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Backyard BBQ Pit

4.3

5122 NC-55
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: (919) 251-8669

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.

📸 @bob8o8 on Instagram


Google Reviews

Photo of Maggie Maggie
Nov 12, 2025 4

Decent BBQ and a small business where locals go. Simple and clean facilities with friendly services.

Photo of Bodrell Spicer 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The menu is out of date; several listed items were no longer available: hot dogs, sweet potato pie, Kool-aid.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.

Photo of Patricia Parker 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!

Photo of Tiffany Henderson 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

Photo of Gregory Cook 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!

Photo of Jared D 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.

Photo of andre mcneil 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

Photo of Gregory Koch 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.

Photo of jasan fujii 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!

Photo of josselyn sanchez 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.

Photo of Tyler Pake 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.

Photo of Chase Michael 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