Sam Jones BBQ

It's all in the family at Sam Jones BBQ, where three generations of the same family have been perfecting their 'cue. This spot in downtown Raleigh (and another in Winterville) specializes in cooking Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue pork. They've been doing it their way, slow cooking the whole pig over burning embers, then chopping it all up and serving it with a vinegar-based sauce to cut through the richness of the meat, for years. Order a meat combo, which comes with sides and a sweet potato muffin or corn bread, and chase it with one of their beers on tap, brewed by the family in Winterville. On busy days, expect a line. Takeout is available, but then you'd miss out on this spot's friendly vibe.