Name: Bar-B-Q King
Date: 5/16/14
Address: 2900 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Order: Bar-B-Q plate with cole slaw, hush puppies, and Sundrop (link to menu)
Price: $10.95

Bar-B-King is a drive-in on Wilkinson Blvd in West Charlotte and you’ve passed it if you have ever headed to or from the airport. Having myself lived in Charlotte for over 9 years, I must have passed it a hundred times. They’ve been there since 1959 serving barbecue (among other items such as burgers, hot dogs, and fried seafood). Admittedly, it’s been a few years (probably even more than that) since I’ve been to a drive-in, but I enjoyed the heck out of this experience.

The barbecue comes pre-sauced and isn’t all that smokey. The sauce slathered on top is slightly tangy, thick red sauce. I probably would have preferred it on the side, but I understand that the meat isn’t spiced or rubbed (h/t Marie, Let’s Eat!) so it might have been a little plain without it.

The hush puppies were huge and I dug them quite a bit, even though I couldn’t finish the generous portion they gave. The slaw is white and came with a pickle on top.

After my meal, I stepped out of my car and took a few photos (as I do), and the carhop noticed and invited me inside to take a few more photos. And the guys inside couldn’t have been nicer, allowing me to take a few photos and even a couple graciously posing for me.

Bar-B-Q King isn’t essential if you are looking for Charlotte’s best barbecue, but it’s a neat drive-in experience that is worth checking out before the drive-in itself possibly becomes extinct in the coming years.

-Monk

Ratings:
Atmosphere/Ambiance – 4.5 hogs
Pork – 2.5 hogs
Sides – 3 hogs
Overall – 3 Hogs