Nc BBQ- which place is better?

quote:

Originally posted by Raine

Well, haven't eaten at all of them. When not cooking it ourselves we go to Lexington #1. There are a couple other places in Lexington that my husband has also eaten at.

Around Charlotte, about the only place we go is Smokehouse. Hillbilly in Gastonia isn't bad, last time we ate there. However that has been a while.

Funny you should mention Smokehouse. I was working out at the Y the other day and two guys were talking about a BBQ place on Wilkinson Blvd near Steele Creek. Now I know the place they were discussing and I'll have to give it a try.

Gardners.

Ok, I need HELP! I'm going to be in Western NC (asheville and west) in a couple of weeks and I want the best NC barbeque around. I live 12 miles from the Texas border and to me bbq is beef and hot and spicy. I keep hearing how good this nc bbq is and I've got to find out for myself! Great big thanks!!!

Well you will probably be too far west for the best NC BBQ. You need to go to Lexington or farther east.

Unfortunately, I don't have that option. I am just looking for something good in this area, even if it's not the state's best.

Carolina Smokehouse in Cashiers, NC might fit the bill for you. It is FAR from the best NC has to offer, but in a part of the state where real wood-cooked barbecue is rare, your choices are limited.

Thanks, Jim. I'll check it out. I was looking on the net and saw a place called Fat Buddies (love the name!). Know anything about that place? It's in Waynesville, I think.

Fat Buddies has a couple of locations in the region. They don't pit cook their product. An electric or gas fired smoker is used and the result is not real barbecue. That being said, I've been told that the ribs are pretty tasty.
I also have reservations using the term "NC barbecue" with Fat Buddies or any spot in the far western part of the state. Most of the stuff found over there bears no similarity to the eastern or Lexington styles of barbecue that predominate in NC. The influence seems to be more Memphis than Mocksville.

I must humbly disagree w/ anyone suggesting or hinting that any Q in Charlotte is worth eating. Since Old Original on Camp Greene St closed many years ago the Q scene in Charlotte is on the same level as say...Cleveland or Freeport, ME.

As to best in the Carolinas I would propose the following greats (not in order)
Skylight Inn Ayden
Bridges (both of them) Shelby
Stamey's Greensboro
Lexington #1 (my personal fav)
Allen & Sons Chapel Hill

Unfortunately all of the above except Stamey's and the Bridges on hwy 74 require a local's accent and some knowledge of the correct items to ask for the get the best food. IE, sliced thick not thin, outside brown please, sauce it on the side and other iteresting things.

Stamey's and Bridges only require your butt to be in a booth to get the best.

There have been several people who have eaten at Spoon's until they ate ours. Now they won't touch the stuff at Spoon's. While not in Charlotte, but just outside, maybe you folks will come by and give ours a try.

The Old Hickory House in Charlotte is the best around. It's outbound N. Tryon just past Tom Hunter Road on the right. The best BBQ, slaw, and stew I have ever had. GO TO IT!!

quote:

Originally posted by VTX Cafe

The Old Hickory House in Charlotte is the best around. It's outbound N. Tryon just past Tom Hunter Road on the right. The best BBQ, slaw, and stew I have ever had. GO TO IT!!

Old Hickory House does not serve Carolina style BBQ, Eastern or Lexington. It's more of a Georgia style, with a thick sauce. I'd agree that their Brunswick stew is very good.

I've had some good Q recently at a new place in Charlotte called Mack's on South Blvd., a bit closer to town than Bill Spoon's. It's not technically Carolina BBQ either, but I think it is the best BBQ in town.

Raine: What is your place called and where is it?