Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Charlotte area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Charlotte area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Charlotte based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Charlotte were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#28. Whisky River at the Airport
- Rating: 2.5/5 (478 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy Concourse E, Gate 10 Concourse East Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#27. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.1/5 (194 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8115 Mallard Creek Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#26. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.2/5 (130 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9950 East Independence Blvd. Matthews, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ
- Rating: 3.2/5 (408 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#24. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (185 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10605 Centrum Pkwy Pineville, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (574 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10400 East Independence Blvd. Matthews, North Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Bubba's Barbecue
- Rating: 3.4/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4400 Sunset Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Mac's Speed Shop - Matthews
- Rating: 3.5/5 (326 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 142 East John St. Matthews, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Sports Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#20. The Q Shack
- Rating: 3.6/5 (141 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10822 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Boardwalk Billy's Raw Bar and Ribs
- Rating: 3.6/5 (816 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9005 J M Keynes Drive Ste 2 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: American, Sports Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. City Barbeque
- Rating: 3.7/5 (232 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1514 Galleria Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Bar-B-Q King
- Rating: 3.7/5 (212 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Mac's Speed Shop - Steele Creek
- Rating: 3.8/5 (589 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2414 Sandy Porter Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Sports Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#15. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
- Rating: 3.8/5 (107 reviews)
- Address: 8652 Pineville-Matthews Road Ste 1100 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Hot Pot
- Read more on Yelp
#14. City Barbeque
- Rating: 3.8/5 (268 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8948 J M Keynes Drive Ste 420 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, American
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 3.9/5 (256 reviews)
- Address: 650 East Brooklyn Village Ave. Unit A Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Seoul Food Meat Company
- Rating: 3.9/5 (1669 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1400 South Church St. Ste A Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Mac's Speed Shop - South End
- Rating: 3.9/5 (688 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2511 South Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Sweet Lew's BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (304 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 923 Belmont Ave. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Midwood Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.1/5 (607 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12410 Johnston Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, American
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Iron Dish Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (186 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 9605 North Tryon St. Ste H Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#7. McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon
- Rating: 4.1/5 (937 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4630 Old Pineville Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Noble Smoke
- Rating: 4.1/5 (739 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2216 Freedom Drive Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Bulgogi Box
- Rating: 4.2/5 (240 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1750 Camden Road Ste 104 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Midwood Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.3/5 (366 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 540 Brandywine Road Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, American
- Read more on Yelp
#3. 704 Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (136 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 8320 Pineville-Matthews Road Ste 607 Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Midwood Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.4/5 (2751 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1401 Central Ave. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, American
- Read more on Yelp
#1. MOA Korean BBQ & Bar
- Rating: 4.4/5 (336 reviews)
- Address: 128 South Tryon St. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
