Monk: The most recent update to the Charlotte Big Board was all the way back in 2019 (and is long overdue), but for this list I wanted to broaden my horizons a little bit. Look for future lists for the Research Triangle and eventually eastern North Carolina.
In alphabetical order:
The Barbecue Center, Lexington


The Barbecue Center is in my top 5 (maybe top 3) of barbecue joints in NC. 900 N Main St, Lexington, NC 27292 facebook.com/barbecuecenter
Link to review
Bar-B-Q King, Lincolnton


At 50 years young, Bar-B-Q King continues to feed it’s community while also making itself worthy of a barbecue pilgrimage for any serious barbecue fan. 2613 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092 barbqkingnc.com
Link to review
Backcountry Barbecue, Lexington


With Rick’s Smokehouse closing earlier this year, Backcountry Barbecue takes the mantle of most underrated barbecue in Lexington. 4014 Linwood-Southmont Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 facebook.com/Backcountry-Barbeque
Link to review
Jon G’s Barbecue, Peachland


Barbecue Saturdays in Peachland are a barbecue experience without parallel in North Carolina. Grab a crew, a cooler of beer, and some tailgate chairs and make a half day (or more) of it. 116 Glenn Falls St, Peachland, NC 28133 jongsbarbecue.com
Link to review
Lexington Barbecue, Lexington


My first, my last, my everything. 100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC 27295 lexbbq.com
Link to review
Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, Shelby


On many days Red Bridges could be considered my favorite barbecue joint in North Carolina. 2000 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28150 bridgesbbq.com
Link to review
Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Charlotte


Sweet Lew’s is located in an old service station in Charlotte (check), cooks over wood (check), and has a mission to serve it’s community beyond simply barbecue (check). It’s worthy of our support, and the food is dang good too. 923 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 sweetlewsbbq.com
Link to review
Others receiving votes: The Smoke Pit (multiple locations), Speedy’s Barbecue (Lexington), Whispering Pines (Albemarle), Noble Smoke (Charlotte)
Who did I miss? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
I really liked Noble Smoke, so would add them. I’m looking forward to trying Backcountry and Jon G’s
No doubt, the best BBQ is Hillbillys in Lowell. It’s even better since they moved onto their new location. This coming from me in Lincolnton where BBQ King is the local best. Further north, you gotta try Hickory Smokehouse on the north side of Hickory where their cobbler is the best as well.
I haven’t yet made it to their new location thanks for the tip on it as well as Hickory Smokehouse
Great list, John G is by far the best Texas Style, disappointed in Noble, I would ad Speedy Lohr in Lexington for course chop plate and warm dip.
Speedy Lohr’s is definitely worth another visit soon
Pingback: Best barbecue within an hour of Charlotte – October 2022 – Urban Fishing Pole Lifestyle
Pingback: Our Favorite Posts from 2022 | Barbecue Bros