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 .
Jim ‘N Nick’s
Midwood Smokehouse (Plaza Midwood)
Sauceman’s
Bill Spoon’s BBQ
Courtesy of Courtney Matinata
Jim ‘N Nick’s
Queen City Q
The Smoke Pit