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Best BBQ in Gastonia, NC

Gastonia, NC, has some of the best BBQ spots around, and I’m excited to share my favorites with you! I’ve tasted so many delicious dishes here, and I can’t wait to help you find the perfect place to satisfy your BBQ cravings. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!

So, what’s the best BBQ in Gastonia, NC? Well, the best BBQ in Gastonia, NC, comes from a mix of amazing restaurants that serve up everything from smoky ribs to juicy pulled pork. Each place has its own special flavors and cooking styles, making it a fun adventure for any BBQ lover.

Stick around, and I’ll take you through my top picks, sharing what makes each spot unique and why you should check them out. Get ready for a tasty journey through the BBQ scene in Gastonia!

Top 10 BBQ in Gastonia, NC

  1. The Smoke Pit
  2. RayNathan’s
  3. Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill
  4. Shane’s Rib Shack
  5. Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering
  6. R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue
  7. Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks
  8. Black’s Barbecue
  9. Bubba’s 33
  10. Webb Custom Kitchen

1. The Smoke Pit

The Smoke Pit

421 Cox Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA
Phone: (980) 289-1941
Menu: www.thesmokepitonline.com
Directions: Open on Map

The Smoke Pit is one of my favorite BBQ spots in Gastonia! When I walked in, the smell of smoky goodness hit me right away, and I just knew I was in for a treat. The place has a cozy vibe, and I love that I can choose to sit inside or outside, depending on the weather. It’s just a great place to hang out and enjoy some delicious food.

What makes The Smoke Pit really special is how they cook their meats. I had the brisket, and oh my goodness, it was so tender and juicy! It had this amazing smoky flavor that made every bite a delight. I also tried their mac and cheese, and it was super creamy and cheesy—just perfect!

And let me tell you about the ribs! They were so tender that they practically fell off the bone. The sauce was tangy and sweet, making them absolutely irresistible. If you’re in Gastonia, you’ve got to check out The Smoke Pit. You won’t regret it!

2. RayNathan’s

RayNathan's

4571 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA
Phone: (980) 283-7272
Menu: www.raynathans.com
Directions: Open on Map

RayNathan’s is one of my go-to BBQ places in Gastonia! When I walked in for the first time, I was greeted by the friendly staff and a really nice vibe. I loved that I could sit outside and enjoy the fresh air while digging into some yummy BBQ. It felt so relaxing!

What really makes RayNathan’s special is their smoked meats. I tried the pulled pork, and wow, it was super tender and packed with flavor! The smoky taste was just right, and I couldn’t stop eating it. Their coleslaw was also really fresh and crunchy, which made a perfect side.

You’ve got to try the ribs when you visit! They were juicy and had this tasty glaze that made them even better. RayNathan’s is a must-try for anyone who loves BBQ!

3. Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill

Ray's Country Smokehouse-Grill

219 S Broad St, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
Phone: (704) 867-4386
Menu: d.facebook.com
Directions: Open on Map

Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ in Gastonia! When I walked in, I loved the old-school feel with the jukebox playing fun songs. It felt so cozy and welcoming, and I could choose to sit inside or outside, which was nice.

What really makes Ray’s special is their amazing smoked barbecue. I tried the pulled pork, and it was super juicy and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just right, and I couldn’t get enough. Their baked beans were also really good—sweet and hearty, just like I like them!

You’ve got to try the ribs when you go! They were so tender and had a yummy smoky glaze that made them extra delicious. Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill is a must-try for BBQ lovers like me!

4. Shane’s Rib Shack

Shane's Rib Shack

3660 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA
Phone: (704) 879-7200
Menu: order.shanesribshack.com
Directions: Open on Map

Shane’s Rib Shack is one of my favorite BBQ spots in Gastonia! When I walked in, I felt this warm, homey vibe that made me smile. The place has a fun roadhouse feel, and the staff was super friendly, which made me feel right at home. I loved that I could sit outside and enjoy my meal in the nice weather!

What really makes Shane’s special is their slow-smoked BBQ. I tried the ribs, and oh wow, they were so tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just perfect, and I couldn’t stop eating them. Their crispy fries were also a great side that I really enjoyed!

If you visit, you have to get the pulled pork sandwich! It’s juicy and comes with a yummy sauce that makes it even better. Shane’s Rib Shack is a must-try for anyone who loves BBQ!

5. Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering

Kyle Fletcher's BBQ & Catering

4507 Wilkinson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA
Phone: (704) 824-1956
Directions: Open on Map

Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering is one of my favorite cozy spots in Gastonia! When I walked in, I felt so welcomed by the friendly staff and the warm atmosphere. It’s a nice place to relax, and I loved that I could sit outside and enjoy my meal in the fresh air.

What really stands out at Kyle Fletcher’s is their BBQ pork. I tried it, and wow, it was super tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just perfect, and I couldn’t stop eating it. I also had their fried chicken, and it was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—so good!

If you visit, you have to get the BBQ pork plate! It comes with hearty sides that make the meal even better. Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering is a great choice for anyone who loves tasty, down-home cooking!

6. R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue

R.O.'s Bar-B-Cue

1318 Gaston Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
Phone: (704) 866-8143
Menu: www.rosbbq.com
Directions: Open on Map

R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue is one of my favorite places to grab BBQ in Gastonia! When I walked in, I loved the chill vibe and how friendly everyone was. It felt so welcoming, and I could choose to sit inside or outside, which was great for enjoying my meal in the nice weather.

