A NC staple. Bullock's is what you expect from Southern BBQ: big portions, lots of sweetness (in the food and staff), and deep frying anything that resembles a vegetable. Bullock's offers a surprisingly varied menu. They've got your staple fried chicken, ribs, and pulled pork. But then they have things like fried and grilled liver, oysters, and an extensive dessert menu. Don't sleep on these dishes, especially their banana pudding. Bullock's has an old school atmosphere reminiscent of the early 90s, tan walls and ceiling, vintage style light bulbs, posters and paintings of celebrities (both local and national fame). It's all authentic, a real time capsule that will give old souls nostalgia while giving the younger generation a glimpse into the past. Whether you're admiring the scenery or in the need to gorge on greasy BBQ, Bullock's is your best choice in Durham. read more

Absolutely delicious food. Very friendly staff...caters to EVERYONE. Many of the most popular people in America has eaten at Bullocks and know the family personally. I met Phil Ford and Shirley Caesar there. The food is excellent. The menu is filled with down home soul food that will leave you happy, satisfied, and ready to hit the recliner for an after meal nap. I highly recommend Bullocks. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Fried chicken, candied yams, lime beans, turnip greens, fresh hot hush puppies, and ice cold sweet tea. Hands down the best soul food in Dur - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I've been going to Bullock's for years, so lots of memories there. I recently had a farewell lunch there, family style food. Our server was very attentive and friendly, and we all had a nice time. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

If you're looking for a great southern meal that will be appreciated by those that want to experience "home cookin'", you need to try Bullock' BBQ. All your favorites you remember complete with hush puppies and portions to die for. Real catfish cooked to perfection and coleslaw that is light crispy and flavorful. This place is a Durham institution to be savored and enjoyed. The menu is rich with pork, chicken, seafood and more. It's all super fresh. You'll love the drinks too. Not too sweet, not to tart, lemo aid, tea, and sodas. The desert, you have to have the banana pudding! A show stopper to cap off a great meal. read more

See all

I used to go to Bullock's a lot. It was busy and exciting and had a great atmosphere. Not so much now. One reason may be the cost, service and food quality. I had a Steak and Cheese sub. It was really small..very little meat- tasted ok. I also had a small onion rings and tea. The onion rings were terrible...whoever deep fried these barely drained them. they were served with grease dripping off of them. Just awful. I ate 2 and couldn't eat another one. My Sandwich, Onion rings and tea cost $21.75 or very close to that. Almost $22????? Maybe this is why it's not as busy as it once was. Sandwich $11.95, Onion rings $4.95 tea $3.50 plus tax is about $22. My friend and I were shocked. My friend ordered another order to go to take to a friend in the hospital. The waitress quickly showed her annoyance saying that the orders from the dining room took precedence and our to go order would have to wait. So it took about 25 minutes extra. She sort of realized that she had had a bad attitude and tried to recover but it was too late. In all we spent $48 for three items and had attitude from the waitperson and very poor quality from the kitchen. We will not be back to Bullocks. It's too bad..I have been going there since 1988. read more

I always get the flounder and shrimp combo plate with fries hush puppies and slaw. It's always fried to perfection and full of flavor. It would be awesome though if they would at least accept cash app. It's inconvenient in that regard. read more

Bullock's is a long time Durham stable! I've been eating here for as long as I can remember. I almost always get the country style steak, rice and gravy, greens and yams. The food was a little salty, but still delicious! The service is always good! Once you become a regular, the amazing staff remembers you! read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Country style steak, turnip greens, yams, and rice and gravy. - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Home feel ambiance great bbq menu Desert too Haven't had hush puppies in years sweet fried deliciousness Bbq chicken with 3 sides juicy tender good sauce Fried catfish crispy on the outside juicy inside Same with brisket Only thing bring cash But that's how they keep prices down read more

See all

Haven't been here in decades but I had occasion to do it again today. It was good when I was young, inexperienced and very hungry. Not so much anymore. It's good southern food from the 80s. Nothing has really changed except my tastes. I'm looking for juicier more tender fried chicken than this and barbecue pork that has more texture and flavor than what Bullock's is producing today. Friendly service. Cash only. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Our entire family loves Bullocks. We spend a lot of time at Duke Hospital & it's our go to place with something for everyone. The food is fabulous. Serving sizes are large except deserts which are a little small. Dining in is relaxing even with mixed ages & races filling the building. Take out is the same as Dining in, but I have had a couple of incorrect orders. Best Southern food in Durham. Prices are reasonable too. read more

Down home southern food--truly a blast from the past --I ate here when I was in college. Half a century ago. Flounder / barbecue combo is enough for two meals. And the pies are superb read more

