Barbecue in Charlotte is more than food—it’s pageantry, pride, and a little controlled chaos in the kitchen. There are places in this city where smoke curls rise for hours, pitmasters wipe their brows, and hushpuppies vanish as soon as they hit the table. You don’t visit these locals just to eat; you go to measure up tastes, debate sauces, and hope to find a new favorite spot you’ll try convincing all your friends is the best.
Charlotte’s BBQ scene covers just about every craving. Whether you’re on the hunt for serious pulled pork, feather-light chicken, or smoky ribs that make Tuesdays feel special, the Queen City offers plenty. In this guide, I’m breaking down where locals actually go for the real thing. Trust me—I’ve put in the research (and plenty of napkins) so you can chart your next barbecue mission with total confidence.
Where to find the best bbq in Charlotte, NC
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in Charlotte, NC:
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
- Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Uptown
- McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon
- Mac’s Speed Shop
- Miro Spanish Grille
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Bricktop’s Restaurant
- Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Southpark
1. Midwood Smokehouse
Walking into Midwood Smokehouse feels like stepping into the center of Charlotte’s barbecue world. The aroma of hickory smoke greets you instantly, promising the kind of slow-cooked flavor only true dedication produces. Tables fill with regulars and newcomers, drawn by the same promise—real barbecue made with care.
What sets Midwood apart is consistency and boldness in every bite. The pulled pork sandwiches melt in your mouth, and the brisket is marvelously tender, lined with a perfect smoke ring. If you crave something classic, the St. Louis-style ribs never disappoint—smoky, juicy, and paired with tangy house-made sauces.
I still remember my first bite of their burnt ends, crisp on the outside and blissfully soft inside. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a rite of passage for any Charlotte barbecue fan. Don’t miss the hushpuppies and Carolina slaw—they round out the experience with a little local flair.
2. Midwood Smokehouse
This Central Avenue location of Midwood Smokehouse blends a laid-back vibe with serious barbecue skill. You can smell the wood smoke before you spot the sign, and that’s always a good hint you’re in the right place. Whether you’re solo or with friends, the warm welcome is as consistent as the aroma.
Reliability is Midwood’s hallmark—not just in flavor but in service. Their chopped pork plate, draped in tangy vinegar sauce, captures that essential Charlotte BBQ taste. The smoked chicken glistens with just the right spice, and sides like collards and fried okra always hit the spot.
Every visit has its highlight, but the brisket—smoked slow and sliced thick—often steals the show. If you’re seeking genuine Charlotte barbecue, it’s tough to top this neighborhood staple.
3. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food captures the warmth of a family kitchen and the depth of true Southern cooking. The scent of slow simmered greens and savory ribs greets you even before you walk through the door. Every visit here feels like you’re being welcomed home.
What sets Nana Morrison’s apart is authenticity with every plate. The barbecue chicken is juicy and tinged with just the right smoke, while the tender ribs fall off the bone. Pair them with collard greens and silky mashed potatoes for the full experience.
One meal here, and you know why locals come back. The brisket is a must-try, with its flavor echoing generations of soul and tradition. For anyone hunting Charlotte’s best BBQ with a soulful twist, Nana Morrison’s fits the bill.
4. Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Uptown
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Uptown takes Charlotte’s comfort food up a notch with a menu inspired by European flair and local southern roots. The inviting open kitchen fills the air with scents of oak and hickory, while diners get a firsthand view of chefs at work.
The wood-fired grill is the star here. Each plate boasts a whisper of smoke that sets these dishes apart from the average BBQ. Their rotisserie chicken is always a standout—crisp skin gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. The wood-grilled vegetables make worthy companions, and offer a fresh spin on traditional barbecue sides.
I’m still thinking about my last visit, where a wood-grilled beef plate delivered bold flavor with a kiss of smoke. If you love barbecue, but crave elegant presentation, Rooster’s Uptown delivers with unmistakable style and craft.
5. McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon
McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon feels like the friendliest corner of South Charlotte. What sets this spot apart is the blend of family roots and bold barbecue tradition. The owners treat you less like a customer and more like an honorary cousin at the family table.
The smoked pulled pork here is consistently rich and flavorful, with a satisfying bark and tender middle. If you’re in an indecisive mood, the sampler plate covers brisket, chicken, and ribs—each showing off McKoy’s mastery of the pit. Their house-made sauces add character without overpowering the smoke.
One bite of their slow-cooked beef, and you’ll understand why regulars call it “comfort food heaven.” Don’t skip the baked beans or collards; they strike that balance of homestyle and robust seasoning that brings you back for more.
6. Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s Speed Shop blends classic BBQ with a spirited biker-bar twist, giving it a unique energy on South Blvd. The laid-back, garage-inspired space buzzes with life, drawing groups for everything from casual lunch to big weekend gatherings. Here, loud laughter and the scent of hickory smoke go hand in hand.
