
Midwood Smokehouse
A Charlotte institution for Texas-style BBQ, slow-smoked for 24 hours over hickory. Known for its tender brisket, burnt ends, and unique menu twists.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Midwood Smokehouse

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Charlotte institution for Texas-style BBQ, slow-smoked for 24 hours over hickory. Known for its tender brisket, burnt ends, and unique menu twists.
"This place is a must-try for BBQ lovers, with melt-in-your-mouth brisket and ribs that are simply the best!"
Share Big Portions
Consider sharing larger items like the Beef Rib or sampler platter to enjoy more of the menu.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and potentially reduce wait times for seating and service.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Texas-Style BBQ
Slow-smoked brisket and burnt ends, cooked for 24 hours over hickory logs, deliver fall-off-the-fork tender perfection.

Unique Queso Birriabecue Tacos
A creative twist on a classic, these tacos offer a fusion of Mexican and BBQ flavors, a must-try innovation.

Family-Friendly Roadhouse Vibe
A casual yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for families and groups to enjoy hearty BBQ in a welcoming setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Share Big Portions
Consider sharing larger items like the Beef Rib or sampler platter to enjoy more of the menu.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and potentially reduce wait times for seating and service.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers can offer great suggestions for standout dishes like burnt ends or signature wings.
Parking Challenges
Be aware that parking can be difficult during peak times, especially on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Share Big Portions
Consider sharing larger items like the Beef Rib or sampler platter to enjoy more of the menu.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and potentially reduce wait times for seating and service.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers can offer great suggestions for standout dishes like burnt ends or signature wings.
Parking Challenges
Be aware that parking can be difficult during peak times, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Midwood Smokehouse is consistently praised for its authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, with brisket and burnt ends being standout favorites. Diners rave about the tender meats and flavorful sides, as well as the welcoming, casual atmosphere. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention the BBQ sauce being a bit weak, though the meat itself is lauded for standing on its own.
"This restaurant topped every bad restaurant we tried on our visit to Charlotte this weekend for the Kendrick concert. The food was EXCELLENT! The service was even better! Our server Reese was on point, extremely professional, and overall just a great server! The manger Dustin was very personable and even offered us a free dessert that was truly delectable! I would strongly recommend them over and over! I wish I could give them 10 stars! Thank you to the staff for helping our food journey in Charlotte not be so bleak! Lol"
Briana Jones-Elliott
"When a place is this crowded on Saturday afternoon, you know it’s gonna be good! Portion size is huge! Prices are reasonable and this staff is amazing! Ask for Avery.
Definitely get the pimento cheese fries! Out of this world good. With brisket or BBQ it’s enough for a meal."
Ashley Wilkinson
"Midwood Smokehouse really delivers if you’re craving barbecue. The ribs had a perfect smoky bark and came off the bone just right. The pulled pork was tender and full of flavor without being covered up in sauce. The sides were just as good with collard greens that had a nice tang, hush puppies that were crisp on the outside and soft inside, and beans that were hearty and rich.
The sauces were fun to try but the meat stood on its own. They also have a great beer selection which makes it an even better spot to hang out. Portions are generous, the service is friendly, and it all feels like classic barbecue done right. I’ll definitely be back."
David Botts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The brisket and burnt ends are highly recommended, known for their tenderness and smoky flavor. Unique options like queso birriabecue tacos are also popular.
Yes, the restaurant has a casual and vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for families and large groups.
Yes, Midwood Smokehouse offers vegetarian selections on their menu, with sides like broccoli casserole and skillet cornbread being popular choices.
To avoid crowds and ensure quicker seating, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours. Parking can also be challenging during busy periods.
Yes, large platters like the sampler are available and are great for trying multiple items, though they can be quite generous in portion size.
While the meats are the main stars, some reviews suggest the BBQ sauce is a bit weak. However, the quality of the smoked meats stands on its own.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 10 Best Restaurants In South Charlotte North Carolina
South Charlotte’s Midwood Smokehouse is a landmark barbecue restaurant celebrated for its casual roadhouse atmosphere, its finger-licking good barbecue sauce, and its ‘burnt ends.’ James Beard Foundation award winner Robb Walsh helped conceptualize the culinary personality of Midwood Smokehouse by reinterpreting the techniques of pit masters from Kansas City, Texas, Memphis and Florida to suit the Charlottean style. The smoker used here is custom built and burns hardwood hickory logs 24/7 – so you know your meat will be fall-off-the-fork tender.
