Located at 733 US-70 in Garner, North Carolina, The Original Carolina Barbecue stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of Southern culinary heritage. For those who appreciate the slow-cooked, smoky flavors that define the region, this establishment offers an authentic experience rooted in time-honored techniques. The restaurant serves as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, providing a welcoming atmosphere where the focus remains squarely on the quality of the food and the hospitality of the staff. Whether you are a lifelong resident of the Tar Heel State or a visitor passing through the Garner area, the kitchen invites you to enjoy a meal prepared with patience and respect for classic barbecue methods.
The philosophy here is simple: prioritize the integrity of the ingredients and the precision of the cooking process. By maintaining a commitment to traditional preparation, the restaurant ensures that every plate reflects the history of Carolina-style barbecue. The environment is designed to be unpretentious and comfortable, allowing guests to focus on the textures and flavors of the meat, which are often the result of long hours spent over carefully managed heat. It is a destination that values the communal nature of dining, where the simple act of sharing a meal becomes a meaningful part of the day.
What Sets The Experience Apart
Authentic Preparation Methods: The kitchen adheres to traditional barbecue practices, emphasizing the importance of slow-cooking to achieve a tender consistency and a distinct, smoky profile that is characteristic of the region.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: Every dish is crafted using carefully selected components, ensuring that the natural flavors of the meat are highlighted rather than masked by excessive additives or complex preparations.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: The restaurant prides itself on being a space where guests feel at home, fostering a friendly environment that encourages conversation and a relaxed dining pace.
Rooted in Local Heritage: By staying true to the culinary identity of North Carolina, the establishment serves as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a genuine taste of local food culture to every visitor.
A Culinary Tradition Worth Visiting
The Original Carolina Barbecue is more than just a place to eat; it is a reflection of the dedication required to master the art of the pit. By focusing on the fundamentals—quality meat, consistent heat, and a passion for the craft—the restaurant provides a dining experience that resonates with those who value authenticity. The location on US-70 makes it an accessible stop for anyone traveling through Garner, offering a reliable and flavorful option for lunch or dinner. As you step inside, you are invited to slow down, enjoy the aroma of the smoke, and appreciate a style of cooking that has been a cornerstone of Southern life for generations. We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing the simple, honest flavors that define our approach to barbecue.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Drive-through
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Menus
Sandwiches
Best Barbecue Sandwich with Slaw$4.19
Fish Sandwich$5.99
Lunch & Dinner Entrees
Chicken Liver Dinner$8.19
Combination Dinner$12.84
Seafood Dinners
Shrimp Dinner$11.49
Seafood Platter$13.79
Meats
Four Piece Fried Chicken Bag$5.99
Chicken Gizzards
Sides
Hushpuppies
Corn Sticks
Photos
Reviews The Original Carolina Barbecue
Carolyn Weatherspoon
30-05-2026
I don’t usually complain, but this visit really wasn’t great. We were seated and asked for hush puppies early on, and they took so long I had about forgot we ordered them. When they did come out, they weren’t very warm at all. … More
Biggs
30-05-2026
Catering van needs to learn how to yield when making a U turn. Nearly caused an accident.
Edit- it happened on 12/13 around 3pm at the stop light right by your business at the intersection of 70 and Yeargan Rd. The van had your business name on it and turned into the parking lot of your business. Four vehicles nearly piled into each other when they were turning right onto 70 WITH A PROTECTED GREEN ARROW and your van which was making a U turn DID NOT YIELD and turned into them.
Mike Snelling
30-05-2026
Always a great place to eat. Enjoy the workers. The food is always good. See you soon and when the food is good price don't matter and they serve you plenty. Thank you so much. The only thing that I wish for is better parking. More
Biggs
30-05-2026
Catering van needs to learn how to yield when making a U turn. Nearly caused an accident. … More
Christina Davis
30-05-2026
Finally found found Eastern NC food not far from home. Everything 100% worth it. And, yes, vinegar bbq!!! It was perfect! More
S Austin
30-05-2026
Celebrated with family on 10/10. The food was good as usual and the portions were more than I could eat. The staff however, could use some customer service support. More
Hobo Jim
30-05-2026
EVERYHING about this place felt good. The staff was friendly and attentive, the food was amazing and the atmosphere was very relaxed and kinda peaceful More
Edwin Chua
30-05-2026
I used to go to BBQ Lodge in Mini City and miss it! I heard of this place and finally had a chance to go! I really enjoyed it! The decor was really cool! Love the unique welcoming atmosphere! I love the pork rinds while you wait! I enjoyed … More
Terri Moore
30-05-2026
Great place! Good ole home cooking! Can't beat it! Fresh shrimp for me and the day's special, chicken pastry for my friend. Love that they leave a pitcher of iced tea on your table and that our server was fantastic, fast and friendly. More
Mack Littleton
30-05-2026
Wife and I finally made it out to The Original Carolina Barbecue of Garner, Inc today for lunch and I have to say it was even better than I was expecting, especially given the ridiculous 1 star reviews from some boneheads on here who would … More
Tamara W
30-05-2026
The food is good but this place should shut down for a day or two for a good cleaning. The floors are VERY SLIPPERY and the tables are too. We had the family style meal and it was delicious. We got the seafood option. We had shrimp, … More
Dennis Powell
30-05-2026
They have great food as long as you eat it there,I don't understand why they pile all your food together in a little to go Tray which you get the same size tray for small and large,when you open your plate the fried chicken is on top of wet … More
Alison Delaney
30-05-2026
THE BEST CHICKEN LIVERS AROUND. Huge portions and exceptional taste. Collards, boiled potatoes and hush puppies are also delicious. Very family friendly; the service is always quick and warm with a smile. Highly recommend. More
Douglas Radford
30-05-2026
We had the kids plate combination of BBQ and fried chicken. The food was great. The price was even better. The portions were spot on and it was hot and freshly prepared. Great job ti all involved. I'll be back. Soon!! More
Teresa Lujan
30-05-2026
Best home cooked meal
I have had while traveling! Beef tips and rice were as good as my mama’s. Made me feel like I was back home in Texas.
Waitress was supper sweet as well. More
Beth Henderson
30-05-2026
I went on a Sunday afternoon to pick up food for my friend and her employees. So I did take out. The cashier he was not friendly actually rude to be exact. While yes I was only picking up food for my friend and her employees. But I have … More
Hello Sunshines
30-05-2026
The meat is where it’s at !! The chicken was fried to perfection!! The BBQ was just the way a liked it .
The cold slaw wasn’t my thing but everything else was good .
Now those hush puppies 10/10!! Just the right amount of sweetness!!
I’ll definitely be back plus it was affordable .
Dessert get that peach cobbler but the banana pudding also wasn’t my favorite .
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Patti Godin
30-05-2026
First time here. Took me 40 years to stop at this little gem. Ordered three sides to take home. Collards are fantastic...seasoned just right and not bitter. Cole slaw was very good and my husband enjoyed the Brunswick stew. Will be back. More
Chef Dave Food Critic
30-05-2026
I cannot believe that I have never eaten here before and lived my entire life with 15 miles of this place. The fried chicken was awesome as well as the BBQ pork. The sides and hushpuppies were great as well. The pork is cooked and … More
Karen Walton
30-05-2026
Just went to lunch there . . .we had just left a funeral service. Great food . . .nice choices, fish, fried chicken and delicious sides. It was my first visit, will not be my last More
Tony Braswell
30-05-2026
The food was pretty good . Food served on cheap plastic plates. The sign says the hostess will see you. I stood there 10 minutes. No one acknowledged. I was there when I asked the lady behind the counter who is the hostess she says I am. … More
Jen Wood
30-05-2026
Good down-home cooking and a down-home experience that’s hard to beat. Nice daily specials, too! The dine-in service is friendly and fast, but there’s often quite a line for take-out/drive thru. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious. … More
Melanie Dawson
30-05-2026
Unfortunately the service really sucked. We sat down and ordered hush puppies as soon as our server came over, but didn’t receive them until about 40 minutes later. The server said he was waiting on them, yet when they finally arrived they … More
Elsa Lou
30-05-2026
Generous portions. Food is heavy and a little salty for me. Lacks seasoning. It's very popular but not for us. More
Hugh McLaughlin
30-05-2026
I will start this review by saying that I have only had North Carolina BBQ twice. I’m not really a fan of Pulled Pork basted with vinegar. My wife had never tried Southern BBQ, so we gave it a try. … More
The Milk Lady
30-05-2026
First time dining here. The food was amazing and our server Rodney was the best Server I had ever experienced when dining out!!!!
We left the vegetable choice for the family dinner up to him and he didn’t disappoint with the choice of collards!
Definitely will recommend and return!!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Brittany Brown
30-05-2026
LOVE this place! They have catered both of my baby’s 1st birthday parties and fill our bellies anytime we want good ol’ southern food without the hassle of getting in the kitchen. Food and customer service are both equally amazing and comforting. 10/10 recommend!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
AVID DIVA
30-05-2026
I will let the pictures speak for this review. I asked for my coleslaw to be placed in a separate container. I ordered green beans and these were clearly mixed with collards. Are the workers using the same serving utensils in the back ? And the quality of the chicken thigh tonight was unacceptable, however before the establishments points it out instead of taking accountability for the issues, there were no issues with the chicken leg (I enjoyed that piece) but that thigh had
that undercooked thick batter on it and it’s trash. I would like to say that young lady working the drive through on 2/11/2026 provided excellent customer service from beginning to the end.
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Eugene Wilson
30-05-2026
Just some good ole soul food! Fried chicken was good, hush puppies nice and sweet. T
hen the livers with onions and gravy was on point! They must be soaking those livers too cause they didn't have any of the butter after taste. They were worth the hype.
You have to place to-go orders around the side of the building basically at the kitchen itself in the heat with no actual waiting area to sit.
I forgot to try the lemonade, banana pudding and/or peach cobbler but apparently they are absolutely delicious so no I have to make a trip by to try those for sure.
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Maya “Gregory's” Gregory
30-05-2026
This use be good place of customer service but as lately they dont give a damn about your time or money you spent at the place.The food is good but customer service sucks at this place unless you you dealing with right person. Everybody just look at me as I was in front of the cashier nobody didnt bother to asked "Have you order mam"10-12 minutes still waiting to order 15-18 minutes has now pass. Still no cashiers appears but other customers recieving their food nobody is taking my order but yet I'm still waiting.... to order bake chicken with side of gravy.....I check my food but wanted gravy for my chicken so asked for it because it was no sign of it in the bag it was missing i when got home everything was wet. I called because it was storming and a lady answer the phone and she asked me to send pictures to her phone which I did. Aww of sudden. JARON OR JEROME explains even though my meal is ruined I cant feed myself or my child i have to take the food back even though I send pictures the new girl so he says this is ridiculous I take my money else where don't think you are only southern cooking style in Raleigh. Trust me people with great customer services and good cooking will always be on top. Nobody dont want to order from an establishment that has mean sarcastic manager that dont know the meaning of customer service. Wasted my time, energy, gas and appetite! Good luck!
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
Melissa Wimberly
30-05-2026
All I am gonna say is go! What a great find. Everything we tried was amazing. This will be a good to for me every time I visit family.
Fast and friendly service.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Seating type
Booth seating
Reviews The Original Carolina Barbecue