Prime Barbecue Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Prime Barbecue, located in Knightdale, North Carolina, has rapidly become a national pilgrimage site for craft barbecue enthusiasts. Founded by renowned Pitmaster Christopher Prieto, the restaurant blends traditional Central Texas-style techniques with unique Latin influences. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the Prime Barbecue menu, including the most up-to-date market pricing for their signature meats, side dish costs, and descriptions of their most popular items.
Because Prime Barbecue operates as a high-end smokehouse, they utilize market-based pricing for premium cuts like USDA Prime Brisket and St. Louis Ribs. Whether you are comparing it to the Goodwood Barbecue menu, browsing the Mabel's BBQ menu, or checking out Johnson Barbeque menu prices, understanding how a craft joint like Prime operates will help you get the best meal possible. Our guide covers everything from the famous "Bark" (burnt ends) to their legendary banana pudding, offering value picks for those on a budget and ordering tips to ensure you don’t miss out before they sell out.
Disclaimer: Prices and item availability at Prime Barbecue vary daily based on market costs and smoking schedules. Information provided is based on recent site visits and official ordering portals.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Prime Barbecue Menu Prices
Because Prime Barbecue focuses on small-batch, high-quality craft barbecue, they utilize a "Market Price" model for their meats. The prices below reflect recent estimated price ranges based on official ordering data. Fixed prices apply to most sandwiches and sides.
Meats (By the Half-Pound)
Minimum order is typically a 1/2 pound per meat.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Prime Brisket | Beef | $16.00 – $18.00 | Not published | First-time visitors | Sliced to order; specify "Moist" or "Lean" |
| Pulled Pork | Pork | $11.00 – $13.00 | Not published | Value seekers | Low and slow smoked shoulder |
| Turkey Breast | Poultry | $12.00 – $14.00 | Not published | Lighter appetites | Brined and finished with butter |
| St. Louis Pork Ribs | Pork | $13.00 – $15.00 | Not published | Classic BBQ fans | Peppery bark; sold by weight |
| House Sausage (Per Link) | Pork/Beef | $7.00 – $9.00 | Not published | Adding variety | Original or Jalapeño Cheddar flavors |
| The Bark (Burnt Ends) | Beef | $17.00 – $19.00 | Not published | Die-hard BBQ lovers | Highly limited; caramelized brisket points |
Signature Sandwiches
Served on a toasted brioche bun.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ultimate Sandwich | Sandwich | $16.50 | Not published | Large appetites | Brisket, Pulled Pork, Sausage, and Slaw stacked high |
| Sliced Brisket Sandwich | Sandwich | $13.50 | Not published | Brisket purists | Your choice of moist or lean brisket |
| The Hogsteader | Sandwich | $11.50 | Not published | Quick lunch | Classic pulled pork sandwich |
| Smoked Turkey Sandwich | Sandwich | $12.00 | Not published | A lighter meal | Sliced smoked turkey with house pickles |
| Sausage Link Sandwich | Sandwich | $10.00 | Not published | Budget diners | Whole sausage link on a bun with onions |
Signature Sides
Sides are available in Single (individual), Pint, or Quart sizes.
| Menu Item | Category | Price (Single / Pint) | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pit Cooked Beans | Side | $4.50 / $10.00 | Not published | Classic pairing | Contains savory smoked brisket trimmings |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Side | $5.00 / $11.00 | Not published | Kids and comfort | Ultra-creamy, multi-cheese blend |
| Sweet Potato Me-Oh-My | Side | $5.00 / $11.00 | Not published | Sweet contrast | Mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping |
| Coleslaw | Side | $4.00 / $9.00 | Not published | Adding crunch | Vinegar-based, refreshing crunch to cut the fat |
| Corn Pudding | Side | $5.00 / $11.00 | Not published | Southern tradition | Sweet, custard-style corn dish |
Popular Menu Items
When you finally reach the front of the line at Prime Barbecue, the menu board can be intimidating. Here is a look at the most talked-about and frequently ordered items.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Prime Brisket | The gold standard. Known for its perfect peppery "bark" and incredibly tender, rendered fat. | Market Price (Premium) | Not published |
| The Bark (Burnt Ends) | These re-smoked brisket points are sweet, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth. They sell out fast. | Market Price (Premium) | Not published |
| Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage | House-made daily with a distinct casing snap, gooey cheese, and a balanced spicy kick. | Priced per link | Not published |
| Banana Pudding | Often cited as the best in North Carolina, featuring a rich, creamy base that isn't overwhelmingly sweet. | Fixed Price | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
USDA Prime Brisket (Moist)
If you only order one thing, make it the moist (fatty) cut of brisket. The rendering technique and salt/pepper rub make it a flawless example of Texas barbecue.
The Hogsteader Sandwich
At an estimated $11.50, this massive pulled pork sandwich is filling enough for a full meal without paying by-the-pound premium beef prices.
Pulled Pork & Mac and Cheese (Quart)
Ordering a pound of pulled pork and a quart of the creamy multi-cheese Mac & Cheese is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to feed a family of four without breaking the bank.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Brined and butter-finished, the turkey breast is incredibly flavorful while remaining leaner than the pork and brisket options.
The Bark (Burnt Ends)
This is the crown jewel of the Prime Barbecue menu. You have to arrive early to get it, but the caramelized, smoky flavor is unmatched.
