Harry’s BBQ

For one of the liveliest and most genuinely fun BBQ stops in New Bern, NC, Harry’s BBQ is a real treasure. Set on Craven Street in Craven County’s county seat, this beloved locally owned restaurant — also known as Harry’s Blind Tiger — combines classic Southern barbecue with a contemporary twist, all served up in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. With a distinctive BBQ sauce bar, slow-smoked meats, craft cocktails, regular live music, trivia and karaoke nights, and one of the most genuinely lively settings in North Carolina, Harry’s BBQ has become a beloved go-to for locals and visitors alike. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for Harry’s BBQ before you go — or to relive the visit after.

Harry’s BBQ Meets Harry’s Blind Tiger

The restaurant operates under a clever dual branding — Harry’s BBQ for the food side of the business, and Harry’s Blind Tiger as the broader speakeasy-inspired identity of the venue itself. The “Blind Tiger” reference is a wonderful historical nod: during Prohibition in the United States, a “blind tiger” was slang for a speakeasy where patrons paid an entry fee to “see a blind tiger,” and the alcohol was the “free” show. The name brings a playful, history-rich character to the restaurant, setting it apart from any other BBQ joint in the region.

The combination feels just right for what Harry’s actually delivers — hearty, traditional Southern barbecue served alongside craft cocktails, live music, and an atmosphere that genuinely captures the speakeasy spirit while keeping things warm and welcoming.

Slow-Smoked BBQ with a Modern Twist

The headline draw at Harry’s is the slow-smoked, authentic Southern barbecue — paired with a remarkably diverse menu that blends classic Carolina-style BBQ with creative contemporary touches. Standout menu items include:

Pulled pork platter — the classic anchor of the Carolina BBQ tradition
Brisket — frequently praised by regulars as “moist and flavorful”
Pulled turkey — a beloved house favorite, seasoned to perfection
Ribs and sausages — rounding out the smoked-meat lineup
Wings — flavorful and well-prepared
Pit beans — a standout side that draws repeat orders
Mac and cheese — the kind of side that genuinely competes with grandma’s
Braised greens — Southern tradition done well

Beyond the classics, Harry’s surprises with creative options like the Carolina sauce chicken sandwich and even Windy City pizza — bringing a contemporary touch to a traditional BBQ menu. Hand-crafted cocktails round out the experience, giving Harry’s the versatility to work just as well for a casual beer-and-pulled-pork lunch as for a lively dinner with friends.

The BBQ Sauce Bar

One of Harry’s most distinctive features is its BBQ sauce bar — a curated selection of house-made and regional sauces that allows guests to explore a wide range of flavors with their meal. From vinegar-forward Eastern North Carolina-style sauces to tangy mustard-based variations to sweeter Western North Carolina takes, the sauce bar makes every meal a chance to experiment. It’s the kind of thoughtful, customer-driven feature that has helped Harry’s stand out in a competitive regional BBQ scene.

Lively Atmosphere, Live Music, and Events

The atmosphere at Harry’s is among the liveliest in downtown New Bern. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating — including a charming outdoor bar area surrounded by greenery — and hosts a regular rotation of community-driven events, including:

Live music — frequently performed on weekends, bringing the speakeasy spirit to life
Trivia nights
Karaoke nights — for visitors who want to step up to the mic

The vibe is decidedly first-come, first-served (no reservations required), making Harry’s an easy stop for spontaneous visits and bigger group outings alike. The official motto says it well: “just good vibes, good food, and good music.”

Good to Know

Also known as: Harry’s Blind Tiger
Address: 243 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Style: Slow-smoked Southern BBQ with a contemporary twist, plus a speakeasy-inspired cocktail program
Standout menu items: Pulled pork platter, brisket, pulled turkey, ribs, wings, pit beans, mac and cheese, braised greens, Carolina sauce chicken sandwich, and Windy City pizza
Distinctive feature: A BBQ sauce bar with multiple regional and house-made varieties
Cocktails: Craft cocktails in keeping with the speakeasy theme
Seating: Both indoor seating and an outdoor bar area amidst greenery
Live entertainment: Live music on weekends, plus trivia and karaoke nights
Reservations: First-come, first-served
Best for: BBQ enthusiasts, families, group outings, cocktail lovers, and visitors looking for a lively dining experience with live music
Pair with: A visit to Bear City Fudge Company for dessert, a stop at Brewery 99 or Freshwater Beer Company for a craft beer, or a stroll through historic downtown New Bern
Located on Craven Street in downtown New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

Harry’s BBQ is the kind of stop that genuinely captures what makes downtown New Bern such a fun place to spend an evening. The Harry’s Blind Tiger speakeasy-inspired branding, the slow-smoked authentic Southern BBQ with creative contemporary touches like the Carolina sauce chicken sandwich and Windy City pizza, the curated BBQ sauce bar that lets every guest explore their own flavor preferences, the warm and lively atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the regular live music, trivia, and karaoke nights all add up to one of the most consistently rewarding dining experiences in Craven County. Whether you’re settling in for a pulled pork platter with three different sauces, sharing a brisket-and-pizza dinner with friends, or grabbing a craft cocktail and stepping up for karaoke night, this is one of the most rewarding stops you can make in New Bern.