The best BBQ in Charlotte for pork-filled goodness

Sweet and tangy, thick and well-seasoned, “it’s all in da sauce” they say at this Black-owned BBQ spot. The house sauce is available to dip, pour, mop and drip on every menu item. From pulled pork to smoked chicken, beef brisket and pulled chicken, this North Charlotte restaurant sells it by the pound or by the platter. Add house-made sides like Brunswick stew, baked beans or classic macaroni salad for a finger-licking meal.

This fast-casual franchise concept has four locations to choose from: University City, Ballantyne, Matthews and Huntersville. The interior is a sleek departure from the barbecue shacks of yore but the food sticks to tradition as the kitchen doles out a variety of smoked meats. Try City’s signatures with a platter of beef brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, Texas toast and your choice of sides. Marinated in local wine and topped with cole slaw, Lo Lo’s pulled pork sandwich—a menu item only found in Charlotte—is another must-try menu choice.

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Charlotte’s outpost of the Alabama-based restaurant serves up Southern-style comfort food that extends beyond just classic barbecue. You’ll find smoked wings alongside deviled eggs and a hot catfish platter. Whether you dine in, takeout or pick up via the drive-thru, don’t skimp on the housemade cheddar biscuits, which are outstanding and go with just about everything on the menu.

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While excellent, the barbecue takes somewhat of a backseat to the extensive wine program and the regionally inspired side dishes you’ll find at Jim Noble’s namesake restaurant. The 30-year restaurant puts out elevated Southern staples, including pan-fried corn, butter beans, succotash, okra (when in season), pan-fried green beans and field peas to accompany hundreds of pounds of premium beef, pork and chicken that are smoked over hickory coals and served daily.

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Get on the soul train to seek out the innovative Seoul-inspired food at this Korean fusion restaurant. The smart and creative menu features a phenomenal 12-hour beef rib, crispy pork belly, hickory smoked pulled pork and beef brisket. Generous portions of sides include kimchi-based chili, green tea cornbread, doenjang collard greens and pimento corn cheese. Don't forget the deep-fried green tea sugar biscuits with green tea ice cream to top off your meal.

The cliche term “hidden gem” was coined specifically for places like Jon G’s. Located an hour southeast of Uptown Charlotte, this Anson County barbecue joint is only open one day a week. The line forms well before its 11am opening and once they sell out, that’s it for food. Juicy, fall-off-the-bone Texas-style barbecue ribs, housemade sausages and a cup of Cheerwine (the regional soft drink hero) are worth the day trip.

This fast-growing barbecue powerhouse is where barbecue fans come to worship at the church of smoked beef brisket, St. Louis-style pork ribs, snappy sausages and barbecue-seasoned salmon, among other favorites. The restaurant mastered the classics but the chef isn’t afraid to innovate: Be sure to try the queso birriabecue tacos, a twist on the Mexican dish.

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Known for its old-school North Carolina barbecue cooked over hickory and pecan wood, this low-key barbecue joint serves up tasty picks like pork shoulder, smoked chicken and Brunswick stew. If you can’t get enough, barbecue enthusiasts can book a pitmaster class with owner Lewis Donald and get hands-on experience smoking their own North Carolina barbecue.

Bikes, beer and barbecue are on the menu at this casual spot, where you can bring your pup, your family or your Harley (or all of the above!). If the live music, full bar and casual atmosphere doesn’t sway you then the food certainly will. Take your pick of shareable bites, like nachos and fried pickles, and barbecue classics such as pulled pork and smoked chicken. Feeling extra hungry? Try the enormous five-pound sandwich, piled high with pork, brisket, hamburgers, bacon, queso blanco, fried pickles and a housemade hot sauce. Finish it all and it’s free.

Some might recognize this barbecue legend from its appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives or its cameo in a music video for Hootie and the Blowfish. But television fame aside, Bar-B-Q King reigns as far as classic ‘cue restaurants go. Open for drive-up, dine-in or take-out service, this is the palace to go for dipped chicken and fried seafood.

Come for the smoky barbecue but stay for the sides and the smoked wings at this biker-friendly family restaurant. First time here? Try the pit-smoked pot roast or go all in for a taste of the restaurant’s most popular items with a helping of Living The Dream—saucy ribs, barbecue, pit-smoked pot roast and smoked BBQ chicken.