Great food always! It's been a family favorite forever! A Durham treasure I make it a point to stop by when I'm in town read more

Best BBQ in Durham NC. Got the kids plate and it's all we could eat. Xxxxxxxx ooooo xoxo xoxo

I had the impression that this place had perfected the art of barbecue over the years without needing to change anything. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. I ordered the chopped BBQ, and also got to sample some of the food from other people's plates. To be honest, the BBQ was extremely disappointing. I understand that everyone has their own technique, but this one didn't impress me. The meat was turned into a mushy paste that tasted mostly like tomato paste. It was acidic without being tangy, and overall, very bland and one-dimensional. I really didn't enjoy it. The Brunswick stew was similar--just tomato paste, some canned vegetables, and more of that BBQ meat. The sides were also underwhelming. They had that typical "old-school Southern" feel that might have impressed generations raised on canned veggies and processed mixes, but today, it just felt stale and uninspired. The desserts were fine, but nothing special. My parents liked the cobbler, though they didn't finish it since it lacked ice cream to balance out the sweetness. Now, my parents are fond of traditional cafeteria-style food and old-school Southern spots, even the ones that usually aren't great. But even they didn't love Bullocks. Digestive issues we all experienced afterward. I won't go into details, but it was one of those "morning after" situations. This style of cooking might have worked in the 1940s to 1970s, but it doesn't hold up today. Cool ambiance though. read more

Hi , every time I go to eat in Bullocks BBQ the food is so yummy keeps me coming back , the waitresses are all so nice its like home , everyone from the time I step in til the time I leave its all goid service ! Try it you will love them too , been going for many many years read more

I love Bullock's but look at the recent 82/100 food inspection score. I think I'll wait a while before going back.

Coming from California , this Mexican found her self with the need for some hearty food . We were greated with kind smiles and a beautiful smell coming from the pick up window . When seated we were started with some hush puppies , nothing like what the Dennys Diner serves back home . I nearly ate the entire basket , 5/5 ..amazing! We got to meet and talk to Laura , she shared the story behind the business ( 76 years in buisness) , also how she made the cakes and pies herself ( spoiler alert i was so full I had to take 2 on the go) . I had meatloaf , machine n cheese , candied yams , chicken and dumplings . All were amazing ! Like nothing I had the previous night in Dunham and completely like nothing in California ( nada, finito) .. well I had to pack the remainder of food i had on my plate because the portions were large! Waitres was also attentive and polite . The young Latino bus boy also very fast paced at his job, the men in the kitchen aswell . Just an overall great experience on our last night in NC . Thank you to Laura again for being so kind . Also I took home a slice of coconut pie and pineapple cake . ** chefs ‍ kiss read more

The food is as good as ever!! Crispy chicken, tasty veggies, great friendly services, and the prices are more than fair. Don't forget to bring cash here!! They have an ATM in the lobby, but otherwise no cards taken to pay for your meal. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Chicken & BBQ combo. - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

Food was highly recommended but not for me. The brisket was tough and the pork had little flavor.

Great food and service!! Staff was extremely courteous and attentive. We go every time we're in Durham

Food was ok I ordered the green beans, cabbage, mac & cheese, pulled pork, fried chicken and peach cobbler. My service was amazing everyone was friendly and super helpful read more

Love their food! Home style cooking. Great atmosphere and great service. Barbecue is my favorite at this restaurant. read more

Ordered take out from this restaurant because I was on the area. 1. They do require all customers to enter with a mask, HOWEVER the 2 ladies running the front had on mask incorrectly; the mask did not cover their nose. Kitchen staff all had their mask on - some correctly & others incorrectly, no gloves. All waitress were masked up correctly! 2. They are enforcing social distancing. 3. They are sanitizing between customers. 4. They DO NOT ACCEPT CARDS; ONLY CASH! The young man that waited on me was super nice. I wanted the brisket daily special and they were sold completely out (I got there 1 hour before closing). I ordered a slice of butter pecan cake with the cheddar hamburger with bacon. It included 3 sides - I chose coleslaw, baked beans, and gree beans. Everything was okay & I may try it again; I'm not trying to go back just because... read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

It's hard to imagine how a place that has a line out the door almost every night can be showing as only 3 stars on Yelp. Seriously??? Bullock's is a legendary spot & has some incredible, classic, Southern BBQ & comfort food. Maybe some people rate them for the older decor, etc. But don't be fooled -- go for the deliciousness -- and pay no attention to the snooty, pinky-in-the-air reviewers. If you do, you'll miss out. The menu is substantial & has much more than BBQ to offer. In fact, their seafood (including flounder, shrimp, crab & numerous other options) is as good as any other you'll find that far inland. And their homemade daily specials such as meatloaf & fried chicken are fantastic as well. And the wings -- wow! If you're hesitating, don't!! Ho to Bullock's. And you'll see for yourself why there's a line out the door & a parking lot full of locals! read more

