Ole Time Barbecue Has Great BBQ That's Not Too Fancy

The yellow awning of Ole Time Barbecue is a well-known landmark.

Ole Time Barbecue in Raleigh, NC, combines Eastern North Carolina barbecue with homemade Southern cooking that has captured a huge fan base since it was opened in 1993 by the husband-and-wife team of Jerry and Kathy Hart. The yellow awning out front serves as a beacon to find great food at reasonable prices.

Jerry Hart, who died in 2026, opened Ole Time in 1993. Photo: Ole Time Barbecue/Facebook.

 

Jerry Hart’s skills in the restaurant business were honed through a variety of food and beverage industry jobs, catering, and cooking competitions after he moved to Raleigh in 1973. The Harts had turned over operation of the restaurant to their son Ben when they retired from the business.

Ben Hart has operated the restaurant since his parents retired. Photo: Ole Time Barbecue/Facebook.

When Jerry Hart died in May 2026, several posts on Reddit praised how he had created a place that embodied the idea that “BBQ ain’t supposed to be fancy.” One writer celebrated Hart’s legacy this way: “Zero ambiance, waitress throws sticky plastic-covered menus at you, tea is sweet enough to crack your teeth. That place is the best.”

The counter at Ole Time is always occupied.

Ole Time continues Jerry Hart’s belief that “BBQ should be affordable for all,” and the restaurant tries to “fill your belly without emptying your wallet.” Affordability is definitely one of its values (along with quality and consistency), and the prices at Old Time are definitely affordable.

My lunch was barbecue, chicken 'n' dumplings, collards, and Brunswick stew.

A regular BBQ plate is just $12.99. A plate is served with two sides (coleslaw and baked beans are recommended) and hushpuppies. Other Southern sides on the menu are also tempting. Banana pudding is the best choice for dessert, but two cobblers (peach and apple) are enticing. Family take-home meals are also popular.

Hushpuppies are as popular at Ole Time as the barbecue.

At Ole Time, everyone is welcome, whether you’re wearing muddy work boots or a tailored three-piece suit. Don’t worry about what you wear. Just be prepared to enjoy great barbecue.