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CHARLOTTE
CULINARY EXPLORATION IN NORTH CAROLINA
CHARLOTTE = QUEEN CITY
Charlotte is a great city to research Carolina style BBQ, it is almost a one stop shop. Located between the east and west BBQ regions of the state, and only a few miles from the Southern border. The Carolina's unique style specializes in pork, primarily the shoulder, and their sauces represent that. Which brings me to another reason I love it here, this may be the city with the widest range of BBQ sauces, the mop, the Carolina sweet, and Carolina gold just to name a few. But surprisingly the Queen city has a lot more to offer than just Barbecue, take a moment, scroll down my list, and explore some of the culinary gems hiding in this great city. Wear your stretchy pants and get ready for a delicious culinary journey as I show you where the locals eat in Charlotte.
The Pig.
PIG'S PICKS
Where to eat tangy BBQ, and wait in line for fried chicken in Charlotte
PRICES CHICKEN COOP
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHY: The chicken equivalent of the Seinfeld soup episode. Possibly the best fried chicken I have had in the country. The skin is crisp, the meat juicy, and it's just done right. But be warned there is no place to sit, it's cash only, and be ready to order when it's your turn, or you will get passed up. One last thing, if you want to try a specialty that you can only get done well in a few places, try the gizzards.
WHAT: Fried chicken
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Cash only
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried Chicken
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Gizzards
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MIDWOOD SMOKEHOUSE
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: EAST NORTH CAROLINA BBQ
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (3 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Bacon wrapped Jalapenos
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Pulled pork sandwich
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WHY: The meat is tender and they dip it in a mop sauce like Eastern North Carolina; I am a sucker for that. I mean tell me who doesn't love juicy, sweet, spicy and tangy?
THE DIXIE PIG
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: Carolina BBQ
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pulled pork
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Chicken wings
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Peach cobbler
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Alabama white sauce
WHY: The Dixie pig shares a building with a laundry mat, I gotta say that was a good omen. Kurt Fine the chef and co-owner has been doing this for years and it shows. He won't brag and tell you this, but I will, he is the Charlotte wing champion. They have amazing sauces, including the ever elusive Alabama white sauce. If you're close make sure to get here and don't miss the peach cobbler dessert, it is amazing.
McKOY'S SMOKEHOUSE
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: North Carolina BBQ
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried green tomatoes
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Pulled pork sandwich
WHY: Yet another great Carolina BBQ joint. I loved the smell of pecan wood the waffed from the smoker as I entered the building. Everything here was exceptional including their slogan "WE GET PAID TO RUB BUTTS".
FLYING BISCUIT CAFE
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: Southern-inspired breakfast
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (2 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Southern style biscuit benedict
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Famous flying biscuit breakfast
WHY: They have a great atmosphere and a creative menu. Take the Southern Style biscuit benedict for example. Two poached eggs on a biscuit, pimento cheese, and hollandaise sauce. The Pimento cheese is AWESOME, it is the stuff the south has been fueled on for decades.
PINKY'S WESTSIDE GRILL
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: Southern everything
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
-
Ding Dong style burger
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Pimp'n fries (Pimento cheese fries)
WHY: This is your typical dive bar / restaurant with great food. Order whatever you want, you wont be disappointed. Funky but fantastic, this place serves some of the best comfort food for the BBQ weary.
MR. CHARLES CHICKEN & FISH
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: Southern fried chicken
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried chicken 4 piece
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Mac & Cheese
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WHY: You want some of the best fried chicken made by people who do it for a living? Then this is your place. I talked to the owner and his son for a bit, and no it is not Mr. Charles, ask them for the story. They were so excited to tell me about how they make their chicken everyday and that they only use the freshest product. I know this may be just fried chicken to many of you, but to me this is where soul food starts. Good people making good food.
MAC'S SPEED SHOP
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: North Carolina BBQ
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (2 locations in Charlotte)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tabasco fried pickles
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The Big Pig
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WHY: Barbeque is as much about the sauce as the meat, and these guys have great sauces. Plus the atmosphere is like a cross between a Harley workshop and a southern BBQ joint. This is a solid choice and a great place to grab a beer when you're satisfying your BBQ fix.
BILL SPOON'S BBQ
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: East North Carolina BBQ
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pulled pork sand
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Hushpuppies
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WHY: This is real Eastern North Carolina BBQ, the meat is chopped, coated lightly in a sweet, tangy and spicy mop. I had the chance to meet the pit master, he was taught his craft by his father and lit up when we talked about cooking the hog. He proudly told me that he would come back every night to get the pig on for the next day. With passion like that you know they have great food. The BBQ is served on paper plates with a roll of paper towels, and don't miss the hush puppies, they are the best I tried.
ASS CLOWN BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: MICRO-BREWERY
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Black orange citrus IPA
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Brown ale
WHY: Say the name and look at that logo. Do I need to go on further? Ok, reality, this is a secret tap room, you have to know its there to find it. Your GPS will take you to what looks like a closed little industrial complex. This is far off the beaten path, but one of my favorite stops in Charlotte. Love the logo as much as me? Then try to steal a pint glass, but be careful, these are so popular that they take precautionary steps to prevent the five finger discount.
DIAMOND RESTAURANT
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
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WHAT: Classic diner
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
1901 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Diamond in the Rough
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Pimento Cheese fries
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WHY: The Diamond restaurant has been around since 1943, this classic diner has a lot of charm and great food. If you go late, get the Diamond in the Rough it is a Monstrous late night sandwich built between two waffles that is available until 4am.
EDDIE'S PLACE
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: Southern breakfast
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
-
Country fried breakfast
WHY: You know that restaurant that pumps out your favorite southern comfort food for breakfast? Don't you? Well, have you met my friend Eddie? Their gravy is so good, that it can cure what is still aling you from the night before.
THE CHICKEN BOX
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
CUISINE: SOUTHERN COOKING
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
1331 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried chicken
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Collard greens
WHY: A Charlotte hidden gem. This little soul food restaurant will make you smile wider than a fox in a hen house.