The 10 Best Eating Neighborhoods in Charlotte, Ranked
Charlotte’s foodie oasis is full of creative culinary surprises and some of the best dishes you’ll find within city limits. What’s best about this artsy hipster hood is that every establishment here offers up a humble, local feel with its food. Trendy spots like Soul Gastrolounge offer up artisan small plates to keep your senses guessing, while Midwood Smokehouse delivers all the mouthwatering barbecue you’ve been searching for.
11 Best Spots for BBQ in Charlotte
This fast-growing barbecue powerhouse is where barbecue fans come to worship at the church of smoked beef brisket, St. Louis-style pork ribs, snappy sausages and barbecue-seasoned salmon, among other favorites. The restaurant mastered the classics but the chef isn’t afraid to innovate: Be sure to try the queso birriabecue tacos, a twist on the Mexican dish.
These Are the Best Barbecue Spots in Charlotte, North Carolina
Owned by local restaurateur Frank Scibelli, the original location of Midwood Smokehouse opened in the funky Plaza Midwood neighborhood in 2011. It has since expanded to four other locations throughout the metro-Charlotte area. It’s a local favorite for its carefully smoked meats (the all-wood smoker burns 24 hours a day) and tasty sides.
11 of the best nachos spots in Charlotte, NC to celebrate National Nachos Day - CharlotteFive
This BBQ joint’s Nachos Libre with Chopped Pork ($10.99) is so beautiful to feast your eyes upon that it actually lures folks from surrounding tables to get up and come into your personal space to gaze at your entree. (No joke, this actually happened. I’m a nice person so I gave them a bite off my plate.). What to expect: A beast portion of tortilla chips that are topped with diced tomatoes, black beans, smoked corn, cilantro, cheddar, diced jalapenos, queso and a heavy drizzle of spicy habanero sauce with lime sour cream.
BBQ Restaurants in Charlotte | Barbecue in Charlotte, NC
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood, Montford, Huntersville and Ballantyne. Restaurateur Frank Scibelli toured barbecue joints throughout Texas, picking up invaluable tips before debuting his popular concept, Midwood Smokehouse, in Charlotte. The cooks on Midwood’s culinary team each attend a professional brisket school where they learn the tricks of the trade (including how to burn hickory logs 24 hours a day) to slow-smoke the restaurant’s Texas-style brisket and burnt ends.Claim to fame: Brisket and burnt ends
What to Eat in Charlotte
If Carolina-style barbecue is what you're after, head to Sweet Lew's, Midwood Smokehouse, Mac's Speed Shop or Noble Smoke. Though there are plenty of traditional Southern eateries in the Queen City, more and more restaurants are offering contemporary takes on classics like grits and blackened catfish. Leah & Louise, which opened in the city's new Camp North End development, is one example that's earned positive reviews for its tasty dishes inspired by the Lower Mississippi River Valley.
Fun Places To Eat In Charlotte
Midwood Smoke House is a roadhouse-like dining place offering regional BBQ specialties with three setups covering the prime locations of Charlotte. You can enjoy a variety of alcohols, beers, wines and cocktails at the onsite bar while the menu is vast with an option of organic and vegetarian selections. The famous dishes of Midwood Smoke House are Beef Briskets and burnt ends, baked beans and pulled chicken.
Best BBQ in Charlotte North Carolina at 16 Barbecue Joints |
Things to know: There are a variety of locations across Charlotte including Plaza Midwood, Ballantyne, Birkdale Villgae, and Park Road Shopping Center. Why we like it: It was the first barbecue restaurant we ever visited in Charlotte, and they catered our wedding!. What to order: Bacon wrapped jalapenos, pimento cheese fries, nachos libre, barbecue plate or a sandwich, with a side of collard greens
Best of Charlotte Barbecue - Barbecue Bros
Midwood Smokehouse years ago become the ever-reliable above-average chain barbecue in Charlotte, and has continued to evolve the menu towards Tex-Mex after Miguel Vidal of Valentina’s Tex-Mex Barbecue in Austin consulted with them back in 2020; he even has his own queso on the menu named simply enough “Miguel’s Queso.” But the proteins are still there. Multiple locations midwoodsmokehouse.com
The Ultimate Summer Weekend Guide for Charlotte, NC
Just before arriving at our vegetarian friends’ house, Michael and I made one more meaty stop for lunch at Midwood Smokehouse. This being the Carolinas, BBQ is a hotly debated topic in the region, and despite everyone having a favorite spot, you’ll never be able to determine which place is the best. But I can say that we completely cleared our plate at Midwood Smokehouse.
