Comments are now closed. Thanks! Bracket will be in paper of March 15.
Tell us which pulled pork barbecue places should go into our upcoming Tournament of Food. Places must be within 50 miles of Charlotte. We create a bracket of 16. then invite readers to vote on one-on-one matchups. No anonymous comments will be counted! Let the porcine madness begin.
Note: Lexington's outside the boundary for this. I'll stop taking nominees at 5 p.m. March 8.
UPDATE: I'm getting swamped by anonymous comments that won't count -- please get a screen name (it doesn't have to be your real name) and re-comment if you commented anonymously!
Bubbas BBQ
ReplyDeleteSpoons BBQ on South Blvd.
ReplyDelete521 BBQ in Indian Land, SC! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThe conversation starts and stops with Wayne Monk's Lexington Barbecue. Every conversation I have about barbecue joints ends up with some variation of, "it's better than" , or "it's just as good as" Lexington Barbecue. I noticed you made the cut off 50 miles from Charlotte. Lexington Barbecue sits about 45 miles from the city limits. Coincidence? Hmmm?
ReplyDeleteMine.
ReplyDeleteNone, pulled pork isn't BBQ
ReplyDeleteBridges in Shelby
ReplyDelete521 BBQ in Indian Land
none of them...pulled pork isn't BBQ
ReplyDeleteRed Bridges Bar-B-Que Lodge in Shelby on Hwy 74.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of both Bar B Que King and Spoon's
ReplyDeleteBobbee O's on Old Statesville Rd. for sure. My favorite BBQ joint in town.
ReplyDeleteGary's BBQ China Grove
ReplyDeleteLancaster's Mooresville/Huntersville
ReplyDeleteRanucci's Big Butt BBQ and Grill, Catawba Street, Belmont, NC.
ReplyDeleteLexington Barbeuque #1, AKA the Monk or The Honey Monk. #1 seed for a reason, it is the best in the state
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse
ReplyDeleteIn Charlotte, NONE!!!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte is not known for authentic BBQ. Anyone who posts the name of a commerical bbq joint does not know what real BBQ is like.
#1 Bridges Lodge in Shelby
ReplyDelete#2 Old Country BBQ in Gastonia
#3 Courtney's in Clover
There is no BBQ in Charlotte. Hasn't been since the city took the ability to cook over open flames away. Bring back the pit, it is the only real way to cook the meat. No baked BBQ is worth a penny!
Macs, Queen City, Sage Garden Catering, Rock ridge BBQ
ReplyDeleteThe best and most consistent pulled pork in Charlotte right now is from Midwood Smokehouse.
ReplyDeleteAlston Bridges Barbecue, Shelby, NC
ReplyDeleteLancasters in mooresville
ReplyDeleteThis is a no-brainer for me: 521 BBQ at 7580 Charlotte Hwy. in Indian Land, SC. Been our favorite for years since we found it. Be sure to check them out even if they dont win...you will love it!
ReplyDeletePenny Cunningham, Charlotte
None. You have to go east of I-95 to get good pork barbecue.
ReplyDeleteOld Hickory House on N Tryon. Year in and year out, the best around
ReplyDeleteSpoon's
ReplyDeleteBubba's
Elwood's
Lancaster's on Beatties Ford Rd.
ReplyDeleteBridges BBQ in Shelby
ReplyDeleteLancasters
ReplyDeleteRick M
ReplyDeleteSays Garys in China Grove!
Ranucci's BBQ in Belmont. Best around the Charlotte area
ReplyDeleteSauceman's on West Blvd, y'all.
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ PIT and Catering, Lake Wylie
ReplyDeleteRanuccis in Belmont is great and has placed in Top 10 in in Memphis contests.
ReplyDeleteTo anyone that still likes Spoons, have you eaten anywhere else? It was great when Bill Spoon was alive, it's horrible now. I've lived here 25 years, I know.
Queen City Q
ReplyDeleteQueen City Q is the best in Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ is by far the best! They have their own sauces and the bbq is phenomenal!!