Consistency makes Mac’s a local favorite. Their pulled pork platter is as smoky as it is tender, packed with that unmistakable Carolina flavor. Brisket lovers, take note—their beef is carved thick, juicy, and sporting a smoky edge that shows the pitmaster’s skill.
If you’re new, try the combo plate for a sample of the best. Sides like house-made slaw and baked beans seal the deal. Mac’s makes Charlotte’s BBQ scene fun and keeps you coming back for more.
7. Miro Spanish Grille
Miro Spanish Grille brings a touch of Spain to south Charlotte, swapping smoky barbecue sauce for rich Mediterranean tradition. The dining room combines intimacy with a low-key elegance, perfect for a relaxed meal or special occasion. Every visit feels like a small escape to Barcelona’s side streets.
The grill is the heart here, turning out succulent meats with bold, charred edges and subtle spice. The wood-fired lamb chops are a standout, tender and richly marinated. Their grilled chicken hits the sweet spot between juiciness and snap, and comes with thoughtfully prepared Spanish sides.
What keeps me coming back is the paella—spiced rice with grilled vegetables and seafood, brimming with depth. If you’re craving a twist on Charlotte’s BBQ scene, Miro crafts a meal as memorable as any smokehouse.
8. Midwood Smokehouse
At Midwood Smokehouse’s Johnston Road location, serious barbecue meets southern hospitality. The sight of steaming platters carried from the open kitchen always signals that you’re about to eat well. There’s nothing fussy—just honest, wood-smoked perfection served with a side of cheer.
This spot is famous for its unwavering quality. Every brisket slice promises smoky bark and melt-in-your-mouth richness. The pulled chicken, lightly kissed with hickory, stands out for its juiciness and depth of flavor. Pair it with Southern slaw or baked beans for the classic Charlotte BBQ feast.
I’ve lingered here over slow meals with friends, and the burnt ends always steal the show—crispy, savory, and totally worth the wait. Midwood Smokehouse keeps Charlotte’s BBQ traditions alive, plate after plate.
9. Bricktop’s Restaurant
Bricktop’s Restaurant in SouthPark offers a polished experience with comfort food roots. The sleek dining room buzzes, but the service holds the charm of a neighborhood mainstay. There’s a blend of Southern hospitality and upscale touches in every detail.
Their barbecue selections shine with attention to quality. Smoked chicken is juicy, with just enough char to satisfy Carolina-style cravings. Their house BBQ sauces bring tang and warmth, elevating each plate. Sides like coleslaw and spiced sweet potato fries add the right balance to any meal.
Personally, I find their grilled salmon—finished on the wood-fired grill—is a smart order for something lighter but just as satisfying. Bricktop’s blends classic flavors with a modern take, making it a great pick for Charlotte BBQ seekers.
10. Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Southpark
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Southpark brings elevated comfort to the barbecue scene, all nestled in a space with rustic charm and polished finishes. The kitchen glows at the center of the room, perfuming the air with oak and hickory and teasing your appetite before you’ve even sat down.
The wood-fired technique here sets every dish apart. Their rotisserie chicken, kissed by smoke and flame, is both tender and deeply flavored. Wood-grilled vegetables and house-made sides give a fresh take on classic BBQ plates.
I always make room for their smoked beef, which balances bold char with delicate seasoning. If you like your barbecue with a side of refinement and good conversation, Rooster’s Southpark is hard to beat.
More Things to Try in Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of BBQ is Charlotte known for?
Charlotte’s BBQ scene is a blend of Eastern and Western North Carolina styles. Expect tangy vinegar-based sauces, hickory-smoked pork, and a growing appreciation for brisket and chicken.
Are there any great BBQ places in Charlotte for vegetarians?
Yes, several BBQ spots, like Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen and Bricktop’s, offer creative vegetarian options alongside traditional smoked meats. House-made sides and wood-grilled vegetables are menu staples.
Can I find gluten-free BBQ in Charlotte?
Many Charlotte BBQ restaurants, including Midwood Smokehouse and Mac’s Speed Shop, feature gluten-free options. Always check with staff to confirm specific dishes and preparations.
What sides are usually served with Charlotte BBQ?
Staples include hushpuppies, coleslaw, baked beans, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Some places offer creative spins, like spiced sweet potato fries and grilled corn.
Do BBQ restaurants in Charlotte offer takeout or catering?
Most popular spots—such as Nana Morrison’s Soul Food and McKoy’s Smokehouse—provide both takeout and catering for events, making it easy to enjoy authentic barbecue anywhere.
What’s the best meat to try for first-time BBQ eaters in Charlotte?
You can’t go wrong with pulled pork or smoked brisket. Both showcase Charlotte’s barbecue roots and each restaurant’s pitmaster techniques.