not looked up while about to turn a corner, I would've missed it. Went on a Tuesday late afternoon and I was one of two customers there. Staff recommended a pork platter which came with coleslaw and hush puppies (yum!) for ~$13. The pulled pork portion was large and tasty, though I thought it was slightly dry. I got takeout and my order was ready within 5 min. Decor inside is certainly spartan, but it looks like there was plenty of seating available for those who wanted to eat in.
(4)
Anthony K.
Things were pretty quiet when I got to Allen & Son--they open early and I'd decided to go there for a "barbecue brunch" in order to facilitate the consumption of even more barbecue later in the day. But I didn't mind having the place to myself. Among other things, it gave me plenty of time to admire my surroundings. Allen & Son has the quirkiest, most idiosyncratic interior I'd yet encountered in NC BBQ country. It's some kind of folksy, friendly, frontier fantasy they've got going on in there, featuring a wide range of old-timey artifacts and a whole lot of taxidermy. Allen & Son is owned and operated by Keith Allen, a hulking figure of a man who has a fondness for hickory, who collects and chops all his own wood, and who prefers to work his pit and chop his pork all by himself, too. There's definitely something of the frontiersman in Allen, and he definitely looks the part. Think Sterling Hayden in Nicholas Ray's "Johnny Guitar" and the whole aesthetic of Allen & Son suddenly makes a lot more sense. Anyway, I had a chance to take in the scene, and study their menu, and I liked what I saw. Right down to their coy mascot. But what I liked most of all was my barbecue pork sandwich plate. The pork here was coarsely cut, robustly smoky, perfectly seasoned, and quite literally juicy. The juiciest I encountered on a brief West-to-East NC BBQ survey. The cole slaw was creamy and "white," it had been made with obvious care, and it was first class. The bun was seeded and definitely above average. And the hush puppies, too, were a work of art--the best I experienced over the course of a week in NC. Hell, even their sweet tea was outstanding, with enticing hints of vanilla to it. But the biggest revelation was Allen & Son's dip, which didn't have any tomato in it, but did contain a secret ingredient: butter. I'd read about early North Carolina barbecue sauces and how butter had been a fairly common ingredient well into the nineteenth century, but I'd never actually encountered one. Allen & Son's dip also arrived fresh & hot. And, boy, did it ever make that pork sing. Wow! This is barbecue so good I insisted on driving down and visiting Allen & Son a second time, just a few months later--from Montreal! Everything was just as great on my second visit. Actually, it was possibly even better, because that time I discovered their truly exceptional baked beans. Oh, yeah: they're really friendly, too, and super generous with the sweet tea.
(5)
Rebecca Y.
since people have Yelped about the pulled pork, I'm going to talk about their fried catfish. It is literally the best catfish I've ever had. It tasted more like cod than anything else (tender, falls off the fish in sections), and so delicious. Their homemade tartar sauce and horseradish is freaking amazing too (perfectly tart, really fresh). The hush puppies tasted a bit dry, overcooked, and maybe like it was fried twice (once for lunch and those not sold during lunch were fried again for dinner). Ribs were a bit dry, leaves something to be desired. But def go to Allen & Son for pulled pork, fried catfish, and fried okra. They also only make their famous banana pudding on Fridays, and they sold out of it by 5:30PM (and and so I didn't have an oportunity to try it). So if you want a banana pudding, get there early on Fridays and order it with your entrees!
(4)
Ron W.
When you talk barbeque in the Triangle area, you ALWAYS hear about Allen & Son! Not sure why it took five years but I finally stopped by for some of their delicious grub today, woohoo! Outside you'd hardly notice the place, I whizzed right by on 86, slammed on the brakes and whipped around. Inside Allen & Sons is all southern-country: knick-knacks, signs and decor, very homey and comfortable. But hey, you don't come to Allen & Son for ambiance, bring out the barbeque, baby! I went with the combo plate (barbeque and stew) to keep things easy. We started off with a basket of really crispy hushpuppies. I think they may have even been double-fried but they had a thick crust and tasted full of corn meal with a bit of onion, wonderful! The que was well cooked, tender and tasty, great stuff! But what really shined were as Lauren P mentioned, the sides... The brunswick stew was GREAT! Rich, with fresh vegetables and a great tomato base, delicious. The coleslaw (a dish I'm not particularly fond of) was amazingly crisp, tangy and finely-chopped. And since I waited 5 years to come here, we went all out and threw a peach cobbler onto the meal. Lots of brown sugar, a tender crust and stewed peaches, yum! Wow, all I can say is that Allen & Son lived up to all my expectations. Service was really attentive and comfortable, the barbecue was great and the sides were even better. So if you're ever zipping out on I-40 north of Chapel Hill, stop off on Route 86 for some fantastic and fresh comfort food. I guarantee you, I won't be waiting another five years before my next visit...
(5)
Geoff O.
My friends took me here because I wanted "legit" Carolina barbecue. Maybe what I actually wanted was bastardized, corporatized Carolina barbecue? I'm not sure. Generally, I liked this place, but I think their portion sizes are all over the map. It's kinda hard to find that happy balance. The pork was good, but I guess I prefer my pork pulled compared to chopped. I love vinegar, though. Yum. Check it out. It's a local icon. The staff is very pleasant. And it smells like stuff has been smoking out back for decades. Love it.
(3)
S C.
Quiet location and quaint interior. maybe 15 tables small operation pulled pork sandwich with slaw nice gentle smoke flavorr and plenty moist. sauce it is a vinegar base with the perfect amount of kick served warm. home cut fries were good and fresh and hot. Was told that even though this is not the original location they still use wood to smoke the meet. The Pittsboro location has converted to using gas
(4)
Nene K.
I am an avid and rabid fan of Cooper's in Raleigh. A hometown girl who loves her hometown bbq. But when the boy (a lovable yankee) came down to the Triangle area to visit the parents, he asked to stop by Allen & Son, having visited while checking out Duke. I acquiesced pretty convinced that it couldn't beat Cooper's because that's impossible right? Turns out it wasn't that impossible. Allen & Sons is located just off the road and is designed to appeal to tourists who have a distinct image of what a bbq shack should look like -- southern shabby chic. Inside is more of the same with checkered table cloth and nostalgic paraphernalia. The bbq and cole slaw were delicious!! The hush puppies were ok but not as good as Cooper's. The server was very kind and helpful with suggestions. All in all, a decent bbq place!
(4)
Tripp W.
Wow, I didn't expect to write this, but Allen & Son's kinda sucked. I know, I was very surprised too. So, here is my story. I was like a kid going to Disney World when we drove all the way out to A&S. This is THE NC BBQ mecca. I felt as I should bow at the door on the way in. [Start little voice in my head] This is going to be amazing. Oh boy, oh boy! What do I order....what do I order?? Seems like you can do a little BBQ plate, a big BBQ plate, or BBQ with stew. Gosh, the plates only come with hush puppies and coleslaw. No other side options? [In big letters at the top of the menu 'NO SUBSTITUTIONS'] Bummer, but it's cool; I will order something separate. $3.50 for a side of baked beans?!? Wait a second, those BBQ plates cost $11-12?!? Holy crap. Where are we? NYC? [Looks out the window] Nope, still in the sticks. This better be awesome. Mean waitress comes over. Not busy mean, but country mean. We are obviously a buzz kill on her day. Waters all around except one coke for the father-in-law. Everybody orders and the no substitutions rule was enthusiastically enforced. The plates come quickly (scooping doesn't take long) and the father-in-law requests a coke refill. Charge for freaking refills?!? Who does that? Oh man; this better be super awesome. Poke my BBQ with a fork and it's mushy. Clearly over-sauced. The smokey flavor is here but the consistency was wayyyy off. It can't be true....the best thing on the plate is the coleslaw. I don't even like coleslaw! The hushpuppies, merely average. But the BBQ....for the sake of all that's good in NC. Crap. [End little voice] This was the biggest let down in my food life. My father-in-law and I were crushed. We have been looking forward to trying A&S for a while. We actually went one time before and it was randomly closed, which I hear happens often. The owner just doesn't feel like make BBQ somedays. That day, we went to The Pig a couple miles away and got way better BBQ, sides, and experience. Come to think of it, I feel you get better BBQ at The Pit in DT Raleigh at a much better value. ~$10 for BBQ, two sides, hushpuppies and biscuits, free refills, and not out in the boondocks. I am definitely not saying The Pig or The Pit have the best NC BBQ, but they are solid. The same can not be said for A&S. Sad BBQ panda.
(2)
John L.
OM. Nom. Nom. Nom. Allen & Son is Carolina BBQ. It's the vinegary goodness that you hope for. It's also very country. It's up 86, past everything in Chapel Hill including Weaver Dairy and Homestead. You're pretty much on the verge of reaching Hillsborough by the time you get there. But it's worth it. You get the whole country experience, great food, awesome hush puppies, and BBQ which is about as good as anything you can possibly get in the Triangle, all on the cheap. Simply put, Allen & Son is exactly what you are looking for if you're looking for Carolina BBQ. Hours are not regular, so you will want to check before you go.
(5)
Lee L.
Eastern NC style as good as it gets. Freshly chopped, perfectly smoked, nice-and-juicy pork. Not overly sauced when it comes to you but the sauce on the table is perfect. Black peppery slaw is perfect. Bun doesn't get in the way. Took 2lbs home and nearly cried when I finally ran out. Unimportant side notes: good strong sweet tea, hot and crisp fried okra and OH the hot banana pudding on Fridays. Great stuff but should have had another sandwich for desert and maybe for my side dish too. Yeah, it's THAT good.
(5)
Matt K.
I was nervous about giving Allen & Son's a relatively low rating due to it's legendary status, but I have to admit that my experience was disappointing. Any place with such limited business hours gets a lot of build up in my mind for some reason. Allen & Son is also featured in one of our cookbooks at home! Tripp W. has said it all very well and some of my feelings are the same, but I walked away with a few more positives. I was expecting some out of this world stuff, and I think everything was just OK. I ordered the ribs, and my wife got the bbq plate. I am open to all kinds of bbq but there is a very heavy vinegar base to the A&S sauce. The ribs were served wet and were greasy. I wouldn't get them again. My wife cleaned her plate of chopped bbq. I tried some, and that would definitely be my preference next time around. As for sides: The cole slaw was tasty, but very pedestrian. The fries were fresh cut. The hushpuppies are good as many have said, but I don't think they were the best I ever had or particularly memorable. We each had lemonade which we enjoyed, but it does not come with refills. Also, the plates in general were pricey. We ordered peach cobbler for dessert and it was good, but again not amazing. I liked the decor and the seating arrangements; the whole place was bigger than I thought. Also our server was attentive and helpful. The other downside was price. I know we got dessert, but for 2 people with tax and tip it was $40. That's a lot for bbq anything as far as I'm concerned. I want to visit again to try the bbq plate and hopefully update my review. Unfortunately though, my first visit was disappointing.
(3)
John S.
Went recently for the 2nd time. BBQ here is very good, i'd put it in my top 5 for Eastern NC style, sides are also very good. Only issue for me still is the price. There are quite a few Eastern NC BBQ joints you can get nearly the same quality BBQ for $7 or $8 a plate, including 2 sides w/ hushpuppies.
(4)
Jesse S.
It's just ok. Supposedly this is a somewhat famous place around these parts, but I haven't been all that impressed after visiting a few times. Their pork is ok. Their hushpuppies are ok. Their sauce is ok. But nothing has really stood out. I have also heard some older customers complaining that their current buns aren't as good as the ones they used to have. Maybe this place used to be great, but in its current state, I don't think it's anything to write home about. Perhaps my expectations were just too high, given their reputation...
(3)
Scott K.
The bbq here is pork-tastic. The bbq has a delicate smoke flavor to it. The brunswick stew is very good and the onion ring are decent. The hushpuppies are just ok. The sweet tea is some of the best sweet tea around. Every time I come here I find it very difficult to order something else from the menu. The bbq plates give you alot of food for the money, but expensive. I usually get the bbq sandwich with one side and sweet tea for $8.00. Yes, I will continue to go back here. Love the pig decor with farm equipment! Food A Decor B Staff C Location D Health Inspection Grade 91.5
(5)
Karl S.
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que is a landmark in Chapel Hill. I have been a loyal customer for at least twenty years. Even when I didn't live in North Carolina it was one of two barbecue places that I would make sure that I ate at when I came to the triangle. The barbecue is top notch. There just aren't too many places that can do it this well and even fewer that can do it better. I always get the barbecue plate and brunswick stew. The hush puppies are done perfectly. And don't get me started talking about their desserts. This is a 4 star restaurant all the way. The major faults i have are with the price and the sweet tea. The tea isn't sweet at all, they give you unsweet tea and simple syrup. You flavor your own tea !!! They have been doing it this way for years and frankly I think it is a cop out. This is the south.. learn to make sweet tea and serve it ! The other draw back to this wonderful spot is the price. This is barbecue, I don't think it should be this expensive. I guess if you are a landmark you can get away with it.
(4)
Ron T.
I finally made it............ Tried to visit for years, but since we are in NC usually between Christmas & New Years Allen & Son is closed. Worth the anticipation and the wait.... Loved the North Carolina BBQ. BBQ Plate was perfect the house sauce was delicious, used maybe a third of the bottle. I'm glad I didn't order a sandwich, the meats should be eaten with sauce only. I now understand why Allen & Son is considered one of the flagships for NC BBQ. Damn Good! The fried catfish was just as compelling as the BBQ, very good. The catfish is not greasy, perfectly fried, super fresh served with homemade tarter sauce and cocktail sauce (both are great,) a real treat. Yummy and I am not usually a fan of catfish. Hush Puppies are fried sweet & savory goodness. The coleslaw was a perfect compliment to the pork and all the fried food. Yes, the french fries are kinda soggy....we didn't really eat them. Our bellies were getting full anyway. The chocolate pie and homemade ice cream were good. They were not NYC restaurant to die for but more like southern grandma satisfying. The sweet tea is an endless cup and it is surprising how much you can drink. My BBQ/Southern Food jones was so satisfied, that I did not feel compelled to visit any other of my Raleigh Area hit list of local foods.
(5)
Stephanie R.
nice bbq.
(4)
Jessica C.
The BBQ wasn't bad but the stench of the restraunt itself was offputting. It was a bit pricey it seemed. I guess I am just used to GA bbq places where you can get a small sandwhich for a buck, and side of fries for a second buck.
(2)
Carol L.
I'm from NC but have since moved out to CA. whenever I miss southern bbq, I only think of allen and son... bbq: smokey, peppery, and tender. vinegar sauce: perfect balance of sweet and sour, plus a litte kick. its so good that i made my friends ship it to me in california! hush puppies: full of buttery flavor, perfectly crisp on the outside and moist and dense on the inside. one time i ate this for two meals in one day! 4 stars; only because it feels kinda pricey for the portions.
(4)
Tim C.
Hands down the best NC barbecue in Chapel Hill. The pork is so flavorfully smoky, juicy and tender, and with their vinegar-based sauce (vinegary and slightly spicy), it's some of the best barbecue I've ever had. On top of that, their hushpuppies are just as unique and delicious. There's a starchy sweetness and a lighter-than-normal texture that sets it apart from your normal hushpuppy. The cole slaw is pretty standard. Their desserts are also tasty - I prefer their pies over their cobblers, but you can't really go wrong with either. If you go to Allen & Son, get their barbecue. Their other dishes are not bad, but you honestly can't go wrong with the barbecue.
(5)
Al G.
I don't get it. I'm sorry, but I don't. As soon as you walk into this place you're surrounded by tables of people staring at you. You move about 10 feet through a sea of eyeballs mere inches from your torso, and you can finally make out a counter with a register. I placed my order, to go-since I was obviously freaked out by the "ambiance". I later heard "just seat yourself", so I suppose I could have tried to find a table on my own instead of looking for someone to seat me and ate there, but...no. I went basic for a first try, a barbeque sandwich and hushpuppies. I was asked if i wanted coleslaw on it. I tried to get it on the side, but was told that then I would have to pay for a side of coleslaw. Really? Fine, leave it on the sandwich. My order came to nearly $10. I gasped, but paid. A dollar more and I could have had the platter...with the coleslaw separated from the meat. A few minutes later I was handed a bag and I promptly left. I got into my car and pulled out the hushpuppies-nobody likes cold hushpuppies. There was a small container of vinegar sauce-I'm not sure if it came with the pups or the sandwich, but I eventually dipped the hushpuppies in it to make them marginally better. They weren't bad, but 6 little balls of dough was not worth the $2.95 I paid for them. I decided to go ahead and eat the sandwich too...it was already a soggy mess...probably because of the damn coleslaw-which was diced up into miniscule pieces and soaked in runny mayo (not unlike chick-fil-a, but at least there it's not on a bun!) I pulled out some of the meat to try sans slaw-some pieces were crispy and burnt, others were basically pieces of fat, but of the edible ones, they were quite bland. Perhaps the vinegar sauce was for the meat after all. So: Off-putting, bland, overpriced. I guess those are the three stars I took away.
(2)
Jason D.
Did not like the food at all and service was some of the worst I have experienced. The manager was very rude and treated us horribly. There is much better bbq right down the street, I will never walk into that place again.
(1)
Cathy B.
Used to stop here once a month for pig. Unfortunately, haven't been back in five months. Last time I got home with my order, the pig was full of fat, hush puppies were mush, and the sauce was a cup of orange yellow grease with something orange settled at the bottom. I think some places have been in business too long and just assume people will eat anything they dish out to you because of their reputation of having a good product. Will never stop here again to eat fat and grease served by these good ole' boys.
(1)
Tyreeree D.
So much better than all the rest. This is the place to go if you want some real BBQ and some delicious banana pudding. While The BBQ Joint is good for some weird pseudo-gourmet kind of BBQ, this place is nice and down home. I implore you to order the ribs because they are finger licking, fall of the bone good. Also, if you have a dog, they sell delicious bones that you can take home to little Buster for a delicious but unhealthy treat. I do warn you though - if your dog has allergies, beware of the shit storm to follow (literally). Q: Why can't NC BBQ be as good and cheap as GA BBQ? Grrrrrr.
(5)
Katie B.
When we got married five years ago, we hired Allen & Son to cater our wedding. It was an amazing deal and so delicious that people are still talking about it, years later. In fact, one of my friends recently mail-ordered their 'cue for her husband's birthday (in LA). The best surprise, though, was the desserts, all made by the same guy who smokes the pigs. We couldn't find a good wedding cake baker in the Durham area--everything was stale and boring. Then we had lunch at Allen & Son and ordered some cake and pie to share. Heaven! So our wedding cake(s) were the key lime pound cake and cream cheese pound cake, all served up with homemade vanilla ice cream and freshly picked strawberries. Orgasmic. Nothing in this world is so good. Do yourself a favor and go for a long bike ride, then sit in Allen & Son and replenish your lost calories with sweet tea, a barbecue sandwich with slaw, a handful of hushpuppies, and just about any dessert on the menu. You won't be sorry.
(5)
GeneR S.
The best bar-b-q in the Chapel Hill area, served in a no-frills restaurant with gallons of sweet tea, excellent hush puppies, and homemade pies/cobblers/cookies to accompany. Service is usually very quick and friendly. Coming from Chapel Hill (86 N) it's easy to miss, so be on the look out for it's driveway on the left just before the railroad tracks.
(5)
Emily S.
Overall it was pretty good but I wasn't blown away. I'm not sure if I am just not a good judge of BBQ but it didn't make we want to return for anything special. I got the BBQ plate and of course my favorite was the hush puppies. I agree with everyone else that you must get some of these. I do like the comfortable atmosphere here. The staff make you feel like a local. I do suggest wearing light clothing as it was pretty hot inside and this was only on a 70 degree evening. The only thing I didn't like was my apple cobbler. It was cold and nothing like I was expecting. Also come early as they close at 8:00 and service can be on the slow side.
(3)
Jillian P.
Best BBQ in the area, the pork is tasty, the ribs are so good I don't mind eating messy food in public, and the hush puppies keep me up at night with their siren song.
(5)
Shayan B.
Hands down the best BBQ I have ever had. The tea is perfect. The vinegar based sauce is sweet and spicy. I used to eat here once a week. I went home for a wedding and had to have some. It just reminded me of how pulled pork should taste. Try this place. Everything on the menu is amazing!
(5)
Wendy T.
The classic BBQ shack in the triangle. The platters are big, with piles of moist, juicy pork - which I've heard unlike other places is NOT cooked over a gas grill. The classic sides are really tasty. And it's all served up in a cinderblock building staffed by friendly people, decorated with dead animals. Really.
(5)
Jake W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world. I grew up in CH, but now liv in LA and I have brought out 10 lbs. of Allen and Sons on a few occasions to keep in my freezer. You don't realize it until you leave NC, but you really can't get pulled pork anywhere else that is even close to authentic. You can order something other than pulled pork off the menu, but I don't know why you would. The sweet tea is always good ( and if you're with a few people they'll just leave a pitcher on your table). The french fries are usually not too good, but that's not really important in the grand scheme of things. The only real problem is that they're closed on Sundays and Mondays and there's always one week each winter and each summer that they close down completely.
(5)
Timothy C.
This place has some of the best BBQ I've had here in the triangle,and I've had a lot! The BBQ is pit cooked and you can taste all of the yummy flavors!!! Place is great to there and try some good ol' nc BBQ!!!!
(5)
Mario M.
This placks is not what you would expect. The bbq was mild and plain, tasted like vinegar only. and the sauce was not spicy at all. The ambiance and crowded house made me feel as if it would be truly the best BBQ in NC but alas it failed. Talked with other locals and they all agreed there's much better BBQ to be found if your willing to drive a few hours.
(1)
Stacey V.
I LOVE this place. It's honestly the best bbq I've ever had, and I'm born-and-raised in NC. If you're in the area and you want to get the best bbq experience, this place is a must.
(5)
Lindsay T.
as a vegetarian, take my review with a grain of salt. that said, i've tried the grilled cheese, french fries, hush puppies, fried okra, and chocolate pie. grilled cheese was good as can be and the hush puppies and fried okra were tasty. the french fries were skin-on and appeared hand cut, but they were soggy. the chocolate pie was AMAZING. i don't know what they put in that crust but it was chewy and chocolate-y and soooooo good! obviously every other person i've been with has gotten BBQ, usually the sandwich or the plate. every single person has had rave reviews, even those who previously didn't like NC style BBQ. it's open for lunch most days, but dinner thursday through saturday only and i would get there early. last time i was there they were photographing the place for a feature story in USA Today. you can't really beat that.
(4)
Conspicuous C.
This casual BBQ joint is way out in the middle of nowhere with cinderbrick walls. I kept driving and driving and started to become concerned that we would run into some half-breeds who say things like, "You shur got a purty mouth...". Then, lo and behold, there it was. I was pretty pleased with the BBQ plate I ordered--generous, and both the hush puppies and cole slaw were unusually good. The price was pretty good as well. NC BBQ is shredded pork smoked and covered in a vinegar sauce flavored with cayenne, tabasco, and sugar. If you are looking for NC BBQ, this is a good bet.
(4)
Nick L.
I don't understand why people still take their out-of-town relatives to Bullock's for their first NC-style BBQ experience. Seriously. Bullock's serves something that looks like steamed, shredded, mushy pork, devoid of much flavor besides an annoying way-too-vinegary aftertaste. And it's often lukewarm. Allen & Son, on the other hand, serves hot, delightfully smoky pork in a perfectly balanced sauce (with butter in it, I think). I never add any sauce, because it's always just right. Their pork is more roughly chopped as opposed to Bullock's puree, so you get some nice chunks of meat and the charred "outside brown" parts (delicious!) Brunswick stew is good, but nothing I haven't had elsewhere. Hush puppies are really heavy, but really good. Interesting potato salad (maybe too much relish). The fries everyone raves about are somewhat overrated (found them soggy). But here, it's all about the pork. Try the ribs too -- they're messy, but tasty. Four stars because they don't do substitutions for sides and they're pretty pricey, as far as NC-style 'cue goes. Ordering any of their substantial BBQ plates for dinner will run you at least $10. But I guess when you're the best, you can afford to be a little bit of a hard ass. And you can't beat their fast and friendly service. Bullock's? More like bollocks.
(4)
Brian O.
I don't want to be too harsh on this place because I realize that the food they serve is very traditional BBQ fare for North Carolina and it's much loved by others. I was a little disappointed by my lunch here. I got a pulled pork sandwich with fried okra as a side. The pulled pork itself was quite good but I was a little disappointed with the soggy white bread it came with. It just didn't come together as a good sandwich for me. I realize the squishy white bread is a normal barbecue thing but it didn't work for me. The fried okra was OK. Where things really got bad was the dessert which the waitress promised me was fantastic. It was a chocolate pecan pie, completely overheated in the microwave. It might have been good when it was still warm from the oven but after being heated up the crust was destroyed (tough and chewy) and the molten chocolate was scalding. If I get pie here again I'll go with something less sweet and ask them to not heat it.
(3)
Rajarshi G.
Found this place via Yelp when I was visiting Chapel Hill. The crowd of cars outside the place was a pretty good sign and the smells inside was lovely. We got the BBQ platter - pulled pork, slaw and hush puppies. The slaw was pretty standard but the pulled pork and hush puppies were pretty much mind blowing - no icky sweetness on the pork. And a perfect balance between vinegar and smoky bbq flavors. The hush puppies were awesome. We took the food out and I just wish we had ordered more from their menu.
(5)
Sharon L.
Eh. I've tried. I really have. I've tried to love NC bbq, but it just hasn't happened. Been here a few times and the pork just doesn't do much for me. It reminds me of...well...soggy meat. I know this is all a matter of taste. Service has been consistent during visits, sweet tea is of course grand, hush puppies are just ok.
(2)
Sarah A.
This is arguably the best North Carolina BBQ joint in the triangle. If you don't mind sitting among taxidermy, you can eat in the restaurant, or, if you prefer, order ahead or at the counter for takeout. The BBQ plate with coleslaw and hush puppies is easily worth the calories.
