Clyde Cooper's Barbeque

One of America’s most legendary barbecue joints, Clyde Cooper’s has been Downtown Raleigh’s gold stand for classic Eastern Carolina-style barbecue since Clyde first opened its doors way back in 1938. Not much has changed since then inside the sun-filled, two-story brick restaurant, which is today run by pitmaster Debbie Wray and her daughter Ashley Jessup, especially Clyde’s recipes.

Barbecue lovers come from far and wide for a taste of Clyde Cooper’s legendary chopped BBQ pork, which starts with top-grade pork shoulder. It’s slow-smoked until falling apart before being chopped and tossed (in true Eastern Carolina style) with a thin, vinegar-based barbecue sauce that highlights the flavor of the pork, not hides it. And as for the ribs, they’re rubbed with a savory blend of spices and smoked until falling off the bone. Signature sides including coleslaw, Cheerwine baked beans, collard greens, and Brunswick stew are as good as it gets. And whatever you do, be sure to add on some of their legendary fried pork skins. This is Carolina ‘cue at its finest, and now it’s shipping nationwide!