Ed Wiley III with me in the dining room.

Well, the retirement life is getting good to us and we paid a visit to The Prime Smokehouse in Rocky Mount, NC. That’s really only a couple hours away and this spot has been on our radar for some time now. I actually planned to go there but didn’t let Tammy know. We started our ride by going to Roanoke Rapids, NC to visit an antique mall we haven’t been to in a while. After that I headed further south to Rocky Mount. Tammy didn’t care where we were going as long as we were going. So, I followed Rt. 301 down to stay off Interstate 95. I used my GPS to take me to the restaurant.

The Restaurant and Staff at The Prime Smokehouse:

The Prime Smokehouse is located in an old cotton mill in Rocky Mount. The building and surrounding area is beautiful. The buildings are being developed for other businesses as well. Entering the old building just gave us a comfortable, relaxing feeling. We went into the restaurant and were greeted and seated by a very nice young lady. Inside the restaurant is awesome. You get that sit back and relax feel while being surrounded by a Jazz setting. Now I do have to admit that this place is a little more upscale than what we’re accustomed to but I expected that from what I had seen online. Don’t let that scare you away.

Our waitress, Gracie, was wonderful. She helped us with choices on the menu and filled us in on some of the story about the restaurant. The owner, Ed Wiley III, developed the Jazz Theme to honor his father, who was a jazz saxophonist. They also have a stage area for live music though we were finished eating before the music started.

Prime Brisket with Gourmet Baked Beans and Orange-Ginger Yams.

Tammy’s Choices at The Prime Smokehouse:

Tammy ordered Sliced Brisket with Gourmet Baked Beans and Orange-Ginger Yams. The brisket was excellent. The smoke and seasoning blended just right to render a tender and juicy meal. The Gourmet Baked Beans were great. They’re a mix of navy and dark red kidney beans with molasses, bacon and Vidalia onions. Oh, they were so good. Now for me the Orange-Ginger Yams were different. I tried them and they were good but probably not what I would choose. Gracie suggested the yams but told us that they’re not sweet like candied yams. She just didn’t want anyone to expect them to taste like that. Tammy on the other hand wants to figure out how to make them at home. We also got a cornbread muffin to go with our meals. It too was delicious, a sweet type of cornbread.

Thus far, The Prime Smokehouse was nailing it with our dinner. But there’s more. Tammy ordered a piece of Chocolate Cheesecake for Dessert. The cheesecake was awesome and large enough to share but we didn’t. She brought part home with her.

My Choices at The Prime Smokehouse:

Three Meat Combination Platter with Chopped Pork, Smoked Sausage and Ribs. Sides of Gourmet Baked Beans and Potatoes Au Gratin.

Today I ordered a Three Meat Combination Platter with Chopped Pork, Smoked Sausage and Ribs. For my sides I also chose the Gourmet Baked Beans but went with the Potatoes Au Gratin which was also recommended by Gracie. I’m with her on the Au Gratin Potatoes. They were wonderful, so cheesy and flavorful.

Now for my meat choices at The Prime Smokehouse. The ribs were outstanding. They had a good smoke flavor with just the right seasoning, topped off with a little BBQ sauce. Excellent choice. I loved the sausage. It’s made inhouse, hickory smoked and just a little heat. I’d call it mild to medium. For me, it was just right. And finally, we have the chopped pork. This is the way I love my NC BBQ. Smoked, chopped and a vinegar sauce with a little heat. Again, I’d say mild to medium on the heat, just right for me.

And I topped my meal off with homemade peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream. This was some of the best peach cobbler I can remember eating. Either bring a cooler for leftovers for save room but get some dessert.

Final Thoughts on The Prime Smokehouse:

Chocolate Cheesecake.

The Prime Smokehouse was a wonderful stop on Patrick’s BBQ Trail. Yes, I said a little upscale in the beginning but not really. It’s very nice there and the people were wonderful. Before we left, we were talking to the people on either side of us and also had a visit from Ed, the owner and Chef. He visited every table in there before returning to the kitchen. He was so nice and very humble. We loved the short time we were able to talk with him. We will be back for more. They also serve steaks, seafood, and pastas just to mention a few. I’d like to check out some of the other choices on the menu too.

Now For Your Thoughts:

I think you know that Tammy and I both loved The Prime Smokehouse. Both of us want to go back to try some of the other choices they offer. But now is where I ask what you think.

Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream.

If you’ve been to The Prime Smokehouse, let us know what you think. How was your experience? If you’re a regular, let us know what keeps you coming back. We’d like to have other opinions to go with this for others to see. Just scroll down the page and leave a comment. I’ll get them posted as soon as possible.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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You can check out their website at: primesmokehouse.com – Barbecue and Beyond

You can also find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064233063226

Enjoy the ride, good eating and thanks for stopping by.