North Carolina pitmaster Sam Jones announced the debut of his second location of Sam Jones BBQ, which will officially opened its doors and dining room on Tuesday, February 16 in Raleigh, NC. The restaurant is located at 502 Lenoir Street and marks Sam’s first foray into the Triangle market.
Sam Jones BBQ is rooted in the tradition of North Carolina whole hog-style barbecue that third generation pitmaster Sam Jones has known his entire life. Since his teenage years, Sam worked with his family’s acclaimed barbecue mecca, Ayden, NC’s Skylight Inn, before opening the first location of Sam Jones BBQ in neighboring Winterville, NC with business partner Michael Letchworth in 2015.
The Raleigh location boasts many similarities to its sister restaurant, including a detached pit house, which will turn out freshly smoked, wood-fired meats daily, ensuring the integrity of Eastern North Carolina barbecue is preserved.
On the Menu
Chopped barbecue is king at Sam Jones BBQ, and Sam – a 2018 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast – makes his from whole hogs smoked over Carolina oak. The menu will feature a variety of options, including pit favorites like Chopped BBQ, Smoked Turkey Breast, and Pork Spare Ribs. Other menu highlights include tried-and-true Southern staples at their finest, such as Catfish Bites, Pork Skins & Pimento Cheese, Loaded Baked Potatoes, a selection of sides including Sweet Slaw, Baked Beans, Hand-cut Fries, and Collard Greens, and, of course, Sam’s famous Banana Pudding for dessert.
In contrast to the original Winterville location, Sam Jones BBQ Raleigh features a full bar inside, serving up a variety of classic beers, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails. The beverage menu also offers a robust selection of Raleigh- and North Carolina-based beers.
Design & Décor
The interior of the restaurant spans two levels: the first floor consisting of guest seating and the second floor serving as a private event space for up to 50 guests. The event space is equipped with audio/visual capabilities for presentations and meetings. Ample outdoor seating, slated to open in the coming weeks, will include a fenced-in covered patio and pergola area with picnic tables and space for social distancing.
In keeping with its true smokehouse feel, the interior bar’s backboard is stained a deep ebony color with wood accenting, and the restaurant’s interior stucco walls feature an ombre gradient of charcoal gray to white, imitating pit house smoke marks. Outside, the Sam Jones BBQ logo is painted as a mural on the west side of the building’s exterior by local Ayden artist Mark Brown.
Hours of Operation
Available for takeout now, Sam Jones BBQ will open its dining room to the public for Tuesday through Saturday service on Tuesday, February 16. Beginning on Monday, March 1, the restaurant will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for lunch and dinner service. Curbside to-go and catering options will also be available.