What really makes R.O.’s stand out is their BBQ plates. I tried the pulled pork, and oh my goodness, it was super tender and packed with flavor! The smoky taste was just right, and I also loved their signature slaw sandwich—it added a nice crunch that made my meal even better.

If you visit, you have to get the pimento cheeseburger! It’s juicy and has this really cool flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue is a must-try for anyone who loves tasty BBQ!

7. Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks

Hillbilly's Barbeque & Steaks

305 S Main St, Lowell, NC 28098, USA
Phone: (704) 824-8838
Menu: www.hillbillysbbqsteaks.com
Directions: Open on Map

Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks is such a cool place to eat, and it’s not too far from Gastonia! When I walked in, I loved the big, rustic feel of the restaurant. It felt so cozy and friendly, and I could sit inside or outside, which was perfect for enjoying my meal in the nice weather.

What really makes Hillbilly’s stand out is their hickory wood pit cooking. I tried the pork ribs, and wow, they were super tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just amazing, and you could tell they really care about their food. I also had their hand-cut steak, and it was juicy and cooked just right.

If you visit, you have to get the chicken! It’s grilled perfectly and has this yummy smoky flavor that I loved. Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks is a must-try for anyone who enjoys great BBQ and hearty meals!

8. Black’s Barbecue

Black's Barbecue

2902 York Hwy, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
Phone: (704) 867-0941
Directions: Open on Map

Black’s Barbecue is such a fun place to eat in Gastonia! When I walked in, I loved the chill vibe and how friendly everyone was. It felt super welcoming, and I could pick to sit inside or outside, which was great for enjoying my meal in the nice weather.

What really makes Black’s special is their yummy BBQ options. I tried the pulled pork, and oh wow, it was so juicy and full of flavor! The smoky taste was just perfect, and I also had one of their burgers, which was big and delicious!

If you go, you have to get the BBQ sandwich! It’s piled high with meat and comes with a tasty sauce that makes it even better. Black’s Barbecue is a must-try for anyone who loves good BBQ!

9. Bubba’s 33

Bubba's 33

3287 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA
Phone: (704) 834-1082
Menu: www.bubbas33.com
Directions: Open on Map

Bubba’s 33 is such a cool place to hang out in Gastonia! When I walked in, I loved the fun vibe with all the big TVs showing sports and music videos. It felt like the perfect spot to chill with friends and enjoy some yummy food. I could sit inside or outside, which was really nice!

What makes Bubba’s stand out is their awesome menu. I tried their BBQ burger, and oh wow, it was super juicy and full of flavor! The toppings were fresh, and it was cooked just right. I also loved their crispy fries—they were the perfect side to go with my burger!

If you go, you have to get the BBQ chicken pizza! It’s loaded with toppings and has this yummy smoky flavor that I really enjoyed. Bubba’s 33 is definitely a great spot for BBQ lovers and sports fans!

10. Webb Custom Kitchen

Webb Custom Kitchen

182 S South St, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA
Phone: (704) 864-8385
Menu: www.webbcustomkitchen.com
Directions: Open on Map

Webb Custom Kitchen is such a cool place to eat in Gastonia! When I walked in, I loved the bright, airy feel of the restaurant. It felt really fancy, and I could choose to sit inside or outside, which was awesome for enjoying my meal. The atmosphere was just perfect for a nice dinner out.

What really makes Webb Custom Kitchen stand out is their creative menu. I tried the BBQ pork belly, and oh wow, it was so tender and full of flavor! The smoky taste was amazing, and it came with a yummy sauce that made it even better.

If you go, you have to try their craft cocktails! They are super tasty and really make the whole meal special. Webb Custom Kitchen is definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for great food in a fun setting!

Map of BBQ in Gastonia, NC

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant Price Seating Takeout Delivery Wheelchair Reservation
The Smoke Pit Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
RayNathan’s Moderate Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill Inexpensive Yes Yes No Accessible No
Shane’s Rib Shack Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible No
Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering Inexpensive Yes Yes No Accessible No
R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue Moderate Yes Yes No Accessible No
Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks Moderate Yes Yes Yes Accessible Yes
Black’s Barbecue Inexpensive Yes Yes No Accessible No
Bubba’s 33 Moderate Yes Yes No Accessible No
Webb Custom Kitchen Moderate Yes Yes No Accessible Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best BBQ places in Gastonia, NC?
    There are so many great BBQ spots in Gastonia! Some of my favorites are The Smoke Pit, RayNathan’s, and Shane’s Rib Shack. Each place has its own yummy flavors that BBQ lovers will really enjoy.

  • Is there outdoor seating available at BBQ restaurants in Gastonia?
    Yes, lots of BBQ places have outdoor seating! For example, The Smoke Pit and Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering let you sit outside, which is perfect for enjoying your meal in the nice weather.

  • Do these BBQ places offer takeout?
    Absolutely! Most BBQ restaurants in Gastonia, like R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue and Bubba’s 33, have takeout options. You can grab your favorite BBQ and enjoy it at home or wherever you want!

  • Are there vegetarian options at BBQ restaurants?
    While BBQ places mostly focus on meat, some, like Webb Custom Kitchen, have tasty vegetarian choices. It’s always good to check the menu or ask the staff for what they recommend!

  • Can I make reservations at BBQ restaurants in Gastonia?
    Yes, some BBQ spots, like Webb Custom Kitchen and Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks, let you make reservations. It’s a smart idea, especially on busy nights or during special events!

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