ReplyDeletewww.q2ubbq.com
4052 Charlotte Hwy
Lake Wylie
Rock Store-Stallings, NC
ReplyDeleteMac's Speed Shop most definitely best I'm Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteBubba's is the best BBQ in Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteBobbee-O's on Old Statesville Rd in Charlotte is amazing. So flavorful you don't even need to add any sauce!
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ Pit in Lake Wylie, SC!!
ReplyDeleteWhispering Pines, Albemarle. Been in business since the 1940's
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bobbee-Os and Midwood Smokehose also both are great.
ReplyDelete1. Red Bridge's Barbecue Lodge
ReplyDelete2. Sauceman's
3. Bill Spoon's
The Que Stand - Harrisburg, NC
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely in the top 5 within 50 miles.
Jo Jo's Backyard BBQ on Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC
ReplyDeleteFrom
Tammy
Q2U BBQ Pit and Catering, Lake Wylie, South Carolina
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ and Catering
ReplyDeleteLake Wylie, South Carolina
I would nominate Lakeshore BBQ in the Triangle area of East Lincoln County, near Denver. Great Lexington style and the best ribs on Friday and Saturdays, plus terrific brunswick stew
ReplyDeletePolly Redd, Denver
Just came from lunch at Q2U BBQ Pit in Lake Wylie. Yum
ReplyDeleteKyle Fletchers BBQ in Lowell
ReplyDeleteBats BBQ Rock Hill SC
ReplyDeleteFor the Tournament from my wide Q experience in this area, I recommend 521 BBQ off 521 in Indian Land; Midwood Smoke House on Central Ave, Charlotte; Macs BBQ on S. Blvd; Lexington BBQ (the original)in Lexington; Queen City Q in Uptown Charlotte (top bannana pudding too); Courtneys BBQ in Clover, SC; Bridges BBQ in Shelby on 74; And Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock! (past 50 miles I guess, but worth a mention..Woodlands sets the standard for great chopped Q, Sides and Great Atmosphere!)
ReplyDeleteBar-B-Que King in Lincolnton
ReplyDeleteIf it is not cooked over hickory wood, its not BBQ.
ReplyDeleteKyle Fletchers, nuff said
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/13/3524811/barbecue-shocker-charlotte-had.html
ReplyDeleteTedC - I think you are mistaken. Charlotte may actually be home to the first "pit" stand according to this culinary researcher.
We can agree that it has become more difficult to find, but to say that Charlotte does not have a place in BBQ history is off the mark.
Lexington BBQ.
ReplyDeleteRed Bridges BBQ in Shelby.
Sauceman's here in Charlotte. I like Midwood Smokehouse and Mac's too, but I give the nod to Sauceman's here. The yare doing god stuff over on West Blvd.
Rock Store in Stallings
ReplyDeleteHillbilly's BBQ & Steaks in Lowell
ReplyDelete521 BBQ Lancaster
ReplyDeleteLancaster BBQ mooresville Huntersville
Bill Spoons
Q2U Bque on Lake Wylie!!!
ReplyDeleteOld Hickory House
ReplyDeleteQ-2-U BBQ IN LAKE WYLIE SC IS OFF-THE HOOK AWESOME! Voted Best BBQ in Lake Wylie 4 years running and well-deserved. Their bbq and sauces are second to none. Mouth watering deliciousness!
ReplyDeleteGary's BBQ in China Grove and Wink's in Salisbury
ReplyDeleteLexington BBQ Center
ReplyDeleteLexington #1
Alston Bridges in Shelby
Elwoods.
ReplyDeleteI second that...
Ranuccis Big Butt BBQ and Grill, Belmont NC.
ReplyDeleteBest pulled pork I have had in or around Charlotte and I have tried most of them. Their sauces are also very good and come on the side.
They get my vote!
Old Hickory House....hands down!
ReplyDeleteFresh Air in Jackson, Ga...
ReplyDeleteRichard's BBQ and College BBQ in Salisbury are excellent.
ReplyDeleteLexington #1 - nothing else comes close
ReplyDeleteKyle Fletcher's..and try the onion rings, too!