(4)
Chris S.
I came here based on the A+ recommendation from bbqjew.com . I got the BBQ plate with cole slaw and added potato salad for $1, which brought the price to $12.50 for a plate of BBQ. So at this point, my expectations are pretty high considering the high price. The pork was very flavorful and plentiful and did not disappoint. My only gripe is that some pieces of were pork were pretty chewy and almost has the texture of jerky. I also would have liked a sauce that didn't taste like straight vinegar. But other than that, the pork was pretty tasty! The cole slaw and potato salad were great and so were the hushpuppies that came with my meal. I also tried the bread pudding and was disappointed. It tasted like it was made a week ago and heated up in the microwave. I would go with another dessert and avoid the bread pudding.
Very good pulled pork and hush puppies and now sauce was good as well. Deserts were okay.
(3)
N K.
The menu was very limited but food was delicious. Barbecue sauce was hotter than average. We enjoyed it. Dessert looked so good that we took it home in a box because we were too full! Well worth it!
(5)
Jennifer W.
Beautiful drive out to this little spot - but keep an eye out, because their sign is a bit faded! True NC BBQ joint - with a lot of bang for your buck! Combo BBQ and stew with slaw for $12...add that to the on-the-house hush puppies the waitress brought, and I had to be rolled home. I'm still getting used to vinegar-based BBQ sauces, but LOVED the home made sauce at this place; it had a good kick. Wish I had room for dessert, because the pies and home made ice cream looked amazing. Warm local atmosphere and a full house on Saturdays. Make sure you get there on time, though - they close by 8pm!
(4)
Chris S.
From the outside this place looks a lil sketchy, but in the world of BBQ that often yields the greatest flavor and we were thrilled with this place. The staff was friendly, the food was excellent and as you can see from our photos we brought back loads of the sauce to California. It felt like I was eating BBQ from the sticks and that spells excellent! This was our second spot on our NC BBQ Tour (Lexington BBQ was 1st and wasn't near as good and The Pit was second and couldn't have been more overrated). Allen & Son hit the spot. As a matter of fact, the flavor still is in our mind 2,400 miles away. The sweet tea was awesome. The hush puppies were great and our ribs and pork were juicy, flavorful and cooked to perfection. Personally, my favorite part of the night was the sweet potato pie. I haven't found a place that makes it anywhere near as good!
(5)
Rob W.
Allen and son serves good, authentic, Eastern NC Barbeque. The address is Chapel Hill, but this place is out in the country and definitely off the beaten path. The experience is very authentic. As others have remarked, the hours of service are limited. This is not my favorite place, but there is a lot of tradition here.
(3)
Fred S.
Ah. Been away from the region too long. I had an exceptional barbeque sandwich. Lots of almost perfect eastern Carolina chopped pork. The only short coming was the lack of slaw. Possibly only a tablespoon for a large sandwich. I asked for a little more. My option was to order a side of slaw for over $3. Service was very quick and friendly. Any fast food would be put to shame by the speed - not to mention the quality and atmosphere.
(4)
Natasha S.
Very disappointed! When we first walked in, the older lady was very unfriendly... So unfriendly that I had to ask was it okay for us ( being black) to eat in there.. Food wasn't good at all.. 8 shrimps for $11.30 and was told by the waitress from the owner that they use higher end shrimps unlike Allen & Son in Chatham. Next time I will take a longer drive to the Allen & Son in Chatham... Much nicer and plenty of food for your money!
(1)
Klaus N.
What an utter disappointment. The chicken was dry and hard as a rock, the barbecue was flavorless an old tasting, The coleslaw tastes like it's a day to old. The hush puppies and potato salad were adequate however the fried okra was very good. I guess it wasn't a total waste of money. This was a very disappointing experience. In the past this location served good barbecue. I do not know what has transpired. I can still recommend the Allen and sons barbecue south of Chapel Hill that still has excellent quality food.
(1)
Stephanie C.
Our family who are from the town took us here and it was pretty good! But the bbq "sauce" was not good at all. Way too spicy and runny! You couldn't really put on a sandwich, it would just seep out. Wish server would have warned us it was spicy! Parents didn't like either. Sister thought it was good. It was more like dressing, like a vinegar and oil recipe that they make there. I didn't put much on my pork and my mouth was on fire, my dad who likes spicy even thought it was too much spice! Maybe make a less spicy version? The hush puppies were good though abs so was the cobbler and peanut butter pie! The place in general is kinda old and run down looking. But everyone is really friendly.
(4)
Tina W.
Even though I am not a fan of BBQ, I am not gonna take Allen off my bookmark. Why? Cuz it's way too amazing and delicious. Location: GPS located them as in chapel hill area. But it's kinda in the middle of no where Basically, if you trust your GPS enough, it will eventually lead you the right location. You can park your car in front of the store. Food: I had cup of stew with hush puppy, cream cheese pound cake and coconut cheese cake. Ok, let's start with stew. The stew is well balanced and seasoned with some specular BBQ in it. I have never had the stew tasted so delicious and wonderful! Hush puppy is amazing as well. I had Q shack BBQ before. It was bit sweet and hard to chew. But Allen's hush puppy is melted when you chew it and crispy outside. I would eat a dozen if I can. But I have to make some rooms for dessert. Both cakes are the best I have ever had in triangle area. Don't be biased if they take the cake out from the refrigerator. It is still good. The pound cake is creamy and coconut cheese is creamy and sweet as well. I am so glad I had those two cakes. Service: very nice! Southern hospitality is everywhere while you are at the restaurant Overall: I am gonna try everything if I can next time. Oh, I remembered some one posted that don't be on diet of you eat here. I absolutely second the opinion. So basically, my diet is ruin and I am gonna do t again.
(5)
Lenny W.
I'm a fairly new convert to Carolina BBQ. I've always loved my Memphis and Texas BBQ because that's what was always close to where I lived. Since visiting NC, I've seen the light. I'm loving the vinegar-y flavor. This place is amazing, no muss, no fuss goodness. If you're in the mood for amazing bbq, this is the place.
(5)
Becky D.
Allen & Son has the best BarBQ in NC hands down. We had a "NC vs SC BBQ Battle" a few years ago when State played South Carolina in football and Allen & Son was the runaway winner. The SC fans were eating our BBQ along with us and ours was gone in a matter of minutes and the SC BBQ had lots leftover when we were done. Your food is amazing!!
I was visiting Chapel Hill for the first time and I wanted to try some Carolina BBQ. I'm a porkaholic so getting the pulled pork was an easy decision. Wow I could not get enough of that spicy vinegar sauce. It compliments the pork very well. The tang and acidity cut through the richness of the pork. The hush puppies were delicious too! Coming from Texas, I love my beef brisket bathed in BBQ sauce. But biases aside, I really enjoyed my meal here. I can now say I'm a fan of Carolina pulled pork. But Texas BBQ is still better :P
(4)
Patrick D.
So far, this is the best barbecue I've had. Don't expect the gloppy, sugary "Texas style" of BBQ here...this is a lot drier and smokier, with some vinegary tang (the sauce they offer on the side is really not all that spicy, despite the other reviews). Even the coleslaw was probably the best I've had, and I'm not even a big coleslaw fan. The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but it's just what you'd expect from a slightly out-of-the-way, old-school "country" barbecue joint -- feels like you stepped back into the 1950s or 60s. Pro Tip: Save room for dessert, because they have a killer selection.
(4)
Corey S.
I work out of RTP occasionally and this is easily the best BBQ I've had in the area. It is a bit of a drive for lunch, but well worth it. Expected frills location and service and just darn good Eastern NC-style BBQ. The desert menu was extensive and of decent quality, but the least exciting part of the meal. Just fill up on the Q and you will be happier.
(5)
Miriam F.
You can't beat the barbecue...it is delicious! The portion was large on the BBQ plate. You can beat a couple of things: no unsweet tea and my Diet Coke was an 8oz bottle while my husband's Coke was 12oz.... Both were $2! When my husband asked if he could get a tiny taste of the Brunswick Stew ( he doesn't like spicy) a staff member came out and shouted "we don't give free tastes of anything" she didn't even come to our table! The server at our table was very gracious. The hush puppies were almost burned. Closing on a good note the pound cake was delicious...it and the Bread Pudding were small portions. I am sorry we ate "in" instead of getting take out.
(3)
Warren N.
I went to Allen and Sons on Friday night and was very pleased with my meal. I haven't been in a while and was excited to be back to fulfill my southern food craving. I wasn't happy that they don't automatically provide hush puppies for the table like other restaurants normally do. This forced us to buy some extra sides for everyone to munch on before dinner was served. The service was very slow being that the restaurant was practically empty for a Friday night. I got the BBQ chicken plate and it was very flavorful. The BBQ sauce was super tasty and they gave me enough chicken for at least two more meals. The hush puppies were delicious, extra crispy, and not too greasy. When it came time for dessert, I was upset to hear they had ran out of their banana pudding. I'll have to come back just for that! We tried the pecan pie, blackberry cobbler, peanut butter pie, and chocolate pie. The pies just kept getting better and better! The blackberry cobbler was my favorite. It was warm, the blackberries were fresh, and the crust was cooked just right. The peanut butter pie was also amazing. This one was served cold and was super creamy and rich with peanut butter flavor. Overall, I was excited to be back at Allen and Sons and did enjoy my meal. However, I think they need to improve on their service and lower the prices of some of their dishes to make me want to keep coming back regularly.
(3)
Wen L.
So disappointed! I grew up in NC and have moved to Atlanta. I rave about NC bbq to everyone. As a devoted Yelper I went to Yelp to find a new place to try for this visit back. Yelp for the first time failed me. 4 star average...NOT! I HOPE it was just a bad day. I DO have to start off by saying the BBQ pork sandwich was not bad at all. I enjoyed the slaw on top and I did have to add some of the spicy vinegar sauce. Overall, I wouldn't mind eating this again. Now on to the rest.... My husband, who literally eats everything, gave up on the BBQ chicken. That is when I knew something was really wrong. To me, it was just okay - I would give it 2 stars. I wouldn't order it again, but would eat it if it was at a party or something. The sides were a hit or miss. The cole slaw and potato salad, I liked. They had an unique vinegar taste. The hush puppies and fries were HUGE misses. The fries were just really flavorless. The hush puppies were a horrendous. On first sight, they were really dark brown, like they were overly fried (My parents had restaurants my whole life. You can just tell.) And guess what? They were over fried! But of course, like a good Yelper I tried it anyways. When you bite into it, you get a huge flavorless warm gush of OIL! Disgusting!!! Yeah...so not going back next time I am in town for sure. I'm really hoping it was a bad day, because I don't understand how this can be 4 stars.
(1)
Karisa D.
It's like eating in a country home. Allen & Son Bar-B-Que is definitely a hidden gem in the neighborhood. When you first drive up to the restaurant, it looks like an old house. My initial thought was that our GPS was wrong and that my sister gave us the wrong address. I was wrong, (of course!) when my sister pointed to the old painted sign. Trusting her, who lives in Chapel Hill right now, we walked inside. I also felt better when I saw the "People love us on Yelp" sticker on their window. I figured it couldn't be bad.... Inside, you do feel like you're in a house in the country. Checkered table cloths, pitchers of ice cold sweet tea, and friendly staff add to character of Allen and Son Bar-B-Que. Like their namesake, the food focuses on Carolina barbecue, which has a vinegar base that I am not used to. After looking at the menu, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw, potato salad, and sweet tea. I also ate some of my sister's hush puppies, I couldn't resist. Food was tasty. Their house made barbecue sauce has a tangy taste that definitely gives the sandwich a kick. The pork is cooked well, moist, and they give you a healthy serving. Sweet tea- delicious. One of my favorite things in the South. The staff was friendly and we had good service overall. If I ever come back to the area, I'd make a stop.
(4)
Joshua R.
Great, authentic, local bbq spot in Chapel Hill. If you are visitng be aware, that BBQ sandwich means pulled pork (they don't tend to specify). Great BBQ, but honestly the banana pudding was one of the best i've ever had. That'd be my top pick for this spot, though I think they only serve it on friday night.
(4)
Brian S.
While traveling through we wanted to stop for Carolina BBQ and stopped at this great local joint. The service was super and the food came quick. We went at 3 in the afternoon and the place was pretty steady with customers the whole time and they also had several take-out orders. They only had one sauce to add and it was pretty spicy in case that's not for you. I like spicy and didn't think it was that spicy, but could see how some would not want it. The slaw and potato salad were good, but the hushpuppies were my favorite! We also sprung for dessert and could barely decide what to get so I got the pound cake with cream cheese icing and scoop of ice cream and my girlfriend got pecan pie with ice cream. They were both absolutely delicious and served warm (probably fresh out of the oven, but definitely baked fresh that day!)
(4)
Lee M.
If you want authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue, this is the place. Deep smoky flavor to the 'cue that's not overly sauced (you can put some on, but it is not at all needed), and there's plenty of it in the BBQ plate. Hushpuppies are top-notch, and even the slaw had good flavor. Missed out on the Friday banana pudding, but the homemade ice cream was excellent.
(5)
Scott P.
Be weary of the hush puppies.... they're delicious! Allen & Son BBQ is a bit outside the main Chapel Hill area but is well worth the drive. Upon arriving it was easy to tell that THIS was where the locals come to get their bbq. We ordered the main pulled pork bbq plates and a chicken plate, all of which were fantastic! The chicken was very juicy and the pulled pork melted in your mouth! Go ahead and put some of their house made sauce on all the food! Well worth a visit if you're looking for good bbq around Chapel Hill!
(4)
Reuben S.
I'm a huge fan of this place. BBQ (pork) was delicious, with a nice vinegar sauce. (Full disclosure: my dining companion, from Tennessee, thought it was just okay.) Hushpuppies were the best I've had (although most of the ones I've had have not been that good). What made them good was the light but natural-tasting sweetness, and the fact that they were neither too greasy nor too dry. Atmosphere is also neat; clearly hasn't changed much in a while. This place gets five stars for the food, but I will note--the first time I was in the area and tried to go, they were closed during their listed business hours. I've heard this happens, and maybe it's part of the charm, but I was disappointed and would warn others that they may be, too.
(5)
Aggie D.
My favorite NC barbeque of all time. Eat in or take out, it's great. Sides are all solid and the dessert is above par.
(5)
Sarah S.
No cheerwine?!? No bbq slaw?!? Oversalted nasty bbq. The bbq chicken was slimy. The prices were too high. I would never come back here. Terrible place.
(1)
Sheryl C.
Don't bother. BBQ bun was so soggy it fell apart. BBQ had no flavor and the sauce she gave us was water. Hush puppies were dry and also fell apart. Waitress had an attitude and not very friendly at all. Won't be coming back here.
(1)
David C.
I went here because I saw it rated as the "best BBQ in the South" somewhere. The first attempt, I got there at 5pm on a Tuesday and they were closing up. The next time I got there during their open hours, but they were closed anyway. Be sure to call ahead to make sure they're open. It's funny to be sitting in the parking lot, looking at your phone for another BBQ joint, and have someone else pull up next to you and ask if they are open. Wait staff were nice. Sides are good. I really like the potato salad and cole slaw. Baked beans were passable. I really don't like the hush puppies -- too heavy on the corn meal. I'm giving a low rating because I really didn't care for their BBQ. The ribs were dry, and I didn't care for the tomato-based sauce they covered them with. The pulled pork had some off-flavor I couldn't place. There are three other places that I think have better BBQ. If you don't mind the drive, Hillsboro BBQ is good, and has adult beverages. Danny's BBQ is also good, but is just open for lunch. Backyard BBQ is the best in terms of flavor, but is definitely a hole-in-the-wall.
(2)
Kathleen W.
I asked Jeeves (what I decided to call my traveling companion for our business trip out to North Carolina) to find a place for lunch - she found this place via Yelp. We had to drive a bit off the beaten path, but having a sense of adventure is always good when traveling. Better take a detour and find something interesting than stick to the freeways and have to eat at Chic Fil A. It was pricier than I had expected ... about $11.00 for my meal of BBQ that came with some meat, cole slaw and 3 hush puppies. All of it fit into one of those small hot dog trays ... I guess when I'm in NC, (or rather anywhere but the Bay Area), I always expect large portions of food for BBQ. It was the perfect amount though and quite tasty. The place was bustling! Jeeves ordered 3 different salads - why the vegatarian picked a BBQ joint is beyond me.
(3)
Shawn C.
In the area recently and requested 3 of the smallest, plain bbq sandwiches they could provide. We hit a stop sign at 22 bucks. Our usual stop is much cheaper, and seems to be best in the triangle. Had to politely pass.
(2)
Connie W.
Hush puppies from heaven!! Very authentic and classic Carolina vinegar style barbeque. Its home owned and I just love coming here to support people who have been doing things right for a very long time.
(5)
Sam R.
Best BBQ in the triangle, and I've tried almost all of them.
(5)
Bob S.
I wish I were hungrier when I went there, because I was really in more of a mode of leisure eating. I was in the area on tour and I'm not one to miss out on good BBQ so I went on the smaller side with a pulled pork sandwich and a side of fries. The pork was smokey, tender and bursting with flavor. The sauce was thin, hot and more vinegar based, but it was a nice compliment to the sandwich. The fries were cut in-house, seasoned well and crisp I couldn't have asked for better, I just wish I could have asked for more. A word of advice to first timers, if you're wanting to take a whole pie home or just think it's a possibility, call ahead first.
(5)
Ben R.
Allen and Son makes the best barbecue in the Triangle area and some of the best in the state. I've been going there since the 70's and haven't changed my mind about that. Having read most of the Yelp reviews, I have noticed a couple of patterns. First, one does not go to an NC barbecue place and order fish. I mean, do you go to a fish restaurant or steak house and order barbecue? Another thing I noticed is that many of the negative reviews are by folks who are unfamiliar with NC barbecue. One reviewer even described Allen's as Western NC style. The fact is that Chapel Hill marks the western edge of the Eastern style barbecue region. Go to Greensboro and you'll get Western NC style (watery, bland pork and that godawful red slaw). Allen's style of pork incorporates the outer surface or "bark" of the shoulder and that might account for the reviews here which complain of saltiness and toughness of the meat. Again, this is the traditional way in Eastern NC barbecue. The hush puppies are usually heavenly and I totally agree with the reviewer who states that the best way to enjoy the pork and the slaw is to have a bit of each on the fork. Those who complain that the sauce is greasy should bear in mind that it contains a fair amount of butter. Another thing to consider is that EVERYTHING at Allen's is made in house, so there will be day-to-day fluctuations. The guy even splits his own wood, for heaven's sake. This is the hard-core way to make barbecue and everything else about the place is equally traditional. The service is just fine if you ask me. Sure, the servers are businesslike but I have never seen any rudeness. I, too, find the "no substitutions" policy baffling, especially their unwillingness to serve a sandwich with slaw on the side. It's not a problem for me because I always order the stew and 'cue combo. About their hours, they are closed on Sunday and Monday. So, I guess the bottom line of this long-winded review is that if you want an old-fashioned barbecue place with super traditional food, this is for you. If you expect refined decor and cute college girls flirting for tips you should go to a place where that is a reasonable expectation. Allen and Son is about as real as it gets around here.
(5)
Mike B.
Allen & Son is a local institution. If you profess to like Eastern style North Carolina barbecue, you will love the food at Allen & Son. The brunswick stew and banana pudding are not to be missed either.
(4)
Michael O.
The barbecue chicken consisted of the smallest chicken breast I've ever been served. I sent the chicken back and was told it comes that way. The menu is overpriced and I will definitely not be eating here again.
(1)
Brian T.
I have posted here before but, it disappeared for some reason. I'm going to keep it short this time and easy to read. 1, the food is excellent 2, the service is great 3, the building is old and shows it 4, bathrooms suck, they are small and show their age badly. 5, really interesting decor 6, there are times when they are heavy that the first two begin to fall short. I would recommend this place but, it is a terrible place to go if you are on a diet,
(4)
Matthew T.
Bbq always delivers Brunswick stew is excellent, pies are fresh, and the service is friendly and efficient.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Michael H.
It looks like a few people need some guidance about what exactly North Carolina barbeque is, and that, uh, they should actually be ordering the barbeque at a famous barbeque restaurant as opposed to, say, seafood. First of all, North Carolina bbq is chopped pork. It's not ribs. This state doesn't have any tradition in ribs whatsoever. When you go to a BBQ place in this state, please please PLEASE don't order ribs. That's a Texas/Kansas/Memphis/midwest thing. It's not in our bbq history. Second, when the guy is getting up at 2 a.m. every morning to chop the hickory wood and smoke the pig for 9 hours thereafter, and a place is steeped in such a tradition, why would you go in there as a party and no one actually order the "raison de existence" of the place? It's like going to the Louvre and then asking to see the children summer camp's artwork and being disappointed in the collection. or going to a SC Lowcountry oyster roast, and complaining because you ordered grilled zucchini and they funked it up. so in summary - when you're at a NC bbq restaurant - order chopped pork, and order, you know, BARBEQUE.
(5)Colin S.
My family comes from the midwest so we're used to the Kansas City style of bbq. Allen & Sons serves a very different kind of bbq. My family's midwestern tastebuds really didn't appreciate the food here. I'm not saying the bbq was bad, we ate all of it, but it definately wasn't "good" by our standards. This place seemed like a good representative of Carolina style bbq (very vinegary). We all agreed that if we were from the area we would appreciate the flavor more than we did. I definitely recommend this place if you want to experience Carolina style bbq. I
(2)Shane M.
Come on, this place is run down. It makes you feel like they have been pinching pennies for years. The food is okay, not great. The service is crappy at best...see below (sullen and grumpy...dead on my friend). They need someone to come in and do a once over and then replace all of the staff.
(2)David H.
When I moved to NC, all I'd ever hear was North Carolina pulled/chopped pork and how good it was. Well I'm from the west and the vinegar taste doesn't always agree with me. I've tried over a dozen different vinegar based pork sandwiches throughout North Carolina and by far Allen and Son makes the best one! This is definitely a vinegar based pork that I like! A lot!!! The coleslaw works well but if you get it to go, then you'd have to separate the sandwich otherwise it'll be soggy by the time you get home. Also, I I wouldn't order anything else except the pulled pork sandwich. Well maybe the hush puppies. Stick to what they are strong at, the BBQ pork sandwich.
(4)Jon B.
The two stars are for the hush puppies which I thought were pretty good. Everything else was below average. Had the ribs which were not tender at all and almost impossible to eat. They were served on a plate that was too small which made it even more difficult. Tough ribs on a small plate = lucky to not have launched the rack clear across the room as I attempted to hack through it like I was auditioning for the Saw series. The pulled pork was also not tender and probably a little too fatty for my tastes. Don't get the hype for this place. I can get much better BBQ in Los Angeles.
(2)X X.
Finally made it out to Allen & Son to have North Carolina BBQ in it's native environment. The GPS got us close, but wasn't quite right. Better to just look at a map and figure out how to get there the old-fashioned way. The restaurant is in a shack-like building with a compact dining area split into two rooms. There's no one waiting to seat you--just go to any empty table. A server will take your order and bring your food and drinks, then you pay at the cashier before leaving. NC-style BBQ isn't my favorite, but for what it is, it is very good. You can taste the smokiness in each bite. The BBQ chicken also has that nice smoky flavor too. I think the sides outshine the meat. The hush puppies are crisp, light, and nearly perfect. They like to roll off the table since they are ball-shaped, so be careful or you'll lose one or two. I thought the coleslaw was excellent. Very light tasting and not drowned in mayo. Prices seem a little bit high by $1-2. The dining room feels cramped and is poorly lit. It's a little chaotic when crowded. Recommended, but won't be back any time soon because it's not my favorite type of food and it's out of the way.
(4)M M.
Barbecue is very good, sides not great and a good chocolate pie. Service can be a little bit slow.
(3)Mark S.
Best NC style BBQ and Brunswick stew! I always try to make a visit when I'm in Chapel Hill. The wife enjoys the hush puppies and homemade pies. I like it so much, I bought the t-shirt!
(5)Jeff L.
Best BBQ in the area. Lived in Chapel Hill for several years and this is the best spot for East NC BBQ. The pork was delicious and is usually very lean. The hush puppies are amazing and they have great sweet tea. The deserts and pies are homemade and are also very good. Whenever I go back to visit friends in Chapel Hill I make it a point to stop by Allen and Sons. Classic
(5)Eric L.
Everything they take the time to do, they do exactly right. Just the right amount of vinegar in the cue , magic hush puppies, and the best banana pudding I've ever had.
(5)Jeff B.
The godhead of NC-style BBQ. The world's best pulled pork and chocolate chess pie you'd step over your grandma for. I can't speak to much else besides the pork, sides (almost perfect fried okra), and desserts, which are always amazing, but it's safe to assume the rest of the menu is great, and it's adorable to boot. Bury my heart at Allen and Son!
(5)Big C.
Hands down the best barbecue in the Triangle. I lived in CH/Carrboro for 7 years and have traveled all over NC specifically to eat barbecue and can say that this is a top 5 sandwich. Yes, get the sandwich or the plate. Supplement the deliciousness with some of their great potato salad. Avoid the fries, which are never very well done. Wash it down with some tea and get a slice of one of the house made pies for dessert. Tip your server like you mean it, go home and take a nap. This is last meal on Earth material, folks.
(5)Lee G.