Best American restaurants in Charlotte [2024]
Address: 540 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209Phone:+1 (980) 237-7929Website:midwoodsmokehouse.comDetails: $$, Barbecue restaurant. Midwood Smokehouse in Charlotte offers a remarkable dining experience, showcasing the best of American cuisine. From the moment you step in, the staff greets you warmly, ensuring your first-time visit or any subsequent one is memorable.
27 Best Restaurants in Charlotte
1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205704-295-4227 Visit Website. Midwood Smokehouse, in Plaza Midwood, is where I always go when I want some quality North Carolina BBQ. As previously mentioned, North Carolina nails the Southern pimento cheese, so my go-to appetizer is an order of pimento cheese fries. When I’m feeling indulgent, I add chopped brisket on top.
Barbecue Places in Charlotte North Carolina
Midwood Smokehouse, located in the center of Charlotte, is a shining example of Southern barbecue perfection. With its inconspicuous façade and inviting vibe, arriving inside feels like visiting a beloved neighborhood hangout. The scent of slow-smoked meats permeates the air, enticing the senses and preparing the palate for a delicious eating experience.
The 10 best places to get BBQ in Charlotte, mapped
Midwood Smokehouse, which opened its doors in 2011, is one of the newer barbecue establishments in Charlotte. But in its seven years of service, it has already cemented its status as a local favorite!. Using an all-wood smoker, Midwood Smokehouse burns hickory logs 24 hours a day to produce that incredible and oh-so-rare slow-smoked taste.
World Eats | Charlotte, North Carolina
Enter Mathew Barry, the executive pit master at Midwood Smokehouse. I learned very quickly that he prefers to be called pit master as opposed to chef. Chatting with Remy Thurston, director of marketing for the FS Food Group which Midwood Smokehouse is a part of, I asked him if I was correct in referencing the Smokehouse as Texas style BBQ.
Important Scoop. What are the Best Kid & Pet Friendly Patios in Charlotte?
What to expect: Dad might love this one the most, but all four Charlotte-area locations offer kid-friendly fare in a relaxed atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Kids menu options include chicken tenders, cheeseburger slider or a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, served with a side and a kids drink. Don’t forget about dessert.
The 11 Best BBQ Places In Charlotte
Midwood Smokehouse is a popular Charlotte BBQ joint with four locations in the QC. The restaurant's flagship location is located in Plaza Midwood on Central Ave., and made headlines in 2016 when President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stopped here to have lunch while on the campaign trail.
The 5 Best Barbecue Joints in Charlotte – December 2023
Midwood Smokehouse did open a location in Raleigh this year, but otherwise seems to have smartly slowed down when it comes to expansion. That allows them to maintain consistency of barbecue being pumped out of the onsite J&R Oyler wood-fired smokers at each site. Multiple locations midwoodsmokehouse.com
5 of the Best BBQ Joints in Charlotte, North Carolina
Opened in 2011, Midwood Smokehouse is already a legend in Charlotte. Specializing in Texas-style barbecue, this spot even has a custom pit that smokes meat 24 hours a day. Founder Scibelli did his research, working with pitmasters in a number of states before opening Midwood Smokehouse.
The 7 Best Places For Ribs In Charlotte
With three locations in Charlotte, you won’t be too far away from Midwood Smokehouse’s tasty bbq. Their St Louis ribs come served dry or sauced, so you can order exactly the sort of rib you prefer. The meat is super succulent and literally will drop off the bone as you pick them up.
The Top Spots for Carolina BBQ in Charlotte
Do you want to taste a crispy BBQ dish cooked by the best pitmasters in Charlotte?. Then Midwood Smokehouse is the place to go. This BBQ spot serves crispy barbeque made from smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, giving you a wide variety of options to choose from.
