There is no shortage of excellent barbecue restaurants in Charlotte, each with their unique styles and flavors. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these top 5 barbecue restaurants are definitely worth checking out if you’re in the mood for some delicious and authentic barbecue.
1. Midwood Smokehouse – Midwood Smokehouse is consistently ranked as one of the best barbecue restaurants in Charlotte. They have a variety of meats and sides to choose from, all smoked to perfection. Their brisket and pulled pork are especially popular among customers.
2. Noble Smoke – Noble Smoke is a relative newcomer to the top barbecue restaurants in Charlotte, but has quickly become a fan favorite. Their meats are smoked over wood for hours and the result is tender, juicy, and delicious. Their ribs and brisket are highly recommended.
3. Mac’s Speed Shop – Mac’s Speed Shop is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Charlotte and is a unique barbecue joint that also serves craft beer and cocktails. Their meats are smoked in-house and their menu has a variety of options to choose from. Their brisket and pulled pork are customer favorites.
4. The Smoke Pit – The Smoke Pit has two restaurants in Charlotte and has quickly become a local favorite. Their meats are smoked low and slow and are served with a variety of sides. Their burnt ends and sausage are especially popular.
5. Sweet Lew’s BBQ – Sweet Lew’s is known for its classic NC-style barbecue and has a strong reputation for its quality meats and sauces. The restaurant sources its meat from local farms and uses traditional cooking techniques to produce tender and flavorful dishes. Customers rave about the pulled pork and brisket, as well as the sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Charlotte
Midwood Smokehouse
Address: 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Phone Number: (704) 295-4227
Description: Midwood Smokehouse is one of the top barbecue restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant is known for its delicious smoked meats, craft beers, and Southern sides. The interior of the restaurant features a rustic decor with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area. The restaurant also has outdoor seating on the patio.
Signature Food: The restaurant’s signature dish is the Carolina-style pulled pork, which is slow-cooked for over twelve hours and served with a tangy vinegar-based sauce.
Unique Features: One of the unique features of the Midwood Smokehouse is its commitment to using only locally-sourced ingredients, including the meats, which are all from local farmers. The restaurant also has an extensive selection of craft beers from local breweries.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Brisket Sandwich – This sandwich features juicy slices of smoked brisket served on a brioche bun with pickles, onion, and a side of sauce.
▣ Burnt Ends – These crispy pieces of beef brisket are smoked to perfection and served with a side of mac and cheese.
▣ Chicken and Waffles – This southern favorite features crispy fried chicken served on top of a Belgian waffle with a side of maple syrup.
▣ Smoked Wings – These wings are smoked and then flash-fried for a crispy skin and served with a side of ranch dressing.
▣ Pork Ribs – These tender and juicy pork ribs are smoked for hours and served with a side of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
Service: The restaurant’s service is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences.
Customer Reviews
“I had the brisket sandwich and it was amazing! The meat was so tender and juicy, and the sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”
“The burnt ends were out of this world! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I also loved the mac and cheese side dish.”
“The chicken and waffles were so delicious. The chicken was perfectly fried, and the waffle was light and fluffy. I can’t wait to come back!”
Summary: Overall, Midwood Smokehouse is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for delicious barbecue and Southern sides in Charlotte. The restaurant’s commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients and its extensive selection of craft beers from local breweries make it a unique dining experience that is not to be missed. The service is friendly and attentive, and the menu has something for everyone. Midwood Smokehouse ranks amid the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Charlotte for good reasons.
Noble Smoke
Address: 2216 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Phone Number: (704) 333-5506
Description: Noble Smoke is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in smoked meats, traditional Southern sides, and craft cocktails. The interior of the restaurant features a rustic decor with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area. The restaurant also has outdoor seating on the patio.
Signature Food: The restaurant’s signature dish is the whole hog barbecue, which is a traditional Southern barbecue method where the entire pig is cooked over a wood fire for over twelve hours and served with vinegar-based sauce.
Unique Features: One of the unique features of Noble Smoke is its commitment to using only locally-sourced and sustainably-raised meats. The restaurant also has a smokehouse on-site where they smoke all of their meats with a custom-built smoker.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Smoked Beef Brisket – This smoked beef brisket is cooked low and slow for up to 18 hours and served with a side of pickles and onions.