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ! Lake Wylie, SC. Best food and best people!
ReplyDelete1. Brushy Creek Bar-B-Q House
ReplyDeleteS.C. 81, Powdersville, S.C. (864) 269-0155.
True-to-tradition S.C. barbecue: Slightly smoky chopped pork with
mustard-based sauce, plus pork over rice on the side. The coleslaw slaw is
topped with thick slices of sweet pickle. The desserts -- red velvet cake,
chocolate cake, coconut cake and brownies on our visit -- are made by the
owner.
2. Bridges Barbecue Lodge
U.S. 74 East Bypass, Shelby, N.C. (704) 482-8567.
One of the leaders in Carolina barbecue, for good reason. The Bridges
family has been making it since 1946. Pork shoulders are cooked over
hickory and oak -- the woodpile is as long as several tractor-trailers --
then chopped coarsely with some crusty brown bits. It's served with a
tart/hot sauce that is thicker and darker than most.
3. Alston Bridges
620 Grover St., Shelby, N.C. (704) 482-1998.
Alston Bridges and "Red" Bridges of the Barbecue Lodge weren't related, but
both worked for barbecue pioneer Warner Stamey. At Alston's, the pork is
very finely chopped and served with a thin, red vinegar sauce. It's also
known for tender, sauce-covered ribs.
4. Hendrix Barbecue
2488 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, N.C. (704) 633-9838.
How can you resist a restaurant with a giant chicken on the roof? This
roadhouse serves classic barbecue: Tender pork with a hint of smoke, served
up with coleslaw and delicious hush puppies.
5. Lexington Barbecue
U.S. 29/70, Lexington, N.C. (336) 249-9814.
A Lexington landmark for good reason. Wayne Monk and his family make
simple, straightforward pork barbecue, cooked all night over wood. The
coleslaw slaw is red and tangy, the perfect thing to mix with minced pork
with just a hint of smoke.
6. Bar-B-Q Center
900 N. Main St., Lexington, N.C. (336) 248-4633.
Lexington is packed with barbecue restaurants, but we love the look of this
one: A classic 1950s-style drive-in. The finely chopped barbecue is soft in
texture with hints of crusty outside brown. It's almost as popular for ice
cream: The yacht-size banana splits should require a boating license.
7. Short Sugar's
1328 S. Scales St., Reidsville, N.C.; (336) 342-7487.
Three brothers, Johnny, Clyde and Eldridge Overby, were planning to open a
drive-in in 1949 when Eldridge was killed in an car accident. So the
restaurant was given his nickname, "Short Sugar." It's still appropriate --
the dark brown sauce is tart and sweet, served over coarsely chopped
barbecue.
8. Allen & Son
N.C. 86, near Chapel Hill, N.C. (919) 942-7576.
Our favorite version of classic Eastern Carolina-style barbecue: Moist and
tender pork, shredded and flecked with red pepper, served with a thin, hot
vinegar sauce. How can pork shoulder have this much flavor? As a waitress
told us: "Shoveling coals for 9 or 10 hours a day." It shows.
9. Mitchell's
6228 S. Ward Blvd., Wilson, N.C. (252) 291-9189.
In Wilson, the mecca of Eastern-style barbecue, Ed Mitchell was a relative
newcomer when he opened a small restaurant in his parents' old grocery
store in the 1990s. But word spread quickly. Mitchell's is now in a large,
new building. Service is cafeteria-style, so you have a choice of more
vegetables and meats than most places. The barbecue is authentic
Eastern-style.
10. Parker's
2514 N.C. 301 South (Ward Boulevard), Wilson, N.C. (252) 237-0972.
When people say "Eastern-style," this is what they mean. Vinegar-tangy
minced pork, served family-style with yellow coleslaw, tasty Brunswick
stew, corn sticks, hush puppies and sweet tea by the pitcher. The place
never changes, right down to the black-and-white aerial photos of Wilson
County and the polite young waiters in paper hats.
.....to name a few visited back in the day.
Q2U BBQ Lake Wylie,sc. Best BBQ around..