Normally this place is great every now and then the service and food is off...I should've known better when I didn't see the usual cook. I normally stay away from businesses in the last 90 minutes of operation. I ordered a grilled chicken liver and onion plate w gravy on the side, fried okra, fruit cup and hush puppies. I won't call my server out by name I know it though I should've looked@ my food thoroughly Normally I receive a bag full of hot hushpuppies today only 6, my onions and gravy were mixed my fruit cup was in the plate w the hot food and the okra was soggy from the steamI'll fall back a while... what happened ⁉ read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Grilled livers fruit butter beans and "steamed" fried okra gravy w onions - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Very generous plus selection of entrees and sandwiches & deserts- my second time visiting- seems to be a favorite in the community & surrounding areas plus 2 minutes from a major interstate. My stew beef bread bowl was chocked full of hot juicy meat - small potatoes- it's was soooooo good! My turnips greens were just as tasty with a drizzle of vinegar. My hubby had the homestyle steak entree with add on delicious stewed apples - peach cobble for dessert equally good. I had enough food for a take out! Our server was great - we weren't rushed. This is a cash only payment option but there is an ATM machine on site. Parking is free but a little tight around peak times. The accessible parking spaces marked on the ground for parallel parking! I feel prices fair for the generous serving sizes and fresh southern favorites plus availability of sandwiches and appetizers if desired & more in line with the budget. read more

See all

Bullock's is an eastern style NC bbq joint serving whole hog bbq -- vinegar based sauces and mayo infused slaw, along with sauced ribs, heavily sauced brisket and all sorts of other animal parts. The more famous NC bbq tradition (North Carolinians will fist fight about this) is Lexington style - from central and western NC -- specializing in smoked pork shoulder and known for its mayo-less red cabbage slaw. Bullock's is straight up basic Southern Q. Since 1952 they have been feeding locals some serious meat and fried fish or chicken with all sorts of sides. My #12 combo plate came with heavily sauced beef brisket, chopped pork, mayo based cole slaw and choice of side veggie (I had collards). Hush puppies for the table and fried pickle chips rounded out the meal. No ETOH but all the iced tea you can drink is on hand. We all ate some version of this meal. They pass the vinegar separately -- which is the preferred seasoning for your pork -- along with a spicy and tangy vinegar/pepper sauce if you prefer. I liked the ole timey feel of this joint -- but can't say I liked everything I ate. For starters -- the brisket is drowned in a ketchupy sauce that kills the deal for me. I'm more of a Texas style brisket guy and like me a nice chewy bark from a dry rub. You can taste tangy smoke from Bullock's brisket - but I can't tell if it's from the sauce or the meat. The pulled pork was bland and not at all smoky -- which is why you need the vinegar and sauce to coax some flavor. That said, you can make a very decent pulled pork sandwich from it topped with slaw and some house bbq sauce. The heavily fried hush puppies were sweet and crunchy - an addictive treat - and the same is true for the pickle chips. I'm not a big fan of heavily fried foods with thick cornmeal coatings, but when in Rome ..... Everyone in Durham we spoke with swears by Bullock's. It's an institution here. The joint was packed at 5:30 on a Friday -- folks lined up for eat in and take out -- and seating is picnic style. The overall experience was OK -- but in truth -- the Q we ate at Whole Foods in Durham a couple days later -- prepared in the same style -- tasted the same and cost less. Go figure. Top Tip: No reservations and cash only dining here. Not exactly the cheapest meal in town - despite its rural looks. I reckon you pay something for the ambiance. :)) read more

See all

Ordered chicken and all they had was legs. The mashed potatoes were cool so the waitress took them and put them in the microwave no thanks. I was not impressed. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Food was absolutely amazing!!! Service was old fashioned great!! And the ambiance take you back to a better time! A true gem.... Will most definitely be back!!!!!! read more

Good home style food, from seafood to ribs, to BBQ. Service was great, waitress was friendly and attentive. Food was served hot and was excellent. Very large portions. My only feedback is the place could use a good cleaning. Ceiling tiles stained, glass between tables dirty, light fixtures with a lot of dust. Interior looks tired. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

