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, wood-fired flavors that define the region, this establishment offers a genuine experience rooted in time-honored techniques. The restaurant serves as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, providing a space where the focus remains entirely on the quality of the ingredients and the patience required to prepare them properly.
Barbecue in North Carolina is more than just a meal; it is a cultural cornerstone that reflects the history of the land and the people who have tended the pits for generations. At The Original Carolina Barbecue, the philosophy is simple: respect the meat, honor the process, and serve it with the kind of hospitality that makes every guest feel like part of the family. By maintaining a commitment to these core values, the kitchen ensures that every plate reflects the authentic spirit of the Carolinas.
What Sets Our Approach Apart
Time-Honored Cooking Methods: We prioritize traditional slow-cooking processes that allow the natural flavors of the meat to develop fully. By utilizing specific wood types and maintaining consistent heat, we achieve the tender texture and distinct profile that enthusiasts expect from classic regional barbecue.
A Focus on Regional Heritage: Our menu is designed to celebrate the specific culinary identity of North Carolina. We emphasize the preparation styles that have been passed down through decades, ensuring that our offerings remain true to the local palate and historical roots.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: We believe that great food is best enjoyed in a welcoming environment. Our location on US-70 serves as a hub for the Garner community, where the shared love for quality barbecue brings people together for casual meals and meaningful conversations.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: We source our ingredients with care, understanding that the foundation of excellent barbecue lies in the quality of the raw products. By selecting reliable sources and preparing everything with meticulous attention to detail, we maintain a standard of excellence in every serving.
A Tradition Worth Sharing
The Original Carolina Barbecue is proud to be a part of the vibrant culinary landscape of Garner, North Carolina. Whether you are a lifelong resident with a deep appreciation for local traditions or a visitor passing through on US-70 looking for an authentic taste of the South, we invite you to experience our dedication to the craft. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of Carolina-style barbecue is preserved and shared with every guest who walks through our doors.
We invite you to join us for a meal that celebrates the simplicity and depth of flavor found in well-prepared barbecue. It is our privilege to serve the community and to continue the long-standing tradition of wood-fired cooking that makes this region so unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing the flavors that have defined our kitchen since the very beginning.
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
Eugene Wilson
23-04-2026
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
Alison Delaney
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
Carolyn Weatherspoon
23-04-2026
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
Patti Godin
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
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
Hello Sunshines
23-04-2026
The meat is where it’s at !! The chicken was fried to perfection!! The BBQ was just the way a liked it . … More
Melanie Dawson
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
Generous portions. Food is heavy and a little salty for me. Lacks seasoning. It's very popular but not for us. More
Hugh McLaughlin
23-04-2026
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
23-04-2026
First time dining here. The food was amazing and our server Rodney was the best Server I had ever experienced when dining out!!!! … More
Brittany Brown
23-04-2026
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! More
AVID DIVA
23-04-2026
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 … More
Eugene Wilson
23-04-2026
Just some good ole soul food! Fried chicken was good, hush puppies nice and sweet. T … More
Maya “Gregory's” Gregory
23-04-2026
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 … More
Melissa Wimberly
23-04-2026
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. More
Reviews The Original Carolina Barbecue