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Prime Barbecue owner, Christopher Prieto, is a champion pitmaster, book author, barbecue judge, instructor, and barbecue eating expert. After years of cooking on the professional barbecue circuit, teaching barbecue classes nationwide and cooking all over the country, Christopher’s signature style has finally come to life in a way that everyone can enjoy. Prime brings together the best of all great BBQ techniques to create something uniquely its own. Our approach is simple – source the best quality ingredients, keep it simple and cook it the right way.
Hours
| Thursday | 11 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–3 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545
Phone: (919) 373-8067
Website: https://prime-bbq.com/
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403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00am – Sell Out An official Prime Barbecue Gift Card
PRIME Barbecue | Knightdale NC – Facebook
PRIME Barbecue, Knightdale. 16580 likes · 245 talking about this · 6334 were here. Barbecue Obsessed, Service Driven & Community Focused.
Prime Barbecue – Knightdale – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Pitmaster Christopher Prieto relocated from his native Texas to North Carolina, setting up Prime Barbecue just outside Raleigh in Knightdale.
Reviews
Gudmundur Oskar Bjarnason
Prime Barbecue – 5/5 Stars
Hands down, the best brisket I have ever had. Perfect bark, incredibly juicy, and full of deep smoky flavor—absolutely outstanding. You can immediately tell why this place has earned a Michelin recommendation.
The staff were great—friendly, efficient, and clearly proud of what they serve. The whole experience feels polished but still true to authentic barbecue roots.
If you’re anywhere near Knightdale, this is a must-visit spot. Truly top-tier barbecue.
… moreHands down, the best brisket I have ever had. Perfect bark, incredibly juicy, and full of deep smoky flavor—absolutely outstanding. You can immediately tell why this place has earned a Michelin recommendation.
The staff were great—friendly, efficient, and clearly proud of what they serve. The whole experience feels polished but still true to authentic barbecue roots.
If you’re anywhere near Knightdale, this is a must-visit spot. Truly top-tier barbecue.
Tanisha Ridley
(Update: Tue, Jan 6) I already left a review after my visit on Saturday, but I felt compelled to write another because the consistency deserves to be called out.
I’ve been sick for the past 15 days, and honestly, nothing tasted good or brought any comfort—until Prime Barbecue. Ever since Saturday, it’s been the only food I’ve actually craved. The flavor stuck with me in a way food just hasn’t lately.
Today, my husband surprised me by coming home with a spread of all my favorites from Prime, and I can confidently say the taste is exactly what I’ve been craving. Same quality. Same flavor. Same satisfaction. That consistency matters.
I had originally planned to be first in line again this Saturday. I even tried City Barbeque on Sunday just to fill the void—and it didn’t come close. Total disappointment by comparison.
Prime Barbecue isn’t just good once—it’s reliably great. When food finally brings you joy again after being sick, you don’t forget it. (See pic #4, dated Jan 6)
(Original review Sat, Jan 3) We recently had an incredible barbecue meal that included pulled pork, moist brisket, ribs, green beans, mac n cheese, cole slaw, and BBQ baked beans. Every single dish was amazing! The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, the brisket was perfectly moist, and the ribs were delicious. The sides were just as impressive – rich and creamy mac n cheese, classic cole slaw, savory green beans, and perfectly seasoned BBQ baked beans. It was a true barbecue feast that hit all the right notes.
Apologies-We tasted the meats before I realized I hadn’t taken a pic.
… moreI’ve been sick for the past 15 days, and honestly, nothing tasted good or brought any comfort—until Prime Barbecue. Ever since Saturday, it’s been the only food I’ve actually craved. The flavor stuck with me in a way food just hasn’t lately.
Today, my husband surprised me by coming home with a spread of all my favorites from Prime, and I can confidently say the taste is exactly what I’ve been craving. Same quality. Same flavor. Same satisfaction. That consistency matters.
I had originally planned to be first in line again this Saturday. I even tried City Barbeque on Sunday just to fill the void—and it didn’t come close. Total disappointment by comparison.
Prime Barbecue isn’t just good once—it’s reliably great. When food finally brings you joy again after being sick, you don’t forget it. (See pic #4, dated Jan 6)
(Original review Sat, Jan 3) We recently had an incredible barbecue meal that included pulled pork, moist brisket, ribs, green beans, mac n cheese, cole slaw, and BBQ baked beans. Every single dish was amazing! The pulled pork was tender and flavorful, the brisket was perfectly moist, and the ribs were delicious. The sides were just as impressive – rich and creamy mac n cheese, classic cole slaw, savory green beans, and perfectly seasoned BBQ baked beans. It was a true barbecue feast that hit all the right notes.
Apologies-We tasted the meats before I realized I hadn’t taken a pic.
Glenn Gatineau
This spot is a must-visit! I waited a little over 1hr 30mins, but it was absolutely worth it.
I went with the brisket, which was incredibly flavorful and melted in my mouth. The pork ribs had that perfect smoky taste and literally fell off the bone. The pulled pork was tender and packed with flavor, and the spicy house sausage had just the right amount of kick without being overpowering. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and had the perfect touch of bacon. The coleslaw was creamy, fresh, and flavorful. I finished it all off with their homemade Blue Bell white vanilla ice cream, which was the perfect sweet ending.
What really made this visit special was the personal touch. While I was eating, a gentleman came by to ask how everything was. Turns out, he was Christopher Prieto, the champion pitmaster and owner of Prime Barbecue! He’s truly passionate about what he does — all about flavor and creating food that leaves a lasting impression.
I even asked if I could see where the meats were cooked, and without hesitation, he gave me a personal tour!!
The food was phenomenal, but that genuine hospitality and passion made the experience unforgettable.
… moreI went with the brisket, which was incredibly flavorful and melted in my mouth. The pork ribs had that perfect smoky taste and literally fell off the bone. The pulled pork was tender and packed with flavor, and the spicy house sausage had just the right amount of kick without being overpowering. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and had the perfect touch of bacon. The coleslaw was creamy, fresh, and flavorful. I finished it all off with their homemade Blue Bell white vanilla ice cream, which was the perfect sweet ending.
What really made this visit special was the personal touch. While I was eating, a gentleman came by to ask how everything was. Turns out, he was Christopher Prieto, the champion pitmaster and owner of Prime Barbecue! He’s truly passionate about what he does — all about flavor and creating food that leaves a lasting impression.
I even asked if I could see where the meats were cooked, and without hesitation, he gave me a personal tour!!
The food was phenomenal, but that genuine hospitality and passion made the experience unforgettable.
Daniel Tan
This place was recommended to me by a friend who says it’s the closest NC has to Texas BBQ – I totally agree with that statement. Only thing I didn’t like about the experience was the very long wait – took me 45 minutes to finally get to order as there was a very long line. I did go on a Saturday, though it was like 3pm but the line was still so long.
I ordered the triple meat: x2 moist brisket ($3 upcharge) and pork rib. I also ordered an additional jalapeño sausage link. For sides I got a double rice BBQ.
Overall, food was bomb and the place deserves a 5/5 star rating.
If I were to put my BBQ critic hat on, I’d give the moist brisket a 5/5 as it really is Texas level quality. I’m not a sausage link expert, but the jalapeño sausage was delicious so I’ll leave it at that. Rice BBQ was also 5/5 – it had so much flavor from the bits of meat in it.
My only critique is the pork ribs. Though it was fall off the bone and flavorful, I found the bark a bit tough and the meat was dry. Maybe I just got a dry piece, but I’d give it a 3.5/5.
… moreI ordered the triple meat: x2 moist brisket ($3 upcharge) and pork rib. I also ordered an additional jalapeño sausage link. For sides I got a double rice BBQ.
Overall, food was bomb and the place deserves a 5/5 star rating.
If I were to put my BBQ critic hat on, I’d give the moist brisket a 5/5 as it really is Texas level quality. I’m not a sausage link expert, but the jalapeño sausage was delicious so I’ll leave it at that. Rice BBQ was also 5/5 – it had so much flavor from the bits of meat in it.
My only critique is the pork ribs. Though it was fall off the bone and flavorful, I found the bark a bit tough and the meat was dry. Maybe I just got a dry piece, but I’d give it a 3.5/5.
Alan Tran
I had paid over $120 for lunch with me and my wife. I have money. I do not care about spending lots of money on good quality, food or good quality time. What I do not feel was worth my money was the quality of the meats that I had selected. I had selected a sausage link 2 pounds of brisket 2 pounds of pork ribs. I had really enjoyed the green beans because they felt fresh instead of the canned beans you’re known to. The baked barbecue beans I would not order again. I will say the service is top-notch. I’ve had multiple people come in check on me while I was eating. That was wonderful to see that they trained their employees that way. For me, I don’t think that I would come again just based off of the experience with the main dishes of my food. The meat did not really contain much of a smoke flavor or quality that I’m looking for in food that is labeled this way. I felt that the dry rub they used was packed on heavy to try and cover for the fact that the meat was not cooked in the way that it should be. I just was not happy with the flavor of these meats. For me, I felt like I could go to a chain barbecue restaurant for half the price and it taste the exact same. I go to a place called city barbecue, which has multiple locations all over North Carolina and the same amount of food that I had bought would cost me half the price.