ReplyDeleteRanucci's Big Butt BBQ and Grill in Belmont, home of the porkasaurus. This is one of the best BBQ places I have been too. Not only is the restaurant great, but look at their competition accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteSauceman's on West Blvd. - they have a HUGE smoker outside and food is outstanding.
ReplyDeleteSauceman's in Charlotte and 521 BBQ down in Indian Land.
ReplyDeleteQ-2-U in Lake Wylie, SC. Great pork, ribs, chicken and steaks too!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to include the best BBQ, it will come from Lexington. My favorite is from the Barbeque Center indowntown Lexington, by far the best coarse chopped BBQ around.
ReplyDeleteRed Bridges Bar-B-Que Lodge in Shelby on Hwy 74. Best in the state.
ReplyDeleteIn Charlotte - Sauceman's
Gary's BBQ in China Grove
ReplyDeleteRanucci's B B Q & Grill in Belmont N C Looking for great BBQ, this is the place. Everything scratch made. I was fortunate enough to stop for dinner when they had beef ribs as a special. Huge ribs, right amount of smoke and great sauces. My friend had the pulled pork sandwich and said it was by far the best pork BBQ they have had in the Charlotte area. Try the Brunswick stew it's delicious. This is my go to BBQ place.
ReplyDelete521 BBQ
ReplyDeleteSmokey Bones
Sticky Fingers
Shanes Rib Shack
Elwood's Barbecue & Burger Bar
BobbeeOs on old Statesville rd
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse on Central Ave
"Pulled Pork" is a yankee term. It's just called barbecue.
ReplyDeleteALSTON Bridges Barbecue in Shelby (...not Red)
ReplyDeleteQ 2 U Lake Wylie, SC
ReplyDeleteFort mill bbq company
ReplyDeleteRanucci's BBQ hands down! Very few others are having their BBQ judged by professionals and winning every year at competitions side by side with the likes of Jack's Old South & Yazoo Delta Q or at Memphis in May like Ranucci's. He's top 10 for shoulder in the World and always a big winner & hometown favorite at Charlotte competitions. According to professional judges he's the best and many of us agree!! RANUCCI's BBQ all the way baby!!
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ Pit, Lake Wylie SC
ReplyDeleteRock store in Stallings
ReplyDeleteIf this competition is open to Lexington Q joints then the Charlotte restauarants don't have a chance.
ReplyDelete-Lexington #1
-BBQ Center
Midwood Smokehouse, Charlotte, NC. OUTSTANDING and smoked on site,
ReplyDeleteLocal Dish Restaurant, Fort Mill, SC
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful, flavorful,and delicious, served on a melt in your mouth bun!
Q2U BBQ in lake Wylie is the best around!
ReplyDeleteLexington is more than 50 miles away from Charlotte (unfortunately), so stop mentioning Lexington bbq.
ReplyDeleteRanucci's Pork BBQ is great.
ReplyDeleteYES, YES, YES, Ranucci's, is the best!!!! Mightyscott
ReplyDeleteSaucemans on west Blvd is great.
ReplyDeleteLocal Dish on Main Street in Fort Mill is worth a try
ReplyDeleteUncle C's BBQ in Statesville, NC
ReplyDeleteRanucci's BBQ & Grill. Just walking by his place smells like what REAL Carolina BBQ is all about!! Lived in Belmont, NC all my life and ate shoulder & whole hog since I was a young boy and my vote is Ranucci's.
ReplyDeleteRanucci's BBQ
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ LAKE WYLIE SC
ReplyDeleteAWESOME BBQ AND GREAT STAFF
Q2u in lake wylie. great pork, but absolutely best brisket ive had anywhere!
ReplyDeleteRanucci's BBQ & Grill in Belmont
ReplyDeleteGreat litle place with over the top BBQ
Q2U Pit BBQ in Lake Wylie, SC - Best I ever had!!!
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ in Lake Wylie
ReplyDeleteWe love 521 BBQ in Indian Land and Q2U BBQ Pit at Lake Wylie. Give 'em a try!! Donna Peters
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ Pit in Lake Wylie,SC has fantastic BBQ! They have their own sauces and the pulled pork and the ribs are out of this world.
