Johnnys Barbecue — Restaurant in Bunn

The BBQ served at Johnny's has that distinctive vinegar-based flavor (enhanced with a little sugar and red pepper). Service is cafeteria style, so it's fast - and you get to see what you are ordering. Seating is comfortable and spacious, and the staff super friendly and helpful.

On our first visit we tried the Barbecue and Stew Combo ($10.99) and Fried Shrimp Friday Special (Small $12.49 / Large $13.99). Both included two sides and choice of Hushpuppies, Corn Sticks or Bun. The Hushpuppies were perfectly seasoned - crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The Corn Sticks were a little dry - but tasty. Portions were generous, and the BBQ was excellent; but the Brunswick Stew was not good. It was watery and had a disagreeable flavor. The Potato Salad was simple, but satisfying. The Cole Slaw was some of the best we have eaten. It was just tangy enough to make it a perfect companion for the BBQ. Because the Shrimp were small, there were about equal amounts of Shrimp and Breading. The Breading itself was well seasoned and not too heavy; so, on balance, an enjoyable dish that we would order again.

We also sampled two Wednesday Specials (both included two sides and choice of Hushpuppies, Corn Sticks or Bun). The Baby Back Ribs (one rack $11.99 / two racks $14.99) were mostly tender and juicy, except for the end ribs (which were dry and chewy). The BBQ flavor was just right. We will definitely be ordering Baby Backs again. The Chicken Pastry (small plate $9.99 / large plate $10.49) left a lot to be desired. The old-fashioned dumplings were great, but I had to search for the few bits of chicken. I do not recommend this dish.

Johnny's offers a nice assortment of traditional southern deserts (all priced at $3.99). We tried the Banana Pudding. This made-from-scratch concoction was sweet, smooth, creamy, bananary and verging on decadent - a definite winner. Sweet Tea, is available for $1.99 (small glass), $2.49 (large glass) and $5.99 (gallon). Our large glass came with unlimited refills.

If you want to try the Baby Back Ribs, you will have to visit Johnny's on Wednesdays after 3:00 PM. Smoked Brisket (which we have not tasted) is available only on Thursdays after 3:00 PM ($12.99 for a small plate / $15.99 for a large plate / $5.99 for...

I was on a quest like Don Quixote, the Man of La Macha. What was your quest you ask? I am glad you asked, for I shall tell. The quest was to find a great and authentic North Carolina Style barbeque restaurant. My quest was realized when I went to Johnny’s Barbeque in Louisburg. Every staff member gave me phenomenal customer service that was friendly, accurate and efficient. The chicken is fresh, juicy, and delicious. The barbeque is authentic, tasty, and desirable. They also serve Cheerwine, my favorite soda as opposed to what I used to say “pop” in Illinois. Illinois, the land of Lincoln. Where the corn is knee high by the fourth of July. Where the children are knee high to a grasshopper. Where the hamburgers are served with everything on them. This is contrary to how you order a hamburger in Kentucky where you order it dressed or through the garden. This is different in North Carolina where you the cute waitress asks, “Do you want it all the way?” First time I heard that when I arrived from Illinois, I thought, “I heard southern hospitality was great, but not that great.” I am sorry. I have digressed. Where was I. Oh yeah. Johnny’s barbeque in Louisburg. There is only one bad note. I have a big bulbous belly which I am trying to shrink. Therefore, I cannot go to Johnny’s Barbeque in Louisburg as often as I would like. Accomplish your quest to find a great authentic North Carolina barbeque restaurant by going to Johnny’s Barbeque...

To start… ( 1st time customer) service was not welcoming! As I tried to order, the “ order attendant “ kept walking away ( for no apparent reason- as to dismiss me and my order). Everything I was interested in ordering was not available. Named Johnnys Barbecue…. But no true barbecue! Nothing actually “smoked” …. Cooked in oven or prepackaged with maybe their version of east nc vinegar bbq sauce? Which left the pulled pork smelling rancid and tasting nothing like true bbq! Fried chicken over cooked and bland, fried fish tasted as though it was past its date of expiration. Cole slaw simply commercial. Potato salad was nothing other than underwhelming & disappointing, canned & drained potatoes 🤦‍♀️… Mac & cheese was Kraft powered boxed. Green beans out of can with no extras to even attempt to make it special. I let it be know I was a 1st time customer and a barbecue connoisseur…. Still we got the unimpressive food. Every customer needs to be considered as a food critic, secret shopper , and most of all ….possibly…. Upcoming competition🤔😵🤯 This was not Barbecue or even at best a fried chicken joint! This is simply a place that’s the closest place for people to eat with not many choices to choose from in that area. 1 star is a...