… moreRicky Bashaw
The sandwich that had all the meats on it was the move as you can see they put a piece of beef rib on it. Also brisket, pulled pork is wrapped around slice sausage. Probably the best value if you deconstruct its probably to bing for most people to bite.
The massive baked potato dish is completely customizable and could probably be the whole meal if you toss meat on it.
Atmosphere was cool very new looking although seating is at a premium when busy if you go out side the kitchen attracts flys in the summer but to be expected.
Service was good Ownership will sometimes come out and talk to you while you’re waiting in line.
… moreThe massive baked potato dish is completely customizable and could probably be the whole meal if you toss meat on it.
Atmosphere was cool very new looking although seating is at a premium when busy if you go out side the kitchen attracts flys in the summer but to be expected.
Service was good Ownership will sometimes come out and talk to you while you’re waiting in line.
Melanie Reynolds
The BEST BBQ!! A Michelin rated restaurant where the food is OUTSTANDING. Well worth the wait. The brisket is to die for – it has a perfect crust and is so moist and tender inside with a well rounded smoky flavor. The burnt ends and Frito Pie are specials that are just as amazing as the brisket. The sides are also just as delicious. Prime Barbecue gets 5 STARS also for honoring our military and veterans and their families. What is also very impressive is seeing Chris, the Pit Master Chef, talking to people and cleaning tables. Chris treats everyone who comes to his Michelin rated restaurant as if they are family. Not only does Prime Barbecue make amazing barbecue but it also serves the community.
… moreOmar Othman
Had the brisket and it was great. Waiting time is too much. 50 minutes in line and I am sure people wait longer usually. As a tip, if you get the one meat meal, they told me its about 1/3 lb so it is worth for the price since it comes with 2 sides compared to the 1/2 lb for almost same price with no sides. The seating outside is nice and there is an area for kids to play. Overall amazing experience!
… moreThomas Trybuskiewicz
Absolutely phenomenal! I am STUFFED!!
Get there early and get there HUNGRY….
The brisket is just melt in your mouth.
The pulled pork and pork ribs are amazing. Line can be long and when the meat is gone it’s gone! I will be definitely be coming back
… moreGet there early and get there HUNGRY….
The brisket is just melt in your mouth.
The pulled pork and pork ribs are amazing. Line can be long and when the meat is gone it’s gone! I will be definitely be coming back
Brad Carlson
I took my grand baby and his parents to Prime BBQ and I was glad I did! Upon arrival, the first thing I noticed was the large, and clean, outdoor space. They even have an area for kids to play. The inside side was just as nice. Neither of us has been here before, so we ordered the 2 Meat Plate (Brisket & Pulled Pork) w/ sides of Mac ’N’ Cheese, Big Boss Beans and Cole Slaw. The service pros behind the counter that loaded up our try with our order were all SUPER nice and were very helpful in answering our many questions.
The Meat: We all tried the Brisket 1st. We each agreed that this was by far, the juiciest Brisket we have ever tasted! With a nice char on the edge, beautiful smoke ring and mouthwatering flavor, the Brisket was “worth the price of admission.” We next tried the Pulled Pork which was a little dry, but also full of flavor. The BBQ sauce helped to add moisture to the dryness of the pork.
The Sides: The Mac ’N’ Cheese was very creamy and delicious. We sprinkled the chopped bacon bits they gave us on top and this was a perfect add! The slaw was dryer than I’m used to and quite crunchy. It really could have done better if it was prepped the night before and sat marinating in the sauce. Rounding out the sides was The Big Boss Beans which were very sweet and good. They do have a heavy celery flavor that I found got in the way a bit. Tone this down, and these beans would be great.
All in all, we were all very impressed with our first visit and can’t wait to stop by again!!!
… moreThe Meat: We all tried the Brisket 1st. We each agreed that this was by far, the juiciest Brisket we have ever tasted! With a nice char on the edge, beautiful smoke ring and mouthwatering flavor, the Brisket was “worth the price of admission.” We next tried the Pulled Pork which was a little dry, but also full of flavor. The BBQ sauce helped to add moisture to the dryness of the pork.
The Sides: The Mac ’N’ Cheese was very creamy and delicious. We sprinkled the chopped bacon bits they gave us on top and this was a perfect add! The slaw was dryer than I’m used to and quite crunchy. It really could have done better if it was prepped the night before and sat marinating in the sauce. Rounding out the sides was The Big Boss Beans which were very sweet and good. They do have a heavy celery flavor that I found got in the way a bit. Tone this down, and these beans would be great.
All in all, we were all very impressed with our first visit and can’t wait to stop by again!!!