About 3 years ago Picnic opened up here in Durham. It’s maybe 10 min from me, but we hadn’t been there yet, mostly because of so many disappointing visits to "award winning" BBQ joints. But with the increasing number of glowing reviews (Time Magazine rated it in the top 8 in the state) it was time to rectify that.
I read some articles recently that had me really excited to try them. One of the 3 owners is a pig farmer at Green Button Farm where he "raises Berkshires, Tamworths, and Durocs in various crossbred combinations about ten miles outside of Durham." And these, of course, are what they’re cooking! Now, if you’re looking only for classic eastern or western/Lexington NC styles, this is not it. I suppose being in the Piedmont they are a very respectable blend of both - they do whole hog, but they pull it and provide a western style sauce along with Texas Pete.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and hush puppies.
The pork was great - moist, nice pork flavor, and a hint of smoke. I prefer a lot more bark, but I’ll make it that way at home. The sides were all better than expected and clearly homemade. Even the hush puppies were unique - lighter (almost think funnel cake but as a corn bread hush puppies) and savory with a little chopped pepper in them.
Now, being a good Carolina BBQ joint, they also had banana pudding which my wife and I decided to share.
Again, clearly homemade and that’s real whip cream. It was without a doubt the best I’ve ever had.
Overall it was a great experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone on AR, and will be back myself to try their "non-native "cue†(brisket and spareribs) as well as their fried chicken. It’s not cheap, lunch for 2 with dessert was just over $30 tip included. But well worth it considering the heritage hogs and homemade sides. So happy we found this little gem here in Bull City! 👍ðŸ»
I read some articles recently that had me really excited to try them. One of the 3 owners is a pig farmer at Green Button Farm where he "raises Berkshires, Tamworths, and Durocs in various crossbred combinations about ten miles outside of Durham." And these, of course, are what they’re cooking! Now, if you’re looking only for classic eastern or western/Lexington NC styles, this is not it. I suppose being in the Piedmont they are a very respectable blend of both - they do whole hog, but they pull it and provide a western style sauce along with Texas Pete.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and hush puppies.
The pork was great - moist, nice pork flavor, and a hint of smoke. I prefer a lot more bark, but I’ll make it that way at home. The sides were all better than expected and clearly homemade. Even the hush puppies were unique - lighter (almost think funnel cake but as a corn bread hush puppies) and savory with a little chopped pepper in them.
Now, being a good Carolina BBQ joint, they also had banana pudding which my wife and I decided to share.
Again, clearly homemade and that’s real whip cream. It was without a doubt the best I’ve ever had.
Overall it was a great experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone on AR, and will be back myself to try their "non-native "cue†(brisket and spareribs) as well as their fried chicken. It’s not cheap, lunch for 2 with dessert was just over $30 tip included. But well worth it considering the heritage hogs and homemade sides. So happy we found this little gem here in Bull City! 👍ðŸ»
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