(Update – Smokey Dave’s Restaurant has closed down. But they still have a food truck operating in the Roxboro and Durham areas. If you get a chance to try his delicious BBQ, go for it! He knows how to do BBQ right.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for other great places to eat in Roxboro, check out my article on the best places to eat in the Roxboro area.)
Smokey Dave’s BBQ in Roxboro, NC, is one of my family’s favorite restaurants to visit. We have a lake house rental on Mayo Lake, and we often come up this way to maintain it and enjoy the beautiful area.
It’s easy to drive right by this unassuming restaurant and not even realize the mouth-watering BBQ treasures hiding inside. But rest assured, once you’ve discovered this gem, you’ll want to come back and try everything on the menu.
So I suggest you put your BBQ bib on so you don’t drool down your shirt when you see all the tasty food this place has to offer.
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 Meat Offerings From Heaven
Smokey Dave’s has so many delicious meat choices including Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked Chicken Legs, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, and Hamburgers.
Let me tell you about a few of them. (Did you remember to put your bib on?)
Smoked Brisket
The Smoked Brisket here has the most incredibly rich, smokey flavor. You can get it in thick, tender slices or chopped on a bun. Notice the beautiful smokey layers.
It’s one of the more pricey items on the menu because brisket is an expensive cut of meat, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
BBQ Ribs
These BBQ Ribs aren’t just beautiful to look at, they’re so tender, you’ll love sinking your teeth into the juicy meat.
This side-view of the ribs should give you an idea of how tender and tasty they are once they’ve been smoked and coated with Dave’s homemade Bird Bath BBQ Sauce.
BBQ Pulled Pork
You can order the BBQ Pulled Pork on a small bun, large bun, on a plate with sides, or even in a family pack to go.
My husband usually orders a BBQ Pork Sandwich loaded with one of Dave’s tasty homemade BBQ sauces when we make a trip here. I top mine with coleslaw.
Also, take note of the Fried Pork Rinds. Dave makes them himself, and they come in different flavors; you even can buy a bag to take home.
Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
I love ordering a Chicken Leg when I come here because it fits right in with my Weight Watchers diet (when I’m being faithful).
They’re juicy, flavorful, and even healthy with a side of Dave’s Green Beans, Collard Greens, or Sauteed Broccoli. This would also be perfect for a Keto diet.
Smokey Dave’s Side Choices
You’ll find several tempting sides to choose from like Mac & Cheese, French Fries, Hush Puppies, Onion Rings, Homemade Chips and more. I never pass on the perfectly moist yet crumbly Cornbread, and I love the crunchy Coleslaw.
I brought my sister-in-law here when she was visiting, and she thought this was some of the best Coleslaw she’s ever had.
The Baked Beans are another one of my favorites. Dave loads them with his delicious brisket and rib meat and adds some of his Bird Bath Sauce to give them an exceptional flavor.
The petite Boiled Potatoes go great with all of Dave’s smokey flavored BBQ dishes.
Make Your Own Tasty Platter
The sky’s the limit here. First, choose your favorite meat like Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork, or Chicken. Then add on some fantastic sides like Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Onion Rings, or Fried Okra.
You might also like to know that on Mondays, you can get 2 Hot Dogs with all your favorite toppings for only $3.00, and on Tuesdays, Kids Eat Free with the purchase of an adult entree.
Owner, David Burch
Owner, David Burch, learned how to cook from his mother and grandmother. He remembers visiting his grandmother on Thanksgiving and the wonderful smell of turkey coming from the kitchen.
Dave would go on to compete in BBQ competitions, winning Hillsborough Hog Day in 2010 and People’s Choice Awards in 2011 and 2012.
Three years ago, he purchased a building and a smoker and opened Smokey Dave’s. In 2019, he was voted Person County Best Gold Winners for Best BBQ, Best Catering, Best Lunch, Best Comfort Food & Best Burger.
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A charity that is dear to Dave’s heart is Operation BBQ Relief. They feed people in areas that have been hit with natural disasters by bringing in BBQ chefs to cook for people in need.
Dave is an active volunteer with them and is grateful for the opportunities he’s had to share his cooking with those that have sometimes gone for days without food.
You can donate to this organization or purchase their cookbook where all proceeds go to help support victims of natural disasters.
David Burch (Smokey Dave) with his son Hunter Burch (Lil’ Smokey)
Above is Dave and his son Hunter in the smoke shack. Dave only uses pecan wood to smoke with because he believes it gives his meats the best possible flavor. He also feels very strongly about using the finest ingredients available, and it definitely shows.
Dave’s son, Hunter, is an award-winning pitmaster in his own right and is now an important part of running the restaurant.
I talked with Hunter while he was munching on one of his favorite meals at Smokey Dave’s, a hamburger and fries; he’s a delight to talk to and very friendly and mature.
Dave loves having his son there with him. Family is very important to him. When I asked him why the restaurant closes at 3:00 pm on Saturday and is closed on Sunday, he said it’s because he saves those times to be with his family.
Smokey Dave’s Food Truck and Catering
One of the best ways to experience Smokey Dave’s food is to have him cater your next event. His wife, Kelly, runs this part of the business. Contact her at (919)943-3647.
For just $11-$14 a person, you’ll get Pulled Pork and/or BBQ Chicken with the choice of 1-2 sides. You can add on drinks and dessert or substitute the meat choices.
Some of the events you might invite him to cater are weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, company parties, and charities – pretty much any event that you have around 25 or more people.
Above you’ll see Smokey Dave’s Food Truck. He looks forward to expanding this part of his business in the coming future.
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Dave’s homemade BBQ sauces
Dave makes two homemade BBQ sauces. Bird Bath is a sweet sauce he developed for his son Hunter, Hog Wash is his vinegar-based sauce.
You’ll find both at the restaurant available to put on your BBQ or for purchase. You can also find them for sale at several different stores in the area like IGA in Roxboro, Twins Meat Market, the BP in Rougemont, or The Grilling Store in Durham. Or, you can purchase them online.
My husband enjoying some BBQ Ribs
It’s always a treat to go to Dave’s Smokey BBQ in Roxboro. My husband really loves it too.
Although I’m pretty good at keeping my man happy, I think Smokey Dave might be just a bit better…
Smokey Dave’s BBQ
1039 N Madison Blvd
Roxboro, North Carolina 27573
One of Dave’s favorite recipes to make is his Mama’s BBQ Meatloaf. Sign up below to get the recipe and other Trippy content.
mama helen’s BBQ meatloaf
If you’d like me to visit your restaurant, shoot me an email at kristen@thetrippylife.com
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