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Picnic

4.4

1647 Cole Mill Rd
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 908-9128
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Catching national attention for their whole hog approach, Picnic has been featured in numerous publications. Sit outside at a picnic table and sample some of that famous barbecue and sides. Pair your meal with a craft beer or cocktail, and top it off with a bowl of banana pudding.


Hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Price Range
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Picnic
Mapped location of Picnic

Google Reviews

4.4
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Photo of Ivan Plotnikoff Ivan Plotnikoff
Feb 24, 2026 5

Great bbq. Had the brisket and pulled pork, with Mac n cheese and collard greens. Liked everything. Portions are large.

Photo of Kate Watkins Kate Watkins
Dec 21, 2025 5

Yall- - just do yourself a favor and get the chicken sandwich. Best we’ve ever had. Our sides were also great. Service was good, atmosphere was quaint and southern without feeling overly old fashioned. We also had the fried green tomato blt and the deviled eggs— all great! Definitely taste their signature bbq sauce on the table, too!

Photo of Zach Steele Zach Steele
Sep 10, 2025 4

Driving back to MD had to give NC BBQ a second try (and hopefully not get sick this time). Heard great things about this place across the internet, so decided to stop by. It’s definitely a bit out of the way, but I can tell you it’s 100% worth it. Beautiful outdoor and picnic area when you park, and you walk in to this old school type of bar/restaurant. Tons of nostalgic items displayed across the walls and behind the bar, as well as a huge black board with specials and drinks which makes ordering easy. I grabbed a local Rice Lager by Funguys Brewing, that sadly was oxidized. Not the bar’s fault though, but was really disappointed about that. Went classic and got a BBQ sandwich and fries, which came with coleslaw and hush puppies. Now the fries and hush puppies were perfectly cooked. Crispy with a good crunch, but then soft in the middle. When it comes to the sandwich — I guess I just don’t get NC BBQ. Medium sized sandwich on a potato roll with a bunch of dry, mildly seasoned meat. I dumped 1/8th of a bottle of Pig Whistle BBQ Sauce (only thing available) and it really didn’t add much except for the taste of vinegar. Threw the coleslaw on there too, and still just didn’t blend right. Now overall, everything tasted good, it’s just not my cup of tea. The service was absolutely amazing and the rest of the menu looks phenomenal so I’ll definitely be giving it a second try when I’m back down next week!

Photo of Gary Crispens Gary Crispens
Jul 11, 2025 5

This is a family run restaurant that has been serving real smoked meats and excellent side dishes for over 10 years. The smoked BBQ and Brisket are some of the best I have ever eaten and that also goes for the homemade potato salad and collard greens. The fried catfish sandwich is a two portion fish on one bun because it sticks so far out both sides of the bun. The fried chicken is also a home run as it tastes like your grandmother made it with crispy skin seasoned to perfection. They have both inside and outside dining options and a nice full service bar area. One feature I like is that you can order takeout ahead for pickup at a specific time. Give them a try and you will become a regular customer.

Photo of Chris Cope Chris Cope
Jun 1, 2025 5

Very authentic Carolina BBQ! Ribs were delicious. Brisket was very tasty! Sides were traditional and flavorful. (My only observation is I like more ground pepper in my slaw) The staff was super friendly and helpful. The pig was off the hook!