Mike D's serves up mouth-watering barbecue and sides at this restaurant and retail store. Michael De Los Santos got his start selling his award-winning line of sauces and dry rubs, which are used as the base for the seasoning at the smokehouse, and are available for retail purchase. Since launching his business in 2014, Mike D's BBQ has grown tremendously, even winning a competition on a national television show. Now, the shop has an expansive dining area and shares an outdoor patio with other local businesses on the block, making for a friendly and social atmosphere in historic East Durham.
Mike D’s BBQ: Worth Every Mile and Bite!
⭐️ Caution: Mike D’s BBQ might just put you in a food coma. ❤️❤️😂😂
After following Mike D’s on Instagram and seeing his delicious posts, I was determined to finally get my hands on some BBQ during my latest trip to Durham. I'm from Fayetteville and often make the trip to visit family. Yesterday (9/26/2024), after visiting my uncle in the hospital, my son suggested BBQ. Naturally, I checked if Mike D's was open.
The moment we walked in, the aroma hit us—it was BBQ heaven. The hospitality was top-notch, with the staff being incredibly patient with my family. We were all a bit worn out, but their kindness made us feel right at home.
The Food:
When our trays arrived at the table, everyone’s eyes widened. You know the saying about your eyes being bigger than your stomach? That was us, and we didn’t regret it. Here's the lineup: brisket, leg quarter, ribs, smoked corn, potato salad, beans, a shredded pork sandwich, and mac and cheese.
Brisket: Can we take a moment to appreciate this masterpiece? It was incredibly flavorful and tender—20/10. True BBQ doesn’t need sauce, and this brisket proved it.
Ribs: Juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. Another 20/10.
Leg Quarter: Absolutely delicious, with flavor packed in every bite. 20/10 again.
Sides: The potato salad, beans, and mac and cheese were tasty and well-seasoned—10/10. But the smoked corn? It was a standout—sweet, smoky, and irresistible. I could’ve eaten a whole plate of it! 20/10.
For dessert, I devoured the banana pudding cake on the drive back to Fayetteville. My mom even got extra food for the construction crew working on her house and a plate for my uncle in the hospital. Everyone raved about it.
And yes, I did go back for seconds when I got home late that night. We’re enjoying the leftovers today, and I’m already planning my next visit.
Apologies for the lack of photos—my family couldn't wait to dig in! Mike D’s BBQ, you’ve got some loyal fans. We’ll definitely be back!
Malik Swanson
Sep 1, 2024
3
This bbq was not good. The food lacked smoked and seasoning. The ribs with no sauce on them tasted like they were brine and vinegar. The ribs were also tough. The banana pudding, collard greens were also not good.
Wladimir Meskelis
Aug 18, 2024
3
Little disappointed! There was no brisket available! Pulled pork sandwich was good and the ribs as well. The beef/sausage plate which came with two sausages tasted like burnt hotdogs and the potatoes salad was ok. The corn was soaked with some grease, not butter! The onions with green peppers were good. For the plate with two sausages, potatoes salad, and corn, $26!!!!
FOEChief
Apr 8, 2024
5
Thursday has a loaded fry special. I decided to give this spot a try because bbq was on the mind. I had loaded fries with the BBQ/Smoked Turkey. This was some amazing, juicy, tender and flavorful turkey. I promise to have some again. The fries were also very good, crispy and well seasoned. But the turkey was the star of the show. Portions sizes are huge and employees friendly when available. The location isn't a problem for me, but I could see some not wanting to travel to old east durham for food. The area is lack of most amenities that would draw traffic. (Gas, Shopping, Sights) Aside from I'd say 3 exceptional hidden gems for food the area lacks drawing power. Besides all of that Mike D's BBQ is top tier and hopefully gets the attention necessary to shine as the awards show they should and will.
Ben Smithdeal
Apr 5, 2024
4
Great service and atmosphere! The brisket was very tender, but fairly bland in my opinion. I think it could use a little more smokiness - still pretty decent! The potato salad was phenomenal! Portions are pretty hefty so plan on leaving stuffed. Overall a good little bbq joint.
Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie
Mar 10, 2024
5
Update*** Finally had the collards.. #YUMMY... great taste and texture.. definitely house made.
Amazing as always... love the turkey sandwich, chicken salad, baked beans, and the #dynamical Brisket... Mike D's BBQ is a must eat location
Katrice Perry
Dec 16, 2023
5
I visited this location twice. Once during lunch for takeout and the most recent time I eat there for dinner. Both time I've being impressed at how delicious the food is. The first time I ordered the ribs and Brisket with Mac n Cheese and greens. 9/10. My only complaint was that the Brisket was chopped I prefer mine sliced. Not a major issue. Now my 2nd experience was phenomenal! I just came from Proximity Brewing grand opening and wanted a great dinner. The great thing I that these two place are on the same block. Great edition to East Durham. I ordered Smoked chicken wings with the mac n cheese and the smoked beans. Listen to me and please order the beans everytime. The we're cooked perfectly and the flavor was 10/10. I highly recommend this place. Plan an evening out on this block and you won't have to go anywhere else in Durham. Visit Proximity and Congress bar for drinks then Mike D's BBQ Smoke house. Also the Young lady that works the the cash register is so lovely, she always points me in the right direction for food choices. I love what this place is doing and I love the food even more.
