Allen & Son BBQ - Chapel Hill?

[fredb2548]

Went by there for lunch (about 1 PM) yesterday, and they were closed. Anyone aware of whether there is a problem , or just closed for long holiday vacation.

[scrappinJudy]

I was NOT impressed at all by Hillsborough BBQ Co.! though they did have the BEST hushpuppies I've ever had! Allen & Sons menu sounds so underwhelming! but, ppl seem to post about it & love it!

[carolinadawg]

Just curious, in what way does the Allen and Son menu sound underwhelming? They have BBQ, hushpuppies, slaw, Brunswick stew and homemade desserts (plus mayb bbq chicken...I never order it so I'm not sure). That's pretty much what NC BBQ joints serve. Are you expecting a more upscale or gourmet experience?

[scrappinJudy]

no, not expecting a more 'gourmet' experience!
guess, I don't understand, but that was my impression, or maybe my impression of seeing the place (closed, on a Monday!). Don't remember..........maybe I shouldn't have posted that since I can't back it up!

[fredb2548]

They also serve a great hot dog, Fried Seafood (specials on Friday), BBQ Ribs (not there best effort) - in other words, a very typical NC BBQ Joint menu. Wouldn't worry too much about the menue, the BBQ Pork is the prize here.

[mikeh]

He bakes 15 homemade desserts from scratch every day. He serves seafood. This is more than pretty much every other authentic BBQ restaurant in the state. If anything, when I've taken people there they are floored with how extensive the menu is. I can't name another top 20 bbq joint in the state that serves as many things that are made from scratch.

Also, it's pretty typical for an NC bbq joint to be closed on Monday. You try waking up at 2 a.m. every morning to smoke bbq for 9 hours every day and bake 15 different types of pies yourself. The man deserves Sundays and Mondays off.

[scrappinJudy]

wasn't suggesting that they shouldn't be closed on Sundays & Mondays. Just saying that, without knowing, we drove by on a Monday!

[carolinadawg]

I'm confused...if you went on a Monday and they were closed, how did you see the menu?

[scrappinJudy]

thought i saw it online, but maybe not. let's just drop this conversation until I actually go & try it out! looking forward to it!

[carolinadawg]

Acually, someone took a picture of the menu and posted on Urbanspoon.com. In addition to bbq (in the form of sandwiches and plates, they serve the aforementioned ribs, bbq chicken, brunswick stew, flounder, catfish and shrimp; the 15 homemade desserts, chicken fingers, crab cakes, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, several sandwiches, a hamburger steak plate, a ribeye steak plate, chef salad, 9 different sides, ice cream and a childrens menu! Thats actually the most extensive menu of any of the top bbq places in NC.

[goodeatsinadive]

Next time, just drive on into Hillsborough and try the Hillsborough BBQ Co. on Nash Street. While it's appearance and menu isn't typical of a bbq joint, their bbq is outstanding - so much so to rival that at Allen's. Their bbq chicken isn't too bad either. And like Allen's they cook over wood.

[fredb2548]

I've tried Hillsborough twice, and frankly, I am not a big fan of their pork BBQ, much prefer Allen & Son. Some their other offerings are ok (brisket, etc), but even then I would go to Smokey's in Morrisville first. Best alternative to Allen in the area is Backyard BBQ Pit or Byrd's.

[goodeatsinadive]

Don't know about Byrd's. Info please?

[fredb2548]

Eastern side of Durham, off Hwy 70. 2816 Cheek Road. Nice Eastern style BBQ, and great Country Cooking items. Small place, limited seating. Worth a look at.

[bbqme]

I have to side with Fred. Their pork is fine but it's no Allen & Son's. As for the ribs and brisket I prefers the brisket at the Q Shack in Durham and the ribs at Smokey's Shack in Morrisville. My biggest complaint about Hillsborough BBQ Co. is their portion size relative to price. I got their combo platter so I could try a little bit of the different meats-- the operative word being little. Both Q Shack's and Smokey's combo platters cost less and give you a lot more food. But if you live in Hillsborough that alters the value equation obviously.

I went to Byrd's once and that was enough for me.

[carolinadawg]

They were open last Friday when I had lunch there...just as good as ever.

[sassyapron]

That is so funny, sounds just like them!! he he. Their food is so good, they can do whatever they please.

[pauldudenhefer]

No problem that I'm aware of. I stopped by one Saturday evening when they would normally be open, but they were closed with on sign explaining anything on the door. But I just called them and got someone on the phone. They are still in business.

[inmybackpages]

This happens all the time. It's best to call them before going there to make sure they are open.