Ole Time Barbecue is a barbecue restaurant in Raleigh, NC. Open: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun Closed. Phone: (919) 859-2544. Average rating is 4.6 stars from 1,935 reviews. Website: https://oletimebarbecue.com/.
Ole Time Barbecue
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Exterior view of Ole Time Barbecue restaurant with a yellow awning.
4.6 1,935 reviews Today Closed

Real Pit BBQ. Raleigh's Favorite Since Day One.

Slow-smoked Carolina barbecue, hot hush puppies, and genuine Southern hospitality on Hillsborough Street.

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About Us

Exterior view of Ole Time Barbecue restaurant with signage.
Exterior view of Ole Time Barbecue restaurant with signage.

The basket of hush puppies lands on your table before you even open the menu. That tells you everything about Ole Time Barbecue. Over 1,900 five-star reviews don't happen by accident; they happen because this place actually cares, from the pitmaster out back to the server who refills your sweet tea without being asked.

Sit down at 6309 Hillsborough St and you'll notice the rhythm of the room: food comes out fast, plates arrive full, and the smell of wood smoke hits you the moment you walk through the door. The Brunswick Stew is thick and deeply flavored, the fried chicken crunchy in all the right places, and the pulled pork carries that tangy Eastern Carolina bite that Raleigh locals drive across town for.

This is the kind of spot where first-timers feel like regulars by the time they finish their first plate. Come hungry, leave happy, and don't skip the stew.

What We Offer

Ole Time Barbecue keeps the menu focused and the quality high. The star is the slow-smoked pulled pork, chopped or sliced, served with your choice of classic Carolina sides. Pair it with collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw, or mac and cheese, and you've got a plate that holds its own against anything in the Triangle.

Beyond the barbecue, the kitchen turns out fried chicken that rivals the pork for fan loyalty, plus a rotating cast of Southern comfort sides. The Brunswick Stew is a must-order on any visit. Wash it all down with sweet tea, and save room for a slice of homemade dessert if the board is showing one.

Ole Time is open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM, making it an easy lunch stop or an early dinner destination any day of the week.

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Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

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

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"1st time here, staff was super friendly & helpful. Our waitress was friendly, efficient and made us feel welcomed! We didnt have to ask for anything! The food was amazing! A fresh basket of hot hush puppies and they are GOOD! Everyone can't make good hush puppies! The chopped BBQ, coleslaw slaw, and collards! Delicious! If I lived locally, this would be one of my fav spots! Its a small little place, looks like the inside of someone's granny's converted home! Quaint, charming and comfortable! Cute pig decorations all around! Definitely a place to try if you're in the area!"
— Sherri Starkes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"If you’re in the area or at least 30min out you need to come here. I’ve been searching for BBQ in NC for a while and this place serves up the hospitality and bbq on a platter. As soon as you sit down you’re welcomed with fresh hot hush puppies, slightly sweet, full of delicious corn flavors. We ordered the chicken pastry and BBQ platter with baked beans and coleslaw, and a half rack with boiled cabbage and more slaw. The chicken pastry was like the heartiest chicken noodles soup and the bbq pork was the perfect vessel for the house made bbq and hot sauce, which we took two bottles of back home. The ribs had a perfect smoke ring, fall off the bone and seasoned well but not overly seasoned to where I couldn’t taste the pork. They have about 7 tables and a few counter seats and ample parking. Blink and you’ll miss the unassuming spot but make sure to keep your eyes peeled. We’ll be back."
— William
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Awesome in every way. Greeted at our table with a basket of fresh hush puppies. Would have been happy just eating those! Food came out super fast and was delicious! Brunswick Stew was perfect. Fried chicken was some of the best in Raleigh."
— Pam Behm
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 weeks ago
"A great spot. Loved the hole in the wall feel. Everyone working there was so nice. Got the Monday meatloaf special which was incredibly tasty. Side of slaw (great classic slaw) and fried okra (delicious). Wish I had a larger stomach so I could try more."
— Abby Aldridge
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Talk about small town atmosphere; the staff was great, and super friendly, never had an empty cup. I got the BBQ chicken plate; it was good and full of flavor. A lot of food for the price. I will absolutely be back."
— Cody Schnatz

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Ole Time Barbecue's hours?

Ole Time Barbecue is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Where is Ole Time Barbecue located?

You'll find Ole Time Barbecue at 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27606, on the west side of Raleigh near NC State University.

What style of barbecue does Ole Time serve?

Ole Time specializes in Eastern Carolina-style barbecue, which means slow-smoked pork with a tangy vinegar-based profile. Pulled pork and chopped pork are the headliners.

Does Ole Time Barbecue have good options beyond the BBQ?

Absolutely. The fried chicken is a crowd favorite, the Brunswick Stew draws repeat visits on its own, and the Southern sides, including collard greens, baked beans, and mac and cheese, are made to complement the mains.

Do they bring food to the table, or is it counter service?

Ole Time Barbecue is a sit-down restaurant with table service. Servers greet you, bring your hush puppies, take your order, and keep everything running smoothly throughout your meal.

Is Ole Time Barbecue good for groups or families?

Yes. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great fit for families, work lunches, and group outings. The menu has something for every appetite, and the service team handles busy tables well.

Is the restaurant busy at lunch?

Ole Time draws a steady crowd, especially at lunch on weekdays given its Hillsborough Street location near NC State. Arriving a little before or after the noon peak usually means a shorter wait for a table.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens Monday at 10:00 AM
Monday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday Today Closed
85° Cloudy Raleigh
Sun 86° 74°
Mon 77° 71°
Tue 90° 69°
Wed 98° 69°
Thu 101° 73°
Fri 96° 77°
Sat 89° 74°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Map showing Ole Time Barbecue Open in Maps
Closed Opens Monday at 10:00 AM
Call Us (919) 859-2544
Visit Website oletimebarbecue.com
Get Directions 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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