▣ BBQ Spare Ribs – These spare ribs are smoked for hours until they are tender and juicy and served with a side of coleslaw.
▣ Fried Catfish – This southern classic features crispy fried catfish served with a side of hushpuppies and tartar sauce.
▣ Smoked Chicken Wings – These wings are smoked and then grilled for a crispy skin and served with a side of Alabama white sauce.
▣ Burnt Ends – These crispy pieces of brisket are smoked to perfection and served with a side of Texas toast and pickles.
Service: The restaurant’s service is attentive and knowledgeable. The staff is friendly and can make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The food is prepared fresh and served promptly.
Customer Reviews
“The whole hog barbecue was incredible! The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the vinegar-based sauce was the perfect complement.”
“The smoked beef brisket was the best I’ve ever had! It was so juicy and flavorful, and the pickles and onions were the perfect accompaniment.”
“The fried catfish was amazing! The batter was crispy and the fish was perfectly cooked. The hushpuppies were also delicious.”
Summary: Noble Smoke is a fantastic barbecue restaurant that is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious smoked meats and Southern sides in Charlotte. The restaurant’s commitment to locally-sourced and sustainably-raised meats and their custom-built smoker make it a unique dining experience. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, and the menu has something for everyone. Noble Smoke stands out among the barbecue restaurants in Charlotte.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Address: 2511 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
Phone Number: (704) 522-6227
Description: Mac’s Speed Shop is among the top barbecue restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in barbecue, craft beer, and motorcycles. The interior of the restaurant features a unique decor with motorcycle parts hanging from the ceiling, vintage signs on the walls, and a large bar area. The restaurant also has outdoor seating on the patio.
Signature Food: The restaurant’s signature dish is the pulled pork sandwich, which is slow-cooked for over twelve hours and served with a side of sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
Unique Features: One of the unique features of Mac’s Speed Shop is its connection to the motorcycle community. The restaurant hosts regular bike nights and events for motorcycle enthusiasts. They also have a wide selection of craft beer on tap and in bottles.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Smoked Wings – These wings are smoked and then fried for a crispy skin and served with a side of blue cheese dressing.
▣ BBQ Platter – This platter includes a choice of smoked meat, such as brisket or pulled pork, served with a side of coleslaw and hushpuppies.
▣ Pimento Cheese Burger – This burger features a juicy beef patty topped with homemade pimento cheese and bacon, served on a brioche bun.
▣ BBQ Nachos – These nachos are loaded with smoked meat, cheese, jalapenos, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
▣ Beef Brisket Tacos – These tacos feature juicy smoked beef brisket, topped with pickled onions, cilantro, and a spicy aioli.
Service: The restaurant’s service is friendly and attentive. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The food is prepared fresh and served promptly.
Customer Reviews
“The pulled pork sandwich was amazing! The meat was so tender and flavorful, and the barbecue sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.”
“The smoked wings were some of the best I’ve ever had! The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy and smoky. The blue cheese dressing was a great complement.”
“The pimento cheese burger was delicious! The homemade pimento cheese and bacon were the perfect toppings for a juicy beef patty.”
Summary: Mac’s Speed Shop is a unique barbecue restaurant that offers a fun atmosphere for both food and motorcycle enthusiasts. The restaurant’s connection to the motorcycle community and extensive selection of craft beer make it a unique dining experience. The service is friendly and attentive, and the menu has something for everyone, from smoked wings to beef brisket tacos. The pulled pork sandwich is a must-try signature dish. Mac’s Speed Shop deserves to be ranked among the top 5 barbecue restaurants in Charlotte.
The Smoke Pit
Address: 157 N Main St, Concord, NC 28025
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.
Phone Number: (704) 795-7573
Description: The Smoke Pit is one of the top barbecue restaurants in Charlotte. It is located in Concord, 35 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in slow-cooked meats and Southern sides. The interior of the restaurant features a rustic decor with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area. The restaurant also has outdoor seating on the patio.
Signature Food: The restaurant’s signature dish is the brisket, which is slow-cooked for up to 16 hours and served with a side of sweet and spicy barbecue sauce.
