There’s nothing the South does better than BBQ. In the QC, we’re lucky to have a few amazing BBQ joints to help us get our fill! These top restaurants in Charlotte serve up some of the most amazing pulled pork, brisket, pulled chicken, ribs, BBQ chicken, and more. If you’re a BBQ lover, work your way through this list – we guarantee you’ll find a few favorites.
- Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse/Google Midwood Smokehouse is a popular Charlotte BBQ joint with four locations in the QC. The restaurant’s flagship location is located in Plaza Midwood on Central Ave., and made headlines in 2016 when President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped here to have lunch while on the campaign trail.
Midwood Smokehouse is known for its regional BBQ dishes served in a roadhouse-like setting.
Dave B./Yelp Serving everything from their famous BBQ Queso to Carolina BBQ and Beef Brisket Plates, Midwood is a favorite with the locals because the food is delicious and the atmosphere is cheerful, friendly and fun!
Plaza Midwood Address: 1401 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 Park Road Address: 540 - C Brandywine Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209 Ballantyne Address: 12410 Johnston Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277 Birkdale Address: 16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. #103, Huntersville, NC 28078
- Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s Speed Shop/Facebook Mac’s Speed Shop has been a Charlotte staple since 2005. The atmosphere at Mac’s is fun and a little bit wild, as the restaurant is also popular with many Charlotte bikers. Mac’s Speed Shop on South Blvd. has an awesome outdoor patio that is often packed with people enjoying live music, delicious food, and great conversation.
Mac’s smokes all of its meats in-house and has some of the best brisket, smoked wings, and pulled BBQ you will ever try in Charlotte.
Brad B./Yelp Popular sides include homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, onion rings, and grits. Mac’s has a huge beer selection, so it’s a popular place for people to stop in after work for dinner and a drink. Mac’s has become a household name in the QC, so if you like BBQ put this one at the top of your list. Southend Address: 2511 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 Steele Creek Address: 2414 Sandy Porter Rd., Charlotte, NC 28273 Lake Norman Address: 19601 Liverpool Pkwy., Cornelius, NC 28031
- Sauceman’s BBQ Grill
Sauceman’s BBQ/Facebook Sauceman’s BBQ Grill opened in 2010 on S. Tryon St. and specializes in Lexington BBQ, which is chopped into thick chunks and served in between Texas-style toast or on a sandwich bun.
The pulled pork sandwich at Sauceman’s is to die for.
Ed O./Yelp Smothered with your choice of red or white slaw and topped with crunchy pickles, the tangy sweetness of the BBQ mixed with the cool savory slaw and pickles will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Another great thing about Sauceman’s is how easy they make it to pick up a BBQ order that will feed a large crowd! It’s a great option for tailgating during football season and for any other events or parties. Address: 228 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
- Queen City Q
Queen City Q./Facebook Queen City Q is an Uptown restaurant that opened in 2012 on E. 6th St.
Queen City Q has a traditional menu full of pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ trays, and more.
Danni C./Yelp One of our favorite things on the menu is the Brisket Tacos, which are served with low-country slaw, melted cheese, grilled onions, and fresh lime. Queen City Q is a great lunchtime place for those who work Uptown. When you stop into this restaurant you’ll leave happy and full, no matter what you order! Uptown Address: 225 E. 6th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Concord Address: 8524 Pit Stop Court, Concord, NC 28027
- City Smoke
Melissa W./Yelp City Smoke is a more upscale BBQ joint located on N. Tryon St. in Uptown. City Smoke offers not just BBQ, but all kinds of delicious smoked meats.
The menu at City Smoke is unique and different from any other BBQ place in Charlotte.
Janet W./Yelp Popular appetizers include their amazing Charcuterie Boards and the Braised Sticky Ribs, which are sweet and delightful. Popular main dishes include a Rotisserie Chicken Plate or the Cue’ Combo, which offers brisket, pulled pork, and KC- and Texas-style BBQ ribs. This is one of the only BBQ joints in town where you can find Kansas, Memphis, Texas, Eastern North Carolina, and Western North Carolina BBQ options, so if you like a good variety this is the place for you! Address: 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- Bar-B-Q King
Michael C./Yelp Bar-B-Q King is a curbside joint that has been serving its famous BBQ to Charlotte residents since 1959. Located in Ashley Park, this restaurant is one of Charlotte’s few remaining drive-ins and they specialize in BBQ and fried chicken.
Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Bar-B-Q King is a place you must try at least once.
Kristen S./Yelp If you’re not a BBQ fan, their fried chicken platter is one of the best in the QC. Anything you order from Bar B Q King will make you feel like you’re eating good ol’ Southern comfort food at your grandmother’s table. Address: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
- Jim ’n Nick’s
Unknown Y./Yelp Jim ’n Nick’s is a regional BBQ chain located throughout the Southeast. This is another place that offers BBQ from various regions, and Jim ’n Nick’s has become a favorite in Charlotte for Carolina pulled pork BBQ.
Jim ’n Nick’s has locations in Concord Mills, Steele Creek, and Indian Land.
