Charlotte, North Carolina – fondly known as the Queen City – might not have a single signature barbecue style, but it does boast a delicious mix of North Carolina traditions and new-school smokehouse creativity. In fact, Charlotte’s got a ’cue for any craving – whether you’re after tender pulled pork doused in tangy vinegar sauce, smoky Texas-style brisket, or even inventive barbecue tacos. As a crossroads between Eastern and Western NC barbecue styles, Charlotte offers both the zesty vinegar-based sauces of the east and the ketchup-tinged Lexington-style “red dip” of the Piedmont. Many of the best BBQ restaurants in Charlotte, NC let you choose your sauce, reflecting the state’s rich BBQ heritage. And beyond local tradition, some Charlotte pitmasters have drawn inspiration from places like Texas – one popular spot even collaborated with an Austin barbecue expert to add Tex-Mex flair to its menu. From old-school drive-in joints to bustling modern beer-and-BBQ halls, Charlotte’s barbecue scene has something for everyone.

If you’re a barbecue lover moving to or visiting this city, get ready to feast. Below we highlight Charlotte’s Top 6 BBQ Restaurants (in no particular order), each with its own mouthwatering specialty. Don’t be surprised if the brisket and pork here convince you to make BBQ a weekly ritual!

Related: Things to Do in Charlotte for First-Time Visitors

Charlotte’s Top 6 BBQ Restaurants

Midwood Smokehouse

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood (plus multiple locations)
Address: 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Midwood Smokehouse is a beloved local chain known for its consistent quality, family-friendly vibe, and wide-ranging barbecue menu. With several locations around town, Midwood stays true to the original Plaza Midwood spot – think oversized picnic tables, plenty of bar space, and walls decked in BBQ-and-beer themed art. The pitmasters here smoke hickory-wood barbecue classics like pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, served up with all the essential Southern sides. It’s a fun, lively spot that’s great for families and first-timers – in fact, Midwood Smokehouse is often the first name to pop up when searching for the best BBQ in Charlotte, NC. The menu even features some Tex-Mex twists, so you can start your meal with “Miguel’s Queso” before diving into the smoked meats.

Our favorite dish: 

Midwood’s Kansas City-style burnt ends are legendary – these caramelized cubes of brisket are smoky, tender, and finished with a glossy barbecue glaze.

Noble Smoke

Neighborhood: Enderly Park
Address: 2216 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208

Noble Smoke brings together the best of Carolina and Texas barbecue under one roof. Helmed by acclaimed chef Jim Noble, this large, rustic-modern smokehouse is on a mission to honor BBQ traditions. Here, you can feast on Carolina-style pulled pork alongside Texas-style brisket, all smoked low and slow with hardwood for authentic flavor. The dining room’s centerpiece is the “Legends Counter,” a bar area adorned with plaques honoring Southern barbecue icons – a fitting touch as you sip a craft beer or sweet tea. Noble Smoke has quickly become a must-visit for BBQ aficionados since opening in 2019, combining the vinegar tang of North Carolina with melt-in-your-mouth brisket worthy of Austin.

Our favorite dish: 

The brisket is a show-stopper – peppery bark on the outside, juicy and tender inside. Get it in the Two Meat Combo to sample both brisket and pulled pork.

Sweet Lew’s BBQ

Neighborhood: Belmont
Address: 923 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

For a more traditional experience, head to Sweet Lew’s BBQ, a no-frills smokehouse that has garnered a cult following among Charlotte locals. Pitmaster Lewis Donald specializes in Lexington-style barbecue – pork shoulders smoked over wood coals, simply seasoned and cooked for up to 12 hours. In true North Carolina fashion, you can dress your pulled pork in whichever sauce you prefer: Eastern NC vinegar, Lexington “red,” South Carolina mustard, or Alabama white sauce. The restaurant itself is a casual counter-serve joint with picnic tables. Despite the old-school approach, Sweet Lew’s isn’t afraid to get creative with specials – they’ve offered everything from smoked turkey legs to house-made barbecue sausages. Donald also founded the annual Carolina BBQ Festival, solidifying Sweet Lew’s place in the local scene.

Our favorite dish: 

The pulled pork sandwich, topped with slaw on a soft bun, is a perfectly balanced bite of tangy, smoky, and tender.

Mac’s Speed Shop

Neighborhood: South End
Address: 2511 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

At Mac’s Speed Shop in South End, barbecue meets a biker-bar vibe. Housed in a converted garage, Mac’s blends roadhouse charm with serious smokehouse skills. The atmosphere is lively – think picnic tables, rock music, and motorcycles lined up outside. Mac’s serves all the BBQ staples but is equally known for its impressive beer list, with over 150 selections. With additional locations across the Carolinas, Mac’s Speed Shop has become a go-to for smoked meats, great brews, and good times in a casual setting.

Our favorite dish: 

The St. Louis-style ribs, dry-rubbed and smoked to perfection, are then finished with just enough sauce. Pair them with seasoned fries and house pickles.

Bar-B-Q King

Neighborhood: West Charlotte
Address: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208

Bar-B-Q King is a Charlotte institution. This classic drive-in has been serving barbecue, fried chicken, and Southern sides since 1959. With curbside service and retro charm, it offers a throwback experience rarely found today. The menu features barbecue pork, burgers, and sandwiches, but they’re best known for their saucy BBQ Fried Chicken and crispy onion rings. Bar-B-Q King even made an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a testament to its legendary local status.

Our favorite dish: 

The BBQ Fried Chicken, dunked in tangy sauce right after frying, is sticky, crunchy, and unforgettable. Get it with golden onion rings.

The Smoke Pit

Neighborhood: Concord
Address: 796 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28027

Just outside of Charlotte, The Smoke Pit in Concord is worth the drive. This cafeteria-style smokehouse serves hickory-smoked meats piled high on metal trays. Expect brisket, ribs, turkey, sausage, and pulled pork, plus loaded sides like collard greens, cornbread casserole, and baked potatoes. The portions are big and the flavors are bold – it’s one of the best places to experience Texas and Carolina BBQ under one roof.

Our favorite dish: 

The Brisket Burnt Ends, double-smoked and caramelized in glaze, are sweet, smoky perfection. Pair them with vinegar slaw and creamy cornbread casserole.

Move to NC, Make BBQ in Charlotte a Weekly Adventure

Ready to make these BBQ joints your neighborhood hangouts? Let AptAmigo help you find the perfect apartment in Charlotte. Our expert apartment locators know the city inside and out, including which homes are close to the best food. We’ll make your move easy, so you can focus on settling in (and deciding which BBQ spot to try first).

Related: Charlotte Apartment Locators

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