Backyard BBQ Pit is a classic, no-frills BBQ joint. The writing is on the wall here ... literally! The walls are covered with signatures and messages from hundreds of satisfied customers. Here you’ll find mac n’ cheese, collard greens, some of the most tender brisket you’ve ever had and more.
I have been patronizing this spot since 2010. I have NEVER been disappointed with my food, just them being sold out of something I wanted. If you have a specific craving, it is important that you go earlier in the day. While the inside has improved over the years, there is nothing specific of note. It is a small dining room; there has to be plenty of room for folks waiting on their carryout. It is clean and tidy, but serves primarily as a waiting area for carry out patrons. There are a couple of tables outside that are great when the NC weather cooperates.
I went in on a Monday night recently. I arrived at 6pm, and knew there might be some 86es on the board, but I had no idea what we were walking into and the genuine professionalism we would witness. It isn't unusual to walk in and be the 6th or 7th person in line. It is a popular place and folks know that you have to act, if you want that sweet brisket. Th3 line usuall moves much faster than the food, and you always wind up having a great time chatting with other patrins. I love how food brings people together. It took about 20 minutes to make it to the counter. I noticed the delay, but was there with my family and we were enjoying our company. When we got to the counter, we were very kindly informed that they were overcoming some staff shortages and that we were probably looking at an additional 20 minutes to order. I told the guy that I knew what I was getting and would happily wait. In between the staff jumping in and cleaning, replenishing sides, chatting about what is needed for the backed up orders, we were greeted with a smile and kind word each time someone walked by. Other than the fury of dishes passing back and forth, and the slight wait, you just would not have know what a difficult shift they were having. They kept their heads down and maintained the kindness to which I have become accustomed over the years. When it was time to order, we learned that the guy who had been so helpful and jocular was the pit master, having been working since before dawn. I cannot adequately describe how impressed we all were with his demeanor in the face of a 14+ hour day, with no end in sight. We made a couple of compromises on our order, based on availability, but each time they had great suggestions for substitutions. We spent about $100 on a variety of dishes, as we were celebrating a birthday. Everything was top tier and delicious and fresh, fresh, fresh. The pulled pork was spectacular, the smoke and texture really hit. We chose the vinegar BBQ sauce and we all agreed that we could probably drink it, it is so tasty. It has a brightness that really compliments the richness of the 0ulled pork. The catfish and other fried items held up beautifully in the transport home, even the pork chop was delicate and tender. Explain that one! We shared rib tips that really sang and all oohed and ahhed at what is arguably one of the best homemade mac and cheese recipes around. By the time we were leaving, the line had died back, everyone was heading home and we were gathering containers as they arrived. The staff were joking, smiling, and taking the storm of their day in stride.
The food... the food is truly unbeatable. When French fries and okra make it 10 or 15 minutes contained and still have great texture and taste, somebody knows what they are doing. The flavor of the breading for the fish and pork chop were great, and a lovely compliment to the protein.
However, food can be prepared and enjoyed without a staff that makes people return as much to see them and enjoy their company as much as to get great food. I couldn't tell you any of their names, and I am positive nobody knows mine, but that doesnt mean that they dont feel like pals.
Thank you, it was one of the best birthday meals of my life!
Joan Jones
Dec 23, 2025
3
I got rib tips, macaroni, and stewed potatoes. The flavor was excellent, but the food was entirely too greasy. The macaroni left a literal grease pool in my container. The rib tips are fatty, and they still tossed them in yet more grease. The stewed potatoes are also stewed in grease. I had a stomach ache after eating half my plate. I really want to love this place, but they have got to cut back on the grease.
Michael Burger
Dec 11, 2025
5
Staying overnight in Durham and decided on Backyard BBQ Pit. I met Supreme at the counter, and he let me try samples of the pulled pork and the turkey. I have NEVER had turkey like theirs before! It was an easy choice to go for the turkey bbq plate at that point! I got the collard greens and bbq beans for the sides, and a 1/4 rack of ribs because of course I did. I wish I could give them 7 stars! This is a must-stop the next (every!) time I'm in Durham!
Maggie
Nov 12, 2025
4
Decent BBQ and a small business where locals go. Simple and clean facilities with friendly services.
Bodrell Spicer
Nov 10, 2025
3
The menu is out of date; several listed items were no longer available: hot dogs, sweet potato pie, Kool-aid. I got a brisket plate with sides of macaroni and cheese and fried okra. The sides were excellent, but the brisket was just okay. It was tender, but had no smoke flavor and was served in a pool of fat. There were only one bottle each of ketchup and BBQ sauce, so I had to share with folks at another table. Was given a plastic fork but no knife, so struggled a bit with the brisket. Ambience was meh. A few booths and several high tables, no real decor to speak of. If I visit again, I'll try the pulled pork. The brisket was not worth it.