Jim n’ Nicks/Yelp As a family-style restaurant, this is a great place to bring the kids on a Friday night for some delicious food and family time. Serving everything from Carolina pork, hot links, spare ribs, smoked ham or turkey, there’s something for even the pickiest eater at Jim ’n Nick’s. When you visit Jim ’n Nick’s, your table will be greeted with a basket of their delicious house made cheddar biscuits to snack on while you wait for your meal. Yummy! Concord Mills Address: 7791 Gateway Ln. NW, Concord, NC 28027 Steele Creek Address: 13840 Steele Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278 Indian Land Address: 2453 Lengers Way, Indian Land, SC 29707
- McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon
Tonya P./Yelp McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon is a rustic BBQ restaurant located on Old Pineville Rd. near West Charlotte.
McKoy’s Smokehouse is a loud, vibrant, Western-style saloon that serves some of the most amazing BBQ plates in the city.
Lynda L./Yelp Diners come here specifically to try one of their large platters, like the Sampler Platter which consists of smoked pulled chicken, BBQ ribs, and BBQ chicken served with two sides. The fried zucchini and squash side is delicious and served with a side of ranch for dipping. If you’re looking for a place to really settle your Southern BBQ craving, McKoy’s is the place for you. Address: 4630 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
- Bill Spoon’s Barbeque
Teresa L./Yelp Bill Spoon’s Barbeque is located on South Blvd. and has been serving Charlotte residents since 1963. Bill Spoon’s BBQ is served with a house made special hot sauce and is some of the best BBQ you will taste in our city.
A family-owned restaurant, Bill Spoon’s is one of the first to bring delicious BBQ cooking to Charlotte.
Jimmy P./Yelp This is a casual place where they treat you like family, so it’s a great place for lunch on Sundays after church or dinner during the week with the whole family. Their BBQ, paired with traditional southern sides like coleslaw and sweet potato fries, is certainly some to try in Charlotte. Address: 5524 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217
- Bubba’s BBQ
Bill W./Yelp Bubba’s BBQ has been open in Charlotte since 1988 and is easily recognized by the pink pigs in the front yard.
Bubba’s serves up Carolina style BBQ with a twist - no sauce!
Bubba’s BBQ/Yelp When you order BBQ here, it will come lightly seasoned with salt, crushed red pepper, and vinegar, along with a side of mouthwatering hush puppies, creamy slaw, and your choice of BBQ beans, green beans, french fries, or potato salad. Don’t worry - if you need sauce, you’ll find it on the tables to use as much or as little as you like. Address: 4400 Sunset Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216
- OOO WEE BBQ
Image provided by OOO WEE BBQ OOO WEE BBQ has been tearing up the food truck scene with it’s BBQ Sundaes and other BBQ style platters.
OOO WEE BBQ is a recognizable truck in Charlotte, especially since they have been delighting customers at Food Truck Fridays for years.
Image provided by OOO WEE BBQ Serving their famous BBQ Sundaes, which have BBQ, baked beans, mac and cheese, and slaw all layered in a large cup, OOO WEE BBQ has figured out how to serve an easily transportable meal all in one container. OOO WEE BBQ also has a great catering business, and their BBQ sundaes are perfect for tailgating or feeding a large crowd.
Where’s your go to BBQ place? Share with us in the comments.
Midwood Smokehouse/Google
Midwood Smokehouse is a popular Charlotte BBQ joint with four locations in the QC. The restaurant’s flagship location is located in Plaza Midwood on Central Ave., and made headlines in 2016 when President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped here to have lunch while on the campaign trail.
Dave B./Yelp
Serving everything from their famous BBQ Queso to Carolina BBQ and Beef Brisket Plates, Midwood is a favorite with the locals because the food is delicious and the atmosphere is cheerful, friendly and fun!
Plaza Midwood Address: 1401 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 Park Road Address: 540 - C Brandywine Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209 Ballantyne Address: 12410 Johnston Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277 Birkdale Address: 16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. #103, Huntersville, NC 28078
Mac’s Speed Shop/Facebook
Mac’s Speed Shop has been a Charlotte staple since 2005. The atmosphere at Mac’s is fun and a little bit wild, as the restaurant is also popular with many Charlotte bikers. Mac’s Speed Shop on South Blvd. has an awesome outdoor patio that is often packed with people enjoying live music, delicious food, and great conversation.
Brad B./Yelp
Popular sides include homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, onion rings, and grits. Mac’s has a huge beer selection, so it’s a popular place for people to stop in after work for dinner and a drink. Mac’s has become a household name in the QC, so if you like BBQ put this one at the top of your list. Southend Address: 2511 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 Steele Creek Address: 2414 Sandy Porter Rd., Charlotte, NC 28273 Lake Norman Address: 19601 Liverpool Pkwy., Cornelius, NC 28031
Sauceman’s BBQ/Facebook
Sauceman’s BBQ Grill opened in 2010 on S. Tryon St. and specializes in Lexington BBQ, which is chopped into thick chunks and served in between Texas-style toast or on a sandwich bun.