We are BBQ lovers so, this being our first visit, we ordered their different BBQ offerings. To be honest I can't give a fair review of the BBQ because we favor Lexington and Western NC style dishes and Bullock's specializes in Easter NC (heavily vinegar based) BBQ. I will say, for this style of BBQ, I thought it was pretty good. The brisket was my favorite of the BBQ dishes they offered. We are definitely planning on going back to try some of their other, non-BBQ, offerings. We saw a lot of great looking food and talked with some regulars about what they liked most. So, (for us) not so much the BBQ but a lot of other dishes we look forward to trying! The service was good and friendly. Ambiance is typical for a BBQ place, being comfortable and relaxing and somewhat laid back. All things considered I would definitely recommend that you give it a try! read more

Great food as always! Found it sad that scallops were no longer available on the menu! The one menu online is outdated and needs updating. The order taker stated that tie site had been hacked and couldn't be fixed. Didn't sound like a plausible reason to me. The place still does a booming business, I suppose they feel the website isn't important. read more

Have eaten here many times over the years and have thoroughly enjoyed it every time. Nostalgic and their BBQ is quite good with multiple sauces for it. Pro's: Conveniently located in Durham for me Great food, BBQ and the many sauces especially Nice staff Nostalgic feel to it Cons: Slight cons. Parking is awkward. Last few times I have been seemed to be understaffed and a bit slow. read more

Love the atmosphere, not a single cell phone was seen, people actually talk face to face. Usually a mixed age group, waitresses treat you like family. The menu is extensive,but our favorite is the chicken livers. And I've only had one of their desserts, banana pudding, it tasted just like my grandmother's recipe. Next time I am trying the coconut cake! read more

Our family group came here one Friday afternoon to share a meal today. The first thing I noticed on the door was the sign that said that they don't take Debit, or Credit cards, they were a cash only place, and to use the ATM in the lobby. After having my Debit card skimmed before, I learned never to use my Debit card, because if they still your PIN, they can't always prove it wasn't you, so any money lost is gone forever. But the bigger issue is that I never carry my Debit card, only my Visa/MC because I like the rewards that come with them, and who wants to pay that $5 fee for using another non-branch ATM machine. So I had to borrow money to eat with the family. (That reminds me, I need to pay Cousin Shaun back.) My daughter ordered the hot dog, and when she bit it, she complained that she hurt her mouth. I called the server over, and said to the server, "I am sorry, but my daughter complained that the bun was..." and as I said that I thumped the bun a couple of times. The server busted out laughing along with others at the table because it sounded like I was knocking on wood. I mean, the kitchen staff knew they shouldn't have sent that out. The server did exchange the item for shrimp. I originally ordered meatloaf, but they were out, so I ended up just getting shrimp. I will say that the shrimp is not as good as Mayflowers. They were also out of a few other things as well that day. I really did like the collards, so did others at the table. The staff here was friendly, and they were busy as well. I would eat here again, I would just have to make sure I stop by my bank first for plenty of cash to pay with. #466 read more

It's slow, ordering takeout. Because they are busy. but the food is great nice atmosphere.

The fried chicken is awesome and great sides. I would not recommend the steak. Service was good. Not a fancy place, come as you are.

Stopped by last week for a first-time visit and really enjoyed my meal. I arrived a little after 2 PM and this place was packed and busy. I ordered dark meat chicken and chopped BBQ with slaw and sweet tea. My meal and the service was great and I can't wait to go back. I want to try the chicken pastry now. read more

This is a small family owned business. First thing, they only accept cash. It's 2022, I rarely have cash on me. They did have a teller in the entry way. The food was good. The chicken was fried nicely and crispy, just the way I like it. The greens were good. Several guests in my party ordered them and we could taste the difference in them. They were seasoned differently. Overall, I will return and remember to have cash on me. read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Chicken wings, greens, lima beans and okra - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

We've heard great things about Bullock's and finally had a chance to try it out with a visiting friend who we wanted to introduce to North Carolina BBQ. This place only takes cash, so come prepared. We tried the chopped pork, brunswick stew, and beef brisket, as well as the baked beans, slaw, and fries. The menu has a lot of different ways to order--combination, family style (but everyone at the table has to get family style to qualify for the all-you-can-eat option), individual entrees with sides. We had a sweet waitress who was patient with us as we took awhile to decide what to order. The restaurant was definitely hopping even on a Thursday night. The beef brisket was everyone's favorite---very tender and flavorful, and piping hot. Brunswick stew was ok, but a little too sweet for me. I ordered a bowl of it and it came in a huge portion. My husband thought his chopped pork was tasty but not the best bbq pork he's ever had. I'd definitely recommend coming here for the beef brisket. My favorite part of the meal was the unlimited complimentary hot and perfectly fried hush puppies! read more

Bullock's Bar-B-Que - Brunswick stew - Barbeque Near Me - Durham, North Carolina