Middle of nowhere and hard to find. If you cross the railroad tracks, you've gone too far. But if you're in the same area code, you had better plan to have a meal here. Allen and Son is the best, and worthy of the only five star review I've ever given to a Q joint. I've been here 7 or 8 times over the past ten years. On my last visit, I brought my posse of old college buddies. When our food arrived, the table fell silent. After a few bites, someone moaned "umm, wow". That about sums it up. Delicious barbecue that needs no other attention. The meat contains the right amount of smoke, to the point where it is delicate and not overpowering at all. The pork flavor, mixed with the smoke and a slight tang from the sauce all combine in the right proportions. You can taste the attention to detail these guys put in. The hush puppies are amazing in their own way. Most joints would rather get these from the food service truck. Here they are made from scratch and cooked golden brown and delicious. They're perfect for mopping up any sauce that remains on your plate. The fries are fresh cut and pretty good. The portion sizes are adequate but I still suggest getting the extra large plate. You'll want the extra barbecue, trust me. The dessert menu is also amazing. All made from scratch and all delicious. I tried the peach cobbler a-la mode with homemade ice cream. The peaches were from a can, yet still pretty good. Not the best cobbler I've ever had, but still a very nice finish to the meal. The ice cream was probably better than the cobbler itself. I've eaten some very good Q in my days. I've even judged competition barbecue from the guys you see on television. I can truly say that this stuff ranks right up there. Allen and Son could hold their own against the best of the competition barbecue in my opinion. They are masters of their craft. Eating here is pure barbecue heaven.
(5)Harry K.
AMAZING BBQ!! This was our second BBQ stop from our NYC to New Orleans roadtrip. We were traveling in the midst of a blizzard and made sure we would stop by this establishment before making our way towards Lexington for our third stop (which never happened since they closed Route 40) The snow must've stopped the customers because we were the only ones seated. Upon arriving we were overwhelmed with a sweet, beautiful aroma that immediately got our mouth savoring. (later found out it was the hush puppies) This was our first time in North Carolina and our research lead us to order the BBQ aka pulled pork, ribs, chicken, hushpuppies, fried okra, and sweet tea. This was the best BBQ I have ever had in my entire 25 years of existence. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. The sauce was a bit on the sweet side but there was an extra side of sauce that was a bit more spicy which was more to my liking. The pulled pork was the best I've ever had. I love the vinegar-based style that can only be found in eastern Carolina. The chicken was near perfection, juicy and savory. The hush puppies were out of this world. We were joking of ordering 100 to go for the road. Unfortunately none of us took it seriously which we regretted while stuck in the blizzard munching on cheetos from the gas station. The sweet tea was also the best I've ever had, which doesn't say much since I usually drink Snapple.
(5)David A.
When we pulled up to the restaurant, we felt like we were about to enjoy a local landmark that focused on serving great food and didn't worry about presentation or being fancy. The atmosphere was quaint and had tacky decorations, but that's not uncommon for many local restaurants in the South. Once we sat down and received menus, we were a bit surprised at the prices of the food. $10 for a BBQ Plate with slaw and hush puppies, $4.25 for a bowl of Brunswick stew, or $6.00 for a BBQ sandwich seemed a bit steep, but we thought it might have something to do with the portions. My dad is somewhat of a Brunswick stew connoisseur, so he ordered a bowl of stew (which came with hush puppies) along with a BBQ sandwich and a side of onion rings. Then, I tried to order. Let me preface this by saying that I'm not a difficult customer when it comes to dining out. I'm more the type that would rather just let something go than point out a mistake to the server or send food back because I'm unhappy with it - I don't like the confrontation. I'll eat something I don't even like because I don't wait to be a pain. So, I decided to order the BBQ sandwich with a side of hush puppies. So far, no problem. However, I noticed that the BBQ sandwich came with slaw on top of it and I tend to be rather picky when it comes to coleslaw. I asked the waitress if I could get the slaw on the side instead of on the sandwich because I wanted to try it to make sure I liked it before putting it on my sandwich. I do this all the time and it's NEVER been an issue - until now. She told me I couldn't have the slaw on the side. I figured there was a misunderstanding and she must have thought I was asking for an extra side of slaw - I tried to explain, "No, I would like the slaw that is going on the sandwich to be left on the side." She understood but it didn't matter. She informed me that we would be charged extra for having the slaw on the side. Stunned, I said, "Wait a second - you're going to charge me extra for the slaw you were already going to serve me if I want it put on the plate instead of on the sandwich?" She wasn't willing to budge and asked me if I wanted the slaw or not. I responded that I'd take the sandwich with the slaw and I would just scoop it off if I didn't like it. I tried to express how ridiculous this was but it didn't seem to phase her. Looking back, I was more accommodating than I should have been - we should have just walked out on principle. At this point, I was thinking this place better serve the best freaking BBQ in the country to put up with this nonsense. Once our food came, our mistake in choosing Allen & Son had been fully realized. For $7.50, my BBQ sandwich and hush puppies were little more than disappointing. AND THERE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE THAN A TABLESPOON OF THE INFAMOUS COLESLAW ON MY SANDWICH! The meat was a little dry and the hush puppies were good, but I wish there had been more than four of them. And as for my dad's Brunswick stew, I've been served bigger samples of soup at Costco than what he received in his $4 "bowl." Lacking in size and flavor but heavy on the price tag ($25.00) is a terrible description for any meal and that's how I would describe what we had. Two thumbs way down!
(1)Sam J.
Liquid smoke taste 'Q. Unfriendly service. Burnt, greasy hushpuppies. Expensive.
(2)Ruben G.
Once upon a time, the dilemma would have been whether or not to give Allen & Sons the fifth star. This time, however... Mind you, this has been my FAVORITE bar-b-que restaurant since coming to Carolina in '92. The meat has always been outstanding, the sauces superb, and better hush puppies than anywhere else. Period. The first change I noticed during this visit was the "take-it-or-leave-it" attitude that our waitress had. Could she be having a really bad day? (I'd swear she was trying to pass herself off as a New Yorker.) It didn't get any better when I asked her about the bar-b-que 'tray' on the menu, as opposed to the platter. She seemed to sneer at us when she explained "It's just smaller, is all." (...and it was - but also what I considered ample portions!) Next - the hush puppies - were... flat? I don't mean literally flat (no, they were the happy little round objects of deep-fried dough, as always) - I mean they were darn near flavorless. (Was the cook in a hurry, or distracted, and forgot to add an ingredient or two? Dunno!) Finally, the baked beans... which come as a side with the platter (which is more food than we care to eat), but you have to order them as a side with the tray. It wasn't until after I'd ordered them that my sweetie mentioned they were $3.30 for a serving. Really?!? $3.30 for a serving of baked beans? They must be really special! ...or so I hoped. But what we got was a tiny dish of what tasted like canned beans. (You can see them in the photo that I've uploaded.) I felt... used. I really hope that this was a fluke. Perhaps the waitress AND the cook were having an off day. Perhaps whoever printed up the menu didn't catch the typo for the price of those beans. Perhaps I was feeling a bit more critical than normal (although I don't think so). Perhaps the 91% Health Rating posted by the register was also a fluke. Perhaps I'll have another go at them before the summer is over, and try again. If that meal is in any way similar to this one, I'll have to unhappily drop Allen & Sons from my 'favorites' list. And to me, that would truly be a shame.
(2)Steven L.
visit on 7/19/2011 I think it's been a long while since I've had pork bbq that's tasted like... well... pork. Too often, bbq places cover up the inherently delicious flavor of pork with too much sauce, rub, or even smoke. Fortunately, as I took a bite into the chopped bbq here, I was reminded how much I loved the taste of pork. The coarse-chopped, slow-smoked, pork shoulder at Allen & Son is just about perfect. Moist with a slight smokiness that flavors the meat but does not overpower the flavor of the pork. A few browned pieces of charr add a little bit of crisp and chew to the otherwise melt-in-your-mouth tender meat. I did try adding a little bit of their vinegary sauce which was quite tasty, but this pork 'que held its own without any sauce. Top this delicious pork with some of their slightly tart, refreshing slaw, served on a bun and I've finally begun to understand the meaning of Hog Heaven. Oh. And a side of delicious crisp hush puppies and your own pitcher of sweet tea? Yes. Please. Thank you.
(5)Eric D.
Places like this are the reason you have the Yelp application on your smart phone. It is that out-of-the-way spot that is pretty much only known by locals, the USA Today, and the NC General Assembly Senate State (see pic of the letter dated 08/02/10). I am glad I searched and found a great place for authentic local NC barbeque. Atmosphere - This place is definitely in the cash cow phase of the business cycle. Keep it the same and collect your profits. Not much appears to have changed about this place in years, which makes it a local institution. Mint green paint and a hodgepodge of chairs and tables add to the appeal. Food - I order the flounder (wish I got a picture) that came with a side of hushpuppies and fries. The flounder consisted of two lightly bread fillets. One side of a fillet still had skin letting you know that this was probably breaded onsite. The fish was flaky with a nice mild flavor and was extremely hot (temperature) as it was right from the fryer. The fries were fresh cut and appeared to be cooked in older oil which gives it a very dark brown color. Similarly, the hushpuppies were also cooked to a dark brown color almost leading me to believe they were burnt but they were not and tasted as good as could be. Since I did not order the pulled pork, I stole a fork full from a coworker. The sauce used is that watery vinegar type that has the perfect balance between tangy and hot. I also had a D. Coke and a slice of sweet potato pie. The pie tasted a little pumpkin-y which was probably due to the spice used in the preparation. The crust was super thin which enabled you to taste more of the pie. Price - All of this w/ tip came in around $17 - $18 which was a little pricey. Plus, refills on soda were extra. Overall - It was definitely worth the trip and the price to get authentic NC food in a traditional Southern setting.
(5)Jessica L.
Stopped by here on the way to Jordan Lake to pick up some lunch. We looked up food on our GPS and my husband loves Barbeque so we thought we would try it. The prices were at first a bit off setting but figured it must be worth it. I wanted the Chicken Fingers but since they were out had a Cheeseburger with a side of Tater Tots. My husband got the Barbque plate. He enjoyed his meal and mine ended up being huge. The burger was a bit sloppy but delicious as were the tater tots. We got our food to go, and things were a bit of a mess when we were ready to eat but still yummy.
(3)Amanda M.
We saw this place written up in Southern Living magazine and decided to check it out. We ordered the BBQ sandwich, baked beans, French fries and ribs. Sandwiches and fries were pretty good. Ribs were excellent and the baked beams were pretty bland. Service was borderline un-friendly but their "policies" were very annoying. They will do ABSOLUTELY no substitutions. Want a different side than fries? Have to pay for both. Don't like coleslaw? Too bad, you can't get cornbread instead. Also, no free refills on soda, even though they have a fountain machine. They whole service part of the restaurant seemed lost on them. Overall - food - 8 service - 2.
(3)Andrew D.
You won't say "it's the best BBQ I've ever had". You also won't say, "What a deal!". The plates are $9-10, which is a little spendy for a place that is really only appropriate for lunch, unless you don't drink, or go to sleep at 7:30pm. Having said all that, the BBQ is quite good, as are the desserts, and the service is endearingly gruff.
(4)Bob H.
I eat lunch with three other friends at a BBQ place about once a month. We had been to Allen & Son BBQ before but the N&O just rated it as the best BBQ place in the area. We all agreed to disagree. The food is good, authentic, Eastern NC BBQ but it was too salty and contained too much extraneous material, such as veins & grizzle that I had to pick out of my chopped BBQ. I got the plate because the waitress said the tray didn't have as much BBQ. I'm glad I did because after I picked out the parts I didn't care to eat I had about the right amount. The slaw was very good as were the baked beans. The hush puppies were excellent. I wanted unsweetened tea, but all they have is sweet tea, so I got that. I guess they can't be bothered with diabetics. Thankfully I'm not one, but feel sorry for anyone who is and eats at Allen & Son BBQ. Their desserts looks very good, but I didn't try one. My BBQ partners did and enjoyed the cobbler they ordered. My friends said the restroom is clean but had trouble trying to dispense paper towels to dry their hands. Overall, I would say this is an okay place to eat, but I wouldn't go too far out of my way, and it is not really near Chapel Hill even though it has a Chapel Hill address. There are better BBQ restaurants in the area that are easier to find. One person in our group complained about an odor, but the rest of us didn't notice it.
(3)Elizabeth F.
I very much enjoyed my pulled pork sandwich! It was well prepared - smoky, tender and moist. The waitress warned me about the sauce, saying it was "really hot and really spicy". But I thought it was just right, flavorful with a bit of a bite. Lots of sides from which to choose. I ordered baked beans and onion rings. But after seeing another review here, I should have ordered some hushpuppies! And maybe a piece of one of their homemade pies or cakes. I will on my next trip!
(4)Jon T.
Allen and Sons seems to be on just about everyone's list and it has been on ours to try for a couple of years. We managed to find a table on a Saturday night. I must admit I was expecting a bigger place, perhaps one that had outgrown its origins and built something new, like Southside Market in Elgin Texas. One great thing about Allen and Sons is that it has not seen fit to build a new warehouse-like building and so it retains its charm. I found this to be great full flavored pork with perfect smoke and some bits of brown. It is a fairly fine chop and is fairly moist with plenty of sauce. I ordered mine as a platter and took my sweet time, enjoying every bite. A and S serves very good slaw that is well balanced between sweet and tangy. It is really perfect for this style of slaw. The potato salad has a little sweet pickle as evidenced by the hint of cinnamon that comes through. The "pup"s were a little sweet, with some onion and a nice firm texture. The okra was as good as fried okra gets. It was clearly home made from young, tender pods, sliced in small pieces. The flavor of the fresh okra shone through the light coating. Allen and Son's proved to us why they should be on everyone's list and will remain on ours. They belong in the the premier cru classe of Eastern NC barbecue.
(5)Brad P.
I've heard stories about the devil being in the South offering special abilities and powers to those willing to sell their soul. I didn't think it actually happened but now I'm convinced that it does. The coleslaw here is not coleslaw at all. It is the manifestation of someone's bargain with the Prince of Darkness. Either Allen or Son or both must have given up something meaningful in order to put this recipe together. It is ridiculously delicious. It is soul-slaw. You should eat it because somebody sacrificed something eternal to put it together. That being said, the ribs were good but definitely took a back seat to the soul-slaw. The meat did not fall off of the bone as easily as I would have liked it to. The sauce was good but lacked the spicy kick that I look for in a rib dish. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend you get an extra side of it and use it as a dip for the hush puppies, which are tasty. The fries are meh and the pecan pie is good. All around, this place is a 4-star establishment, however I have strong rules about giving 5-stars to places that make the "best I've ever had" of something(soul-slaw). Well done, Allen & Son...well done. Mad props to Jane Y. for the rec.
(5)Ben H.
It is kind of fitting that the only time I went here was with my Dad! Great little place! The service is sweet as is the tea! One of those places that you are just happy still exists!
(4)Ras J.
Dear Allen & Sons, You are a BBQ joint and your BBQ sucks. Way to go. Had a bad experience in the restaurant a while back. Today they catered our department lunch party. EVERYTHING WAS TERRIBLE. It's almost like they're trying to make shitty food. In that case, they have succeeded beyond expectation. Fried chicken - breading was mush; tasted like old fryer grease; meat was dry as sand. Pulled pork - also dry as sand; way too much vinegar. Mac & Cheese - on par with Kraft boxed mac and cheese; it was topped with boxed cafeteria-style croutons... Seriously, WTF? Did you run out of bread crumbs and just said "Fuck it."? Hush puppies - tasted like old fryer grease. Cobbler - I'm guessing the fruit was canned since it was so nauseatingly sweet and shriveled; the fruit was DROWNING in liquid which made the crust complete mush. Pathetic. I had heartburn before I could even finish half of my plate. And that's all I could choke down before I threw the rest in the trash. I do not understand how this place gets ANY positive reviews. Zero technique; zero character; zero flavor. This is amateur-level cafeteria food at a premium price. Keep riding the wave of unearned success afforded to you by Oprah and culinary publications of yesterday, because that's all you have left.
(1)K B.
The food was very good, but expect to be treated rudely. The waitress was so nasty that my husband and I almost paid for our drinks and left, but we stuck around thinking maybe she was having a bad day. She never got any better and the place was not busy.
(2)Ryan V.
After hearing solid reviews for Allen & Son BBQ a group of us ventured out to Chapel Hill to see if all the hype was true. The restaurant sits a mile and a half off exit 266 on I40 in a cinder block building at the corner of 86 and Millhouse Rd. Upon arriving you'll recognize all of the no frills characteristics you hope for in an authentic BBQ joint. The smell of roasting pork, the sounds of car tires on gravel, and an interior atmosphere only too appropriate for the experience. The seating is basically first come first serve so the larger your group the longer you will probably be waiting. And trust me after 5 minutes of watching pulled pork pass by you from the kitchen and you'll be willing to say "hey see you guys later we're grabbing this two top." The service is well...what you'd expect. It's not fancy but it was effective. The waiter did a pretty good job of handling our group of seven. We did wait quite a while for the food (it was a Thursday evening) but I can't really say if that was abnormal based on our large group. I ordered the pork ribs which came with slaw, potato salad and hush puppies as my fiancee ordered the Pulled Pork BBQ Plate with slaw and hushpuppies. Skipping to the eating part of our night. This was hands down the best BBQ I have had in a Triangle restaurant. The ribs were a bit tough but the smokey and roasted pork flavor was there. The pulled pork too was excellent in flavor just a bit off in the texture in a few of the bites. This is how I imagine pork BBQ instead of one hiding in the bitterness of an overpowering vinegar base. One of the great things about this place is that the sides stood up to the main course. The slaw was flavorful and far from the pre-made stuff you typically get. The potato salad also had great flavor and with nice spices coming through. The hush puppies (round) were fried perfectly and had a delightfully soft and buttery center. I left off the last star because I believe in the power of consistency with restaurants and really want to go back for more earlier in the day to see if the flavor and texture can meet in a harmonious NC BBQ experience. I would recommend Allen and Son as a great establishment to bring those looking for an authentic NC BBQ experience.
(4)Jessica P.
Mmm, I wish I could eat BBQ everyday. Forever. We went there on a Friday evening, and it was pretty packed, we barely got a table. I decided to order the BBQ with french fries. The BBQ was perfect - tender and delicious. I tried the sauce with it - but the sauce was a little spicy for me, I don't think it needed sauce. The slaw was probably the best I have ever had! Chopped very finely. The fries were not so great. They didn't seem to have any seasoning on them, not even salt. It's hard to make fries good without ANY seasoning. And yes, like everyone says, the hush puppies were also amazing. Definitely going back soon!
(5)Mei O.
A ginormo carafe of sweet tea set down next to my pretty big glass of sweet tea, all just for me? YES! Did I need so much caffeine and sugar? Probably not, but it was yummy and I was smitten. And then my bbq plate came out, with a bottle of vinegary and slightly spicy sauce to go with it. YES! The pork was delicious and the flavor was spot on, in my humble, not that experienced opinion. All other bbq places will now be held up to Allen & Son for comparison. I loved that the cole slaw wasn't too sweet, and the potato salad hit the spot.
(5)Stacie N.
God, the hours kill me. This place isn't open nearly often enough, or late enough. Sometimes, even when it rightly should be open, it's not. It's a trek. Seriously. I'm increasingly convinced it lives in a wormhole where there is no place that's actually close to it. The hush puppies? Good enough, but never legendary in and of themselves. The other sides? Mostly avoid. Their prices are in the top quartile of barbecue places in the Triangle. The servers have always been the same, and they probably always will, and they'll maybe never crack a smile or even pretend to be social, but they will ALWAYS do right by you. But you know what? Even though I can find better sides, and more sociable waitstaff, and a closer place that's open better hours (GOD. THE HOURS.), I will STILL keep going back to this place. *** Allen & Son is the gold standard of barbecue in the Triangle. Barbecue. Not ribs. Not chicken. Not flounder or crab cakes on fish fry Fridays. Barbecue. If you're complaining about anything but the barbecue, you ordered the wrong food. If you're complaining about the barbecue itself, your head needs checked. Keith Allen still does it old-school. He gets up at ungodly hours and makes wood coals and cooks pig for many, many hours over those wood coals. He may diverge from the Eastern norm in cooking only shoulder (rather than whole-hog), but you'll never hear me complain. Tender, slow-cooked shoulder gets pulled to the right size and consistency, lightly sauced, and served with slaw. You're a fool if you refuse the slaw--kind of unremarkable on its own, but barbecue perfection when eaten in the same mouthful as the pork. The sauce? It doesn't need any, as the hickory smoke flavor is great on its own, but I could bathe in the stuff it's so good. Plus, the desserts--when they're good, they're phenomenal. Ask what's fresh. Their still-hot sour cherry cobbler with house-made vanilla ice cream has been one of my best experiences: a dreamy marriage of flaky crust, tart fruit that's not from a can, and ice cream that's texturally more like snow cream than anything. Go. Get barbecue. And slaw. Enjoy. Tip your servers, even if they're a bit gruff. Save room for dessert. You know, I should have written this on a day they're open, so I wouldn't make myself miserable with this sudden barbecue craving. *** read this paragraph for the condensed review.
(5)Andrew D.
Seriously, I LOVE NC BBQ! I was there last week and was with some NC people who shared my love for eastern NC BBQ (vinegar based with spices added to pulled pork) and they thought I would love this place. I did and should I ever be able to find it again in the middle of nowhere, I would go! The food was affordable and everything you would expect from an old BBQ shack (no offense to the owners). The place was busy and the sweet tea was fantastic. I think I am still rocking off the sugar intake. The crash is going to be ridiculous! Haha. It doesn't compare though to my favorite (Bill Ellis BBQ in Wilson, NC), but it was extremely tasty.
(4)Clement L.
I would say probably one of the best bbq places in the triangle. I'd rate it ahead of Bullocks and the Pit. It's just plain good!!!! Their barbecue is smokey and full of flavor. Their vinegar sauce is nicely balanced with some spice on the back end. Basically its the epitome of what good NC style barbecue should me, so if you have people coming into town or if you yourself wonder what should NC style barbecue look like then look no further. Their ribs are pretty good too, but if you just want the real stuff go for the pork! Their hushpuppies are freaking addictive. So light and fluffy on the inside and nice and crunchy on the outside. You can just keep shoveling them down, so be careful!! Decor is pretty simple and servers are nice. I've been here with a small group (~8) before and they were pretty accommodating. It can get crowded on the weekends but it's well worth the wait!
(5)Ben P.
Too expensive for portion size. Pulled pork was dry. Service was marginal at best. Hush puppies were good and so was the potato salad. More than $3 for a cup of coffee. Same for a side of potato salad.
(2)Patricia G.
This place used to be a lot better. 5-6 years ago, when I first discovered it, it was amazing (even if overpriced a bit). The last 2 or three times I went (I gave it a few chances to change), it was mediocre at best. The only item that remains as good is the slaw. It also had a poor sanitation rating last time I went. I found out the pit master passed away, right about the time it went downhill, so I'm thinking that's why. The service is also pretty poor - sullen and grumpy waitresses. They almost seem like they are auditioning for a part in a bad movie with some stereotypical diner waitress in it. They seem to get annoyed if you aren't immediately ready to order upon sitting down. Oh well. I guess I'll mourn it, not return, and head to Hog Heaven, Smithfield, or Bullocks when I want barbecue.
(2)James W.
The barbeque was good. It had a nice smoky flavor. The tray meal was small. You can't make substitutions, which is annoying. The hushpuppies were sweet and a good taste, but the consistency was weird. For those that have to avoid sugar, they only have sweet tea. I had to use a knife to cut up one big chunk of barbeque. You should never need a knife to eat chopped barbeque. I now know why I haven't been back since school. There are other, better barbeque joints around.
(3)Lee M.
The bbq is very good and so are the hush puppies and the baked beans (which are fairly sweet, so if that's not your taste, don't order them). The sauce for the bbq (which is chopped, smoked pork) is a hot pepper/vinegar sauce served in a squeeze bottle to add if you like. The meat is moist without it. The coleslaw is eh and so is the sweet tea. Definitely skip the french fries. I would go back for the things that they do well. Service was efficient.
(3)Lisa B.
I loved the vinegar sauce, pulled pork, and slaw. I thought those were about as good as it gets. The hushpuppies had a little too much sugar, and the fried okra was weak. Onion rings were okay but nothing special. We had good service, but it got very crowded and loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
(4)Danielle P.
I grew up with a NC Momma who raised me on tomato based 'que and creamy coleslaw. Then I met my NC raised BF who took me "back home" to meet the family and eat at Allen & Sons. HOLY MOLEY! This is the best BBQ I have ever had that I didn't make myself. I ate the tenderest smokey-vinegared with a slight kick pulled pork shred, fried okra (a little soggy and not cornmeal crisp enough for me but still good), slaw and perfectly sweet yet corny hush puppies. Sweet tea to drink of course. Had I been able to fit in the desert I would have. Great atmosphere and the fire department was there eating too so you KNOW it's good food. This is right up there with the best places I have ever eaten. Really. Go there, eat, experience BBQ bliss.
(5)Charlene G.
In the realm of North Carolina BBQ, Allen and Sons are the kings. There is nothing quite like the smokey, vinegary goodness of their chopped pork that has been slow cooked over a real wood fire for hours and hours. I imagine that this must have been what a lot of BBQ tasted like way back in the 40's- but Allen and Sons has outlasted them all because of their special touch and wonderful meats. A simple sandwhich with slaw is the best option for me, but I've tasted the ribs once or twice and they are rich and tender too. The menu has stuff like cheeseburgers, but really- why would you order that here? At the location in/near Hillsborough (off 86), we always go in to eat. There is plenty of space and the service is always great. I ususally pass on the sweet tea because it is a truly southern recipe- add sugar until the spoon stands up straight on it's own. However, other options are just plain old southern goodness- hush puppies, slaw, and fried okra. Again- why order fries when you can get real food? My husband loves brunswick stew and orders it everywhere- Allen and Sons is his favorite. We also always finish off a meal w/ a cherry cobbler or some kind of pie. Sometimes it seems like the hours are spotty at this location, but after 10 years we know enough to call before driving the 45 min out for a sandwhich. It's a great place to take any out of town (especially northern) friends and relatives. The decor is all about taxidermy - which cracks me up because I was raised with it. The building itself reminds me of a milk parlour w/ it's concrete block walls and the fact that it's not super bright. However, it's always clean and welcoming. At the Chapel Hill location, they normally have some good fried pies available. I've never actually eaten in there because they have a great little pick up window where you just order and wait on line for your goodies. There is most often a line, but it's worth the wait.