Banana Pudding
Skip the complicated sides if you want to save room for this Southern staple. It’s dense, creamy, and packed with traditional vanilla wafers.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Barbecue is labor-intensive and expensive to produce, but there are ways to experience the menu without overspending.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pulled Pork Sandwich | At roughly $11.50, it is the cheapest main dish that serves as a full, satisfying meal. | Does not include sides. | Add a single side of slaw for ~$4.00 to complete the meal affordably. |
| Ordering by Weight (1/4 lbs) | You don't have to buy a full half-pound of everything to taste it all. | Minimum order rules can occasionally vary on very busy days. | Ask the cutter for a 1/4 lb of brisket and a 1/4 lb of pork to make a budget sampler. |
| Sausage Links | Priced per link ($7–$9), it is an affordable way to add high-quality meat to your tray. | Flavors rotate daily. | The Jalapeño Cheddar is usually the most flavorful option. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
As an independent craft smokehouse, Prime Barbecue does not provide standardized USDA nutritional data or an official calorie calculator.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoked Meats (No Bun) | Naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates (the rub is predominantly salt and pepper). | Keto and Paleo diets | Medium (Based on traditional BBQ preparation) |
| Side Dishes | Items like Mac & Cheese, Corn Pudding, and Sweet Potato Me-Oh-My are calorie-dense and high in carbs/sugar. | Occasional indulgence | High (Based on standard ingredients) |
| BBQ Sauces | Sauces will significantly increase the sugar and calorie count of your meal. | Adding on the side only | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
While Prime Barbecue accommodates many diners, it is a high-volume smokehouse where cross-contact is always a possibility.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | All primary smoked meats are naturally gluten-free without bread. | Avoid all sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, and Banana Pudding. Mention your allergy to avoid cross-contamination on the communal cutting board. |
| Dairy-Free | Most meats are dairy-free, but check the turkey (often finished with butter). | Avoid Mac & Cheese, Corn Pudding, and Banana Pudding, which contain heavy dairy. |
| Vegetarian | The menu is heavily meat-focused. Options are limited to specific sides. | Be aware that Pit Cooked Beans and Braised Collard Greens are cooked with smoked meat trimmings. Ask staff which sides are truly meat-free. |
Special Menu Sections
Drinks and Desserts
Prime Barbecue offers a curated selection of beverages and sweets to complement the heavy meats.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banana Pudding | Vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, rich pudding base | Check local board for pricing | Traditional Southern dessert fans |
| Seasonal Cobbler | Peach, apple, or berry depending on the season | Limited availability | Sharing with a group |
| Beverages | Sweet tea, unsweet tea, craft sodas, bottled water | Standard pricing | Cutting the richness of the BBQ |
Catering or Family Meals
For large groups, buying meat by the pound and sides by the quart is the most efficient strategy. Prime Barbecue also has a dedicated catering portal on their website for large, pre-planned events.
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is designed to help:
- BBQ fans checking prices before committing to the drive to Knightdale.
- First-time visitors who need to know how the "meat by the pound" ordering style works.
- Families looking for the best ways to share food affordably.
- Diners with dietary needs who want to confirm which items to avoid (like meat in the side dishes).
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Ordering craft barbecue is different than a standard sit-down restaurant. Use these tips to ensure you get exactly what you want.
- Arrive early for the best selection. Prime Barbecue opens at 11:00 AM, but on weekends, lines form by 10:15 AM. If you want Brisket Bark or Ribs, you must be early.
- Use online ordering to secure your meat. You can order ahead via ToastTab for a scheduled pickup. This guarantees your food before it sells out to the walk-in line.
- Check the physical chalkboard for daily specials. Items like brisket tacos or blueberry chipotle sausage are often written on the board and won't appear on the permanent online menu.
- Ask for a mix of fatty and lean. When ordering brisket by the pound, you can specify if you prefer the leaner flat or the richer, fattier point.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. Because ingredients can change, always confirm severe allergies with the staff before they start cutting your meat.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices and fees may be higher than in-store or pickup prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Prime Barbecue Knightdale hours?
Prime Barbecue is typically open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 11:00 AM. They remain open until they sell out of meat, which frequently happens by 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM.
Does Prime Barbecue have a kids menu?
While there isn't a dedicated printed kids menu, they offer smaller portions, slider-style sandwiches, and kid-friendly sides like Mac & Cheese that are perfect for younger diners.
How much is a pound of brisket at Prime Barbecue?
Brisket is sold at Market Price. Recently, it has ranged from $32.00 to $36.00 per full pound, usually ordered in half-pound increments.
Is Prime Barbecue gluten-free?
The smoked meats (brisket, pork, turkey, ribs, and sausage) are generally gluten-free without the bun. However, cross-contact is possible on the communal cutting boards, and sides like Mac & Cheese contain gluten.
Where can I find calories for the menu?
As an independent craft barbecue restaurant, Prime Barbecue does not currently publish official calorie or nutritional information.
What are the best things to order?
The most highly recommended items are the USDA Prime Brisket, the Burnt Ends (The Bark), and the Banana Pudding.
Does Prime Barbecue offer catering?
Yes, they offer a separate catering menu for bulk orders of smoked meats and large pans of sides. You should contact them well in advance for large events.
What is "The Ultimate" sandwich?
The Ultimate Sandwich is a towering menu item that includes sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and coleslaw all on a single brioche bun.
Can I buy Prime Barbecue sauce to go?
Yes, you can purchase bottles of their signature barbecue sauces directly at the counter.
Can I order online or in the app?
Yes, online ordering is available for pickup through their official ToastTab portal. This is highly recommended to secure popular meats before they sell out.
Conclusion
Prime Barbecue delivers an elite Texas-meets-Carolina smokehouse experience that justifies its premium market-based pricing. To get the most out of the menu, prioritize arriving before the 11:00 AM opening or lock in your order through their online system. For the most accurate daily prices and to see the day's limited specials, always check the physical chalkboard in the Knightdale dining room or the official online ordering page.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