Patricia Parker
Oct 21, 2025
5
We did a catering order for our job and this food was amazing! We got pork bbq, fried chicken, green beans, mac n cheese, and hush puppies. All of the food was delicious. The service from placing the order to picking up the order was fantastic. If you are looking for some delicious food and friendly staff this is the place to go!
Tiffany Henderson
Oct 20, 2025
5
I rarely ever leave reviews on a place, but honestly this one is well deserved. I used to be a frequent patron of backyard bbq years ago then I stopped coming about a year ago as the food was on a decline taste, presentation and serving wise. Last week, a friend of mine flew in to town and insisted on trying the food even though I warned her against it. I will say I’m glad I listened to her! The food has gotten way better I think the new owners finally got the hang of things. I then went back on Thursday, the food was still amazing, then again just yesterday Sunday and the food was still amazing!! I’m sorry I turned my back on yall, I’m glad yall got back on track, lord bless the hands that prepared that food cause it is on the spot, real deal barbecue! The only critique I have is the collards, they’re missing a little grease to it but other than that!! Baby, yall doing it. Proud to be back
-Tiffany
Gregory Cook
Oct 17, 2025
4
Went twice. First time, got bbq, slaw, and cabbage and a chicken breast. BBQ was smoked well but was greasy, not vinegar based sauce. The fried chicken was decent.
2nd time I went everything was so much better. The bbq wasn't greasy. I got collards and Brunswick stew, and both were as good as I ever ate! The stew was so awesome. Sometimes its ok to give a place a second chance. I certainly am glad that I did!
Jared D
Sep 29, 2025
5
Best bbq food in Durham. Mac and cheese and the potato salad are legendary. Really great fries and yams too. Meat options are all solid. Some really decent vegetarian sides as well (yams, rice, greens, fries, okra). More of a takeout sorta vibe.
andre mcneil
Jul 25, 2025
4
So the food is pretty good , the hush puppies. The fish flounder was okay. The brisket is a lot of meat and also the rib is also a lot, so they have some nice sides. If you're looking for barbecues, flounder, catfish, whiting, shrimp, chicken, beef, pork chops, pulled pork and nice type of type of atmosphere, They don't have air conditions so they have fans and ceiling fans so it can be a heat. It's run by African American people and their nice. They can be a little slow when ordering cat fish. They side are yam, corn, cabbage, collard green, fried oreo, slaw, mac cheese, rice, green beans and potato salad. They also have drinks there. They could fit about maybe up to fifteen cars, so parking after that becomes a little scarce
Gregory Koch
Jun 5, 2025
5
Great Carolina Barbecue. Tangy, yummy, and delicious. The staff here are so friendly and helpful and nice as well. The food is a great value - you can get a meal and two sides for under $10.
There are some booths and tables inside - the chairs at the tables are pretty high up and may be difficult for some to get into but the booths should be fine for all. There are also some picnic tables outside.
The parking lot is rather small, but it wasn't too crowded when I went. However I got there right when it opened, and by the time I left after eating, several more people had gotten there, so it may get more crowded at peak hours.
Officially they open at 11:30 Monday-Saturday (closed on Sundays) but it may be 10-15 minutes after that before they have all the food ready. But it's good food so it's worth waiting. Or just get there a few minutes later.
Both cash and credit cards accepted.
jasan fujii
May 12, 2025
4
The pulled pork sandwich was so good! The collard greens were the best I've ever had. So tender and full of flavor. The pineapple lemonade did not disappoint. My girlfriend had the fried catfish and could not stop raving about how good it was. (Fresh, delicious, crunchy and flaky). The hush puppies. I cannot express how good they were. Chewy and pillowy in the middle and not greasy/oily on the outside. The batter was light and crunchy. This was a different style of hush puppy than I've had before, but damn was it good! The staff was super nice and checked up on us when that's not the way the restaurant is set up to run (it's cafeteria style). I wish we had more time on our visit to go back!
josselyn sanchez
Apr 16, 2025
5
That brisket was melt-in-your-mouth magic — smoky, tender, and worth every second of the wait. The entire meal delivered bold, comforting flavors that scream soul food heaven. And the best part? It won’t break the bank. A hidden gem I’ll absolutely be returning to.
Tyler Pake
Mar 27, 2025
5
First time here and I will be back. The food was delicious. The working man is a great value and comes with a bbq sandwich and two sides. The Mac and cheese and friend okra was delicious. The pineapple lemonade was legendary! Great bbq. I’m looking forward to trying their other options. The service was great, very clean and nice inside, not much parking though.
Chase Michael
Feb 8, 2025
3
Pretty average bbq and it’s not cheap. I love brisket and it was pretty tough. Potato salad and Mac was good