ReplyDelete10 Park Lanes
ReplyDeleteQ2B BBQ in Lake Wylie is the best.
ReplyDeleteDianne Kehler
Remedics Restoration Carolinas, LLC
10 Park Lanes!
ReplyDeleteBurk's BBQ, Rock Hill.
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse, they smoke their Q for 14 hours!
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse!! Killer BBQ; I eat there once a week :)
ReplyDeleteMIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE for SURE!!
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse! Yuuummmmm
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse
ReplyDeleteThe McRib from the Indian Trail McD's. Best in town!
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse deff. the best bbq in charlotte.100% hickory wood smoked, pulled by hand
ReplyDeleteThank goodness someone pointed out that Lexington is 60+ miles from Charlotte. Now, seeing as how I grew up in Lexington and on Lexington BBQ, I feel as if I an insiders perspective as to what is good BBQ and what is not. There are several mentioned that I feel are legit such as Bridges and Kyle Fletchers's...But the best I have had in a while comes from 10 PARK LANES. That's right, a bowling alley, it has six homemade sauces that are stellar and run the gauntlet of tastes. Hands down best in Charlotte. Monk's in Lexington would be proud to compete against it.
ReplyDelete10 Park Lanes!
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse without a doubt!
ReplyDeleteI have been abstaining from commenting as I don't know of a good bbq place in Charlotte (seems to be a commmon thread), but as people have nominated Bridges in Shelby (outstanding) - I'd like to mention R&R in Concord - just off I-85 at mile marker 52. Everything is tops there - and they do brisket on Fridays.
ReplyDeleteBill Spoon's hands down. Queen City Q lost their flavor when Dan "Boone" left.
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse hand pulled BBQ is awesome!
ReplyDeleteMac's on South is the best!
ReplyDeleteSauceman's!
ReplyDeleteR&R BBQ in Concord
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ 4052 Charlotte Hwy
ReplyDeleteLake Wylie, South Carolina 29710
1. Lancaster's in Huntersville
ReplyDelete2. BBQ King in Lincolnton
3. Sauceman's in Charlotte
Hands down Q2U in Lake Wylie! The Charlotte Champion Saucemakers!
ReplyDeleteJust the right blend of smoke, vinegar & sauce to make you keep coming back for more!
Hoosieremike
My wife & I traveled from NJ to visit friends & stopped in at Q2U in Lake Wylie.The best Pit stop for BBQ in the Charlotte Area! Great food, friendly atmosphere; owners went out of their way to make us feel right at home!
ReplyDeleteMidwood Smokehouse
ReplyDeleteReal BBQ is a labor of love! Boy Scout Troop 11 @ Providence United Methodist Church March 15 & 16. No better BBQ in Charlotte. Award winning. Done the old fashioned way.
ReplyDeleteWink's in Salisbury
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ & Catering In Lake Wylie The Best BBQ Hands Down!!!
ReplyDeleteRanucci's BBQ in Belmont. Not only some of the best bbq but amazing unique sandwiches. You have to try the porkasauras, 3 types of pork on one sandwich.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen,
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ Pit in LAKE WYLIE SOUTH CAROLINA!!!
#1 BBQ
http://q-2-u.com
Q2u Bbq Pit in Lake Wylie, the bbq is the best around and the staff is great.
ReplyDeleteThe best BBQ outside of Lexington has to be Q2U in Lake Wylie!
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ in Lake Wylie, SC. Best bbq in the Charlotte area.
ReplyDeleteMy family and I love BBQ. Have to say the best BBQ around is Q2U BBQ Pit, in Lake Wylie, SC. They even make their own sauce.
ReplyDeleteQ2U BBQ PIT and Catering just off Lake Wylie
ReplyDeleteGreat!
Best place by far is Q2U BBQ Pit and Catering in Lake Wylie, SC. The food is awesome and the staff is wonderful. They should be in this tournament.
ReplyDelete