Family-owned and operated, the Blue Note Grill is a live-music venue complete with a full-service restaurant and bar. Enjoy live blues and bluegrass music every night at the Blue Note Grill while enjoying a plate of classic North Carolina pulled pork barbecue. The slow-smoked barbecue and ribs are delicious, and the recently expanded patio is open, so head on over for some outdoor music, food and fun.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Great live music, good selection of beers and drinks. Ribs, Brunswick stew, chopped pork were all good. A nice dance area next to the stage. Lots of folks dancing and enjoying the music. Good location near several other downtown stops, like ax throwing and bar/arcade.
Mario Borgnia
Sep 28, 2025
4
We visited the smaller dining room, we could hear the joy of those who attended the music venue, and see it briefly in an excursion to the toilets. The atmosphere was great. The service personnel was very courteous and professional. All good. The food was good. Having grown up in Argentina, I'm very demanding when it comes to grilled meats. I believe that in comparison with American BBQ, it was good but not the best, maybe it was my selection. Then again, compared to other local venues, it comes on top. So, if you made this far in my review, I suggest you try it, the stars are my opinion and four is better than good. I will come back for the music, I'm sure that will influence the food experience as well.
Sada Lewis
Aug 14, 2025
5
First i want to say thank y’all for being patient with me as i was 10 mins late picking up my order. 2nd I’d like to say although the online menu is not updated they understood what i wanted and made great accommodations for a great price. 3rd the food was exceptional way better than Wilson BBQ and yes i drove an hour, but it was worth it, this was for my co-workers last day with us at Duke and yall definitely delivered, thank you to Jeremy who was nice enough to carry the big box to my car for me and tell him Yes WE WILL BE BACK!!!! I got 2 full slabs of ribs, 1 pound of pulled chicken, 1 pound of pulled pork, greens, Mac, baked beans and 2 dozen hush puppies and 2 quarts of sauce with a Gallon sweet tea
Matt Fowler
Aug 8, 2025
5
Went to the Blue Note for the first time after a friend gave me some tickets. We moved here from another Southern state to be near the kids and have not found a place frequented by people like us, our age and political leaning. This might be it. My wife loved the music and the vibe was chill. We’ll be back for sure. Nice servers. Easy bathroom. Right in the heart of downtown.
Cam Scism
Jun 22, 2025
5
BBQ + a little jazz today. Friendly service. The brisket bowl w rice, black beans, and a little feta and chipotle sauce was outstanding. Will definitely be back.
Jamil Leon
May 12, 2025
5
I come here once in a while but every time I come there’s always a great experience and food is always delicious.
Curt A
Mar 10, 2025
5
We came here to see Chris O'Leary. We came early so we could get a table... but turns out the show didn't start until after nine. But that being said, we were able to enjoy a leisurely dinner... that alone offered hard choices. I really enjoyed the pulled pork with more than a bit of brown (yum). And the fried pickles were much better than the ones I tried in Atlanta a few years back. The others in our group enjoyed their meals. I was surprised at the wine selection, they offered some really decent wine. Additionally, the wait staff was awesome!
Dinner was accompanied by the Duke Street Dogs, who played a great show. Many folks left after the first band finished their set. Since the blues show was later, the crowd was a bit thinner. Better for the rest of us. Everyone was able to stand up and dance. And Chris played to the audience for an amazing show!
If you like BBQ and the blues this is the place to go.
Robert Barr
Feb 16, 2025
4
The whole "standing room only" ticket left a lot to be desired. The only place to stand was on the dance floor or in front of someone's elses reserved table. There was conflict all night trying to find a place to stand that wasn't in someone else's way.
Cream of Soul was awesome 👌 👏 👍
Honey Toy
Jan 16, 2025
5
Live band and open mic! It was a lot of fun! I had shrimp, fries, and soda. My friend's and went on a Wednesday night. To get a good seat, you should try to be there by 6 or 6:30 pm. The music started at 7 pm. I think.
The crowd was very supportive of the singers and there was plenty of dancing. It's an excellent way to refresh your week just as you're starting to feel tired on hump day.
Saif
Dec 28, 2024
5
I didn't try the food but it smelled goooood. We were there for a concert and had a few drinks. The place has a good vibe and great selection of drinks. Plenty of sports on the television of that's your thing and good live music.
John Louie
Dec 28, 2024
5
Great music venue with great barbecue that is also excellent as takeout.
Lane Stovall
Oct 30, 2024
5
As a life long resident of NC of 35 years, I have eaten some PHENOMENAL BBQ in my time. I have not had BBQ and ribs this good in at least 15 years. First time I've been to this restaurant, and I WILL be back. Everything was excellent. The service, the atmosphere, the food! The side dishes, omg!! I cannot recommend the green beans highly enough! They cook em right! Seasoned with bacon and onions. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Mom got the chili and it's to die for!
Melissa Harrison
Oct 26, 2024
5
My group had the tasty brisket taco appetizer (one small taco each), and two of us had the cow jumped over the moon burger, which we both enjoyed. The menu says the burger is made with a blend of short rib and chuck, topped with roasted bacon onion jam, roasted garlic aioli, and Brie cheese. It was fantastic and juicy. The six-ounce burger, two sides (think I got collards and fries), and appetizer were portioned well for me as a petite female. We also got tasty adult beverages- an old fashioned, which I heard was good, and two of us relived our college days with a cheap beer and shot of Avion tequila combo. Our server was friendly, timely, and helpful, and the local jazz band was skilled in voice and instruments. Being at the front and center table, near the band, it was quite loud, especially having members of our group with limited hearing. We still had a great time and will return. By the way, on a previous visit, we had bread pudding for dessert, and it was really good- try it if you’re a bread pudding fan, or even if not!
