Perched along the banks of the Tar River inside a converted 19th-century cotton mill, The Prime Smokehouse has become Rocky Mount’s most beloved barbecue destination. 🎷
Since opening in 2008, this smokehouse has built a menu inspired by Chef Ed Wiley Jr., a jazz and blues saxophonist whose love of cooking shaped the entire concept.
What started as a slow-smoked ribs-and-brisket joint has grown into a full-blown Southern comfort food experience, complete with fresh seafood, thick steaks, and homemade desserts.
It’s the kind of place where the smoker never stops, and the jazz never fades. 🎶
How The Prime Smokehouse won Rocky Mount’s hearts
The story behind The Prime Smokehouse starts with its unique identity as “Barbecue & Beyond,” a menu that goes far past traditional smoked meats.
Locals consistently praise the time-tested wood smoker, along with thick, juicy premium steaks and fresh seafood choices that round out the smokehouse menu.
One longtime visitor described their meal as “delicious comfort food in a relaxing atmosphere,” a sentiment echoed by regulars who return again and again for the award-winning mac and cheese and other gourmet sides. 🧀
What truly sets this spot apart is the atmosphere built around Chef Wiley’s musical roots, with jazz playing continuously through the house speakers and the walls decorated with his recordings and photographs.
That personal touch, paired with a Texas-style barbecue influence layered over Eastern North Carolina traditions, has made the restaurant a favorite for both casual lunches and special-occasion dinners.
That blend of soulful music, Southern hospitality, and consistently great barbecue and beyond has turned first-time visitors into loyal regulars. ❤️
Food Highlights
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Big Ed’s Famous Smokehouse Ribs: Slow-smoked pork ribs finished with the chef’s signature barbecue sauce, a house specialty named after Chef Ed Wiley.
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Prime Brisket: Tender, slow-smoked beef brisket, prepared Texas-style over the restaurant’s time-tested wood smoker.
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Shrimp & Grits: Tender, Cajun-spiced jumbo shrimp served over creamy Southern-style cheese grits.
- Glazed, Hardwood-smoked Salmon: Fresh salmon smoked over hardwood and finished with a sweet glaze.
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BBQ Pulled Pork Platter: Carolina-style slow-smoked pulled pork, piled high and paired with two sides of choice.
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Bronzed Chicken: Seasoned chicken finished with a smoky, bronzed crust, available in dark or white meat.
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Philly Cheese Brisket: Sliced smoked brisket piled high with melted cheese, served on a toasted roll for a smokehouse take on the classic cheesesteak.
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Golden-fried Seafood Platter: A mix of fresh, golden-fried seafood, served with whole-kernel cornbread and two sides.
Atmosphere
Set inside a restored 19th-century cotton mill along the Tar River, The Prime Smokehouse pairs rustic Southern charm with a lively, music-filled dining room. 🎵
Jazz recordings and photographs of Chef Ed Wiley line the walls, giving the space a soulful, storytelling feel.
The vibe is relaxed enough for jeans but polished enough for a night out, making it a favorite for families and date nights alike. It’s warm, inviting, and unmistakably rooted in Rocky Mount’s history.
Bottom Line
Slow-smoked barbecue, fresh seafood, and jazz-soaked charm make The Prime Smokehouse a Rocky Mount institution worth the drive. Big Ed’s Famous Ribs and homemade desserts seal the deal for anyone craving true Southern comfort food. 🍖
Address:
1151 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
📞 (252) 972-7770
🕔 Open daily, Mon – Thurs 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Fri 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Sat 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Sun 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM