My parents visited this past weekend from Dallas, Texas. We all know that everything done in Dallas is done big with a lot of show. Here in North Carolina we are down-to-earth, educated, sophisticated, and a little more "East Coast". What better place to take my parents than a BBQ joint that has been preserved by time. Yes, we made our way to Heron's at Umstead, but the highlight of my parents trip was Allen & Sons BBQ. 
Well, my big city parents get bored of the North Carolina culture............until this past weekend. My mother watched a show on The Food Channel Network that referenced the best Barbecue joints around the country. My mother was determined to find the Best Barbecue in the Triangle.
Here's the delimma: Where my mother is from-Texas-they are famous for Beef Barbecue. I grew up with Dickey's BBQ. In North Carolina, Barbecue is done a bit different and acquires a certain taste. North Carolina BBQ is pulled pork with a vinegar sauce. Some people like it and some people don't.
My mother was determined to seek out the best of the best during her visit. According to the Independent Magazine, Allen & Sons Barbeque in both Chapel Hill and Pittsboro are the best in the Triangle. After visiting Allen & Sons in Pittsboro over the weekend, I think they are right. For the price, quality, atmosphere, and money, Allen and Sons in Pittsboro can't be beat. I know, I know, they use gas heat for their cooking, but so what. The food was absolutely fantastic-very traditional, red tablecloth, great service, country. 
It's so nice to know that with a short drive you have down home diners like Allen & Sons just a short car ride away. I highly recommend Allen & Sons BBQ as the Best BBQ in the Triangle.
I'll take a "North Carolina Pig Pickin" anyday! In my other life a BBQ was hamburgers and dogs
Dick Beals
Maureen - Very interesting comments. It's hysterical that everyone across the country is so opinionated about their BBQ. I find it even more interesting about the NY pizza deal. We have a lot of transplants from NY and they like "NY Pizza" not Italian pizza or any other kind of pizza. It sounds like you pulled off the pizza trick in OHIO but it did sound a bit risky.
Dick - Sounds like you're on board for NC BBQ.
George - The food is fantastic, can't be beat!! We still have down home cooking even though we're big city people(well sort of)
Different areas seem to have their own "barbecue" and North Carolina's is definitely different from Texas. Of course we Tar Heels, think ours is best. Hmm, barbecue for dinner sounds like a good idea.
Tracy, I don't know who you are but I will affirm your confirmation of Allen & Sons being THE BEST Barbeque in the Triangle. It is absolutely delicious!! I grew up in Eastern North Carolina where we make the best bbq in the WORLD. I have searched for some really good barbecue up here. The best I've EVER had was some place over in Ayden, NC. The place had a white doom on it and I was told the owner was some grand dragon of the KKK or something (don't know this to be true). HOWEVER. . . the barbeque recipe there I knew would be hard to beat.
Allen & Sons barbeque taste just like the place in Ayden so I surmise that Eastern NC BBQ truly rocks!! The service at Allen's was friendly, kinda slow for my liking, atmosphere was a tad too country for me, but I forgot all about the extras once the food came. The tea is award winning in my book also. Great lunch experience. . .I'm gonna have to get out there at least once every 2 weeks.