Staple of southern bbq. Been many many times, and always great. Chicken livers, bbq chicken, chopped bbq, vegetables. Such a wholesome place with wonderful wait staff. It's a place that transports you to a time when the area was a much slower pace, and the Yankee traffic was all but nonexistent. I love this place. read more

I was watching "Five Heartbeats" when John Witherspoon said something about a fried gizzard sandwich with lots of hot sauce. So I paused the movie and got in the car. It was dead inside but gradually filled up during my half hour there. The place had a very down home feel, if you know what I mean. My order didn't take particularly long, but the take-out scene seemed more popular than the sit-down. Almost like nobody wanted to wait. I get that. The string beans and cabbage were as routine as possible. Seemingly no different than what you'd find at Cracker Barrel or a Bob Evans. But the hush puppies were some of the best I've ever had. Soft and flavorful on the inside; firm, with a mild crunch on the out. They didn't have the sandwich I wanted so I asked for a bun to make my own. And I did. I went in expecting to mix hearts with gizzards but instead they offered livers. I made due. I won't do that again. The iron flavor is too much. Next time, I'll stick with gizzards. They were good. Especially with lots of hot sauce. Best, A. read more

See all

Fried chicken was room temperature and dry. Gizzards were over cooked, more breading than meat. Hush puppies were hot and fresh, however, not given at seating like normal. When asked, server said they didn't have a basket to serve them. Huh? Basically best part of the meal was the green beans. Probably won't be back. Heard new cooks, but still. read more

See all

I must be honest I'm shocked I haven't reviewed this spot sooner as my family and I have been going here ten years. This is a no frills, grandma seems to be cooking in the back, wholesome as pie spot with some of the best BBQ in the triangle. Pork is always super soft and delicious. Fantastic fried chicken. The best hush puppies in all of this state in my opinion and they are free with every meal. A whole damn basket of em. My husband loves their banana pudding too. It's nothing fancy, it's styrofoam plates, sweet tea sitting on the table. And yes, they have the good ice. The waitstaff is always friendly. To top it all off- its prices from the bush administration lol. Where else can you "pig" out as a family of four for $67 including tip. That was 2 kids meals, 2 combo plates, a pulled pork sandwich and banana pudding. Plus drinks. Go here. Now... read more

If you're looking for classic Southern comfort food in a laid-back, no-frills setting, Stephenson's BBQ hits the mark. I recently stopped in and tried the combo chicken and BBQ plate with French fries and green beans, and rounded it out with a side of banana pudding. The BBQ itself was tender and had good texture, but I found it could've used a bit more flavo, adding the table sauce probably would have made a noticeable difference but I didn't. The chicken, on the other hand, was pretty good: crispy skin, just the way it should be. Sides were solid; housemade French fries were hot and satisfying, and the green beans were nothing special but I love some green beans. As for the banana pudding, it was just okay. I never thought I'd say this, but there were too many Nilla wafers in the mix. A little more pudding would've balanced it out better and softened those crunchy cookies. Service was warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere is what you'd expect from a true Southern BBQ join, unpretentious and cozy. Stephenson's isn't trying to reinvent the wheel; they're just serving up straight-ahead BBQ with Southern charm. I'd come back, especially for that chicken, and next time, I'll reach for the sauce a little sooner. read more

See all

"Tell me you don't know anything about eastern NC barbecue without saying you don't know anything about eastern NC barbecue." That's how I feel about many of the negative reviews about Stephenson's. Not that everything's perfect here but it still is a more than fair representation of ENC 'cue. Everything about the friendly service, seen-better-days decor, dirt parking lot, and clearly local fellow diners tells you that you're in the right place, although they really could stand to sand down the floors. The fried livers and gizzards were the stars, as far as I'm concerned. The hot, crispy coating was peppery and delicious. Had the fried chicken been any fresher it would have still been clucking but it was disappointingly underseasoned. The Brunswick stew could have been a bit warmer but it wasn't bad at all. The pulled pork was noticeably smoky and a touch too salty but was still good. The slaw was a little bit sweet due to the addition of relish and the boiled potatoes were a little more highly seasoned than normal. These are matters of personal taste, though, not quality. All in all, the food is good and Stephenson's is worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

See all

Delicious southern BBQ, chicken and sides served by friendly hometown people in a relaxed atmosphere. All at an price that won't break the bank! Highly recommend this local staple. read more

The BBQ is delicious! It doesn't need any additional sauce even though there is their own sauce and good ol' Texas Pete on the tables. My friend told me the BBQ chicken is also excellent. The hush puppies are (unfortunately) delicious. Beware if you're on a keto diet! Service is top-notch. Very friendly folks. As for ambiance, it's an old-school family-run BBQ joint. There's even a piano up against the wall. I absolutely loved it and I'll be back again. read more

Ok, this is old school stuck in their way ain't broke don't fix bbq restaurant. The food is good, BUT not healthy so keep that in mind. Waitstaff is respectful but busy. Ambiance is low key, but it gets the job done, wood chairs, tables with plastic cloths and plastic wear. Pitchers of sweet tea on tables ...enjoy! read more

Great bbq and the best fried chicken and homemade banana pudding. Boiled potatoes,slaw and so many other things to choose from

Southern, traditional, and welcoming hometown environment. True NC bbq, with a great vinegar based sauce. Don't forget the sweet tea and hush puppies! read more

We have been huge Stephensons fans for decades. We take all our friends who have moved here from other regions to sample the Q and the Eastern NC atmosphere. Jewish, Hindu, Pakistani, Swiss, and even the Texans ... They all love it and, in turn, take their friends and families down to Stephensons. The BBQ is not greasy and the slaw is the best you will ever taste. Go! read more

Great food! Friendly service! Highly recommended the large pig plate with green beans and the hush puppies are always amazing read more

Stephenson's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Willow Spring, North Carolina

See all

Cool definitely old school bbq place. Service was great. I had the combo plate. Their tea and fried chicken were great. The hush puppies and the bbq were good. The fried okra was ok, but had zero seasoning in the batter. The baked beans were literally straight out of a can and cold as well. Overall a good but not great experience. read more

I live an hour and a half away and when I come anywhere near Stephenson's or have family members visit that way, I asked them to pick me up some. Their barbecue is delicious. read more

The barbecue was cold all the food was cold tasted terrible service was horrible tea was not good and everything was just overall terrible

Three of us dropped in for a late lunch, and the food was so good that we ordered still more food to take home for dinner. We started with a pork platter with sides of coleslaw and collard greens, and two mixed plates of pork and Brunswick stew, with sides of french fries, green beans, and more coleslaw and greens. Hush puppies came with all 3 plates, and the lightly crusted, moist and chewy NC staple proved so good that we ordered two dozen more (at 14 cents each). The Brunswick stew has terrific texture and taste, and the East Carolina style pork worked well with the vinegar sauce on the table. We added vinegar and a splash of Texas Pete to the greens, which made them very, very good indeed. The coleslaw worked well with the pork, and the house cut french fries were fresh and hot. Only the green beans failed to impress. A not overly sweet, well balanced banana pudding provided a smooth finish. We got 3 more, and another dozen hush puppies for the road. For $50.13 including tip, this was good eating! read more

See all

Possibly the best pulled pork i ever had! Excellent hush puppies, fried okra too. A little out of the way, but so worth it.

This family run bbq place will always be my favorite. The service is fast, the food is always consistent. The sweet tea is amazing and you have to get the hush puppies and dip them in the butter. I love the boiled potatoes and the half big plate. It's so good. read more

They had it and lost their quality.. Quality has suffered in their preparation and cooking skills. Maybe their kitchen crew quit? BBQ FLAVOR AND QUALITY ARE SUFFERING. French fries are really disgusting. Slaw is way off in preparation and flavor. Lost their 'Que cooking MOJO. Get your quality back guys! Make your respected and iconic recipes again. read more

I totally support local businesses so it's hard to write, a poor review. We've been here about 3-4 times. The last time was a couple of months ago the barbecue tasted like it came out of the refrigerator went in microwave for a minute, the fried okra was cold and mushy and then thrown on a paper plate. The barbecue chicken was pretty good. Our food literally came on a Styrofoam plate with some plastic silverware. Dinner for a family of four set us back about $65. We tried a little bit of everything. The staff was very pleasant. It was a weekday at approximately 5 PM. I see this restaurant when the parking lot is packed and then sometimes there's nobody at all there maybe there's a trick of when the right time is to eat there. At this point in time, I would not recommend the restaurant, but I'm hopeful that something has changed or will be changing. It's convenient. I would love to see it get better. read more

Eat here and judge for yourself. you won't be disappointed. the bbq is great and the sides are good. don't forget the hush puppies. this place has been a community staple for over 50 years. read more

I was driving on the road a few months ago and spotted this place, and today I decided to try it and I was not disappointed at all, the service was great the staff very attentive, food was great and affordable. I ordered a plater combination chicken and pulled pork with potatoes and spicy apples, the chicken was so soft and delicious, pulled pork not the best one but not bad at all, potatoes were good and spicy apples really good. I like that they have a pitcher full of tea for you to enjoy. I definitely will come back one day. read more

See all

BBQ packed with flavor! The meat is seasoned well and retains its moisture so it doesn't even need BBQ sauce. I especially like the BBQ pork and hushpuppies. The coleslaw is made with sweet pickles. As a result, we did not like the coleslaw. The green beans and cabbage were preferred vegetables. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and would recommend this restaurant to others! read more

Stephenson's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Willow Spring, North Carolina

My gf and I have been doing the NC Historic BBQ trail. We have hit 13 of the 20 spots on that list. I found this one to be very middle of the road, while my gf absolutely loved the BBQ here. They were doing drive through still, and we both ordered the basic chopped bbq plates with vinegar. The vinegar definitely improved the meal, but I can't put it above many on the NC BBQ trail myself. The hushpuppies and sides were also good for the price. Not a place we felt we'd ever drive out of our way for again, but it was decent. read more

Stephenson's Bar-B-Q - Chopped barbecue with green beans and hushpuppies - Barbeque Near Me - Willow Spring, North Carolina

