Joe Duffy

Discover Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, NC: A Top-Rated Destination for Texas Barbecue

Prime Barbecue: Rated #2 in the Nation by Texas Monthly
If you're a barbecue enthusiast willing to extend a 12 ½ hour drive by another 50 minutes just for lunch (raises hand), @primebbq in Knightdale, NC might be your perfect stop. Recently rated #2 in the nation for Texas-style barbecue outside of Texas by Texas Monthly, this spot is drawing attention for good reason.

A Journey Worth Taking
Your journey to Prime Barbecue will likely start with a line of eager customers, sometimes 200-deep. Even an hour after opening, the place buzzes with energy, with around 50 people already inside savoring the flavors. While the high ranking might feel slightly generous, the quality of the barbecue justifies the crowd's enthusiasm.

Must-Try Delights
Fatty Brisket: Excellent and a favorite among visitors, though just shy of the top 50 outside of the Lone Star State.

Beef Tips: Cooked with sauce, though some might prefer less of it.

Pork: A standout in a state known for its pork dishes, offering a nice smoky flavor.

The special beef ribs are a crowd favorite, as evidenced by the raving fan beside me.

The Sides: A Mixed Bag
While the meat is the star at Prime Barbecue, sides play a crucial role in the overall experience. The mac n cheese was a slight letdown. Southern Living Magazine ranks it 30th best in the South, considering all styles. This aligns more closely with my personal experience.

Location and Recommendations
Located just outside Raleigh, Prime Barbecue is a must-visit for anyone in the area. While my recommendation comes with the caveat that @bbqsnob rates it a bit higher than I do, it remains a worthy stop on your barbecue journey.

Future Adventures
My newfound barbecue buddies suggested I try @dampfgoodbbq in Cary, NC next. The internet seems to agree, and it conveniently lies along my route. Oh heck, I see it’s even Michelin recommended! It's already on the agenda for my next trip!

Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, NC is a destination you won't want to miss on your barbecue exploration. Less

**Ry & Howie’s – Medford, NJ 🥖🔥**

It hasn’t been around forever, but **Ry & Howie’s** in **Medford** has that *instant classic* feel. A buddy mentioned it a few years back, and ever since, it’s been one of those reliable spots that hits every time. The guys behind it are **restaurant pros** who know exactly how to deliver Philly-style comfort food with precision and flavor.

Finally tried their **chicken cheesesteak** — every bit as strong as their **roasted pork** and **cheesesteak**, all of which easily rank among the best I’ve had in South Jersey. Also took home an **Italian hoagie**, which never disappoints. Word is they’re **expanding to Glassboro**, and **Rowan students** are about to score big.

The setup is classic: small kitchen, a few tables, mostly takeout, but everyone works like clockwork. No gimmicks, just pure execution. If you’re chasing the real deal in **NJ or the Philly burbs**, this belongs on your shortlist.

#SouthJerseyEats #MedfordNJ #CheesesteakLovers #ChickenCheesesteak #HoagieTime #PhillyEats #RoastedPork #EatLocal #FoodieFinds #DelValEats #RyAndHowies #JerseyFoodie Less

@racewaybagels Berlin, NJ
Quietly one of South Jersey’s cheesesteak powerhouses, not just a breakfast stop. Thicker-cut beef, perfectly grilled, on a soft but sturdy Liscio’s Bakery roll. Not as thick as Donkey’s or Lorenzo’s, not as finely chopped as many.
Tight seating, aging strip mall, massive flavor payoff. Locals already know—travelers, take note.
#SouthJerseyEats #Cheesesteak #RacewayBagels #BerlinNJ #BestCheesesteak #PhillySuburbsEats #Roadfood #EatLocal Less

Friends American Grill – Cumming Visit 🍽️

Ever chase down a regional favorite just to see if anyone in Georgia gets it right? For my latest, it was the Indiana-style fried pork tenderloin sandwich—crispy, oversized, and impossible to find around Atlanta. Someone tipped me off that Friends American Grill might be the closest thing.

Finally tried the Cumming location. Verdict? Pretty close, a bit dry, but it hits the authentic button. I’ve had the real deal in Indiana (yes, the one USA Today in partnership with Indy Star called best in the state), so expectations were high.

Surprise highlight: those pimento cheese wontons 🔥—crispy shell, creamy inside, and that sweet-spicy chili sauce ties it together. My wife went for the pretzel with dips, and it was a win too.

It’s not trying to reinvent bar food, but there’s a neighborhood comfort to it—bigger menu than expected with regional takes the highligh, a few creative touches, and definitely worth another round to explore the specialties.

Been to Friends? What’s your go-to order or favorite location? Drop it below 👇

#AtlantaGrubber #FriendsAmericanGrill #CummingEats #AtlantaFoodScene #GeorgiaFoodie #PimentoCheese #FriedPorkTenderloin #SouthernEats #EatLocalGA #AtlantaRestaurants #BarFood #FoodieFinds Less

Savory Mexican in #CummingGA came in with plenty of hype — but a nearly empty dining room on a Saturday night said otherwise.
I had the tinga del pollo, my wife got chicken fajitas — both fine, nothing more. The food was okay, but the service? We had to ask twice for silverware and chase down the check.
If you’re nearby, it’s passable, but I’m baffled by the love this spot gets. For real flavor, Carniceria Hernandez down the road still wins by a mile.
📍 Savory Mexican Restaurant – Cumming, GA
💬 Have you been? Did we just catch an off night? Less