(5)Jon M.
The benchmark for Eastern-style NC BBQ. All others take note; this place does it all right. The ambiance is exactly what a family BBQ joint should be, the service is so polite... oh... and the food is freaking tasty. In addition to the excellent pork, the sides are so satisfying. This simple BBQ shack is my idea of heaven, and when I get the privilege to visit home, I'll make every effort to swing by.
(5)F G.
Very yummy! Loved potatoe salad and BBQ! We will be back!
(5)Lori L.
One of my missions for my trip to Raleigh was to experience real Eastern style NC BBQ. Allen & Son's was highly recommended and now I know why. My cousin and I hauled ass up to Chapel Hill on a Saturday afternoon. When we pulled up it was exactly how I imagined it would be; old looking wooden building with a faded sign. We walked in and it was everything I could hope for; the typical family bbq joint. Servers were bustling about with trays upon trays of mouth watering bbq goodness. We grab a table and proceed to scan over the menu. This being my first time ordering eastern style BBQ, I was a bit confused with the menu. Do I order a plate vs a sandwich vs a tray? What meat do I exactly get with that order? Our server was very helpful with explaining the menu. I decided to go with the plate. It's a pile of shredded pork, two sides, and some hush puppies. I went with the slaw and potato salad. Both were very good. The highlight was of course the bbq pork. They served a bounty of it. It literally fed me for two more meals. The pork was flavorful and nicely smoked. The vinegar sauce had a good kick to it, which I wasn't expecting. It wasn't spicy enough to prevent me from eating it though. So my BBQ mission was a success. Allen & Son's is definitely worth the drive from Raleigh.
(4)David S.
Allen and Son is back open after their summer hiatus which stretched well beyond July 4th this year...but that is part of what I love about A&S, that it is informal, still family-run and Keith does it his way. Barbecue was outstanding (got some outside brown without asking for it), the fresh-cut french fries are a little greasy as always, but again, that comes with the territory, I can live with that. The hush puppy discussions below are amusing - if you like soft hush puppies, you won't like these, they are bit done, but that is to get that crunch before you get to the soft delish inside. If you think they are greasy - you gotta let them cool for 60 seconds! The slaw is my favorite of any cue place in NC, and it is peppery. Some love it, some don't. Bottom line, Keith Allen is still doing it right, and this is a hybrid eastern/Lexington style place (essentially eastern flavorings with Lexington cut of meat) that still cooks over hickory. 90% as good as it has ever been in my book.
(4)Perry H.
Growing up in eastern North Carolina I've had my share of good barbecue, and after many years of travel sampling various regions throughout the States, I'm happy to say this is some of my favorite. I love the atmosphere, the service, the portions, the dessert, the sweet tea - I love it all. Whether you choose a large or extra large plate or a smaller (yet quite large) portion of a bbq sandwich you'll definitely leave full. The barbecue is tender & flavorful and even better when dabbled with their own hot sauce. I like their brunswick stew a lot and their homemade, handcut fries are superb. Don't get me started on their hushpuppies...wow...my favorite. Wash all this down with some super sweet ice tea with lemon and for dessert a slice of their homemade cream cheese pound cake (make sure they heat it up a bit). My wife & I had some friends visiting from Boston last weekend and we started wth barbecue "family style" at Bullock's in Durham then tackled Allen & Sons the next day for lunch. Allen & Sons won in every category - from sweet tea and hushpuppies to the brunswick stew and barbecue. Definitely stop by Allen & Sons and soak up a little North Carolina hospitality.
(5)Charlie T.
The best chopped pork bbq in the Triangle. Period. Good hushpuppies. The tea is atypical, and great. Dark in color, very sweet. Reminds me of my Grannie's. The pies are pretty good, too. I like the chocolate chess and blueberry. I don't think these guys need the money anymore. At least half of the time I stop they're closed. Call ahead.
(5)Pinaki S.
Umm. Wow. My first BBQ experience in the triangle, and I'm sure glad to be randomly driving down this road on the way back from the DMV (I'll give that experience a 1 star, if I gave one star, but I digress). I was on a mission on not eating out my first week in the Triangle (or at least paying for it.. my parents came and got me Indian food.. another review) and I drove by the place initially. But then I thought, I am in the mood for some BBQ (my favorite food) and turned around and found a spot. It was packed! On a Wednesday. Before School is in session. But I simply told the counter girl "BBQ sandwich with coleslaw". $5.44. Literally 5 minutes later I was chomping down my sandwich in the 100 degree heat. Less than five minutes later, I was done. Sweet, spicy, vinegary, porky. Fantastic. Pure incredibleness. Must visit to when in Chapel Hill.
(5)Lauren W.
This place is a great place. I even had them cater my wedding, in return I had my guest calling me for 2 weeks asking who my caterer was. They have something called the vegetarian casserole that my family goes crazy for (my family, eating vegetables without me begging is funny) Only con I can think of is the seating area. It is a true BBQ style but I like a little more room when I eat. It just adds to the personality though.
(5)Liz M.
It took me to move away from Chapel Hill to come here. Yes, that should revoke my NC residency card. Now, I come from a non-vinegar line of thought, but here they cook it to down-right tasty. The hush puppies are the devil's temptation, sent to earth as a gluttonous sin. We came on a mid-week lunch run, and even still, there were quite a few people in the place. The waitress was nice enough, but not much of a talker. I also really like the location of this place. It would come off as gimmicky on Franklin Street, and the 86 location gives authenticity and honesty of the joint.
(4)Chris V.
This place is far from the city. Expensive. Everything in this place is very very old and not in a nice way (I mean I wouldn't say that this place has "tons of character"). Even the costumers are old. The food wasn't particularly great either. I would just go to QShack which is cheaper and tastes way better.
(2)Arianne T.
My love affair with Yelp started with Allen & Son's. It was the Spring of 2008 and I had been sent to Raleigh for a week long training class. To my disappointment, my classmates opted to eat at chain restaurants.. Red Robin, PF Chang's, you know, food that you can find in almost any city. Towards the end of the trip, after eating pizza two days in a row for lunch, I suggested BBQ for the 10th time and they finally agreed. Since I had suggested BBQ, they gave me the job of choosing a BBQ restaurant. Little did they know, I had been scoping out Allen & Son's for at least a week on Yelp. I pulled up Yelp, printed directions and we caravaned over. I have to say, everyone was a little worried when we had gotten off the main road and were on a back road going through a heavily wooded area. We eventually got there and then they were really worried after they got out of the car and saw the place. I could sense the hesitation but we were there so we had to go in. We were seated at a red checkered picnic covered table and were served sweet tea. Everyone ordered something different (I think there were 8 of us) and we pretty much covered the menu. Despite the location and the looks of the place, everyone was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. I had the pulled pork sandwich, with a side of coleslaw, and had the peach cobbler for dessert. No other pulled pork sandwich will ever compare to the one that I had at Allen & Son's. Oh yeah, the vinegar based BBQ sauce deserves a five star rating itself.
(5)Joe G.
It's funny how BBQ is such a divisive topic. Some people rave about Allen & Son having the best BBQ in the world, while others say it's not good at all. I happen to think Allen & Son is a very solid BBQ establishment. I've been coming to this restaurant for years and don't think I've ever had a bad meal. It atmosphere has not changed at all throughout the years and I hope it stays that way. Stick with the BBQ plate here. I've had ribs before and they were pretty good, but you really can't go wrong with the BBQ plate. The hushpuppies are delicious and always freshly made. The BBQ has a very intense smoke flavor and the spicy vinegar-based sauce accentuates the meat perfectly. Yeah, it costs more than $10 for a BBQ plate, but making this meal is a very labor intensive process. The owner wakes up at 2:00 a.m. every day the restaurant is open to start the fires and get the pork cooking. I'm willing to pay more for the authentic product. Bottom line, this is a Chapel Hill institution and a place worth checking out if you're in the area.
(4)Brett A.
Best BBQ I've ever had.
(5)David B.
This was my first stop in Chapel Hill. Some friends out West mentioned we had to stop here when we were in town, and their recommendation was spot on. The food was authentic, unpretentious and absolutely delicious. The pulled pork was juicy with plenty of flavor; the hush puppies were light and not overly greasy; and the coleslaw was killer . Make sure to order sweet tea (but I imagine this goes without saying for those who live in the South). For dessert I ordered the bread pudding, another great dish. My only complaint - I wish it were larger, so good!
(4)Meghan P.
Holy cow. Or maybe holy pig. I don't live in NC anymore, but I fell in love with Allen & Son's NC-style BBQ and I crave it so much it hurts. Before you go, there are a couple of things to keep in mind: 1. It is among the holiest of holes-in-the-wall. If you're coming up from Chapel Hill or off of I-40, it's on the left just before the train tracks. It's really hard to see the sign coming from that direction, and yes, it looks more like a shack than a restaurant. 2. If you're expecting something slathered in red, tomato-based sauce, that's not what you're going to get. The BBQ meat is flavorful, vinegary, and unbelievably tender and juicy with just the right amount of smoke. Open your mind and enjoy. 3. Skip the limp fries and go for the hush puppies. They're sweet, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. 4. They do carry out, and it's just as good, as long as you can get it home while it's hot. Just try to stay on the road - it's hard to resist sneaking into the bag for a bite on the way! Enjoy a good meal for me!
(5)Monica M.
This quaint little restaurant is definitely one to stop by and visit on your tour of Carolina 'que! It boasts many awards, and when you ask about BBQ in these parts, the name is bound to come up. It would be fantastic if they'd serve beer. Because really, beer and BBQ are synonymous in most parts of the south. Oh well! We started out with some hushpuppies while we scoured the menu looking for the perfect meal, and as always, they were pretty tasty, but nothing too impressive. We ordered a pulled pork sandwich, and a smoked chicken plate for our meal with a side of baked beans, so we got a pretty good taste of what is on their menu. The chicken was falling off the bone, and definitely full of flavor. The weird part is, we thought we'd be able to smell hickory smoke in the restaurant, or even outside for how smokey it tasted! The slaw was really good - coming from someone who typically hates slaw - and the potato salad reminded me of HEB's mustard potato salad (its a Texas thing). I had a taste of the pulled pork too, and it was good. Definitely not a bad experience either time I've been there - just not too impressive. It may be because I pine for the brisket and sausage from a Texas BBQ joint, but it really feels like the menu was pretty limited.
(3)David W.
Okay, after spending 4 years in Texas, I still really just can't get pumped up about NC barbecue. Yeah the pulled pork is good, but it's not great and not something that keeps me coming back. The pork ribs were not good at all. They were still very tough and and difficult to bite through. The best part of the meal here is definitely the hush puppies. They have a perfect buttery sweetness inside and are nice crisp on the outside. The prices are pretty reasonable, $10 for a barbecue plate and $15 for a rib plate once you factor in tax and tip. They also include a side of slaw and hush puppies with it. This place is worth trying once, but I don't think it's a place worth going back to several times especially since it's so far out of the way compared to anything else.
(3)Jacob C.
Allen & Son's is what NC BBQ is all about. If you think of yourself as someone who is serious about barbecue and you live within driving distance of the Chapel Hill area, you have to give it a visit. Seriously, the place is that good. Tucked away in the Carolina pines, Allen & Son's is cooking pig the way it was supposed to be made. The BBQ is tender, juicy and full of flavor. Great coleslaw either as a side or, how I like it, right on top of my chopped pork sandwich. Fried okra is great too. But seriously, I have to give extra love to my favorite menu item. The hushpuppies people! It's all about the puppies. They have some of the best that I've ever had. These crunchy, sweet balls of fried cornmeal are the perfect complement to anything on the menu. They almost outshine the pork (almost), and that's saying a lot. By far my favorite place for BBQ in Chapel Hill, or anywhere else for that matter. It has to be on your list of great barbecue joints and is a must stop in the tour of NC BBQ.
(5)Christina G.
How can you even begin to review a legend in the local and national food scene? Here are one native North Carolinian's impressions... *table service -- unique, refreshing *country kitchen decor is a perfect setting for this Southern fare *SMOKED MEAT: I :finally: can taste the difference! *pulled pork in a zesty Eastern Carolina style vinegar sauce *hushpuppies that WILL change your life -- perfectly fried crust that gives way to a sweet doughy center *banana pudding that is ideal for this winter weather -- warm and spiked with spice. Decadent but oh-so-homemade (the best food foil)!
(4)Shannon W.
We came in famished, from a crazy hike where we were lost in the woods for hours. And we left STUFFED. Seafood combo, side order of okra, and split a piece of sweet potato pie. Mmmmm. My friend had said to Mama Dips about the small portions and comparable prices, "MAMA DIPS?! It was more like, Mama Gyps!" (sorry for politically incorrect usage of "gyp" meaning Roma peoples....but this was too funny) I also went to the other Allen and Son BBQ on 15-501, when I ate pork because of the history of the wood pit BBQ. But then come to find out the one on 15-501 has switched to gas, and this one on 86 has retained the tradition of wood pit. To tell the truth, although the people at the 86 restaurant were Very Nice--and the food was delicious, because I no longer eat pork--I prefer the other one. I think you get more food at the other restaurant, although slightly more traditional BBQ--the 86 one has crab cake and fancy crab dish, whereas the 15-501 restaurant had a big bucket of fried stuff (most of which was unidentifiable until you bit into it). I bet also, the portions for pork are larger at the 15-501. I also like the seating was only outside at the 15-501 place, and the people were like 150 years old, and also very sweet. The 1`5-501 place played old fiddle music while the 86 played my favorite 80's hard-rock and soft rock mix... So depending upon your mood, take my advice on either place. Either, you're in for a wonderful meal, with reasonable prices. Matters if you like girth of food over fancy.
(5)Serena S.
I can't believe I didn't find out about this place earlier! I came here with my oh so lovely lunch bunch to see what the fuss was all about. I ordered the pork ribs with coleslaw and potato salad. I'm not sure if I had hyped up the ribs in my own head too much, but I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I hate to say it, but I think I like the ribs at The Pit better :-/ The first bite was good, then meat got really beef jerky-ish towards the center. I was thoroughly bummed at that point. The taste was all there, but it just seemed like someone didn't take the ribs off the grill in-time. Perhaps I just got a bad batch? The upside to all this was the fact that I hate coleslaw, but ate all of it off my plate. It didn't have too much mayo, which I love and it had a good crunch to it. I also liked the potato salad, which I believe had some nutmeg in it. Nice twist! And the dessert...OH...the dessert. Miss Christina G. and Ron W. were kind enough to share their banana pudding and cobbler with us and it was UH-MAZE-ING. I never had warm banana pudding before, but it was perfect for a cold December day. The cobbler gave old church ladies a run for their money! Ambiance is great and they even sell fresh honey and dog bones for your pups! If you haven't tried this place, you definitely should. My friends got chopped BBQ and that looked delicious too! I wouldn't compare this place to the Pit as much, but if you like Hog Heaven, you may want to try this place and see which one you like better ;-)
(4)Kelly C.
Yum! The vinegar-based bbq sauce was exceptional!!! Had the shredded pork (which didn't come with the sauce but my friend had the bbq ribs so I stole some of the sauce from her) which was pretty good. What I loved were the hushpuppies... those things were really crispy on the outside and nice and sweet. For the price, it's pretty good... you'll definitely leave satisfied. Unfortunately, I couldn't try out their dessert cuz we were too full. Next time...
(4)Ch M.
This is the best BBQ in the triangle area, hands down. The hush puppies are the most delicious things ever, the bbq is meticulously smoked, and the pies are homemade with terrifying yet delicious ingredients like marshmallow fluff and peanut butter. You really can't go wrong...unless you are a vegetarian. The only downside is that they just sort of close whenever they feel like it, without notice (at least in my experience). I guess that is your prerogative as a small family business?
(4)Stacy T.
I am driving around, not really sure where this place is and I see a shack that has the name Allen & Son. Shrug, I guess this is it. I want to take a picture, but refrain because it is too touristy. The best way to describe this place is "home-cooked" food. The restaurant itself looks like a cozy cabin, just with a bunch tables and chairs. The food was very welcoming. The pulled pork was not over seasoned. It is made how someone would make it at home. If you are looking for sauce dripping, too much salt and pepper pulled pork like the kind from Dallas BBQ, this is not it. It was seasoned moderately, very soft, and served on a soft bun. The cole slaw was refreshing - it tasted home-made. The cabbage was cut into little pieces and it wasn't drenched in mayo. The baked beans were hot and sweet. My favorite. Not a bad place to get a home-cooked meal.
(3)Tom B.
I came back here after my previous visit like I said I would. I am very glad I did. This time I went with what they are known for. BBQ! I got the BBQ sandwich for lunch with the slaw on the sandwich. I think they are going to make it illegal to have it with the slaw on it. I added just a little of the home made vinegar sauce. That was the best BBQ( Pulled Pork) I have ever had. I opted for the onion rings for a side and was not disappointed at all. Awesome. I up my rating to 5 for this visit. I still like the ribs and chicken wings at the Q better but will come here for BBQ.
(5)Tim M.
BBQ is very good the pulled pork and sauce is spot on. The lady serving the food is not friendly so watch out. Overall, a decent experience
(4)Ariel P.
So you're going down South and you want the real Southern experience? Look no further. Yes, Mama Dips is closer to campus and well recommended, but it's also too expensive for it's lack of authenticity. My 4 simple tips for getting the best out of Allen & Son: 1. COME EARLY! I cannot stress this enough! They make what they make and when they're out of it they close and due to popularity they can be out of ribs and possibly closed by 7:30. 2. Eat them hush puppies! I don't care what kind of diet you're on or if you've previously disliked them, Allen's hush puppies are the best and they're served in a basket on the table like bread at an Italian place 3. Save room for pie. There pie is hot with great ice cream and obviously homemade by someone's Southern grandma. 4. Get the sweet tea. You're in the South now, get the sweet tea! Whenever my Northern family & friends come to visit, I plan on taking them to Allen & Son BBQ and nowhere else for that fine Southern cuisine.
(5)Harry P.
Let me preface this review by letting you know I'm from Alabama, where BBQ is done right, where it is not cooked via boiling water, where it always gets some sweet ketchup based sauce put on it. I've got an aversion to most Carolina BBQ, except Allen & Son's. The vinegar stuff is still awful, but these guys do some nice bbq ribs. I went their recently for a UYE with some super Yelpers. We ordered copiously and didn't shy away from the desserts. I ordered the rib plate with some fries. The meat is cooked perfectly, which isn't "fall of the bone" (overcooked) but is tender and an excellent vehicle for their sweet sauce. The portion was generous and would easily satisfy most people. The coleslaw was really good, as in probably the best thing there. It's like how KFC used to make it. Finely chopped, slightly sweet, crisp and delicious. I've had it on their BBQ sandwiches and it makes the vinegar bbq almost palatable. The fries were terrible. It's how it goes at most bbq places, so I'm not that surprised. The hushpuppies were great. Nicely fried with a crunchy outside with a soft center. Ours were a little oily, but that didn't stop anyone from putting a hurt on the basket. The dough was slightly sweet too, that was nice. Their peach cobbler was really good. The banana pudding was served warm with a very high banana ratio. I like a high nilla wafer ratio, but this was still excellent. The marshmallow topping was really good. I tried not to eat it all since I was just having a "taste" of someone else's. Oh yeah, here's a tip. You don't pay at the table but at the little window near the kitchen. It's a fun place with good food and a nice country atmosphere.
(3)Jacquelyn S.
My friends who took me here schooled me on what's considered BBQ in NC: pulled pork and nothing else! I was expecting the typical array of barbeque ribs, chicken, brisket, etc.. and of course that's all offered on the menu. But I HAD to order the classic BBQ plate, and I was happy that I did! The pork was tender and juicy, the sauce was thin but pleasantly mouth-puckering. Probably helped that I doused even more on top... The hush puppies were totally addicting, I had to stop myself from eating them all (wanted a snack later).. and I don't normally like coleslaw, but Allen & Sons' wasn't too heavy on the mayo and the veggies were still crisp! Sweet tea was great -- waitress gave me a whole pitcher so I could refill as much as I wanted. And the final touch -- fresh, hot peach cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm.. I could've had 2 of those. I loved the simple decor, the checkered tables, and all the piggy paraphernalia. If you want authentic Southern bbq with a matching environment, go here!
(4)Scott A.
It is one of the two places i send people for BBQ East NC style, you must try if you love BBQ, never had a bad meal, place is older than dirt, and you'll love it!
(4)Lucy F.
There are so many things I love about Allen & Son. The pork 'que is tender and flavorful. I'm a true North Carolinian so I prefer the vinegar based sauce. It's just the right 'tartness' and not too vinegary. Hush puppies were excellent. I like mine hot and crispy. I got cole slaw and fries with my plate. Fries were hot/crisp as well. I don't want to forget - you get your own pitcher of sweet tea!! Now, that's a winner for me. If you go make sure to get some peach cobbler or 'Nanner pudding! Delicious!!! Nice country ambiance. Lots of little trinkets around and plenty of tables for service. I suggest you give this place a try. My best friend's family always uses them for takeout for Christmas Eve dinner. It's a yearly tradition but, if you're going to do that, get your order in EARLY.
(5)George F.
This is one of those fantastic restaurants that a professional restaurateur just doesn't understand. Everything is honest. Food made with old recipes. Authentic atmosphere and taste. I always take my visitors to get some bbq, if we have time to go to Allen & Son (it's kind of out of the way), this is the best place, hands down.
(5)Jennifer P.
The BBQ is to-die-for. Delicious! The hush puppies are so good, they practically melt in your mouth. The other side dishes were "ok", but that's ok because their homemade desserts are so good that you can skip the sides to save room for dessert! If you don't have room, take home a chocolate chip cookie (or two).
(5)Erwin L.
The 6th stop along the North Carolina BBQ trail took me into rival territory as I ventured west from Morehead City to the homeland of the Tar Heel Blue, Chapel Hill. This trip had two purposes: to eat amazing barbecue and to meet the authors of the book Holy Smoke, which is a very detail reference on the history of North Carolina BBQ and the people who create it. Michael was of course excited about this opportunity, however the evil that was his work threw a wrench into his plans by calling him in on a Saturday, so I was to go this journey alone. When most people think Chapel Hill they think of UNC and Franklin St. but Allen & Sons is a good ways from that out on NC 86. It's a quiet, roadside establishment with kind, down home employees and loyal clientele. I met up with the Reeds under cloudy early fall skies and the three of us seated ourselves at a table near the door. The staff knew instantly who they were (They sell copies of their book by the cash register) and provided use with Mason jars of sweet iced tea and a carafe on the side if we needed refills. For our meal, I chose their combination plate: BBQ with sides of Brunswick stew , cole slaw and hushpuppies. The meal was divine. Even without their spicy Eastern style sauce the barbecued pork shoulders were perfect and you could taste the hickory smoke in the meat. The cole slaw (also Eastern style) went perfectly with the 'cue, the Brunswick stew was delicious and the hushpuppies were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. But this lunch wasn't over. The Reeds managed to convince me (albeit I needed little convincing) to try the fresh peach cobbler topped with homemade ice cream. It was hands down the best peach cobbler I have had. After the meal the Reeds took me out back to see the barbecue pits and even signed my copy of Holy Smoke, the perfect ending to a perfect BBQ filled day. Allen & Sons is a must for anyone passing through or living in Chapel Hill. I may not care much for UNC being an NC State graduate, but their BBQ is top notch and their attention to detail and tradition make their spot on the NC BBQ trail secure for a long time.
(5)R S.
Fantastic NC-style (vinegar & pepper) BBQ. I was thrilled with my BBQ platter with coleslaw, potato salad, and hush puppies. I mostly wanted to comment on the cost - I see that Yelp has Allen & Son categorized as a $$ (Moderate - $11 - 30/person on average). The BBQ platter is just under $10 and provides a huge amount of food. The BBQ sandwich on the other hand is just $6 and, with a side, is a very adequately sized meal. I found that paying for a four person meal was actually quite cheap!
(3)Larry G.
Very pleased with every thing about Allen & Son. BarBQ was tasty, even without the sauce. Okra was great, as were all the sides. Even dessert was excellent, not just an afterthought. Prices were in line with our other barbecue haunts. Server was friendly and always there when needed. The place wasn't that busy even on a Friday, parking was adequate, so a big plus versus the Q in Durham.
(5)Duke C.
The BBQ here is absolute as good as it gets. Best in the area. The side items are all delicious too. I'd write reviews about the other dishes but quite frankly, I've never been able to stray past the BBQ. One caveat - it is NC style BBQ. If you're used to KC, Memphis, Texas style Q, this isn't it.
(5)Dan S.
The pulled pork sandwich was good but I had heard so many good things about this place I was kinda let down. The hush puppies were overly sweet and the prices are way to high. 2 BBQ sandwiches and a dozen hush puppies nearly 20$ are you kidding me?! I really wanted this place to be great but with the prices and simply okay food I can't do it. At the very least the staff was very friendly.
(3)Sara A.
Having grown up in Maryland, I'm not always a huge fan of eastern NC style BBQ. I don't love a strong vinegar flavor on anything. But Allen & Son's pork BBQ is delicious. Coarse-chopped, with just the right mix of vingar, sweet, spice, and smoke, it's BBQ heaven. I personally prefer the BBQ sandwich with a lot of the sauce. I don't think it's very spicy - it adds just a hint of kick. But be warned - it's very runny and comes out of the bottle super fast. No need to elaborate much on what others have said here - I love the hush puppies a whole, whole lot. They are slightly sweet with a hint of onion and finely ground cornmeal with a thick crust. I really like the fries, which are made fresh, fried kinda dark with the skin on, but that's a matter of preference. Pretty much everything in the side-department is a slam-dunk. The desserts are pretty awesome, but after much internal deliberation, I'd have to say not usually worth saving room for. This is more a comment on how delicious all the other food is than something to be held against their homemade desserts. My only advice: Arrive hungry, and after you're finished eating in, get some to go and take it with you - hush puppies are just as good the next day. Oh also - they have weird hours, and occasionally close without warning. If you have your heart set on Allen & Son, call ahead to make sure they are open.