Stephenson's is a neighborhood tradition. If you like real Carolina barbecue served by people who treat every guest like a family member, you need look no further. The food tastes like your mom and dad made it, the down-home atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and prices are very affordable. I've eaten most of the dishes on their menu, and recommend them all, especially the chicken and pork. They throw the pig on the grill and cook and season it to perfection. Don't forget to add a side of their Brunswick Stew, because it's delish. Support your neighborhood businesses, and give Stephenson's a try. Your tummy will thank you. read more

Stephenson's is what a NC bar-b-ought to be. Their pig is outstanding and they understand chicken, too. The side are simple, tasty, and don't detract from why you're there. The service makes you feel like you're in your hometown. And their sweet tea is not for the faint of heart! My only complaint about this place is that it's not closer to our home in Fuquay-Varina. read more

This restaurant is in an out of the way area. I liked the inside with the long windows and view of a pond. The food was spot on. I liked the bbq, eastern style but you can sauce it the way you like. My husband ordered the fried chicken livers and I ordered the fried gizzards as appetizers. Holy moly, we got a plate full of each! I ate so many gizzards and their wonderful hushpuppies that when my bbq and bbq chicken came I could inly manage a bite or. two of each. Took most of it home and it was good at dinner. Lot of food, great prices, and great staff, very friendly and attentive. Will surely go back soon! read more

Great food and kind people. There is a drive thru of sorts that is convenient. Love their hush puppies.

IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW. It is a hometown favorite but I keep telling everyone I meet, no matter what bbq places I try, this IS the best. Seat yourself, simple combos and old fashioned corner store pig-themed galore. Barbecue all DAY long outside in the pits right out back. Is the most tender, juicy, glazed bbq chicken I've ever had and the fried chicken and pork are right there with it. GET yourself to Stevensons. read more

This is a pretty good bbq place not the best not the worst. It's a popular place been around for awhile.

Hey we had the barbecue chicken and barbecue pork they were delicious and fried okra potatoes corn bread all was very good and the tea topped it off QM read more

Still one of my fav BBQ joints!! I took my friend, Lisa for her 60 celebration! Bbq chix/bbq combo, as usual. The sides were perfect and service great, as always. Love how they bring a pot of crushed ice to each table! We appreciate you Willow Spring waiters, cooks and pig master!! read more

Stephenson's Bar-B-Q - 60th birthday celebration at our fav BBQ place - Barbeque Near Me - Willow Spring, North Carolina

See all

Best Carolina style chopped BBQ around. So glad I live less than 2 miles away. My go to order is the little pig with green beans and boiled potatoes. Can't go wrong! read more

I really like their tea because it isn't too sweet and it's fresh and they have "the good ice" and leave plenty of it in a dish on your table. I like the hush puppies. The food isn't seasoned much so if you aren't into seasoning, this is your place. They aren't raising your blood pressure, so that's good. Friendly staff. read more

First let's start, with "Safety" As you leave the restaurant the exit sign is blocking oncoming traffic on Hwy 50. Moreover, there is a drive-thru sign, but No drive-thru. The quality of the food was not good for us. The restaurant is outdated. The service was poor because someone asked us have we paid yet after we ordered our food. We know the reason Why? If you are looking for quality BBQ Do Not come here. read more

Came here for lunch on a Saturday, and was welcomed with the quiet, low-key atmosphere of this place, which I appreciated. I tried the large pig plate, which included pulled pork with two sides and hush puppies. The pork had a perceptible smokiness to it, and the vinegar sauce available on the table was a necessary addition, not just for a better flavor and more of a kick, but also because the meat was a tad dry. I also got to try the ribs, since they offer them on the weekends. Some of the meat on the ribs was also dry, but the sauce was tasty. The hush puppies were pretty standard, and the sides I enjoyed were the cole slaw - which had more of a pickle flavor to it - and the spiced apples. The boiled potatoes were surprisingly not that bad, and the green beans were decent, but a bit on the salty side. The Brunswick stew wasn't much to rave about, since it was pretty thin on meat and vegetables, and it mostly tasted like tomato soup. The sweet tea was solid, and there were free refills, which was nice. The service was friendly and prompt, and it was all fairly reasonably priced. Overall, a solid place for NC barbecue. read more

Stephenson's Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Willow Spring, North Carolina

We LOVE going to Stephenson's! Their food and service is the best around! So thankful we live right up the road and can visit any time we like. If you're in the area, it's a must have! read more

I hadn't been here in 7ish years and it still holds up to how good I remembered it to be! The barbecue is so moist and tender, the potatoes and green beans were both great and they have some of the best sweet tea - not to mention that good pellet ice. Service is also good and our food came out incredibly quickly. I will definitely be frequenting a lot more. read more

Stephenson's Bar-B-Q - Small Pig - Barbeque Near Me - Willow Spring, North Carolina

The BBQ is great, but don't sleep on their fried chicken! The hush puppies are also very good. It has a very nice vibe and the staff is very friendly. The prices are awesome too! I highly recommend this place! read more