Unique Features: One of the unique features of The Smoke Pit is its commitment to using only fresh, high-quality ingredients. The meats are slow-cooked using a custom-built smoker, and the sides are made from scratch daily.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ Brisket Sandwich – This sandwich features juicy slices of smoked brisket served on a brioche bun with pickles, onion, and a side of sauce.
▣ BBQ Plate – This plate includes a choice of smoked meat, such as brisket or pulled pork, served with two sides and a roll.
▣ Burnt Ends – These crispy pieces of beef brisket are smoked to perfection and served with a side of mac and cheese.
▣ Fried Okra – This southern favorite features crispy fried okra seasoned with a special blend of spices.
▣ Smoked Turkey – This juicy turkey is smoked for hours and served with a side of cranberry sauce.
Service: The restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The food is prepared fresh and served promptly.
Customer Reviews
“The brisket was incredible! It was so tender and juicy, and the barbecue sauce was the perfect complement.”
“The burnt ends were amazing! Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The mac and cheese side dish was also delicious.”
“The fried okra was the best I’ve ever had! The seasoning was perfect and the okra was perfectly crispy.”
Summary: The Smoke Pit is a fantastic barbecue restaurant that is a must-visit for anyone looking for slow-cooked meats and Southern sides in Concord. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and its custom-built smoker make it a unique dining experience. The service is friendly and efficient, and the menu has something for everyone, from the brisket sandwich to the smoked turkey. The burnt ends and fried okra are also must-try dishes. The Smoke Pit ranks amid the top 5 Family Friendly barbecue Restaurants in Charlotte for good reasons.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Address: 923 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Phone Number: (980) 299-5143
Description: Sweet Lew’s BBQ is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurant specializes in slow-cooked meats and traditional Southern sides. The interior of the restaurant features a rustic decor with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and a large bar area. The restaurant also has outdoor seating on the patio.
Signature Food: The restaurant’s signature dish is the pork shoulder, which is slow-cooked for over twelve hours and served with a side of vinegar-based sauce.
Unique Features: One of the unique features of Sweet Lew’s BBQ is its commitment to using locally-sourced and pasture-raised meats. The restaurant also has a custom-built smoker on-site, which is used to smoke all of their meats.
Five Main Menu Items
▣ BBQ Plate – This plate includes a choice of smoked meat, such as pork shoulder or brisket, served with two sides and a roll.
▣ Smoked Sausage – This juicy sausage is smoked and served with a side of mustard-based barbecue sauce.
▣ BBQ Sandwich – This sandwich features tender slices of smoked meat served on a bun with a side of pickles and onions.
▣ Collard Greens – These traditional Southern greens are cooked with smoked meat and served with a side of cornbread.
▣ Hushpuppies – These crispy fried balls of cornmeal are served with a side of honey butter.
Service: The restaurant’s service is friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and can make recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences. The food is prepared fresh and served promptly.
Customer Reviews
“The pork shoulder was amazing! It was so tender and flavorful, and the vinegar-based sauce was the perfect complement.”
“The smoked sausage was some of the best I’ve ever had! The mustard-based sauce was a great addition.”
“The collard greens were delicious! They were cooked perfectly and the smoked meat added a great flavor.”
Summary: Sweet Lew’s BBQ is a fantastic barbecue restaurant that is a must-visit for anyone looking for slow-cooked meats and traditional Southern sides in Charlotte. The restaurant’s commitment to using locally-sourced and pasture-raised meats and its custom-built smoker make it a unique dining experience. The service is friendly and efficient, and the menu has something for everyone, from the BBQ plate to the smoked sausage. The pork shoulder is a must-try signature dish. Sweet Lew’s BBQ stands out among the barbecue restaurants in Charlotte.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ stands out for its traditional NC-style barbecue and locally sourced meats. Midwood Smokehouse offers a lively atmosphere and a range of smoked meats, while The Smoke Pit serves up generous portions of various barbecue styles, including NC-style pulled pork and Texas-style brisket. Noble Smoke offers a modern and upscale atmosphere along with creative dishes and Mac’s Speed Shop is a unique barbecue joint that also serves craft beer and cocktails. Somewhere in these barbecue restaurants in Charlotte is your new favorite.
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