Sure , many will contend that the best , most veritable North Carolina barbeque can be notice about an hour due north , in Lexington ( aka the Barbecue Capital of the World ) . But that does n’t mean Charlotte ca n’t hold its own in terms of pleasant-tasting , mouth - lacrimation pig plate . From chop up whole - hog to pull pork barrel shoulder , ribs to brisket , we do n’t discriminate here in the Queen City . Here are 10 establishments in and around Charlotte that proffer up the tastiest pick – both Western and Eastern elan – so you could satisfy all of your barbeque desires .

Midwood Smokehouse

Midwood Smokehouse has easy been a top selection in Charlotte since its opening in 2011 . Using an all - wood tobacco user , this home burns its hickory logs 24 hour a day to produce incredible Texas - style , slow - smoked barbecue . ( Get your hands on the brisket ; it ’s considered   one of the best this side of the Mississippi byThe 100 Best Barbecue Restaurants in America . )

Mac’s Speed Shop

Part barbeque joint , part biker bar , Mac ’s Speed Shop is famous around town for making one mean BBQ plate . The porc here is smoke , pull , and then flip in the restaurant ’s own Carolina BBQ sauce . Just verify to geminate it with a cold draft : the place has an extensive array of beer that will assist chase down that monumental amount of meat you ’re about to breathe in .

Sauceman’s

Sauceman ’s Lexington - mode barbecue is slow - smoked for more than 12 hours over a admixture of local hickory and lily-white oak , just to give it the ultimate tone . Order yours apparent , or packed between two thick slice of Texas toast , for a specialty sandwich like the Dixie Cuban , which is   top with pimento cheese and fried pickles .

Bill Spoon’s Barbecue

This joint has dish Charlotte ’s whole - hogget lovers for more than half a century . Today , laminitis Bill Spoon ’s grandson runs the restaurant , but you could be sure to discover the same Eastern - style , award - winning barbecue that made this aSouthern staplein the first place – and of course , its original house - made spicy sauce .

Bubba’s Barbecue

Bubba ’s serves up some of the peachy easterly - manner swine in the region by using a 33 - minute process to make the whole hogg . Snag a sample for yourself and you ’ll understand why it ’s bring in the title of third - safe BBQ in the state bySouthern Living .

Bar-B-Q King

This historical hole   in   the wall has been serving BBQ sandwich curbside since 1959 . In fact , it ’s one of Charlotte ’s few persist drive - IN , and not much has changed since its early days . The position is still just as authentic as ever , extend up some house - made BBQ sauce that ’s genuinely one   of   a   sort . The old - school experience ( plus those famous Allium cepa ring ) make   the trip back in meter well deserving the cruise down Wilkinson .

Bobbee O’s BBQ

Come hungry to this family - owned favourite ; you ’ll be met with a generous helping of barbecue to accompany a foresightful list of classic sides like mac and cheese , collard cat valium , and dough . You ca n’t go wrong with any of the option . But as the shibboleth notes , “ it ’s all in da ’ sauce , ” according to proprietor Bob Roberts , who has spent age hone his own idealistic blend .

Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q

Jim and Nick afford their first location during the ‘ eighty in Alabama , a state know for its high barbecue standard , so you know you may carry some quality substance at this foundation . It offers up all the regional specialties you could possibly be after , from Carolina pulled porc to Memphis - style ribs . ( Plus , the cheese cookie are enough to make you never want to allow . )

Queen City Q

Queen City Q ’s menu is full of smoke masterpieces , include pork , brisket , rib , and blimp . Ca n’t resolve between the options in front of you ? Give in to the gluttonous glory and consecrate a Q platter full of all your yearnings . Then , think of your own finish   depending on your personal druthers by   using the house - made sauces arrange on your tabletop , ranging from vinegar- to mustard - base mixing .

The Smoke Pit 

The Smoke Pit not only deliver some insanely tasty barbeque , but it has even been voted the good restaurant in Concord overall . The flavorful kernel and large   part convey in roughly 700 multitude daily . We powerfully recommend you attempt to be one of them .

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Courtney Matinatais a self-employed person author for Thrillist residing in Charlotte , NC .

Pulled pork brisket with pickles

Jim ‘N Nick’s

Torn brisket burger with meat overflowing

Midwood Smokehouse (Plaza Midwood)

Glass of beer with BBQ meat

Sauceman’s

Hot hushpuppies, steaming brunswick stew, BBQ potatoes

Bill Spoon’s BBQ

Outside signage of Bar-B-Q King

Courtesy of Courtney Matinata

Sausage, brisket, and BBQ sauces on a metal platter

Jim ‘N Nick’s

Brisket and toast ready for dinner

Queen City Q

Piping hot chickens on grill

The Smoke Pit