Clyde Cooper’s BBQ

Clyde Cooper’s has been serving Carolina barbecue in Raleigh since 1938, and this listing puts it on East Millbrook Road. The kitchen is honest about the way it works: when the day’s food runs out, it runs out, and that happens most days.

Trays arrive with cole slaw, hush puppies and fresh pork skins, and the restaurant does not do substitutions on them. Catering is handled for larger groups, and food can be ordered ahead for pickup or delivery. The house claim, which nobody there makes quietly, is the best barbecue in the solar system.

What to know

• Chopped barbecue pork is the plate the place built its name on.
• Local wine comes from Country Water in Clayton.
• Hard ciders include Red Clay Ciderworks from Charlotte, Bold Rock and 1911 Ciderworks.
• Cooper’s Arnold Palmer, tickled pink lemonade and watermelon lemonade are house drinks.
• A fan club mailing list carries news of specials and events.