We’re not sure why Kansas City and Texas get all the BBQ; you can’t throw a rock without hitting a BBQ joint in Charlotte. They take their BBQ so seriously, in fact, there’s actually a feud between the two styles of NC BBQ: Lexington style (focused on pork shoulder only, and the meat is served with a vinegar, ketchup, and pepper dipping sauce) and Eastern style (whole-hog and vinegar-based—no ketchup!).
Regardless of which style you prefer, eating BBQ in Charlotte is a treat. Everyone has a favorite that fits their palate, and you’ll just have to experiment to find your BBQ best friend. Here are our favorite Charlotte BBQ restaurants to get messy.
Midwood Smokehouse
With 5 locations and a full menu of options, Midwood Smokehouse has become the go-to for many Charlotte residents. Our favorite thing about Midwood is that we can get Carolina-style chopped pork and Texas-style sliced brisket, with your choice of fatty or lean meat. They also offer caramelized pork burnt ends tossed in Cheerwine BBQ sauce, which you should order if you love yourself. The reality is that it doesn’t matter what you order: you’re going to be going back the next day anyway.
Neighborhood: Commonwealth
Address: 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Sauceman’s
Sauceman’s has the self-proclaimed “best BBQ in North Carolina”, and judging by the love they get, we think a lot of Charlotte agrees. These guys are all about the (Lexington style!) pig, and we can’t fault them for that. Go with The Pig plate: hickory smoked pork, chopped or cut coarsely, plus red or white slaw, hushpuppies, and your choice of a side (fried green tomatoes, FTW). Keep an eye on their social media to see when they have Brunswick stew available. This hearty, Southern staple sells out fast.
Neighborhood: Yorkmount
Address: 215 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217
Bar-B-Q King
Bar-B-Q King feels like a blast from the past, but we think that adds to the charm. The drive-in restaurant has been around since the 1960s, and most of the menu reflects that—you’ll see things like BLTs, a fried chicken bucket, club sandwiches…but you want the BBQ. You can get it minced or sliced, topped with their house sauce and pickles. This isn’t necessarily the best BBQ in town, but the nostalgia factor makes it a unique experience. Plus, it was featured on a 2009 episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, so you know it’s a cool spot.
Neighborhood: Westover Hills
Address: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s Speed Shop combines the three B’s: BBQ, beer, and bikes. The decor is what we’d call “family friendly biker bar”, and its assortment of over 300 brews draws beer aficionados from all over town. Like Midwood, the menu is large and goes beyond just BBQ, making it a hit for anyone who eats. As far as BBQ goes, though, we love their hickory smoked pulled pork, and when we’re feeling really crazy, we get it in their ‘Mexicue’ tacos. They also do a Carolina take on brisket, dry rubbing it, smoking it, then finishing it on the grill. They also smoke and grill their chicken wings, which you can have tossed in one of their nine sauces. Go wild.
Neighborhood: Brookhill
Address: 2511 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon
McKoy’s is a family affair between brothers Ryan and Jim, and Namon, their dad. That homey, familial feeling resonates through the whole restaurant, too. We recommend starting with their loaded fries (add smoked pulled pork or you’re doing it wrong), then moving on to their BBQ and comfort food ‘vittles’.
If it’s your first time, you need to go with the BBQ pork platter–smoked for 14 hours over pecan wood–or their St. Louis style ribs, also smoked over pecan wood, then finished on the grill. Or, better yet, get their Living The Dream platter: ribs, BBQ pork, smoked pot roast, and BBQ chicken, all on one plate.
Neighborhood: Collingwood
Address: 4630 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Bobbee O’s BBQ
Bobbee O’s is another award-winning BBQ joint with juicy BBQ pork, tender smoked brisket, ribs, and, of course, Brunswick stew. When we’re in a crazy mood, we’ll order their pork fries—fries topped with pulled pork, nacho cheese, their house sauce, and jalapenos. If it’s your first visit, we can’t recommend The Sampler enough—4 meats, 4 sides, and 4 breads (like Texas toast, hushpuppies, and cornbread).
It’s pretty hard to live in Charlotte and not fall in love with the two styles of North Carolina BBQ. These places do it right, but don’t forget there are so many other BBQ joints in town, too. Get settled in your new apartment and head out to explore the best BBQ restaurants in Charlotte; just make sure you bring your appetite.
Neighborhood: Henderson Circle
Address: 9401 Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
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