(5)Sarah C.
Finger lickin' good! I ate everything on my plate! BBQ ribs, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, hush puppies and pecan pie a la mode! Everything was amazing, and their sauce for the pulled pork (which the bf had) was killer. Word to the wise, they only take CASH, we did not realize this until half way through the meal and we were cashless . . . sooooo I had to run to the nearest gas station ( a mile away), alas the meal was fantastic!
(5)Chris S.
4:00 am - Wake up in Chicago (don't eat, save it for NC) 7:25 am - Flight leaves bound for Raleigh (don't eat, save it for NC) 10:30 am - Arrive in Raleigh. I'm hungry. (but don't eat, I'm in a friggin airport) 12:30 pm - After driving around Chapel Hill aimlessly for a couple of hours, I'm famished, and I know where I want to go. 1:00 pm - Walk into Allen & Son, and immediately see, smell, and taste smokey, porky goodness. I still don't know if I was delirious from travel and hunger, or if I was in some sort of NC porkified heaven. I sat down in the humble cinder block building at a green plastic tablecloth covered table and order up the BBQ plate and a sweet tea. What arrives is just about as good as could be. Crispy, fluffy hush puppies, salty homemade fries, and the pork...oh the pork. It was just what I needed. A half gallon of sweet tea to wash it down and a slice of homemade sweet potato pie ensured a comatose afternoon and capped off a rather surreal experience - one that will likely never be duplicated...but the next time I fly in, I am certainly going to try.
(4)Allison T.
This place is AMAZING! We're big BBQ people so I've had it from all over and I think this is my favorite so far! Meat is juicy with great flavor. They have a whole board of homemade desserts. I had the key lime pound cake for dessert and loved it. If I was a local I would eat here all the time. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I think it's expensive. Overall great experience and I will definitely be back!
(4)K N.
I know I know. This is supposed to be THE barbecue place in these parts. But the ugly truth is, it's good but not great. Sides are atrocious -- avoid at all costs save the hush puppies. I feel like I've had barbecue that's equally good at Hursey's in Burlington, and a now-shuttered bbq place in Durham whose name I'm forgetting right now. Also, their wait staff leaves a bit to be desired. The last time I went, our waitress was rude and acted like she was being asked to donate a kidney when we asked for a few more minutes to review the menu. Finally, this joint is almost never open. You're like "Hey, it's Saturday night, let's go get some 'cue." NOPE. I guess for some people, that is part of the appeal -- the exclusivity factor. For me, I'd rather spend my money where people appreciate my business and the business is actually open at some time other than 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday.
(2)Lauren P.
This is not only some of the best BBQ I've had in the Durham/Chapel Hill area in awhile, but it's also some of the best sides & desserts offered at any BBQ place. It's really important to note, this place is closed Monday. Just like Chik-Fil-A, that's always the day I really want to go... :( Anyway, like I said, their barbeque is delicious and so are their sides. I definitely recommend their hush puppies, slaw and beans. (My mouth is watering as I write this) And if you managed to save room, you should definitely try their pies! They're all homemade and fantastic! I've had the apple pie and something like Moose Tracks pie. (Great, now my stomach growling for food) Plus it's got a nice country atmosphere. It's right across the street from this tiny market, and the decor is all antiques with red/white checkered tablecloths. Unlimited sodas and tea refills. Really, does the South get any better than that?? This place is great, fast and fresh. Stop by, and if it's nice take your food outside.
(5)Jennifer C.
Allen & Sons is a home-like structure out in the middle of the woods of Chapel Hill. The wait staff is great, and I love the cozy checkered table-cloths and random decorations (like an ancient coffee grinder, and a pig with his nose broken off). For the hush puppies here, I would give 5 stars. They are phenomenal, probably the best in the area. And I loooovvvee my hush puppies. For the bbq, I give 4, only because I've had better elsewhere in North Carolina. For some reason the bbq tastes way better in a sandwich with slaw, than on its own. So if you come here, I would get the sandwich with slaw inside rather than getting the plate. Also person who got ribs, why did you do that? Oh, and I would call ahead to make sure they're open, because sometimes they randomly close shop and disappear somewhere. I can only imagine they are off on some secret bbq ritual.
(4)Eatwell F.
I am a bbq fan, and have been known to drive 20 miles off the highway if there is a whiff of smoke and q. On a recent long road trip, we stopped to visit a family friend in Chapel Hill. We asked for a bbq recommendation for dinner, and without hesitation, we were directed to Allen & Sons. We should have known better when we walked up to the building and smelled no smoke. We should have known better when we entered and smelled what seemed to be old shortening - but no smoke. But we were hungry, and after all, we had been sent here by a friend who lived nearby. The food at Allen & Son was extremely disappointing, to say the least. The fried seafood platter delivered a few ok shrimp, done in a light batter. But the "Crab cake" was a store bought, machine-formed puck of bread crumbs, with barely a hint of crab. No flavor, no crab. The third member of this trio was a piece of fried flounder. The fish was a typical thin fillet, but the skin had been left on one side. This is more typical in the South, but usually on thicker fillets such as whiting or catfish. On the wafer-thin flounder, it was an annoyance. True, you don't go to a bbq place for fried seafood. But it is a common enough menu item, and Allen & Son would be better off to just sell the ok fried shrimp. Of course, I ordered q, and had a chopped pork plate. Again, I respect regional styles, and knew that the meat would be unsauced, and offered with a vinegar-based sauce on the side. that's fine. But I expect the pork to be well-smoked, possibly seasoned with a good rub, and tender from many hours in the low-temp smoker. Not at Allen & Son. The meat was mainly tough and chewy, and totally lacking in the requisite smoke flavor. Considering the fact that we did not smell smoke in or around this place, we had to wonder how this pork was actually cooked. Frankly, it seemed more like an oven roast than a bbq item. The side slaw was tasty in the regional Carolina style. Long thin shards of cabbage, well-dressed in a vinegar dressing with a bit of heat. But the "bbq" beans had no flavor other than the taste that Heinz put in the can. The one shining star at Allen & Son - and worth getting to go, before you drive on to a place with better food - are the hush puppies. fresh and hot, with a toothsome shell yielding to a steaming interior. The moist corn meal flavored with just enough onion. Pretty close to hushpuppy heaven. Allen & Son was busy, and clearly the local guests seemed satisfied with their food. But it is a place I can not recommend if you are seeking tasty bbq. We left ours on the plate and drove on.
(1)Samantha E.
THIS is real NC barbecue. Every single thing on the menu is absolutely brilliant and whether you are eating in or taking out you will not be disappointed.
(5)Jay G.
The BBQ is expensive and worth every penny. Take it from me, a certified BBQ judge, it just doesn't get any better than Allen & Son. The BBQ is world-class and the hushpuppies are banging too. The only item on the menu i dont like are the awful french fries. Get potato salad instead. Good luck saving room for desert, but you're in for a treat if you do. Man, I'm getting hungry just thinking about Allen & Son!
(5)Mary V.
I've been eating at Allen's for 30 years. Since the dad died this place continues it's steady slide downhill. The barbecue is good, but grossly overpriced, screwy hours, and ATTITUDE! I went there this past week at 7:15pm, (they closed at 8) and they were already obviously preparing to close. We ordered a chopped plate and although the BBQ was good, and the slaw was good, the hush puppies were near-burnt on the outside and raw in the middle. French fries were limp and greasy. Holy Crap! You mean to tell me that after 30+ years in business they haven't figured out how to make french fries? Seriously? Or hush puppies? puh-leeze. Plus, (and this is the part that drives me crazy) they put the table barbecue sauce in the old ketchup containers! You guessed it, both my brother and I put bbq sauce on our french fries and hush puppies. GAH! WHO, in God's name, decided to do THAT? So, upon leaving I pointed out an obvious stupid idea and also made them aware of the raw hush puppies and greasy limp french fries, and was basically told to go pound sand. They just really don't care what anyone thinks... so, I think I'll find another BBQ place. The Allen and Sons in Bynum was sold to someone who cares and thus it's much better. Also, there's a great place in Mebane, another 1/2 hour down the road on 86. Plus, a new place on Weaver Dairy Road about two miles back toward Chapel Hill. Keep it up, y'all, and you'll find yourselves all alone one day, no one putting up with your sorry attitude and declining food quality.
(1)Brian G.
Just get the bbq plate.. This is the real deal carolina style pulled pork. Excellent cole slaw and crispy hush puppies.. If you want to be fat like me, wash it down with some pie.
(5)Tom P.
Awesome BBQ sandwich at Allen & Sons. You have to decide whether you want slaw or not on your sandwich - I opt for no slaw. The sides are not really the best - unlike other NC BBQ places, you go here solely for the BBQ. Well, not solely - the deserts are also really good. Here's the tip of the day. The banana pudding is to die for, BUT it is only available on Fridays. The one watch out - Allen & Sons definitely runs on the expensive side for bbq places. Price for a sandwich with one small side and a slice of pie with ice cream was $15. A diet coke was $3, with no refills. Really? All the sweet tea you can drink, but you can't get a refill of a diet coke? Enjoy the BBQ.
(4)Meg C.
Wow. I was not expecting to like NC bbq this much. Seriously, the descriptor "vinegar-based" makes me think of stomach acid, so I was pretty confident my body was not going to be happy. But my curiosity outweighed my health, as it usually does, so I ordered pulled pork, slaw, hushpuppies and a sweet tea. The vinegar produced wonderfully tender pork which was surprisingly not overwhelming in terms of acid content. It was definitely the best pulled pork I've ever had, it was not too mushy and the sauce did not cover up the piggy flavor. The slaw complimented the pork perfectly, I think if I came here again I would order the sandwich. The best part might have been the hushpuppies, honestly. I was traumatized by my college's cafeteria which served something like hushpuppies, but extremely gross. But these were sweet and salty, not too heavy and wonderfully moist. Oh, and tasty as hell. I loved the restaurant itself as well, this place is literally a shack. Paired with the sweet as pie waitresses, I know I had an authentic taste of North Carolina.
(5)Mari C.
The service isn't amazing, but this isn't exactly 4 star dining either. However, the food is fantastic! Great BBQ, good peppery coleslaw, and potato salad. I've had the cobbler, and although it was a little mushy and cakey it was still very good. They also do take out orders. We did this for a party and it was great. Heat everything up at home, and it's an easy and fairly inexpensive way to feed a lot of people.
(5)Jim N.
My second visit yesterday, and it was packed with people who also made the beautiful drive out from Chapel Hill to Allen's for BBQ. I have had their BBQ Pork (it's wonderful), so this time we tried the pork ribs and the BBQ Chicken. Wonderful smoky flayor; but, I prefer less tomato in the sauce. Great french fries and potato salad, good coleslaw, good iced tea, and hushpuppies to die for! As others have said, the use of a wood fire in lieu of gas cookers is what makes this place special and worth the drive. I'll be back to try the fish and more pork BBQ.
(3)Eric L.
As one of my first food adventures in my new home away from home, I went out to Allen & Son, what a pick I made. Set out off the highway and with a great patina, Allen & Son looks the part of a great eatery, and when I tasted the first bite I was hooked. The server must have thought I had not eaten for days the way I devoured everything in front of me. Don't hold back on the sauce, it just helps bring out the great flavors of the BBQ. I have gone back a few time and tried other items including the ribs, which are just as good, but I can't help go with greatness and order the BBQ. Oh ya, and the slaw is amazing.......someday I will need to leave room for dessert. Go out and enjoy some great North Carolina BBQ at Allen & Son.
(5)Donna V.
I was very disappointed. The food is one of the worse tasting BBQ I have ever had. . The place is in dire need of redecorating. Plastic table cloths need to be thrown out and new ones put in their place. Overall I think one star was being generous.
(1)Trevor B.
One of the few regrets from my 5 years in Chapel Hill is that I didn't discover A&S earlier. This place is heaven for BBQ lovers. The pulled pork is succulent and the hushpuppies were always satisfying. And those little jugs of sweet tea...oh, how I miss them! In addition to the BBQ, I definitely recommend their cheeseburger with chili on top - that was my go-to back in the day.
(5)Michael L.
Loved it! Been wanting to try it for years after reading about it in Planet BBQ book. Food was Excellent. I would go back!
(4)Josh H.
A caveat- I do not like North Carolina bbq. I never have. Do not bother trying to tell me I must try this, that, or the other place, or that I've never had "real" NC bbq, or that I must not care for pork. I grew up down east. I spent my high-school years waiting tables at probably the most famous bbq place in Greenville. The things they did to pigs still make me shudder to this day. No animal, especially one so tasty, should be so abused on it's way to the table. And yes, it tainted my soul such that I am forced to have pretty high standards when it comes to the preparation of swine for consumption. I began my redemption those many years ago when I discovered B's outside of town. It was so simple- serving house and pit. That's all. Nothing fancy. Allen and Son is the closest I've found to that experience in this area. The restaurant is simple, as it should be since the food is what you show up for. And the meat- lovingly cooked in a pit, not overly sauced, and it hits the table tasting like they made it just for you. These folks know pigs, and know how to get them to the table properly. You also can't downplay the location. The restaurant is in the middle of Orange County, which is perhaps one of the most underrated locales in this area. Do yourself a favor and only get vague directions to the place. You'll truly enjoy the extra time spent driving past woodlands and rolling farmsteads on the way there.
(4)Jason M.
This place was recommended to me twice in one day via Facebook from friends who knew I was traveling and since I was in the area I decided I needed to check it out. While I wasn't necessarily wowed by the service or the staff (not bad just unremarkable) this review will focus on what is important here and that is the BBQ. I got the BBQ plate which consists of chopped pork BBQ with a side of hush puppies and coleslaw. I asked to have the hush puppies replaced with okra but apparently that's not allowed so I just got a side of okra. The pork was perfect. It was very tender with a nice lite smoky flavor. The sauce was perfect, nice and tangy with just the right amount of spice. The cole slaw was great. I liked that it had black pepper in it and wasn't too runny. I could have cared less about the hush puppies, so on to the okra. Deep fried okra is quite possibly one of my favorite things and this okra was hot and crispy just the way I like it. So, the food was good. The service was whatever. I would definitely go again and would recommend Allen and Son to anyone traveling to Chapel Hill (especially because despite walking around the area for two hours it seems that if you aren't in a frat or attending school there doesn't seem to be a whole lot to do) Oh and the sweet tea was tasty.
(4)tegen d.
Pretty good BBQ, but not at all worth the enormous hype. And be warned that it is (like nearly every Chapel Hill eatery) overpriced. Allen and Son's runs a ways behind Grady's and Skylight.
(3)Hannah M.
This place is delicious. I always get the barbecue plate with some sweet tea. I love the meat and the hush puppies, but I'm not really a fan of the coleslaw. Also, they give you a whole pitcher of sweet tea and you can take it home if you don't drink it all.
(4)Steve M.
5 out of 5. Easily the most authentic delicious BBQ in the research triangle area, right on down to the sweet tea y'all.
(5)Zachary R.
Good bbq, but overrated and pricey for what it is. The appeal is it is a little shack in the country, but that is kind of ruined being just outside of Durham. It is always crowded and service is sub par. I think The Pig is a much better establishment, but this place is still one of the better bbq joints in NC.
(4)Charles D.
Allen & Son is a pilgrimage. It's heaven, it's the pinnacle of human culinary development, it's quite simply the greatest restaurant in the world. We fly to Chapel Hill twice a year and the first stop off the plane is at Allen & Son, ordering an XL plate, at least 2 different pieces of pie, and a sweet tea (which is just sweet enough to kill your palate). As I said before: Always get the pecan pie, unless there's banana pudding, then get both. Be polite. Don't gawk at the taxidermied animals. Never ask for unsweet tea. As for the ambiance? It's family. Last week the only two other tables in the restaurant were also worrying about Rodney Hood's jump shot, whether this year's Carolina team would have won the ACC with PJ, and whether UNC fans should ever storm the court. Simply put, if you love Carolina, there's nothing finer than Allen & Son.
(5)Vanessa B.
I was seriously looking forward to the hush puppies here, but they were off. They had a crumbly mealy texture, not crunchy and creamy like I've heard they're supposed to be. I got an extra large BBQ plate for takeout. The meat is 1 star worthy. It didn't have much flavor to me, was dry and some parts of it were burnt, and not in a tasty carcinogen kind of way. The cole slaw was sweet and that's it. It would've benefited from some onion and more mayo or something; it was just really flat. I didn't get any in house sauce, but I suspect it's a must have to make the meat palatable. Finally, I took off another star bc I think it's super overpriced. I paid $13+ for some burnt chopped pork, bland coleslaw, and 7 disappointing hushpuppies. I can understand that price for ribs or maybe even really really good smoked chicken, but pork? No way. I'm hoping it was just an off day bc I was super excited to try this place based on the reviews. I like backyard BBQ pit way more, but my brother does prefer the Allen and son pork, so maybe it's just difference of opinion. Service was good though!
(2)Fade E.
The bbq sandwich was pretty solid, and that was basically the best part. The fries were undercooked and too greasy. I ended off the meal with a klondike pie and it was honestly the worst dessert I've ever had at a restaurant. Just poor quality all around. To top all of this off, when I was attempting to pay with a credit card, I was given the rudest look. I'm not sure how this place has the notoriety that it currently holds, but this establishment is light years behind Backyard BBQ pit in nearly every way. Stay away.
(1)Nicholas S.
My Korean friend had never had good ole' Southern BBQ before so I took it upon myself to fill the void in his life. I wasn't too sure what was good around Chapel Hill so I looked to Yelp for guidance. Yelp had it right. This was some of the best BBQ I've ever had. If you have a Korean friend and they haven't had the chance to experience the heaven of Eastern Carolina BBQ, you need to bring them here. We both got pulled pork platter and it was all it was hyped up to be. Delicious. Korean BBQ is delicious, but this was the best. The community of Allen&Son lovers is pretty nice, too. They overheard me explaining the different types of BBQ to my friend and they were not shy about jumping in! They gave some great advice and really added to the experience. They were some devoted fans!
(5)Josh T.
Barbecue was really flavorful, great coleslaw and other sides. Server was friendly and relaxed; made us fee welcome. I ordered the half chicken -- but it was more like 1/4 chicken. Decor had the old time charm, but it could use some updating -- new and clean tablecloths would be a start. Definitely good, but could be so much better, even while keeping its casual, hometown feeling.
(3)Tori H.
If I could give an extra half star I would, it's pretty good. BBQ tasted similar to The Pig and Bullocks, it just wasn't as chopped as I personally like. The hush puppies were delicious. Much better than other places. The cole slaw was WAY better than The Pig's...but not better than bullock's slaw...(although bullock's slaw had salmonella a few years ago...so depends on if you wanna play Russian roulette with your slaw).. Baked beans were good but dang why $3 something for BEANS? Jeez! They should re-name them BANK beans. Pie was good but not great. Crumbly chocolate pie. I will be back with my Dad, he will go nuts over this joint.
(3)Randall B.
Best Q in Chapel Hill, none better. Pulled pork, slaw, baked beans and hush puppies. Yummy! And some sweet tea, and you will know you are in the Southern Part of Heaven. Highly recommend it.
(5)David S.
Allen and Son is one of the best barbecue places I have been to in North Carolina, or anywhere. Today was my fourth visit, and two days ago was my third visit. The barbecue sandwich was great, the vinegar dip, a little spicy, was also fantastic. The hush puppies were incredible. Two days ago I also had their peanut butter pie, which was great.
(5)Mage L.
I ordered a BBQ "tray", which is actually smaller than a "plate", some sweet tea, and peach cobbler, which ended up being just over $17. Seemed a bit pricey for a single person at lunch. The BBQ was good but the portion was so small. The left me enough room for dessert at least. I ordered the peach cobbler and was surprised to see it's made with pie crust instead of a crumb crust, but I guess that's how they do it in the south. I was a bit disappointed. Here I am my last week in NC, trying to hit all those major landmarks before I leave. Now I think I need to go back to the Pig and try their BBQ again, since I always remembered it being the best around here.
(4)Jennie T.
Was Allen & Son as good as the Raleigh yelpers hyped it up to be? Um, yes. I loved it. I really loved their vinegar sauce, and I loved it on the pulled pork. I am really glad that we came here for our first taste of the Eastern Carolina style BBQ. My friends and I split a large BBQ platter. It came with pulled pork, hushpuppies, and a cole slaw. Everything was really good. I'm not a fan of hushpuppies, but my friends loved it. I will have to say that I liked Allen & Son's version more than The Pit's. We also ordered a plate of ribs. The ribs were good too. It came with a side of delicious fries. Everything was so good that we all fell into a food coma afterwards.
(4)Gina A.
Okay, well, while the barbecue was definitely barbecue and tasty, the prices led me to believe I would have some leftovers on my plate. I did not. Their "full" side of ribs was a half, cut in half so you got 'two pieces'. Big deal. They do not substitute so to have any of their baked beans, you had to purchase them separately. For $3.75, again I thought this would be an amount to share; it was not more than 3 to 4 tablespoons at best. Hushpuppies were good but hell fried shoes are probably good. Don't get me wrong; the flavor was there. But the fact that the only side that came with any meal was cole slaw did not inspire me. I'm not a cole slaw fan so I felt like I was being held hostage. "To taste our bbq, you MUST consume this cole slaw." All of the reviews said, "Try the pecan pie." DO NOT try the pecan pie; the pecans were stale and you could taste it. ICK. Had I eaten the pie there, I would have complained but we got it to go for a snack. Bad choice. The chocolate pie my friend had was actually NOT chocolate pie but chocolate chess pie, and looked like pecan pie, and for about $5 a slice, I would have thought it would have been a bigger slice. Maybe if I'd gotten the pie to eat there, it would have been; I can't say. I know the to-go box was small and I assume they felt the need to "make it fit the box". Whatever. Also, the sweet tea touted in the other reviews, well, it was just sweet tea, not any better than anybody else's sweet tea. Leaving a full pitcher on my table, with ice floating and melting in it, also uninspiring. I like my tea fresh, each glass, not becoming increasingly watered down with melting ice right in front of me. I literally wanted to pick up and start refilling my fellow diners' glasses, just so it wouldn't be wasted. "Hurry up, drink this, it's becoming pale sugar water!" Egad. Wait, while I'm filling you in on the real deal, the ribs, tasty yes, tender no. And you're not given a sharp knife, so I literally had to hold my half of a half rack up to my face to eat it. Good thing I'm young and tough too because I can't imagine taking my grandmother there and expecting her to pick up four ribs at a time and gnaw into it like I did. Why not either A) cook them more tender so you could pull it apart, or B) give me a knife for Pete's sake, or C) start it for me in the kitchen with a couple of well placed cuts. That's the way I've always had ribs in Florida, either tender or 'started' for me. Gee whiz, it shouldn't be a workout to eat ribs. To sum it up, if the portions had been bigger, then maybe I would say, "I'll be back" but I'm not sure. $50 for dinner for BBQ seems a bit excessive when the food wasn't ample and some of it downright not good. On the plus side, the service was friendly, quick and efficient.
(2)Allison Q.
I had the ribs, coleslaw, and french fries, followed by pecan pie for dessert. Definitely a delicious meal! The restaurant itself is in the middle of nowhere and very rustic looking...it just adds to the whole experience. It was my first venture into NC BBQ and I was very pleased! I'll return ASAP.
(5)Sherwin U.
I visited this place while on a business trip I took to NC, and I have to say I'm going to miss the BBQ vinegar pulled pork that I had here. Great BBQ...warm and kind service... what's more to ask?
(5)Brent L.
Lives up to the hype. Great barbecue in a great setting. So much better than The Pit in Raleigh. This is what barbecue is supposed to be. A pitcher of sweet tea on the table, delicious pig and good potato salad in a simple restaurant. Well worth the drive from Raleigh (or anywhere else). Sauce was great with a perfect amount of heat and tang.
(5)Vito M.
I've been giving this review a lot of thought and I could only come up with two negatives. #1- After living in Durham for 8 years, I only found this place in year 7 which was way too late. #2- I moved away and they're now a 12 hour drive from my new place. Sadness. Truth be told, I'm a huge fan of "My Cousin Vinny." At first appearance, this place looks like the diner that Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei visit: it abuts train tracks, has a simple menu, and there are plenty of southern accents to go around... but I digress. The lunch BBQ sandwich combo with fries and the klondike pie was my staple every time I went. Every time I strayed to another delicious choice on the menu, I'd see the mouthwatering pork go by on another tray and eater's remorse would immediately set in. I'm holding back the urge to salivate while I'm writing about it! Definitely use the extra bottle of vinegar-based sauce that accompanies pork perfection on a sandwich bun! Don't (I repeat DON'T) skip dessert! Everything is homemade including the ice cream.
(5)Sara M.
This PLACE. It's so much fun to go to. It's also nice to eat here. I separate these two ideas because the atmosphere was the first thing I really noticed at Allen & Son. You enter through a screen door into a foyer, and you're met with gingham tablecloths and the smell of savory/sweet bbq. It's adorable in a farm-country kind of way, and the waiters/staff are quite nice. I felt like I was in someone's dining room or kitchen when I was waiting for my food, which, by the way, was really great. Shredded bbq with slaw and hush puppies was definitely great, and my friend had a bbq sandwich which was also very tasty. When I have visitors, I take them to Allen & Son and will continue to do so!
(4)Coleen T.
Awesome bbq and chicken sandwiches. The fries suck, but eh hushpuppies are delicious. The Iced tea wasn't sweet enough but maybe it was a bad batch!
(5)Care H.
Great local haunt with great BBQ, especially if you love Carolina-style, vinegar-based BBQ. (I don't, but I can still appreciate this place for what it is!) A few things you should know: 1. It's hard to find. Other yelpers have described the location and you should keep those details in mind because it really is in the neck of the woods! 2. Seat yourself. When you get in, you should seat yourself and the server will come to your table. As a first-timer, I didn't know that, so we stood there waiting for about 5 minutes before we realized what was up. 3. Service is slow. Our waitress was really nice, but they were clearly understaffed that day. Gotta be patient. Otherwise, the food is great. They do a great BBQ. I got the rib platter. The meat fell right off the bone, very soft and tender. My boyfriend got the pulled pork sandwich - also great. I am especially in love with their apple cobbler and a la mode homemade vanilla ice cream. The ice cream still haunts me to this day - so yummy, creamy, with simple natural flavors. Definitely worth a visit.
