The Redneck BBQ Lab — Restaurant in Benson

Redneck BBQ in Benson, NC, is an exceptional culinary establishment that masterfully executes the art of smoked meats and traditional Southern fare. With an unwavering commitment to quality, this establishment delivers a dining experience that is both gratifying and memorable.

Cuisine (5/5):

The food is, unequivocally, a five-star experience. My go-to selections include the brisket, mac and cheese, and potato salad—each executed with remarkable precision. The brisket, in particular, deserves commendation, as it is notoriously difficult to find a well-prepared version in Eastern and Central North Carolina. Redneck BBQ has successfully overcome this challenge, offering a tender, flavorful cut that stands in contrast to the region’s predominant barbecue styles. The mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and indulgent, while the potato salad provides a satisfying balance of texture and flavor.

Service & Wait Time:

Patrons should be advised that peak dining hours will likely entail an extended wait time, sometimes exceeding 40 minutes for dine-in service. This is a testament to the restaurant’s popularity, though it may prove inconvenient for those unprepared for the delay.

Operational Hours & Accuracy of Online Listings:

One notable area for improvement is the discrepancy between the restaurant’s posted hours of operation and those listed on Google. On a recent visit, I arrived during what Google indicated were operating hours (5 AM – 7 PM), only to find the establishment closed. After waiting at the drive-thru for approximately 10 minutes without response, I noticed a small, inconspicuous sign indicating closure from 10 AM to 11 AM. It would be in the restaurant’s best interest to ensure that its online presence accurately reflects real-time operating hours to prevent customer inconvenience.

Professionalism & Online Engagement:

While the food is exemplary, a business’s reputation is shaped not only by its culinary prowess but also by its customer relations. I hesitated to post this review due to concerns about potential public scrutiny, as I observed a previous reviewer being subjected to ridicule on the restaurant’s social media. A customer who rated the establishment three stars merely expressed disappointment about a policy—not hostility or defamation—Engaging in such behavior, particularly in a public forum, detracts from the integrity of the brand and may alienate future patrons. While a business has every right to defend its policies, doing so in a manner that maintains professionalism and respect is paramount.

Final Thoughts:

Redneck BBQ excels in its primary mission: serving outstanding barbecue. However, refining its approach to customer communication and ensuring accurate operational details would further enhance its standing. For those seeking exceptional brisket and classic Southern comfort food, this restaurant remains a commendable choice—provided one is mindful of potential wait times and operational...

We're originally from Benson and have lived in Texas for years and visited RNBBL with friends. When I heard someone had brought western style BBQ to NC, I had to check it out.

For context, we visited on a Friday evening at 5:30pm. I ordered 1/4 brisket, 1/4 turkey, Mac and Cheese, and collards. My wife ordered 1/4 pulled pork, collards and slaw. Each order comes with a generous square of corn bread. Overall, the meals were great. I'll break down into more detail below. And some people might read this, look at all the trophies in the room and say, "Parker, you're crazy, and have no clue what you're talking about." I dunno. Taste is subjective. I'll stick to facts as much as I can.

First, the "bad," even though it ain't really bad. The brisket, exclusively from the flat, was a bit underwhelming. The smoke didn't seem to penetrate very well, and the bark was thin and lacked kick. It made me think of pellet cooker brisket. 🤷‍♂️ That's not to say it wasn't good. It was. But if it had held more smokey goodness and had a stronger bark with that thick texture that carries all that delicious flavor, it would be some blow-your-head-off brisket. A set bark would hold moisture better as well, especially working with the flat. I would have given the food five stars if the brisket had been up to expectation. But perfecting brisket is the hardest thing in the Pit Master's skillset. That's why it's the crown jewel of any BBQ joint.

Now, the other proteins: -The turkey was really good. Tender despite being a tiny bit dry, but the breast is lean, so of course it's going to be drier. The taste made up for it.

-Pulled pork was easily the star of the show. Nice taste, moist, so tender it melts in your mouth. I watched an employee prepare more and it just pulled off the bone with no effort at all and he just squished it up with his hand. No chopping needed. Absolutely spot on.

The dang collards were probably the best I've ever had from a small restaurant like this. That's not an exaggeration. The Mac and Cheese was pretty good, too. Next time, I'll get the jalapeño version.

Now, those sauces!!! You get exactly what you read on the label!! They are out of this world!! Try them all, and try different ones on different meats and find what works for you. You won't be disappointed!

The crew was friendly. The dude at the food pick-up window was a little overwhelmed, but he was hanging in there. The dining room guy kept us up with refills, which was a chore as good as that dang sweet tea is, so kudos to him. Lol

I'll go back, for sure. I...

Overall Rating: 6.4/10 This barbecue joint has much to offer in terms of food quality, but its atmosphere and dining setting leave room for improvement.

Atmosphere: 3.2/10 Located next to a gas station, the establishment makes the most of its space with outdoor picnic benches and an additional dining room. However, the dining experience is hampered by issues such as flies and a poorly ventilated room that retains unpleasant odors, detracting significantly from the ambiance.

Service: 7.1/10 The service stands out positively, with staff that hustle diligently through the dining areas, demonstrating passion and knowledge about their offerings. They are prompt in refilling drinks, cleaning tables, and ensuring that food is served quickly, which contributes positively to the customer experience.

Food:

Meat of the Block: 7.3/10 The variety of meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and chicken, are all praised for their perfect preparation. The pulled pork is flavorful, the brisket is notably tender, and the chicken impresses with its taste.

Ribs: 7.9/10 The ribs are a highlight, cooked to a level where the meat falls effortlessly off the bone and offers an exceptional taste experience.

Sides: 6.9/10 The sides also receive commendation, particularly the jalapeño mac and cheese, which is perfectly cooked, and the Brunswick stew, noted for its outstanding flavor.

Value: 8.8/10 The value for money is excellent, given the high quality of food. It's recommended to opt for takeout to enjoy the food without the less pleasant aspects of the...