Ed O./Yelp
Smothered with your choice of red or white slaw and topped with crunchy pickles, the tangy sweetness of the BBQ mixed with the cool savory slaw and pickles will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Another great thing about Sauceman’s is how easy they make it to pick up a BBQ order that will feed a large crowd! It’s a great option for tailgating during football season and for any other events or parties. Address: 228 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203
Queen City Q./Facebook
Queen City Q is an Uptown restaurant that opened in 2012 on E. 6th St.
Danni C./Yelp
One of our favorite things on the menu is the Brisket Tacos, which are served with low-country slaw, melted cheese, grilled onions, and fresh lime. Queen City Q is a great lunchtime place for those who work Uptown. When you stop into this restaurant you’ll leave happy and full, no matter what you order! Uptown Address: 225 E. 6th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Concord Address: 8524 Pit Stop Court, Concord, NC 28027
Melissa W./Yelp
City Smoke is a more upscale BBQ joint located on N. Tryon St. in Uptown. City Smoke offers not just BBQ, but all kinds of delicious smoked meats.
Janet W./Yelp
Popular appetizers include their amazing Charcuterie Boards and the Braised Sticky Ribs, which are sweet and delightful. Popular main dishes include a Rotisserie Chicken Plate or the Cue’ Combo, which offers brisket, pulled pork, and KC- and Texas-style BBQ ribs. This is one of the only BBQ joints in town where you can find Kansas, Memphis, Texas, Eastern North Carolina, and Western North Carolina BBQ options, so if you like a good variety this is the place for you! Address: 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Michael C./Yelp
Bar-B-Q King is a curbside joint that has been serving its famous BBQ to Charlotte residents since 1959. Located in Ashley Park, this restaurant is one of Charlotte’s few remaining drive-ins and they specialize in BBQ and fried chicken.
Kristen S./Yelp
If you’re not a BBQ fan, their fried chicken platter is one of the best in the QC. Anything you order from Bar B Q King will make you feel like you’re eating good ol’ Southern comfort food at your grandmother’s table. Address: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
Unknown Y./Yelp
Jim ’n Nick’s is a regional BBQ chain located throughout the Southeast. This is another place that offers BBQ from various regions, and Jim ’n Nick’s has become a favorite in Charlotte for Carolina pulled pork BBQ.
Jim n’ Nicks/Yelp
As a family-style restaurant, this is a great place to bring the kids on a Friday night for some delicious food and family time. Serving everything from Carolina pork, hot links, spare ribs, smoked ham or turkey, there’s something for even the pickiest eater at Jim ’n Nick’s. When you visit Jim ’n Nick’s, your table will be greeted with a basket of their delicious house made cheddar biscuits to snack on while you wait for your meal. Yummy! Concord Mills Address: 7791 Gateway Ln. NW, Concord, NC 28027 Steele Creek Address: 13840 Steele Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278 Indian Land Address: 2453 Lengers Way, Indian Land, SC 29707
Tonya P./Yelp
McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon is a rustic BBQ restaurant located on Old Pineville Rd. near West Charlotte.
Lynda L./Yelp
Diners come here specifically to try one of their large platters, like the Sampler Platter which consists of smoked pulled chicken, BBQ ribs, and BBQ chicken served with two sides. The fried zucchini and squash side is delicious and served with a side of ranch for dipping. If you’re looking for a place to really settle your Southern BBQ craving, McKoy’s is the place for you. Address: 4630 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
Teresa L./Yelp
Bill Spoon’s Barbeque is located on South Blvd. and has been serving Charlotte residents since 1963. Bill Spoon’s BBQ is served with a house made special hot sauce and is some of the best BBQ you will taste in our city.
Jimmy P./Yelp
This is a casual place where they treat you like family, so it’s a great place for lunch on Sundays after church or dinner during the week with the whole family. Their BBQ, paired with traditional southern sides like coleslaw and sweet potato fries, is certainly some to try in Charlotte. Address: 5524 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217
Bill W./Yelp
Bubba’s BBQ has been open in Charlotte since 1988 and is easily recognized by the pink pigs in the front yard.
Bubba’s BBQ/Yelp
When you order BBQ here, it will come lightly seasoned with salt, crushed red pepper, and vinegar, along with a side of mouthwatering hush puppies, creamy slaw, and your choice of BBQ beans, green beans, french fries, or potato salad. Don’t worry - if you need sauce, you’ll find it on the tables to use as much or as little as you like. Address: 4400 Sunset Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216
Image provided by OOO WEE BBQ
OOO WEE BBQ has been tearing up the food truck scene with it’s BBQ Sundaes and other BBQ style platters.
Serving their famous BBQ Sundaes, which have BBQ, baked beans, mac and cheese, and slaw all layered in a large cup, OOO WEE BBQ has figured out how to serve an easily transportable meal all in one container. OOO WEE BBQ also has a great catering business, and their BBQ sundaes are perfect for tailgating or feeding a large crowd.
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