Dinner debut at @mozaika_mezze on Old Milton — the new Turkish spot across from Avalon that’s bringing serious flavor to Alpharetta.
Started with the cheese and charcuterie, and the surprise star was the kasseri — a sheep’s milk cheese that’s more creamy spread than “semi-hard.” Even this Wisconsin dad (my son lives there, so cheese runs in the family) was impressed. The smoked duck came in second but close behind.
Entrée was the garides souvlaki, tiger shrimp in a rich tagine stew — reminded me of the shrimp saganaki at Yalda. Pricey but worth it. The Old Milton corridor just keeps leveling up with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean gems.
📍 Mozaika Mezze – Alpharetta, GA
🥗 Turkish • Mediterranean • Fine Dining
#AtlantaEats #AlpharettaEats #AtlantaFoodie #MediterraneanFood #TurkishCuisine #AtlantaRestaurants #NorthFultonEats #OldMilton #AvalonAlpharetta #AtlantaGrubber #FoodReview #AlpharettaGA Less

Finally made it back to @doodlepiesroswell — such a cool spot! You can build your own mini-pie or pick from their specialty creations, all cooked in ovens as hot as the sun that crisp them up in just 4–6 minutes.

This time, the taco pie stole the show with cool toppings like sour cream, pico, and taco sauce added after baking. The BBQ pie and smoked brisket topped with mashed potatoes were both fantastic—the mashed potatoes really set the brisket apart.

Not usually a pumpkin fan, but their pumpkin pie with maple syrup was creamy and smooth—pumpkin lovers will be in heaven. And the Dutch apple? Easily one of the best anywhere.

Love the crispy texture the solar-hot ovens bring. Friendly owner Anne was chatting with guests, answering all questions, and keeping the crowd happy on a busy afternoon. West Roswell has a gem here—go get yours tonight!

#RoswellGA #AtlantaEats #AtlantaFoodies #RoswellEats #WestRoswell #Rozstock #AtlantaGrubber #FoodieFinds #MiniPies #EatLocal #AtlantaRestaurants Less

Southern barbecue bragging rights are official! 🐖🔥 Southern Living just crowned @citylimitsq the best BBQ spot in the South. A few days before the list dropped, I was in line for over an hour in West Columbia—and yes, every minute was worth it.

This isn’t hype… chopped pork with those crispy skins, rice & hash (a #SCBBQ must), and hoppin’ John keep me coming back. I’ve stood in line for nearly two hours here before, and I’d do it again tomorrow.

I’ve been to quite of few of the joints made the cut, but I’ll say it—leaving out Owens & Hull is a miss. Big, big oversight! Still, no complaints with City Limits sitting on top.

#SouthernLiving #CityLimitsBBQ #WestColumbia #ColumbiaSC #SodaCityEats #SCBBQ #SouthernBBQ #BBQLovers #BBQTrail #FoodieTravel #BestBBQ Less

Tucked away on Johns Bridge Road in #JohnsCreek, @alzeinshawarma has been a go-to for years when it comes to bold Middle Eastern flavors. Their take on broasted chicken—a crispy classic with roots tracing back to Muslim communities in New York in the 1960s—makes this spot a must-try. Alongside #KarachiBroast, it’s one of the area’s top choices for this style of chicken.

Of course, Al Zein isn’t just about the chicken. Their shawarma brings an authentic Arabic touch, and even their cole slaw hits different. Add in their social media buzz (yes, the famous “Ashley” video), and it’s clear why this restaurant has earned loyal fans. Johns Creek is carving out a quiet reputation for hidden food gems, with Al Zein standing tall among the best.

#AtlantaFood #MediterraneanEats #AtlantaRestaurants #SyrianCuisine #BroastedChicken #ShawarmaLovers #FoodieATL #EatLocalATL #HiddenGemEats #JohnsCreekEats Less

Takeout isn’t built for the ‘Gram, but let’s be honest—photos are just filler for the real star: my infallible takes.

When Wright’s Fish & Chips in #CummingGA closed, I was crushed. But the heartbreak eased when a spot just as good—arguably better—stepped in. Now it’s déjà vu, Italian edition, about 20 miles south. I was genuinely bummed when Buon Fornello shut its doors, but in its place is @nonnadoraatl, and it’s bringing serious heat.

I wasn’t rushing to try it, especially with so many solid Italian options closer to home. But after hearing great things and reading in @atlantamagazine that the owner was GM at Soto Soto, I figured it was worth a shot. Plus, my daughter Grubber @abbyduffy1 always says: you could hit 15 Italian restaurants and get 15 totally different entrees. This one fits right into my variety wheelhouse. And yes, I said entrees—though I rarely skip the polpette. These were very good balls.

Like Fornello, portions are modest, which just gave me an excuse to start my menu tour:

**Chicken ravioli in crema di parmigiano**
Pretty sure all pastas are made in-house. Definitely not something you’re pulling off a Kroger shelf. Rich and satisfying, though the “heavy” cream lives up to its name. Know what you’re signing up for.

**Spaghetti fra diavolo**
Same story on the pasta—top-tier. Sauce had a flavorful kick, but not overly spicy. A standout dish.

**Lasagna ai funghi**
Bechamel and mushrooms. They offer a traditional version too, but this one hits the mark for those looking for something outside the usual red sauce routine.

I’ll always miss Buon Fornello, especially the kitchen sink. But Nonna Dora is a worthy successor. Not sure if this counts as #SandySprings, #Atlanta, or the edge of #Dunwoody, but it’s tucked into that chaotic Publix shopping center at Hammond, just east of GA 400.

#ItalianFood #FoodieFinds #AtlantaEats #RestaurantReview #PolpettePower #LocalEats #NonnaDora #PastaTour Less