Allen & Son Pit Cooked Bar-B-Q

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

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

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

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

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

My first review had been triggered by a sad example for hospitality. Coming from the Waldorf school I tried to pick up a nice picnic for my folks. Nothing on the outside of the building served as an indicator for a special culinary experience. Unfortunately, the whole e...xperience turned out to be rather dreadful. The only glimpse of light was the cole slaw that was dripping on my car seat since they only gave me a paper bag (but I blame myself, as well). You probably could have punctured body armor with the hushpuppies they served me as left-overs from last night - "triple-fried ashpuppies". The BBQ apparently had been pulled by a tree saw since all the limbs were still present. I am still flossing my teeth. And I am also confident that Pete's Texas Sauce doesn't belong in a good BBQ. Do you want friendly customer service and great BBQ? Go to Bullock's in Durham. It's Day vs. Night at Allen and Son's. Read More