(4)Jimmy R.
So I grew up in Los Angeles, but I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the years, I consider myself a BBQ connoisseur. I've eaten BBQ everywhere and this place is a bit different. It does remind me of Filipino prepared BBQ beefs because this pulled pork concoction uses vinegar for sauce!! Even without the vinegar based sauce, it has soo much sweet flavor to it. The waiter brings us this unlabeled, red bottle that is eerily warm. Out of it pours the sauce with spicy flakes in it. The ambiance was so relaxed. Mind you, we went near closing at 845pm at night and the outside looked like a shack in the middle of less traveled road. Inside, it smelled good. I loved the sweet potato pie. I didn't know North Carolina was known for sweet potatoes so this was icing on the cake. One pulled pork BBQ dish was enough for two people to eat. This was one of my affordable meals for sure. Did I mention the hush-puppies were the BEST HUSH-PUPPIES I have ever had in my entire life? They were so sweet. They were encrusted with some greens of some sort, which I can't figure out. This is not your traditional BBQ but for what it is, it is the best in its class. I tried to go a second time but ran out of time for the trip. Yumm. Oh yeah. I also forgot to add i HATE cold slaw... but at this place? It was REALLY GOOD.. crisp, refreshing, not drowning in mayo fat. I enjoyed it. How amazing is that?
(5)Fumi M.
Little disclosure --- This is a 5 star review on a first time visit. I am certainly not trying to start a holy barbeque war or anything of that sort. Having spent the last 15 years in Southern California I can't say that I have tasted every barbeque joint in the Carolina's. Furthermore, I am not a certified barbeque judge, nor would I pretend to be a "connoisseur of barbeque". What I can tell you is that I've traveled and eaten pork and barbeque in many different States, and no where outside of North Carolina do you find barbeque the way it's cooked and served in N.C. What can I say, I am a carnivore with enhanced taste buds and N.C. style barbeque happens to be my favorite when it comes to the slow and low. With all that being said, of all the freaking barbeque joints that I can walk in to I ended up at Allen & Son. For that I am so dam grateful and must thank my friend Brian! Tender, juicy, hint of hickory-smoked flavored barbeque, oh-so-heavenly!! I can't wait to book my next flight to N.C. so I can go back for more.
(5)A S.
Very overrated! Pork BBQ plate was over $10 with no side substitutions!! - ridiculous if you're used to NC BBQ. You get slaw and hush puppies. You can order sides extra but no green beans or potatoes, only fries etc. Also no combo with BBQ chicken meals! Meat was very fatty and slaw was more vinegary than the BBQ. Plenty of better BBQ around for less money so I don't recommend this place at all.
(2)Kimberly Y.
This was my first taste of North Carolina bbq and I scarfed down the plate and wanted seconds. The service is casual, but quick. They are located in an out of the way place, but it was definitely worth the trip. The vinegar spiced sauce added just the right touch to my chopped pork. The sweet tea was good and the peach cobbler was fresh. Next time, I'll skip the potato salad, because the slaw is the perfect foil to the chopped pork.
(4)Rhea G.
This place was recommended to us by the bellhops at the Washington Duke Inn. They did not lead us wrong. The decor and waitresses (we had Tammy) were charming, the sweet tea makes your fillings hurt and most importantly the bbq and sides were spot-on. We had the extra large bbq plate and it was plenty to split between two people. The bbq was vinegary and packed with flavor and the hush puppies were the best I've ever had - crispy, a bit sweet and super fresh.
(5)Adam F.
First off, I went to Allen & Son like an hour before they were ready to close up so I'm willing to accept my experience as a matter of end of the day "get out of my store " service. The BBQ - Good but a bit on the dry side (which I personally don't mind) The Service - A little slow and things came out piecemeal. The Sweet Tea - I say it was pretty perfect. Not too sweet not to bitter. The hush puppies - Way too dry for even me. The price - For four of us, 40 bucks with tip. When compared to the $13 my wife and I spend at Hog Heaven for the same exact meal minus one tea, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, pricey for what you get. But maybe I caught them on an "off day". Although the people I went with are regulars and they said it was pretty much dead on for Allen & Son so... I leave it to you.
(2)Michael C.
We met there today with a good friend of my son's and his two adorable children. A little over an hour and half drive for lunch, But I'll drive 30 miles for a good hot dog!! Allen And Sons had a smokey smell when we got out of the car a real good sign or smell, I can't decide like em both!! A good crowd had gathered for some Q eating, we where not alone. My son suggested a large chopped plate. Several sides where available I chose Cole slaw and hush puppies with ours. The Q was very good,hush puppies where home made, slaw had a good taste. Plenty of tea and water where kept in our glasses. Desert was peach cobble and Nana pudding. I chose the peach, the cobbler was warm and very Good. I wish I'd tried the Ribs or chicken I guess that means another trip back.No sliced BBQ will be eaten at Allen& son's they chop the hole shoulder. The sauce was a vinegar based and it was ok. One of things that turned me off where NO substitutes on the plates the first place I've seen that strict, no was our answer.The second was I had diet coke , no unsweetened tea. No refills on soft drinks, come on now, I've played with food from the time I was 14 yrs old when I worked in a BBQ restaurant, I did some small time catering, to meals in our church or our local Civitan Club, a refill is not much. A rustic old place with old tire rims as decorations in this old wooden building plus it was tight quarters in some seating areas. The tasty BBQ made up for it. Our friends children had a child's shrimp plate, looked pretty good. Came with fries and cocktail sauce. Their dad had a BBQ sandwich with a side of okra. He had another Q-sandwich for desert go figure. Good food, good trip.....
(4)Jared G.
NC-style, vinegar based bbq sauce. The pork bbq plate is very good, but this is the home of the best cole slaw I've ever had (sorry Mom). I'm not a cole slaw fan. In fact, I hate cole slaw. I have no idea what makes theirs so good, since I don't usually care what is in it aside from chopped cabbage. For the first time in my life, I actually asked for another side order. I'd even go so far as to say they might want to change the name to Allen and Sons Cole Slaw (and bbq)
(4)Ben M.
You'll probably see me repeat my rule for good BBQ anytime I feel like telling you about a place that serves it up. The rule is simple: "The worse the building looks, the better the food will be." Allen & Son is a small place that looks like a stiff breeze could do some damage and feels like - in spite of being just off of I-40- you're in the middle of nowhere, and the food is phenomenally good. Inside, you feel like you're sitting in someone's kitchen, with the plates and utensils even getting in on the act and a staff of super-nice people with very southern accents to finish off the down home atmosphere. The Q itself is the best reason to go, a vinegary joy that can only be topped by Ole Time in Raleigh, except at Ole Time you need extra sauce. The sides are all traditional southern winners and whatever dessert they have available is worth it...but hope for cobbler. If someone with you doesn't think BBQ is their thing, this will change their mind. If not, there's plenty of other options like the ribs or fried catfish that are all also well worth the trip.
(5)Doug M.
I waited seven long years to return to try to eat here. My last visit was after a drive from New Bern hoping to have lunch here before going back to RDU to catch a plane. On a Monday. They're closed on Monday. However, on a bright Carolina Wednesday afternoon they were open and ready to seat us. The service is friendly and the barbecue lived up to expectation - just an excellent balance of smoke and good pork. It lives up to its legendary status. I had the combo plate so that I could try their Brunswick stew as well. Excellent! I would also compliment the coleslaw. It's crisp and fresh. What I really enjoyed was the whole atmosphere. They know they're a barbecue icon. But they come across as just a nice place out in the country to sit down with your friends.
(5)Karla M.
This place is pretty good. It definitely has a cult following, and with good reason. I liked the BBQ, the potato salad is DELICIOUS, and the hush puppies are not the best in Chapel Hill. The pick-up only location is cash only, so if you head out that way, make sure you are prepared. Their menu is consistent (as opposed to Barbecue Joint, whose menu varies, but is second to none in my book) and has all the traditional NC BBQ bits you would expect - including Brunswick Stew.
(4)Jim C.
Speaking as a former Yankee, this native BBQ and home made sides and desserts are top notch. Humble interior with friendly, timely service.
(4)Heath T.
Good rural BBQ spot. Solid food, exactly the kind of atmosphere a BBQ place should have, and friendly service. The pulled pork sandwich and onion rings would all compare with most good BBQ places. The baked beans were a little below avg. Had the blueberry pie for desert. It was really good. Word of warning the place closes at 5:00 sharp and is closed on Mondays.
(4)John E.
The best NC barbecue, and possibly any barbecue, I've ever had. We also had an amazing sweet potato pie, but even without that pie it warrants a five-star rating. It is the best.
(5)Melodie S.
Oh my. A rare 5th star. I have seen the BBQ light. If you are anywhere near Chapel Hill and don't make time for Allen & Son the joke is on you, my friend. (Note: NC BBQ is not the sweet molasses-ey stuff (which I also love) that you get in other parts of the US) Served in true down-home fashion on plastic plates, with coleslaw (the best I have EVER had) potato salad or whatever southern side you fancy. For you foodies out there, note the subtle synergy that the flavors in the standard BBQ plate throw down. Add a little sweet tea and you are bordering on nirvana. Challenge yourself to save room for a homemade from scratch cobbler. These guys were recently listed in Esquire among the best BBQ in the country- worth the trip.
(5)Ted Z.
Allen and Son should be required eating for anyone new to NC, or new to NC barbecue. This is it, the creme de la creme (or the porc du porc?) of eastern NC bbq joints. I can't say I've had anything on the menu except the pork plate. The meat is cooked over hickory logs, and you can taste it in each bite. I'm told the sauce they bring to the table is good, but I don't find it necessary. The hush puppies are divine, the cole slaw a revelation, but the potato salad merely average. Pies are great too, so save room for dessert. Prices are higher than most barbecue restaurants around here, but when you're the best, does it matter?
(5)Romin B.
Disappointed to say the least with all the glowing reviews. Let me preface this by saying that I am not hard to please when it comes to barbecue. I've enjoyed a delicious pulled pork sandwich at the airport no less. But I expected much more out of a supposedly high caliber barbecue joint. I had a combination pork and stew plate, which came with cole slaw and hush puppies. The pork was fine, but could have been switched out with the pork from a dozen other joints and I probably wouldn't have noticed. I've never had brunswick stew before, but had remembered reading a few recommendations for it on yelp so decided to go for it. If I somehow find myself at Allen & Son again, I'd definitely skip it. It had a cafeteria-like feel to it and came in a miniscule serving bowl. I'll give them credit for the vinegar sauce which had a nice kick, and their hushpuppies were very good. But those weren't enough to ever make me want to return. Especially not at $11 for the combination plate.
(2)Karsten H.
The Triangle is not known as a bbq mecca. We're on the fault line between eastern and piedmont style NC bbq -- and occasionally that yields pleasant hybrids, like Allen & Son. Allen & Son cooks pork shoulders (that's a piedmont thing; eastern is whole hog) but uses a vinegar-based sauce with no tomato added (eastern). Either way, it's a place both my partner and I can agree on: he's a coastal boy, and I grew up in the piedmont. Also, of paramount importance: they still cook with wood. The bbq itself is very good -- I find it to be just the right mix of lean meat and delicious fat. The cole slaw is some of the best I've had outside of my home town. If there's one negative, it's that the portions are somewhat small and somewhat expensive. I'll gladly pay more to keep the tradition alive, though!
(5)Dan R.
Had the Stew and BBQ plate today. Stew was great, tasty, corn was sweet and not mushy. The BBQ is tasty and moist, very nice. The sauce is super: tangy, spicy, lip smacking.
(5)Don N.
I was in the Duke University area, and I found this place recommended on Chowhound. So, I decided to give this place a try. First, one of the waitresses was not very friendly. Not only did she ask me if I was ready for my check when I was in the middle of my meal, but she visibly sighed and appeared completely bothered when I asked for two pieces of cobbler to go. Definitely reduced my enjoyment of the meal. Now, as for the meal itself, I decided to get the combination plate (BBQ and BBQ stew), and I got the coleslaw, hush puppies and baked beans as side dishes. The hush puppies were AWESOME. In fact, I think that they were the best hush puppies that I have ever had. The BBQ was very tender. Another waitress gave me the warning that the sauce was very spicy. When I tried the BBQ sauce (which was extremely watery), it was not spicy in the least! I guess their regular customers can't deal with real spiciness. The BBQ stew was even better than the BBQ, much to my surprise. Overall, the meal was delicious, but the surly service seriously detracted from the experience.
(3)Adrienne E.
As several people have already said, the BBQ here really is unparalled in the Triangle. I can't give it 5 stars because every time I've been there the service has been less than stellar (not rude, just inattentive). However, the vinegar-based BBQ is fantastic, the hushpuppies are delicious (and unlike the okra, I believe they're home-made), and the sweet tea is perfection. The food is also relatively inexpensive (under $10 per person). I'm not crazy about the coleslaw - I think that maybe they use a less-traditional "secret" ingredient, although I haven't figured out yet what it is. I would make the drive to Bullock's BBQ in Durham if you're looking for great coleslaw (although their BBQ isn't quite as tasty). Can't win 'em all, I guess.
(4)Harry L.
Probably best bbq I've had North of High Point....while I ususally don't love "eastern-style", this was phenomenal. Tack on above average brunswick stew and hushpuppies that were out of this world...and the place gets a 4...pushing it over the top are the homemade desserts. Cobblers, pies, cakes, cookies, etc...this Friday it was banana pudding served warm...jackpot!!! Get there if you're on the road near Durham/Chapel-Hill...it's a quick stop off of I-40 and well worth a detour.
(5)Carole K.
We could not eat this greasy unedible mess. The onion rings were dripping with grease & frozen, the" Brunswick Stew" tasted & looked like pork & beans with corn and a little meat & potatoes thrown in and very salty. I boxed up the barbecue meat to take home to a homeless cat who appeared yesterday & the hungry cat wouldn't even eat it. We had to request our table to be cleaned off and that was done with a wet cloth used over & over to wipe everything without any cleaning policy. Stryrofoam cups are used which we have avoided for 25 years for healthy lifestyle. For us we will drive to Saluda, NC to GreenRiver Barbecue where the homemade Brunswick Stew is from Heaven, many choices like fried Okra with no greasy residue, veggies, homemade desserts, & the best barbecue in NC is cooked on site over wood fire.
(1)Muebla S.
I have been going to this family-run restaurant for 30 years, and the menu never changes. It has always been my favorite restaurant in the area, and I was delighted to discover that it had acquired a national following. I'm a yankee, and had never had southern barbecue before I came to Allen's. For me, barbecue was a term referring not to a food, but to an occasional event that involved cooking chicken and hamburgers over a charcoal grill. It was a called "a barbecue". This barbecue is pork that has been smoked over hand-split hickory on site and then chopped. You should order a "sandwich", which means it's served in a white bread bun with coleslaw on top of the meat. You can add sauce to it if you like (vinegar and hot pepper) but because it makes the sandwich soggy, I don't bother. With it, you should have hush puppies and "tea". Yankees need to know that this means iced tea that is presweetened to a degree that you will feel as though your teeth are dissolving. It's an acquired taste, but it's perfect with barbecue. They will bring you an entire pitcher of the stuff, and if you're not careful about how much you drink, you can get a major buzz from it. I would not bother with the other menu items...the chicken, the ribs, or the fries. Some people like the Brunswick stew, which to me looks like---well---never mind. And a lot of people rave about the desserts, which I find so-so. I'm always looking for an excuse to go to Allen's when I'm in the area. it's only about 10 minutes due north of Chapel Hill, maybe 5 minutes from I-40, on the left side of 86, just before you cross the railroad tracks. Allen's is closed on Sunday, and you should probably call before you go even if it isn't Sunday.
(5)Jim M.
A great sampling of Carolina cuisine. I like the rustic exterior and interior. The staff was friendly. It's a nice place to hang and relax and enjoy a hearty meal.
(4)Jak K.
Was referred here by another yelp person. Went at lunch. Crowded but very pleasant eventhough I was alone. Service was terriffic and helpful. My first eastern north Carolina barbecue. I loved it. Had a plate with chopped pork, slaw, and potato salad. Plus hush puppies. Way too much food. Didn't eat it all. Liked the sauce also. Quite different from what I've experienced in the past. The best was the hot peach cobbler an today's fresh home made vanilla ice cream. Was the real deal. Glad I mAde the stop.
(5)William J.
Allow me to start off by saying that I don't get the crazy fanatical devotion to one style of BBQ or another... Can't we all just get along? Now, on to more important matters. Allen & Son lives up to the hype. I normally wouldn't go this far out of my way for BBQ despite the fact that I love it so much... After all, I've got good BBQ joints right by my house. But this stuff is really special. When my friend dragged me here I was amazed at the quality of the stuff, moist but not over-vinegary, filling and flavorful. You will not find anything special here, no frills or special service or amazing innovations. They do awesome BBQ and that's it. And that's enough.
(5)Stephanie L.
This was the first time I tried this type of BBQ and suffices to say that it was...interesting. I don't think it is my favorite. The pork was cooked well, smelled delicious and seasoned perfectly...but it just wasn't my thing. The fried okra was okay but I had better the previous day and the hushpuppies were delicious, albeit a little burnt. The nephews gobbled a dozen up in a split. Still picked up a bottle of their BBQ sauce, worth the experience.
(3)Aj P.
Solid NC BBQ in a down home location. The first bite of pork has a nice smoky flavor which seems to mellow as you chow through your plate. Very moist meat but the crust can be a wee bit dry at times. In some ways, this is a plus - like a little bit of jerky mixed in. Cole slaw is finely chopped and a nice foil for the pork, but I almost like a little more tang in my slaw. Well done hush puppies - a plus for me, crispy and crunchy. I fine this place a buck or two more than other BBQ joints, but it's still a reasonable deal for a meal. If you're lucky, they might have some locally made honey made by a guy down the road. Grab some.
(3)J G.
I don't really have much to add to the other reviews. This place is fantastic, and a true NC BBQ staple.
(5)Jonathan V.
There are many big decisions in life. I was faced with one on my first trip to Allen and Son's BBQ restaurant today. It was after my meal, when the waitress came up to me and said, "would you like any dessert today". Well, the answer was "yes", of course! But which one? Chocolate pie, coconut chess pie, peanut butter pie, Klondike pie, cream cheese pound cake, cobbler with ice cream, sweet potato pie, and the list goes on. Wait a minute, I'm getting ahead of myself. When I stepped out of my car, the very first thing I noticed was the aroma of the wood smoke from the BBQ. Oh, it smelled soooo good! I decided to try the BBQ sandwich and onion ring combo. It was $5.90 before tax. I also got a sweet tea. Everything was excellent. The BBQ had a great taste. And to be honest, I'm not a big fan of eastern NC BBQ, but this was really good. I wanted to try the BBQ plate, but at $9.50, that's kind of steep for a plate (in my opinion). So I just stuck with the sandwich and rings. And finally the dessert. I ended up with Klondike pie. It had a granola crust, with ice cream on top, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Topped with chopped pecans. Total bill for sandwich, rings, tea and slice of pie was $11 and some change. There is no doubt, I would recommend this place to others.
(5)Patrick T.
I went to graduate school in Chapel Hill and Allen & Sons was one of my favorite spots. I live in Texas now and really miss Carolina barbecue (the pork shoulder is for some reason banned in Texas barbecue). I just had a business trip to Raleigh and made the quick trip over to Chapel Hill to Allen & Sons. It was timeless, just as I remembered, and awesome. The pork, slaw, hush puppy combination is just killer. I will be back...
(5)Jeff M.
This place is fantastic. It reminds me of one of my favorite places in the country, The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, TN; you feel like you're being welcomed into a person's countryside home. It's simple, right off the road, with great service and top-notch food. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw. I loved Lexington Barbecue, but this was even better. This sandwich was PERFECT. Juicy, smoky, flavorful, with a kick and perfectly complemented by the slaw. And it's bigger than the Lexington Barbecue sandwich, another plus. The potato salad was delicious. I don't know what the deal is with potato salad in North Carolina, but it's clearly better than any I've had in the past. I've been waiting a long time to eat here. This place exceeded expectations. A must-visit for any BBQ lover. A must-visit for any sandwich lover. It's places like this that reminds me why the pig is my animal of choice.
(5)Alex M.
Best onion rings I have ever had. Definitely try them--they are perfect! Big chunks of sweet onion in a nice light batter that doesn't fall apart!! The food is plentiful and authentic, and there are tons of great options. Definitely try the hush puppies, and if you like this Carolina style of barbeque (it has a vinegar flavor--not sweet or spicy--a little sour but completely excellent, and delicious with the sweet sides) or you're not sure and want to try it out (go for it!), the pulled pork is fantastic--certainly hard to beat! Whenever I'm in the area, I always want to go to Allen & Son. Good pies too--Millionaire Pie is a local favorite. Casual interior with lots of memorabilia and other cool stuff. This place is the real thing.
(5)Alicia G.
This place was a hidden gem, tucked right next to some old train tracks. The bbq was delicious and the pies were even better! The waitress was even nice enough to warm up the desserts. All I can say is friendly, fast service and delicious food. It's a must go!
(5)Caroline S.
This is tough. But I'm actually going to have to write a far from positive review for an establishment I respect. I've been to Allen & Sons before, enjoyed the country atmosphere, their focus on traditional NC BBQ and their table service. However, when I visited for lunch today I was disappointed. The sweet tea was horrible, and I mean so bad that the entire table had to send it back. I got a water instead and it tasted horrible, I didn't have the heart to send it back. Looking back they may have had an issue with the cleaning of their glasses. I ordered hushpuppies to start out with, which didn't after until well after we got our main meal. And sadly, my bbq sandwich was a pitiful combination of dry, tough meat and gristly, fatty meat - none of the great bbq I was used to. To top it off the sandwich and fries barely fit on the tiny plate they served it on, meaning that I was struggling just to hold everything together. I was very disappointed, but given Allen & Sons history hoping things will improve!
(2)Ron S.
Excellent BBQ and stew! Serving size is perfect and worth the price. The sweet tea is also a must try. Elena is a gem and made the meal awesome!
(5)Nate B.
A bit pricey and greasy, but very tasty BBQ.
(4)Roll T.
3.75 stars. I am going to repeat the sentiments of Nick from Houston; if you are looking for Carolina Style BBQ, go here. Bullock's was a MAJOR disappointment. Here, you will find a vinegar-infused mesh of pulled pork that needs no extra condiments to deliver a winning combination to your tastebuds. I was thankful that the ribs used a combination of tomato and vinegar for their sauce base (similar to Alabama's style of BBQ) instead of a pure vinegar base (which, frankly, is disgusting). This is not the BEST BBQ spot in the Triangle. Right now, that title would have to live with the Q Shack (which serves both TX and NC style BBQ). However, if you are in the area, this place has the Southern charm and the excellent BBQ that combines to knock your socks off.
(4)Paige T.
So, this was a day out of say, the 1950's or something. We took our out-of-town guests from Quebec to a local waterin' hole to do some wading down off of 15-501. Conveniently, on the way back home, there it was in all its humble glory, Allen & Son! It was a perfect topper to an otherwise lazy, hot, simple summer day. We stood in line behind what seemed like an impossible amount of people for 3pm on a Friday afternoon off of 15-501. We waited patiently, though, and determined our order: 4 bbq sandwiches and 1 side of cole slaw--all you need, really. Oddly, the place was being run by what appeared to be a couple of 13 year old girls, but they shuffled about behind the musty glass of a take-out window and got orders up in a pretty timely manner. The line petered out and, at last, our order was up. We went just around the corner to one of the picnic tables and proceeded to unwrap and delight in our bbq treats. The sandwich was perfectly vinegar-y and the bbq just melted. Our sandwiches were pre-topped with there divinely minced and flavored coleslaw, which contrasted nicely with the steaming hot bbq. We got a side of the slaw, though, because it is just that good, healthy tasting almost--gasp! Overall, Allen & Sons does it right, no mess, no complications. This was a welcomed accompaniment to our lazy day in the sun. One last thing, Allen & Son is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
(5)Smanda P.
Awesome barbeque. Checkered vinyl table cloths. Diner style condiments. It's pretty much the type of joint you want to take your out of town guests to for them to enjoy real NC bbq. Try the peanut butter pie. I've been going here for years only ordering the peach cobbler for dessert. And all this time I have been missing the orgasmic goodness of peanut butter pie. I'd eat it for all 3 meals if it didn't have a bajillion calories.
(5)Christopher G.
August 27, 2014. Stop by to try and eat today, online said they were open but no one was there. Did they move, close, etc? Three other vehicle pulled up at the same time I did.
(1)Fred B.
My step-son, who has been in Australia for over 2 years, was in town for a few days, and really wanted to have barbecue as often as possible. Took him to Country Barbecue (on Wendover) for a quick sandwich on the way in from the airport late yesterday afternoon. His sister is having a variety of items from Blue Smoke in Winston for dinner this evening, and it will br 12 Bones in Asheville tomorrow for lunch. But today we took him to Allen & Son, and the pork was as good as ever, perhaps even the very best I've had here, and that covers a lot of sandwiches, trays, and plates - with a few chili dogs thrown in for good measure. The meat was tender, moist, loaded with smoke, sauced perfectly (for my tastes at least) out of the kitchen. My step-son (this was his first visit here) absolutely loved it. This is just excellent barbecue (and the chili dog is still very good), and the only difference is that there is less meat on the plate, the tray, and the sandwich - happening everywhere it seems, a sign of the times. The fries here are still god awful, but so what.
(5)Tess M.
