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Que the “Q”! If there’s one thing North Carolina knows, it’s barbeque. Sweet and spicy barbecue sauces, steamy and soft baked potatoes, succulent cornbread, and maybe a side of mac and cheese. Don’t forget the banana pudding! Just thinking about it is enough to make you hungry.
Here in the Lake Norman area, we are lucky to have some of the best barbecue restaurants in North Carolina. The restaurants featured in this list do an amazing job of blending traditional BBQ techniques and recipes with their own unique flare.
Let’s check out the best barbecue restaurants in the Lake Norman, NC area!
Midwood Smokehouse BBQ in Birkdale Village is known for serving up mouth-watering BBQ dishes like their lone star brisket sandwich, hickory-smoked Springer Mountain pulled chicken in mustard sauce, barbecue seasoned salmon, and Saint Louis style smoked pork ribs. For sides, you can choose from collard greens, classic mac and cheese, broccoli casserole, coleslaw, and more.
This is a great place to bring the whole family. Although this is a barbecue restaurant, Midwood Smokehouse’s menu is very accommodating to different diets. They offer a separate gluten-free menu, a vegetarian grilled cheese, and creative salads. It’s easy to understand why Midwood Smokehouse is one of the most popular restaurants in Huntersville!
Midwood Smokehouse
16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy
Huntersville, NC
(980) 689-2990
Mac’s Speed Shop in Cornelius was founded by Wynn Davis and Hall Johnston – two guys who loved BBQ, beer, and bikes. Together, they bought an old motor shop and transformed it into the well-loved BBQ restaurant that it is today! In addition to some of the best barbecue in North Carolina, Mac’s Speed Shop offers live music, events, and a dog-friendly patio.
While you’re here, you’ll have to try their Tabasco fried pickles, slow-smoked beef brisket, hickory-smoked wings, and rack of St. Louis ribs. Up for a challenge? Try their Enormous 5lb Sandwich with pork, brisket, a burger patty, applewood-smoked bacon, queso blanco, slaw, fried pickles, and Mac’s Burn Out Sauce – it’s free if you finish it!
Mac’s Speed Shop
19601 Liverpool Pkwy
Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 892-3554
The Crazy Pig BBQ is owned and operated by the McCrary family, who has been serving the Lake Norman area since 2006 with their popular Egg restaurants – The Egg at the lake, The Egg cafe at Davidson, and The Egg Cafe at Birkdale in Huntersville, NC. Now, they’re spreading their wings with their OUT of the Coop expansion featuring The Crazy Pig BBQ.
The Crazy Pig BBQ is known for its fantastic menu, which features Frito pie (Fritos, homemade chili, cheese, sour cream, and green onions), beef brisket sandwiches, and smoked chicken wings. Side options include potato salad, homemade slaw, mac and cheese, and hushpuppies
The Crazy Pig BBW
402 South Main Street
Davidson, NC. 28036
(704) 997-2320
Big Tiny’s BBQ offers “great big Texas flavor right here in North Carolina”! Owners John and Elizabeth Maddox are two Texas natives who now call Mooresville home. John grew up smoking BBQ in Texas with his father, and now brings everything he learned to Big Tiny’s in Lake Norman.
For the last 18-years, John and Elizabeth have been perfecting their family recipes to serve up to visitors and residents in the Lake Norman area. Some of their specialties include brisket, pulled pork, jalapeno sausage, pork spare ribs, and smoked half chickens. You won’t want to miss out on some creamed corn, baked mac and cheese, or green bean casserole on the side!
Big Tiny’s BBQ
179 N. Main Street
Mooresville, NC
(704) 658-1409
Lancaster’s BBQ operates out of what used to be a gas station. Born in Race City, USA (a.k.a. Mooresville, North Carolina), Lancaster’s holds racing near and dear to their heart. Today, they’re known throughout the state for their slow-smoked eastern NC BBQ and race memorabilia decked-out restaurant. In addition to their dining room where they serve up mouthwatering BBQ, Lancaster’s Mooresville location is also home to the Hawg Trough, their bar and patio.
At Lancaster’s, you can enjoy traditional BBQ specialties like BBQ pork, beef brisket, and baby back ribs! Their menu also features burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood.
Note: Lancaster’s BBQ also has a location in Huntersville, NC.
Lancaster’s BBQ
515 Rinehardt Rd.
Mooresville, NC 28115
(704) 663-5807
There you have it – the best BBQ restaurants in Lake Norman! Check them out!