3330 Quebec Dr., Durham, NC
919.383.3211
No Website
BBQ Jew’s Grade: C
Porky Says: “Never mind the Bullock’s.”
Not Really a Barbecue Joint
I think I’d like Bullock’s more if it didn’t serve barbecue.
It’s not that Bullock’s barbecue is bad, but it seems like an afterthought on a huge menu that does a good job serving southern food from fried chicken to fish to ham, with all the sides you could ever want. Bullock’s is a pretty good southern style restaurant that also serves so-so, Eastern-style electric-cooked barbecue (they long ago abandoned cooking over wood). The barbecue is pretty non-descript, standard fare for wood-free, Eastern-style ‘cue, though it is available either chopped or sliced, which adds some variety. Frankly, I’m not sure what else to say about the barbecue, especially after seeing how Bullock’s attorneys have reacted to comments H. Kent Craig made about rumors regarding the source of Bullock’s barbecue.
- Bullock’s spacious dining room. Picture taken from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3321910552_25fd70ac3c.jpg
It’s A Family Affair
Bullock’s is a family-run business that draws a mixed crowd of Durham natives, Duke students who have likely never tasted barbecue anywhere else except for possibly the Original Q-Shack, and the occasional celebrity. (The vintage 1980’s picture of Bono and U2 with the classic, underwhelmed caption “Band from Ireland” is far and away my personal favorite.). There is actually much to like about Bullock’s, especially the “family style” dinners where everyone in your dining party agrees to eat what amounts to a buffet brought to your table—bottomless bowls of barbecue, chicken, vegetables, etc. And the endless supply of sweet, soft hush puppies that accompanies every meal is hard to resist, even if it is a wee bit unnecessary.
Closing Thoughts
Bullock’s has probably helped spread the gospel of barbecue to tens of thousands of folks over the years, especially given the number of out of town visitors who find their way to Bullock’s through Duke or other connections. Hopefully many of those folks have gone on to try some ‘cue from other joints that do more justice to the ‘cue NC has to offer. Still, if you can manage your expectations, you shouldn’t be disappointed by the overall dining experience at Bullock’s. I’ve always enjoyed my trips there because of the friendly atmosphere, the large and diverse crowd of diners, and the fact that Bullock’s really is a Durham institution. As long as you don’t go to Bullock’s looking for a great plate of barbecue you’ll enjoy yourself.
For an interesting post on the history of Bullock’s Bar B Cue, see our pal at Endangered Durham’s post here.
Filed under: Restaurants & Reviews | Tagged: Durham, Durham County, Eastern style, Gas/electric-cooked, Grade C |
BBQ Jew 
I honestly never understood why people love the bbq at Bullock’s so much. I always found the texture of the meat to be poor, bordering on vile — every time I’ve had their bbq, in my opinion the texture of the meat was waaaay past tender and perfectly fatty and well into land in the land of slimy and overly fatty. The sauce is okay, I guess, but without quality meat, it just isn’t good bbq.
I also only ever found their sides to be passable, never stellar or even good. Frankly, I think that Bullock’s, like Crook’s Corner, is just another has-been place riding on its reputation, serving people who just don’t know any better….
I agree with you guys on this one. Bullocks should take their que off the menu. I rather not eat than put it in my mouth. However, their other food is good ole home cooking. I have never understood how Bullock’s Catering can do up such a good “pig pick’in” and serve such garbage in the resturant. Send your out of town visitors to Allen and Sons or the A&M for good local cue.
Rev Jimmy Joe
Spiritual Leader of the Porch Committee
does anyone know how to make bullocks hush puppies?
I came onto this site by chance while searching Bing. I have to say your topics are great and so is the theme! I bookmarked this page, and will definitely return!
Agreed. This place gets by on it’s name and tradition. Absolutely overrated.
[…] BBQ Jew’s View: Bullock’s Bar B Cue « BBQ JewApr 8, 2009 … It’s not that Bullock’s barbecue is bad, but it seems like an afterthought on a huge menu that does a good job serving southern food from fried … […]