Great BBQ sauce- North Carolina BBQ sauce- vinegary. My friend loves the sauce and bought two jars. The BBQ chicken isn't that great so I'd advice against it. Stick to the pulled BBQ pork. Try the fried okra. I will have to try the pittsboro location to see if it's any different/better.
(3)Norm L.
Absolutely the best eastern style BBQ sandwich I have ever eaten. The cobblers and pies are also amazing ! If you are driving down I-40 in the Durham - Chapel Hill area this is a must stop ! Norm
(5)Lawrence N.
Briefly---We ate there Friday, Feb. 28th. We are all Southerners who have eaten good bbq all our lives. So: The bbq itself is good, very good, and worth the trip. The slaw is good. The fries are good. The onion rings and the hush puppies were grease soaked. You could have squeezed them out like a sponge. The ribs were awful, a waste of money. And speaking of money....we were there for lunch and it was overpriced. The service was good.
(3)Dwain S.
First the food. Overall, very good. The BBQ was flavorful and moist. It really did not need any of the sauce (which was also good). The hush puppies were also great. The fried okra was also up to southern standards. Every one in our family enjoyed their meals. The food would get 4 1/2 stars. At least. However, the service was blah. And I hate to blame this on wait staff; I don't believe they are the source of the issue. Its very likely the owners. The problem is the overall attitude. Allen and Son has this magical reputation in the Triangle; arguably the best BBQ in the Triangle. I might even sign up for that. But the mystic has went to their heads. It is really an attitude of "we neither need nor want your business." Two points to back this up. My daughter asked for the cole slaw to be put on side and not on her sandwich. "NO. We will chage for an extra side if we do." Refill on a diet soda? "NO. We charge full price for that. " And basically I did not get the impression tha our business was appreciated. So will I go back? Maybe. But it will likely be carry out if I do.
(2)Alan K.
I had read great reviews about Allen & Son so my wife and I decided to give it a try. We were looking forward to a really good meal but that was not in the cards. We may have caught the restaurant on a bad night but our experience was terrible. The wait staff was less interested in service and more interested in texting and talking. The 'Q was greasier than I was willing to eat and the sides were so-so. It had more large chunks of fat than edible pork and tasted as if it had been held in a steam-table pan for too long. It tasted as if it had been cooked over gas instead of charcoal or wood and had not the slightest hint of smoke flavor. We ended up leaving without completing our meal. After attracting the attention of a staff person, I explained our disappointment. On the upside, we were not asked to pay for the meal and were told that our dissatisfaction would be passed on to management. Although I think consistency is key in building a reputation, I know that persons and establishments have "off days". We will likely give the restaurant another try and, if warranted, a better review.
(2)Kevin Z.
Call the BBQ Police! BBQ crime in progress . I would expect this from a diner in Massachusetts but North Carolina? Ribs Taste like they were fresh out of the oven . Bad ribs and bad sauce don't really go together . sauce tastes more like stewed tomatoes than BBQ sauce . Rib plate came with what looked like overlooked small ends . To be fair the slaw was a tangy delight and the fried okra was too legit, too legit to quit . You have to wonder about a place that WILL not sell a slab of ribs or sell unsweetened tea. Bad food and Zero Customer focus. The Pit would have been a better move .
(2)K C.
Allen & Son is a bit outside the build-up of Chapel Hill and is very non-descript looking. My GPS was slightly off and if I had not looked up while about to turn a corner, I would've missed it. Went on a Tuesday late afternoon and I was one of two customers there. Staff recommended a pork platter which came with coleslaw and hush puppies (yum!) for ~$13. The pulled pork portion was large and tasty, though I thought it was slightly dry. I got takeout and my order was ready within 5 min. Decor inside is certainly spartan, but it looks like there was plenty of seating available for those who wanted to eat in.
(4)Anthony K.
Things were pretty quiet when I got to Allen & Son--they open early and I'd decided to go there for a "barbecue brunch" in order to facilitate the consumption of even more barbecue later in the day. But I didn't mind having the place to myself. Among other things, it gave me plenty of time to admire my surroundings. Allen & Son has the quirkiest, most idiosyncratic interior I'd yet encountered in NC BBQ country. It's some kind of folksy, friendly, frontier fantasy they've got going on in there, featuring a wide range of old-timey artifacts and a whole lot of taxidermy. Allen & Son is owned and operated by Keith Allen, a hulking figure of a man who has a fondness for hickory, who collects and chops all his own wood, and who prefers to work his pit and chop his pork all by himself, too. There's definitely something of the frontiersman in Allen, and he definitely looks the part. Think Sterling Hayden in Nicholas Ray's "Johnny Guitar" and the whole aesthetic of Allen & Son suddenly makes a lot more sense. Anyway, I had a chance to take in the scene, and study their menu, and I liked what I saw. Right down to their coy mascot. But what I liked most of all was my barbecue pork sandwich plate. The pork here was coarsely cut, robustly smoky, perfectly seasoned, and quite literally juicy. The juiciest I encountered on a brief West-to-East NC BBQ survey. The cole slaw was creamy and "white," it had been made with obvious care, and it was first class. The bun was seeded and definitely above average. And the hush puppies, too, were a work of art--the best I experienced over the course of a week in NC. Hell, even their sweet tea was outstanding, with enticing hints of vanilla to it. But the biggest revelation was Allen & Son's dip, which didn't have any tomato in it, but did contain a secret ingredient: butter. I'd read about early North Carolina barbecue sauces and how butter had been a fairly common ingredient well into the nineteenth century, but I'd never actually encountered one. Allen & Son's dip also arrived fresh & hot. And, boy, did it ever make that pork sing. Wow! This is barbecue so good I insisted on driving down and visiting Allen & Son a second time, just a few months later--from Montreal! Everything was just as great on my second visit. Actually, it was possibly even better, because that time I discovered their truly exceptional baked beans. Oh, yeah: they're really friendly, too, and super generous with the sweet tea.
(5)Rebecca Y.
since people have Yelped about the pulled pork, I'm going to talk about their fried catfish. It is literally the best catfish I've ever had. It tasted more like cod than anything else (tender, falls off the fish in sections), and so delicious. Their homemade tartar sauce and horseradish is freaking amazing too (perfectly tart, really fresh). The hush puppies tasted a bit dry, overcooked, and maybe like it was fried twice (once for lunch and those not sold during lunch were fried again for dinner). Ribs were a bit dry, leaves something to be desired. But def go to Allen & Son for pulled pork, fried catfish, and fried okra. They also only make their famous banana pudding on Fridays, and they sold out of it by 5:30PM (and and so I didn't have an oportunity to try it). So if you want a banana pudding, get there early on Fridays and order it with your entrees!
(4)Ron W.
When you talk barbeque in the Triangle area, you ALWAYS hear about Allen & Son! Not sure why it took five years but I finally stopped by for some of their delicious grub today, woohoo! Outside you'd hardly notice the place, I whizzed right by on 86, slammed on the brakes and whipped around. Inside Allen & Sons is all southern-country: knick-knacks, signs and decor, very homey and comfortable. But hey, you don't come to Allen & Son for ambiance, bring out the barbeque, baby! I went with the combo plate (barbeque and stew) to keep things easy. We started off with a basket of really crispy hushpuppies. I think they may have even been double-fried but they had a thick crust and tasted full of corn meal with a bit of onion, wonderful! The que was well cooked, tender and tasty, great stuff! But what really shined were as Lauren P mentioned, the sides... The brunswick stew was GREAT! Rich, with fresh vegetables and a great tomato base, delicious. The coleslaw (a dish I'm not particularly fond of) was amazingly crisp, tangy and finely-chopped. And since I waited 5 years to come here, we went all out and threw a peach cobbler onto the meal. Lots of brown sugar, a tender crust and stewed peaches, yum! Wow, all I can say is that Allen & Son lived up to all my expectations. Service was really attentive and comfortable, the barbecue was great and the sides were even better. So if you're ever zipping out on I-40 north of Chapel Hill, stop off on Route 86 for some fantastic and fresh comfort food. I guarantee you, I won't be waiting another five years before my next visit...
(5)Geoff O.
My friends took me here because I wanted "legit" Carolina barbecue. Maybe what I actually wanted was bastardized, corporatized Carolina barbecue? I'm not sure. Generally, I liked this place, but I think their portion sizes are all over the map. It's kinda hard to find that happy balance. The pork was good, but I guess I prefer my pork pulled compared to chopped. I love vinegar, though. Yum. Check it out. It's a local icon. The staff is very pleasant. And it smells like stuff has been smoking out back for decades. Love it.
(3)S C.
Quiet location and quaint interior. maybe 15 tables small operation pulled pork sandwich with slaw nice gentle smoke flavorr and plenty moist. sauce it is a vinegar base with the perfect amount of kick served warm. home cut fries were good and fresh and hot. Was told that even though this is not the original location they still use wood to smoke the meet. The Pittsboro location has converted to using gas
(4)Nene K.
I am an avid and rabid fan of Cooper's in Raleigh. A hometown girl who loves her hometown bbq. But when the boy (a lovable yankee) came down to the Triangle area to visit the parents, he asked to stop by Allen & Son, having visited while checking out Duke. I acquiesced pretty convinced that it couldn't beat Cooper's because that's impossible right? Turns out it wasn't that impossible. Allen & Sons is located just off the road and is designed to appeal to tourists who have a distinct image of what a bbq shack should look like -- southern shabby chic. Inside is more of the same with checkered table cloth and nostalgic paraphernalia. The bbq and cole slaw were delicious!! The hush puppies were ok but not as good as Cooper's. The server was very kind and helpful with suggestions. All in all, a decent bbq place!
(4)Tripp W.
Wow, I didn't expect to write this, but Allen & Son's kinda sucked. I know, I was very surprised too. So, here is my story. I was like a kid going to Disney World when we drove all the way out to A&S. This is THE NC BBQ mecca. I felt as I should bow at the door on the way in. [Start little voice in my head] This is going to be amazing. Oh boy, oh boy! What do I order....what do I order?? Seems like you can do a little BBQ plate, a big BBQ plate, or BBQ with stew. Gosh, the plates only come with hush puppies and coleslaw. No other side options? [In big letters at the top of the menu 'NO SUBSTITUTIONS'] Bummer, but it's cool; I will order something separate. $3.50 for a side of baked beans?!? Wait a second, those BBQ plates cost $11-12?!? Holy crap. Where are we? NYC? [Looks out the window] Nope, still in the sticks. This better be awesome. Mean waitress comes over. Not busy mean, but country mean. We are obviously a buzz kill on her day. Waters all around except one coke for the father-in-law. Everybody orders and the no substitutions rule was enthusiastically enforced. The plates come quickly (scooping doesn't take long) and the father-in-law requests a coke refill. Charge for freaking refills?!? Who does that? Oh man; this better be super awesome. Poke my BBQ with a fork and it's mushy. Clearly over-sauced. The smokey flavor is here but the consistency was wayyyy off. It can't be true....the best thing on the plate is the coleslaw. I don't even like coleslaw! The hushpuppies, merely average. But the BBQ....for the sake of all that's good in NC. Crap. [End little voice] This was the biggest let down in my food life. My father-in-law and I were crushed. We have been looking forward to trying A&S for a while. We actually went one time before and it was randomly closed, which I hear happens often. The owner just doesn't feel like make BBQ somedays. That day, we went to The Pig a couple miles away and got way better BBQ, sides, and experience. Come to think of it, I feel you get better BBQ at The Pit in DT Raleigh at a much better value. ~$10 for BBQ, two sides, hushpuppies and biscuits, free refills, and not out in the boondocks. I am definitely not saying The Pig or The Pit have the best NC BBQ, but they are solid. The same can not be said for A&S. Sad BBQ panda.
(2)John L.
OM. Nom. Nom. Nom. Allen & Son is Carolina BBQ. It's the vinegary goodness that you hope for. It's also very country. It's up 86, past everything in Chapel Hill including Weaver Dairy and Homestead. You're pretty much on the verge of reaching Hillsborough by the time you get there. But it's worth it. You get the whole country experience, great food, awesome hush puppies, and BBQ which is about as good as anything you can possibly get in the Triangle, all on the cheap. Simply put, Allen & Son is exactly what you are looking for if you're looking for Carolina BBQ. Hours are not regular, so you will want to check before you go.
(5)Lee L.
Eastern NC style as good as it gets. Freshly chopped, perfectly smoked, nice-and-juicy pork. Not overly sauced when it comes to you but the sauce on the table is perfect. Black peppery slaw is perfect. Bun doesn't get in the way. Took 2lbs home and nearly cried when I finally ran out. Unimportant side notes: good strong sweet tea, hot and crisp fried okra and OH the hot banana pudding on Fridays. Great stuff but should have had another sandwich for desert and maybe for my side dish too. Yeah, it's THAT good.
(5)Matt K.
I was nervous about giving Allen & Son's a relatively low rating due to it's legendary status, but I have to admit that my experience was disappointing. Any place with such limited business hours gets a lot of build up in my mind for some reason. Allen & Son is also featured in one of our cookbooks at home! Tripp W. has said it all very well and some of my feelings are the same, but I walked away with a few more positives. I was expecting some out of this world stuff, and I think everything was just OK. I ordered the ribs, and my wife got the bbq plate. I am open to all kinds of bbq but there is a very heavy vinegar base to the A&S sauce. The ribs were served wet and were greasy. I wouldn't get them again. My wife cleaned her plate of chopped bbq. I tried some, and that would definitely be my preference next time around. As for sides: The cole slaw was tasty, but very pedestrian. The fries were fresh cut. The hushpuppies are good as many have said, but I don't think they were the best I ever had or particularly memorable. We each had lemonade which we enjoyed, but it does not come with refills. Also, the plates in general were pricey. We ordered peach cobbler for dessert and it was good, but again not amazing. I liked the decor and the seating arrangements; the whole place was bigger than I thought. Also our server was attentive and helpful. The other downside was price. I know we got dessert, but for 2 people with tax and tip it was $40. That's a lot for bbq anything as far as I'm concerned. I want to visit again to try the bbq plate and hopefully update my review. Unfortunately though, my first visit was disappointing.
(3)John S.
Went recently for the 2nd time. BBQ here is very good, i'd put it in my top 5 for Eastern NC style, sides are also very good. Only issue for me still is the price. There are quite a few Eastern NC BBQ joints you can get nearly the same quality BBQ for $7 or $8 a plate, including 2 sides w/ hushpuppies.
(4)Jesse S.
It's just ok. Supposedly this is a somewhat famous place around these parts, but I haven't been all that impressed after visiting a few times. Their pork is ok. Their hushpuppies are ok. Their sauce is ok. But nothing has really stood out. I have also heard some older customers complaining that their current buns aren't as good as the ones they used to have. Maybe this place used to be great, but in its current state, I don't think it's anything to write home about. Perhaps my expectations were just too high, given their reputation...
(3)Scott K.
The bbq here is pork-tastic. The bbq has a delicate smoke flavor to it. The brunswick stew is very good and the onion ring are decent. The hushpuppies are just ok. The sweet tea is some of the best sweet tea around. Every time I come here I find it very difficult to order something else from the menu. The bbq plates give you alot of food for the money, but expensive. I usually get the bbq sandwich with one side and sweet tea for $8.00. Yes, I will continue to go back here. Love the pig decor with farm equipment! Food A Decor B Staff C Location D Health Inspection Grade 91.5
(5)Karl S.
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que is a landmark in Chapel Hill. I have been a loyal customer for at least twenty years. Even when I didn't live in North Carolina it was one of two barbecue places that I would make sure that I ate at when I came to the triangle. The barbecue is top notch. There just aren't too many places that can do it this well and even fewer that can do it better. I always get the barbecue plate and brunswick stew. The hush puppies are done perfectly. And don't get me started talking about their desserts. This is a 4 star restaurant all the way. The major faults i have are with the price and the sweet tea. The tea isn't sweet at all, they give you unsweet tea and simple syrup. You flavor your own tea !!! They have been doing it this way for years and frankly I think it is a cop out. This is the south.. learn to make sweet tea and serve it ! The other draw back to this wonderful spot is the price. This is barbecue, I don't think it should be this expensive. I guess if you are a landmark you can get away with it.
(4)Ron T.
I finally made it............ Tried to visit for years, but since we are in NC usually between Christmas & New Years Allen & Son is closed. Worth the anticipation and the wait.... Loved the North Carolina BBQ. BBQ Plate was perfect the house sauce was delicious, used maybe a third of the bottle. I'm glad I didn't order a sandwich, the meats should be eaten with sauce only. I now understand why Allen & Son is considered one of the flagships for NC BBQ. Damn Good! The fried catfish was just as compelling as the BBQ, very good. The catfish is not greasy, perfectly fried, super fresh served with homemade tarter sauce and cocktail sauce (both are great,) a real treat. Yummy and I am not usually a fan of catfish. Hush Puppies are fried sweet & savory goodness. The coleslaw was a perfect compliment to the pork and all the fried food. Yes, the french fries are kinda soggy....we didn't really eat them. Our bellies were getting full anyway. The chocolate pie and homemade ice cream were good. They were not NYC restaurant to die for but more like southern grandma satisfying. The sweet tea is an endless cup and it is surprising how much you can drink. My BBQ/Southern Food jones was so satisfied, that I did not feel compelled to visit any other of my Raleigh Area hit list of local foods.
(5)Stephanie R.
nice bbq.
(4)Jessica C.
The BBQ wasn't bad but the stench of the restraunt itself was offputting. It was a bit pricey it seemed. I guess I am just used to GA bbq places where you can get a small sandwhich for a buck, and side of fries for a second buck.
(2)Carol L.
I'm from NC but have since moved out to CA. whenever I miss southern bbq, I only think of allen and son... bbq: smokey, peppery, and tender. vinegar sauce: perfect balance of sweet and sour, plus a litte kick. its so good that i made my friends ship it to me in california! hush puppies: full of buttery flavor, perfectly crisp on the outside and moist and dense on the inside. one time i ate this for two meals in one day! 4 stars; only because it feels kinda pricey for the portions.
(4)Tim C.
Hands down the best NC barbecue in Chapel Hill. The pork is so flavorfully smoky, juicy and tender, and with their vinegar-based sauce (vinegary and slightly spicy), it's some of the best barbecue I've ever had. On top of that, their hushpuppies are just as unique and delicious. There's a starchy sweetness and a lighter-than-normal texture that sets it apart from your normal hushpuppy. The cole slaw is pretty standard. Their desserts are also tasty - I prefer their pies over their cobblers, but you can't really go wrong with either. If you go to Allen & Son, get their barbecue. Their other dishes are not bad, but you honestly can't go wrong with the barbecue.
(5)Al G.
I don't get it. I'm sorry, but I don't. As soon as you walk into this place you're surrounded by tables of people staring at you. You move about 10 feet through a sea of eyeballs mere inches from your torso, and you can finally make out a counter with a register. I placed my order, to go-since I was obviously freaked out by the "ambiance". I later heard "just seat yourself", so I suppose I could have tried to find a table on my own instead of looking for someone to seat me and ate there, but...no. I went basic for a first try, a barbeque sandwich and hushpuppies. I was asked if i wanted coleslaw on it. I tried to get it on the side, but was told that then I would have to pay for a side of coleslaw. Really? Fine, leave it on the sandwich. My order came to nearly $10. I gasped, but paid. A dollar more and I could have had the platter...with the coleslaw separated from the meat. A few minutes later I was handed a bag and I promptly left. I got into my car and pulled out the hushpuppies-nobody likes cold hushpuppies. There was a small container of vinegar sauce-I'm not sure if it came with the pups or the sandwich, but I eventually dipped the hushpuppies in it to make them marginally better. They weren't bad, but 6 little balls of dough was not worth the $2.95 I paid for them. I decided to go ahead and eat the sandwich too...it was already a soggy mess...probably because of the damn coleslaw-which was diced up into miniscule pieces and soaked in runny mayo (not unlike chick-fil-a, but at least there it's not on a bun!) I pulled out some of the meat to try sans slaw-some pieces were crispy and burnt, others were basically pieces of fat, but of the edible ones, they were quite bland. Perhaps the vinegar sauce was for the meat after all. So: Off-putting, bland, overpriced. I guess those are the three stars I took away.
(2)Jason D.
Did not like the food at all and service was some of the worst I have experienced. The manager was very rude and treated us horribly. There is much better bbq right down the street, I will never walk into that place again.
(1)Cathy B.
Used to stop here once a month for pig. Unfortunately, haven't been back in five months. Last time I got home with my order, the pig was full of fat, hush puppies were mush, and the sauce was a cup of orange yellow grease with something orange settled at the bottom. I think some places have been in business too long and just assume people will eat anything they dish out to you because of their reputation of having a good product. Will never stop here again to eat fat and grease served by these good ole' boys.
(1)Tyreeree D.
So much better than all the rest. This is the place to go if you want some real BBQ and some delicious banana pudding. While The BBQ Joint is good for some weird pseudo-gourmet kind of BBQ, this place is nice and down home. I implore you to order the ribs because they are finger licking, fall of the bone good. Also, if you have a dog, they sell delicious bones that you can take home to little Buster for a delicious but unhealthy treat. I do warn you though - if your dog has allergies, beware of the shit storm to follow (literally). Q: Why can't NC BBQ be as good and cheap as GA BBQ? Grrrrrr.
(5)Katie B.
When we got married five years ago, we hired Allen & Son to cater our wedding. It was an amazing deal and so delicious that people are still talking about it, years later. In fact, one of my friends recently mail-ordered their 'cue for her husband's birthday (in LA). The best surprise, though, was the desserts, all made by the same guy who smokes the pigs. We couldn't find a good wedding cake baker in the Durham area--everything was stale and boring. Then we had lunch at Allen & Son and ordered some cake and pie to share. Heaven! So our wedding cake(s) were the key lime pound cake and cream cheese pound cake, all served up with homemade vanilla ice cream and freshly picked strawberries. Orgasmic. Nothing in this world is so good. Do yourself a favor and go for a long bike ride, then sit in Allen & Son and replenish your lost calories with sweet tea, a barbecue sandwich with slaw, a handful of hushpuppies, and just about any dessert on the menu. You won't be sorry.
(5)GeneR S.
The best bar-b-q in the Chapel Hill area, served in a no-frills restaurant with gallons of sweet tea, excellent hush puppies, and homemade pies/cobblers/cookies to accompany. Service is usually very quick and friendly. Coming from Chapel Hill (86 N) it's easy to miss, so be on the look out for it's driveway on the left just before the railroad tracks.
(5)Emily S.
Overall it was pretty good but I wasn't blown away. I'm not sure if I am just not a good judge of BBQ but it didn't make we want to return for anything special. I got the BBQ plate and of course my favorite was the hush puppies. I agree with everyone else that you must get some of these. I do like the comfortable atmosphere here. The staff make you feel like a local. I do suggest wearing light clothing as it was pretty hot inside and this was only on a 70 degree evening. The only thing I didn't like was my apple cobbler. It was cold and nothing like I was expecting. Also come early as they close at 8:00 and service can be on the slow side.
(3)Jillian P.
Best BBQ in the area, the pork is tasty, the ribs are so good I don't mind eating messy food in public, and the hush puppies keep me up at night with their siren song.
(5)Shayan B.
Hands down the best BBQ I have ever had. The tea is perfect. The vinegar based sauce is sweet and spicy. I used to eat here once a week. I went home for a wedding and had to have some. It just reminded me of how pulled pork should taste. Try this place. Everything on the menu is amazing!
(5)Wendy T.
The classic BBQ shack in the triangle. The platters are big, with piles of moist, juicy pork - which I've heard unlike other places is NOT cooked over a gas grill. The classic sides are really tasty. And it's all served up in a cinderblock building staffed by friendly people, decorated with dead animals. Really.
(5)Jake W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the world. I grew up in CH, but now liv in LA and I have brought out 10 lbs. of Allen and Sons on a few occasions to keep in my freezer. You don't realize it until you leave NC, but you really can't get pulled pork anywhere else that is even close to authentic. You can order something other than pulled pork off the menu, but I don't know why you would. The sweet tea is always good ( and if you're with a few people they'll just leave a pitcher on your table). The french fries are usually not too good, but that's not really important in the grand scheme of things. The only real problem is that they're closed on Sundays and Mondays and there's always one week each winter and each summer that they close down completely.
(5)Timothy C.
This place has some of the best BBQ I've had here in the triangle,and I've had a lot! The BBQ is pit cooked and you can taste all of the yummy flavors!!! Place is great to there and try some good ol' nc BBQ!!!!
(5)Mario M.
This placks is not what you would expect. The bbq was mild and plain, tasted like vinegar only. and the sauce was not spicy at all. The ambiance and crowded house made me feel as if it would be truly the best BBQ in NC but alas it failed. Talked with other locals and they all agreed there's much better BBQ to be found if your willing to drive a few hours.
(1)Stacey V.
I LOVE this place. It's honestly the best bbq I've ever had, and I'm born-and-raised in NC. If you're in the area and you want to get the best bbq experience, this place is a must.
(5)Lindsay T.
as a vegetarian, take my review with a grain of salt. that said, i've tried the grilled cheese, french fries, hush puppies, fried okra, and chocolate pie. grilled cheese was good as can be and the hush puppies and fried okra were tasty. the french fries were skin-on and appeared hand cut, but they were soggy. the chocolate pie was AMAZING. i don't know what they put in that crust but it was chewy and chocolate-y and soooooo good! obviously every other person i've been with has gotten BBQ, usually the sandwich or the plate. every single person has had rave reviews, even those who previously didn't like NC style BBQ. it's open for lunch most days, but dinner thursday through saturday only and i would get there early. last time i was there they were photographing the place for a feature story in USA Today. you can't really beat that.
(4)Conspicuous C.
This casual BBQ joint is way out in the middle of nowhere with cinderbrick walls. I kept driving and driving and started to become concerned that we would run into some half-breeds who say things like, "You shur got a purty mouth...". Then, lo and behold, there it was. I was pretty pleased with the BBQ plate I ordered--generous, and both the hush puppies and cole slaw were unusually good. The price was pretty good as well. NC BBQ is shredded pork smoked and covered in a vinegar sauce flavored with cayenne, tabasco, and sugar. If you are looking for NC BBQ, this is a good bet.
(4)Nick L.
I don't understand why people still take their out-of-town relatives to Bullock's for their first NC-style BBQ experience. Seriously. Bullock's serves something that looks like steamed, shredded, mushy pork, devoid of much flavor besides an annoying way-too-vinegary aftertaste. And it's often lukewarm. Allen & Son, on the other hand, serves hot, delightfully smoky pork in a perfectly balanced sauce (with butter in it, I think). I never add any sauce, because it's always just right. Their pork is more roughly chopped as opposed to Bullock's puree, so you get some nice chunks of meat and the charred "outside brown" parts (delicious!) Brunswick stew is good, but nothing I haven't had elsewhere. Hush puppies are really heavy, but really good. Interesting potato salad (maybe too much relish). The fries everyone raves about are somewhat overrated (found them soggy). But here, it's all about the pork. Try the ribs too -- they're messy, but tasty. Four stars because they don't do substitutions for sides and they're pretty pricey, as far as NC-style 'cue goes. Ordering any of their substantial BBQ plates for dinner will run you at least $10. But I guess when you're the best, you can afford to be a little bit of a hard ass. And you can't beat their fast and friendly service. Bullock's? More like bollocks.
(4)Brian O.
I don't want to be too harsh on this place because I realize that the food they serve is very traditional BBQ fare for North Carolina and it's much loved by others. I was a little disappointed by my lunch here. I got a pulled pork sandwich with fried okra as a side. The pulled pork itself was quite good but I was a little disappointed with the soggy white bread it came with. It just didn't come together as a good sandwich for me. I realize the squishy white bread is a normal barbecue thing but it didn't work for me. The fried okra was OK. Where things really got bad was the dessert which the waitress promised me was fantastic. It was a chocolate pecan pie, completely overheated in the microwave. It might have been good when it was still warm from the oven but after being heated up the crust was destroyed (tough and chewy) and the molten chocolate was scalding. If I get pie here again I'll go with something less sweet and ask them to not heat it.
(3)Rajarshi G.
Found this place via Yelp when I was visiting Chapel Hill. The crowd of cars outside the place was a pretty good sign and the smells inside was lovely. We got the BBQ platter - pulled pork, slaw and hush puppies. The slaw was pretty standard but the pulled pork and hush puppies were pretty much mind blowing - no icky sweetness on the pork. And a perfect balance between vinegar and smoky bbq flavors. The hush puppies were awesome. We took the food out and I just wish we had ordered more from their menu.
(5)Sharon L.
Eh. I've tried. I really have. I've tried to love NC bbq, but it just hasn't happened. Been here a few times and the pork just doesn't do much for me. It reminds me of...well...soggy meat. I know this is all a matter of taste. Service has been consistent during visits, sweet tea is of course grand, hush puppies are just ok.
(2)Sarah A.
This is arguably the best North Carolina BBQ joint in the triangle. If you don't mind sitting among taxidermy, you can eat in the restaurant, or, if you prefer, order ahead or at the counter for takeout. The BBQ plate with coleslaw and hush puppies is easily worth the calories.
(4)Chris S.
I came here based on the A+ recommendation from bbqjew.com . I got the BBQ plate with cole slaw and added potato salad for $1, which brought the price to $12.50 for a plate of BBQ. So at this point, my expectations are pretty high considering the high price. The pork was very flavorful and plentiful and did not disappoint. My only gripe is that some pieces of were pork were pretty chewy and almost has the texture of jerky. I also would have liked a sauce that didn't taste like straight vinegar. But other than that, the pork was pretty tasty! The cole slaw and potato salad were great and so were the hushpuppies that came with my meal. I also tried the bread pudding and was disappointed. It tasted like it was made a week ago and heated up in the microwave. I would go with another dessert and avoid the bread pudding.
(4)Adam B.
Barbecue: 5 stars Service: 3 stars Atmosphere: 2 stars Hush puppies: 1 star So it's worth it to come out to this location just north of Chapel Hill for the wonderful Lexington-style barbecue. I totally love their sauce, which is the perfect combination of tanginess and heat for me. Every once in a while I've gotten a plate that was maybe a little fattier than I would have liked, but that has been few and far between. Unfortunately, they totally overcook their hush puppies, which is a real shame. I do like their slaw, which isn't the red slaw that I really prefer, but they put in a lot of black pepper which almost makes up for it. Calling this a hole in the wall would be a disservice to holes in the wall, but it definitely has atmosphere and it's been packing folks in and clogging their arteries for as long as I can remember. The green and white checked tablecloths are getting a little ragged and the rest of the décor looks like it hasn't been touched since the '70s, but it's really all about the barbecue anyway and they've got that covered. The waitresses are friendly enough and always on the run and food typically comes out very quickly. Prepare to be "honey"ed and "y'all"ed to death.
(3)Franco D.
Very good pulled pork and hush puppies and now sauce was good as well. Deserts were okay.
(3)N K.
The menu was very limited but food was delicious. Barbecue sauce was hotter than average. We enjoyed it. Dessert looked so good that we took it home in a box because we were too full! Well worth it!
(5)Jennifer W.
Beautiful drive out to this little spot - but keep an eye out, because their sign is a bit faded! True NC BBQ joint - with a lot of bang for your buck! Combo BBQ and stew with slaw for $12...add that to the on-the-house hush puppies the waitress brought, and I had to be rolled home. I'm still getting used to vinegar-based BBQ sauces, but LOVED the home made sauce at this place; it had a good kick. Wish I had room for dessert, because the pies and home made ice cream looked amazing. Warm local atmosphere and a full house on Saturdays. Make sure you get there on time, though - they close by 8pm!
(4)Chris S.
From the outside this place looks a lil sketchy, but in the world of BBQ that often yields the greatest flavor and we were thrilled with this place. The staff was friendly, the food was excellent and as you can see from our photos we brought back loads of the sauce to California. It felt like I was eating BBQ from the sticks and that spells excellent! This was our second spot on our NC BBQ Tour (Lexington BBQ was 1st and wasn't near as good and The Pit was second and couldn't have been more overrated). Allen & Son hit the spot. As a matter of fact, the flavor still is in our mind 2,400 miles away. The sweet tea was awesome. The hush puppies were great and our ribs and pork were juicy, flavorful and cooked to perfection. Personally, my favorite part of the night was the sweet potato pie. I haven't found a place that makes it anywhere near as good!
(5)Rob W.
Allen and son serves good, authentic, Eastern NC Barbeque. The address is Chapel Hill, but this place is out in the country and definitely off the beaten path. The experience is very authentic. As others have remarked, the hours of service are limited. This is not my favorite place, but there is a lot of tradition here.
(3)Fred S.
Ah. Been away from the region too long. I had an exceptional barbeque sandwich. Lots of almost perfect eastern Carolina chopped pork. The only short coming was the lack of slaw. Possibly only a tablespoon for a large sandwich. I asked for a little more. My option was to order a side of slaw for over $3. Service was very quick and friendly. Any fast food would be put to shame by the speed - not to mention the quality and atmosphere.
(4)Natasha S.
Very disappointed! When we first walked in, the older lady was very unfriendly... So unfriendly that I had to ask was it okay for us ( being black) to eat in there.. Food wasn't good at all.. 8 shrimps for $11.30 and was told by the waitress from the owner that they use higher end shrimps unlike Allen & Son in Chatham. Next time I will take a longer drive to the Allen & Son in Chatham... Much nicer and plenty of food for your money!
(1)Klaus N.
What an utter disappointment. The chicken was dry and hard as a rock, the barbecue was flavorless an old tasting, The coleslaw tastes like it's a day to old. The hush puppies and potato salad were adequate however the fried okra was very good. I guess it wasn't a total waste of money. This was a very disappointing experience. In the past this location served good barbecue. I do not know what has transpired. I can still recommend the Allen and sons barbecue south of Chapel Hill that still has excellent quality food.
(1)Stephanie C.
Our family who are from the town took us here and it was pretty good! But the bbq "sauce" was not good at all. Way too spicy and runny! You couldn't really put on a sandwich, it would just seep out. Wish server would have warned us it was spicy! Parents didn't like either. Sister thought it was good. It was more like dressing, like a vinegar and oil recipe that they make there. I didn't put much on my pork and my mouth was on fire, my dad who likes spicy even thought it was too much spice! Maybe make a less spicy version? The hush puppies were good though abs so was the cobbler and peanut butter pie! The place in general is kinda old and run down looking. But everyone is really friendly.
(4)Tina W.
Even though I am not a fan of BBQ, I am not gonna take Allen off my bookmark. Why? Cuz it's way too amazing and delicious. Location: GPS located them as in chapel hill area. But it's kinda in the middle of no where Basically, if you trust your GPS enough, it will eventually lead you the right location. You can park your car in front of the store. Food: I had cup of stew with hush puppy, cream cheese pound cake and coconut cheese cake. Ok, let's start with stew. The stew is well balanced and seasoned with some specular BBQ in it. I have never had the stew tasted so delicious and wonderful! Hush puppy is amazing as well. I had Q shack BBQ before. It was bit sweet and hard to chew. But Allen's hush puppy is melted when you chew it and crispy outside. I would eat a dozen if I can. But I have to make some rooms for dessert. Both cakes are the best I have ever had in triangle area. Don't be biased if they take the cake out from the refrigerator. It is still good. The pound cake is creamy and coconut cheese is creamy and sweet as well. I am so glad I had those two cakes. Service: very nice! Southern hospitality is everywhere while you are at the restaurant Overall: I am gonna try everything if I can next time. Oh, I remembered some one posted that don't be on diet of you eat here. I absolutely second the opinion. So basically, my diet is ruin and I am gonna do t again.
(5)Lenny W.
I'm a fairly new convert to Carolina BBQ. I've always loved my Memphis and Texas BBQ because that's what was always close to where I lived. Since visiting NC, I've seen the light. I'm loving the vinegar-y flavor. This place is amazing, no muss, no fuss goodness. If you're in the mood for amazing bbq, this is the place.
(5)Becky D.
Allen & Son has the best BarBQ in NC hands down. We had a "NC vs SC BBQ Battle" a few years ago when State played South Carolina in football and Allen & Son was the runaway winner. The SC fans were eating our BBQ along with us and ours was gone in a matter of minutes and the SC BBQ had lots leftover when we were done. Your food is amazing!!
(5)Michael U.
Items Selected: Chopped Pork Plate with Sweet Slaw and Hush Puppies Quarter Smoked Chicken Coconut Chess Pie Pecan Pie with House Churned Vanilla Ice Cream Cream Cheese Pound Cake Located alongside a rural road on the outskirts of Chapel Hill, with unequivocal praise received from those in the know about Eastern Carolina 'cue, it was at the off-hour of 3:00pm that we stopped in to Allen & Son Bar-B-Que and finding only three other patrons present amidst the cozy confines all it took was one sniff to tell that the space was legit, the scent of burning wood and roasting pork detectable even before we crossed the threshold of the door. Divided into two rooms, each speckled with old-time trinkets, taxidermy and pigcentric décor as the small kitchen and prep-station sit alongside the back corner of the space, it was mere moments after entering that a middle-aged woman suggested a table and leaving menus while gathering drinks a few specials were recited from memory, our shared selection eschewing both while opting for the restaurants signature items plus a few sweets to follow. Waiting just a few minutes for our order, the time spent listening to overhead speakers piping in folksy tunes, it was unsurprisingly a large amount of food that arrived on two plates and at a mere $9.25 for the Pork Tray with $6.10 for the added half chicken one would be hard-pressed to name a better value for just over fifteen bucks, the pulled pig lightly tinged in vinegar with plenty of crisp skin adding texture while the juicy bird was slathered in tangy sauce, both proving a delightful pairing to sweetly dressed cabbage as well as crispy cornbread balls. Still with desserts from Rose's Meat Market and Sweet Shop in the car, but unable to resist a large list of house-baked cakes and pies offered at $3-$4 each, it was with tough decisions omitting bread pudding and sweet potato pie that a trio was eventually selected, the pecan pie toasty and warm next to a ball of mildly flavored house churned ice cream while both the signature pound cake, teaming with cream cheese, and exceptionally smooth coconut chess pie were the sort of desserts I'd hoped for throughout North Carolina, though in reality anything close to such quality proved hard to find.
(5)Jeremy G.
I was visiting Chapel Hill for the first time and I wanted to try some Carolina BBQ. I'm a porkaholic so getting the pulled pork was an easy decision. Wow I could not get enough of that spicy vinegar sauce. It compliments the pork very well. The tang and acidity cut through the richness of the pork. The hush puppies were delicious too! Coming from Texas, I love my beef brisket bathed in BBQ sauce. But biases aside, I really enjoyed my meal here. I can now say I'm a fan of Carolina pulled pork. But Texas BBQ is still better :P
(4)Patrick D.
So far, this is the best barbecue I've had. Don't expect the gloppy, sugary "Texas style" of BBQ here...this is a lot drier and smokier, with some vinegary tang (the sauce they offer on the side is really not all that spicy, despite the other reviews). Even the coleslaw was probably the best I've had, and I'm not even a big coleslaw fan. The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but it's just what you'd expect from a slightly out-of-the-way, old-school "country" barbecue joint -- feels like you stepped back into the 1950s or 60s. Pro Tip: Save room for dessert, because they have a killer selection.
(4)Corey S.
I work out of RTP occasionally and this is easily the best BBQ I've had in the area. It is a bit of a drive for lunch, but well worth it. Expected frills location and service and just darn good Eastern NC-style BBQ. The desert menu was extensive and of decent quality, but the least exciting part of the meal. Just fill up on the Q and you will be happier.
(5)Miriam F.
You can't beat the barbecue...it is delicious! The portion was large on the BBQ plate. You can beat a couple of things: no unsweet tea and my Diet Coke was an 8oz bottle while my husband's Coke was 12oz.... Both were $2! When my husband asked if he could get a tiny taste of the Brunswick Stew ( he doesn't like spicy) a staff member came out and shouted "we don't give free tastes of anything" she didn't even come to our table! The server at our table was very gracious. The hush puppies were almost burned. Closing on a good note the pound cake was delicious...it and the Bread Pudding were small portions. I am sorry we ate "in" instead of getting take out.
(3)Warren N.
I went to Allen and Sons on Friday night and was very pleased with my meal. I haven't been in a while and was excited to be back to fulfill my southern food craving. I wasn't happy that they don't automatically provide hush puppies for the table like other restaurants normally do. This forced us to buy some extra sides for everyone to munch on before dinner was served. The service was very slow being that the restaurant was practically empty for a Friday night. I got the BBQ chicken plate and it was very flavorful. The BBQ sauce was super tasty and they gave me enough chicken for at least two more meals. The hush puppies were delicious, extra crispy, and not too greasy. When it came time for dessert, I was upset to hear they had ran out of their banana pudding. I'll have to come back just for that! We tried the pecan pie, blackberry cobbler, peanut butter pie, and chocolate pie. The pies just kept getting better and better! The blackberry cobbler was my favorite. It was warm, the blackberries were fresh, and the crust was cooked just right. The peanut butter pie was also amazing. This one was served cold and was super creamy and rich with peanut butter flavor. Overall, I was excited to be back at Allen and Sons and did enjoy my meal. However, I think they need to improve on their service and lower the prices of some of their dishes to make me want to keep coming back regularly.
(3)Wen L.
So disappointed! I grew up in NC and have moved to Atlanta. I rave about NC bbq to everyone. As a devoted Yelper I went to Yelp to find a new place to try for this visit back. Yelp for the first time failed me. 4 star average...NOT! I HOPE it was just a bad day. I DO have to start off by saying the BBQ pork sandwich was not bad at all. I enjoyed the slaw on top and I did have to add some of the spicy vinegar sauce. Overall, I wouldn't mind eating this again. Now on to the rest.... My husband, who literally eats everything, gave up on the BBQ chicken. That is when I knew something was really wrong. To me, it was just okay - I would give it 2 stars. I wouldn't order it again, but would eat it if it was at a party or something. The sides were a hit or miss. The cole slaw and potato salad, I liked. They had an unique vinegar taste. The hush puppies and fries were HUGE misses. The fries were just really flavorless. The hush puppies were a horrendous. On first sight, they were really dark brown, like they were overly fried (My parents had restaurants my whole life. You can just tell.) And guess what? They were over fried! But of course, like a good Yelper I tried it anyways. When you bite into it, you get a huge flavorless warm gush of OIL! Disgusting!!! Yeah...so not going back next time I am in town for sure. I'm really hoping it was a bad day, because I don't understand how this can be 4 stars.
(1)Karisa D.
It's like eating in a country home. Allen & Son Bar-B-Que is definitely a hidden gem in the neighborhood. When you first drive up to the restaurant, it looks like an old house. My initial thought was that our GPS was wrong and that my sister gave us the wrong address. I was wrong, (of course!) when my sister pointed to the old painted sign. Trusting her, who lives in Chapel Hill right now, we walked inside. I also felt better when I saw the "People love us on Yelp" sticker on their window. I figured it couldn't be bad.... Inside, you do feel like you're in a house in the country. Checkered table cloths, pitchers of ice cold sweet tea, and friendly staff add to character of Allen and Son Bar-B-Que. Like their namesake, the food focuses on Carolina barbecue, which has a vinegar base that I am not used to. After looking at the menu, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw, potato salad, and sweet tea. I also ate some of my sister's hush puppies, I couldn't resist. Food was tasty. Their house made barbecue sauce has a tangy taste that definitely gives the sandwich a kick. The pork is cooked well, moist, and they give you a healthy serving. Sweet tea- delicious. One of my favorite things in the South. The staff was friendly and we had good service overall. If I ever come back to the area, I'd make a stop.
(4)Joshua R.
Great, authentic, local bbq spot in Chapel Hill. If you are visitng be aware, that BBQ sandwich means pulled pork (they don't tend to specify). Great BBQ, but honestly the banana pudding was one of the best i've ever had. That'd be my top pick for this spot, though I think they only serve it on friday night.
(4)Brian S.
While traveling through we wanted to stop for Carolina BBQ and stopped at this great local joint. The service was super and the food came quick. We went at 3 in the afternoon and the place was pretty steady with customers the whole time and they also had several take-out orders. They only had one sauce to add and it was pretty spicy in case that's not for you. I like spicy and didn't think it was that spicy, but could see how some would not want it. The slaw and potato salad were good, but the hushpuppies were my favorite! We also sprung for dessert and could barely decide what to get so I got the pound cake with cream cheese icing and scoop of ice cream and my girlfriend got pecan pie with ice cream. They were both absolutely delicious and served warm (probably fresh out of the oven, but definitely baked fresh that day!)
(4)Lee M.
If you want authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue, this is the place. Deep smoky flavor to the 'cue that's not overly sauced (you can put some on, but it is not at all needed), and there's plenty of it in the BBQ plate. Hushpuppies are top-notch, and even the slaw had good flavor. Missed out on the Friday banana pudding, but the homemade ice cream was excellent.
(5)Scott P.
Be weary of the hush puppies.... they're delicious! Allen & Son BBQ is a bit outside the main Chapel Hill area but is well worth the drive. Upon arriving it was easy to tell that THIS was where the locals come to get their bbq. We ordered the main pulled pork bbq plates and a chicken plate, all of which were fantastic! The chicken was very juicy and the pulled pork melted in your mouth! Go ahead and put some of their house made sauce on all the food! Well worth a visit if you're looking for good bbq around Chapel Hill!
(4)Reuben S.
I'm a huge fan of this place. BBQ (pork) was delicious, with a nice vinegar sauce. (Full disclosure: my dining companion, from Tennessee, thought it was just okay.) Hushpuppies were the best I've had (although most of the ones I've had have not been that good). What made them good was the light but natural-tasting sweetness, and the fact that they were neither too greasy nor too dry. Atmosphere is also neat; clearly hasn't changed much in a while. This place gets five stars for the food, but I will note--the first time I was in the area and tried to go, they were closed during their listed business hours. I've heard this happens, and maybe it's part of the charm, but I was disappointed and would warn others that they may be, too.
(5)Aggie D.
My favorite NC barbeque of all time. Eat in or take out, it's great. Sides are all solid and the dessert is above par.
(5)Sarah S.
No cheerwine?!? No bbq slaw?!? Oversalted nasty bbq. The bbq chicken was slimy. The prices were too high. I would never come back here. Terrible place.
(1)Sheryl C.
Don't bother. BBQ bun was so soggy it fell apart. BBQ had no flavor and the sauce she gave us was water. Hush puppies were dry and also fell apart. Waitress had an attitude and not very friendly at all. Won't be coming back here.
(1)David C.
I went here because I saw it rated as the "best BBQ in the South" somewhere. The first attempt, I got there at 5pm on a Tuesday and they were closing up. The next time I got there during their open hours, but they were closed anyway. Be sure to call ahead to make sure they're open. It's funny to be sitting in the parking lot, looking at your phone for another BBQ joint, and have someone else pull up next to you and ask if they are open. Wait staff were nice. Sides are good. I really like the potato salad and cole slaw. Baked beans were passable. I really don't like the hush puppies -- too heavy on the corn meal. I'm giving a low rating because I really didn't care for their BBQ. The ribs were dry, and I didn't care for the tomato-based sauce they covered them with. The pulled pork had some off-flavor I couldn't place. There are three other places that I think have better BBQ. If you don't mind the drive, Hillsboro BBQ is good, and has adult beverages. Danny's BBQ is also good, but is just open for lunch. Backyard BBQ is the best in terms of flavor, but is definitely a hole-in-the-wall.
(2)Kathleen W.
I asked Jeeves (what I decided to call my traveling companion for our business trip out to North Carolina) to find a place for lunch - she found this place via Yelp. We had to drive a bit off the beaten path, but having a sense of adventure is always good when traveling. Better take a detour and find something interesting than stick to the freeways and have to eat at Chic Fil A. It was pricier than I had expected ... about $11.00 for my meal of BBQ that came with some meat, cole slaw and 3 hush puppies. All of it fit into one of those small hot dog trays ... I guess when I'm in NC, (or rather anywhere but the Bay Area), I always expect large portions of food for BBQ. It was the perfect amount though and quite tasty. The place was bustling! Jeeves ordered 3 different salads - why the vegatarian picked a BBQ joint is beyond me.
(3)Shawn C.
In the area recently and requested 3 of the smallest, plain bbq sandwiches they could provide. We hit a stop sign at 22 bucks. Our usual stop is much cheaper, and seems to be best in the triangle. Had to politely pass.
(2)Connie W.
Hush puppies from heaven!! Very authentic and classic Carolina vinegar style barbeque. Its home owned and I just love coming here to support people who have been doing things right for a very long time.
(5)Sam R.
Best BBQ in the triangle, and I've tried almost all of them.
(5)Bob S.
I wish I were hungrier when I went there, because I was really in more of a mode of leisure eating. I was in the area on tour and I'm not one to miss out on good BBQ so I went on the smaller side with a pulled pork sandwich and a side of fries. The pork was smokey, tender and bursting with flavor. The sauce was thin, hot and more vinegar based, but it was a nice compliment to the sandwich. The fries were cut in-house, seasoned well and crisp I couldn't have asked for better, I just wish I could have asked for more. A word of advice to first timers, if you're wanting to take a whole pie home or just think it's a possibility, call ahead first.
(5)Ben R.
Allen and Son makes the best barbecue in the Triangle area and some of the best in the state. I've been going there since the 70's and haven't changed my mind about that. Having read most of the Yelp reviews, I have noticed a couple of patterns. First, one does not go to an NC barbecue place and order fish. I mean, do you go to a fish restaurant or steak house and order barbecue? Another thing I noticed is that many of the negative reviews are by folks who are unfamiliar with NC barbecue. One reviewer even described Allen's as Western NC style. The fact is that Chapel Hill marks the western edge of the Eastern style barbecue region. Go to Greensboro and you'll get Western NC style (watery, bland pork and that godawful red slaw). Allen's style of pork incorporates the outer surface or "bark" of the shoulder and that might account for the reviews here which complain of saltiness and toughness of the meat. Again, this is the traditional way in Eastern NC barbecue. The hush puppies are usually heavenly and I totally agree with the reviewer who states that the best way to enjoy the pork and the slaw is to have a bit of each on the fork. Those who complain that the sauce is greasy should bear in mind that it contains a fair amount of butter. Another thing to consider is that EVERYTHING at Allen's is made in house, so there will be day-to-day fluctuations. The guy even splits his own wood, for heaven's sake. This is the hard-core way to make barbecue and everything else about the place is equally traditional. The service is just fine if you ask me. Sure, the servers are businesslike but I have never seen any rudeness. I, too, find the "no substitutions" policy baffling, especially their unwillingness to serve a sandwich with slaw on the side. It's not a problem for me because I always order the stew and 'cue combo. About their hours, they are closed on Sunday and Monday. So, I guess the bottom line of this long-winded review is that if you want an old-fashioned barbecue place with super traditional food, this is for you. If you expect refined decor and cute college girls flirting for tips you should go to a place where that is a reasonable expectation. Allen and Son is about as real as it gets around here.
(5)Mike B.
Allen & Son is a local institution. If you profess to like Eastern style North Carolina barbecue, you will love the food at Allen & Son. The brunswick stew and banana pudding are not to be missed either.
(4)Michael O.
The barbecue chicken consisted of the smallest chicken breast I've ever been served. I sent the chicken back and was told it comes that way. The menu is overpriced and I will definitely not be eating here again.
(1)Brian T.
I have posted here before but, it disappeared for some reason. I'm going to keep it short this time and easy to read. 1, the food is excellent 2, the service is great 3, the building is old and shows it 4, bathrooms suck, they are small and show their age badly. 5, really interesting decor 6, there are times when they are heavy that the first two begin to fall short. I would recommend this place but, it is a terrible place to go if you are on a diet,
(4)Matthew T.
Bbq always delivers Brunswick stew is excellent, pies are fresh, and the service is friendly and efficient.
(4)