Charlotte Nightlife: 14 Best Activities, Bars, Clubs & More
Check out some bars like Thomas Street Tavern, Workman’s Friend, and Snug Harbor. Start the evening with bacon-wrapped jalapenos at the Midwood Smokehouse. After bar-hopping, go dancing at Soul Gastrolounge while sipping a cocktail and sharing an order of delicious pork tacos.
15 Things You Should Eat In Charlotte Before You Die
Everyone knows that the barbecue in North Carolina is unlike anything you can find anywhere else, but Midwood Smokehouse gives it a Texas twist. This Texas-style Angus bone on a beef rib is served with your choice of two southern sides that will have your taste buds blooming.
The 15 Best BBQ in Charlotte, North Carolina
Midwood Smokehouse has special brisket that has burnt ends for the extra crisp to go with the tenderness of the meat. This combination of meat with smoke can melt your mouth if you wish to travel here. They have a great setup that allows big parties to enjoy dinner together.
10 Best Restaurants To Visit In Charlotte, NC
Midwood Smokehouse is considered one of the best restaurants in Charlotte because of its barbecue. The proteins are smoked to a juicy tenderness over local hickory wood. The BBQ chain also prioritizes using fresh ingredients in its Southern cuisine-inspired side dishes.
Best Lunch In Charlotte, NC
Feast on authentic barbecue at Midwood Smokehouse in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. This beloved barbecue joint offers a menu of slow-smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. You’ll get classic sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans.
24 Best Things To Do In Charlotte, North Carolina
After you've worked up an appetite, grab some Carolina barbeque at Midwood Smokehouse. The restaurant's tasty offerings, including their signature brisket, ribs, and burnt ends, have a celebrity following. midwoodsmokehouse.com, 1401 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
North Charlotte Hosts First Night Market To Celebrate Asian Culture
As a Charlotte resident, we are sure you have heard of Midwood Smokehouse many times just living here. They have their famous Midwood Wings that everyone is raving about. You can get their famous wings smoked or crispy, dry rubbed or sauced, whichever you prefer.
The 4 best barbecue spots in Charlotte — plus 4 more worth the drive
Homegrown favorite with five locations — Plaza Midwood (OG), Park Road Shopping Center, Ballantyne, Birkdale Village and Columbia, SC. Pork analysis: The meat is smoky and crispy with pork skin cracklins worked in. The burnt ends are also a must-try.
Delicious Charlotte BBQ
Midwood Smokehouse is among the most esteemed barbecue places near Charlotte. Their traditional menu is loaded with delectable sandwiches, classic BBQ plates, and even tacos!. This barbecue restaurant also offers catering and even group-to-go menus.
Drive the Kids to These 4 Favorite Family Restaurants Near Pineville, NC
With a menu that’s heavy on seafood and barbecue, Midwood Smokehouse is a favorite for both families and friends. The restaurant offers a variety of entrees, including chicken, steak, and ribs. It also has some of the best burgers in town.
48 Hours in Charlotte: Your Two-Day Itinerary
If you’re in the mood for Southern BBQ you’ve got several options, including Midwood Smokehouse, Sauceman’s and Mac’s Speed Shop. Everyone’s got their favorite, but they’re all delicious, and you really can’t go wrong at any of them.
50 Best Restaurants in Charlotte: 2018
Lots of folks argue that Charlotte isn’t a barbecue town, but the crowds at Midwood Smokehouse with platters of smoked pork and traditional sides say otherwise. > Here’s some backstory on the coveted Burnt Ends at Midwood Smokehouse.
Highest-rated Barbecue Restaurants in Charlotte
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (301 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Barbecue, American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277- Read more on Tripadvisor
7 Stand-Out Barbecue Spots in Charlotte
In 2011, restaurateur Frank Scibelli opened Midwood Smokehouse to merge Texas and North Carolina barbecue experiences. Five more locations followed, stretching from Charlotte to Raleigh to Columbia, South Carolina.
The Best Places to Eat in Charlotte, NC: A Food Lover’s Guide
If you’re craving authentic Carolina BBQ, look no further than Midwood Smokehouse. With multiple locations around Charlotte, this BBQ joint is famous for its smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Top 50 Places To Eat in Charlotte
😋 #pork #ribs #bbq #cheerwine #sauce #lunch #eatingwithfriends #yummy #oinkoink #clteats #plazamidwood #clt #stickyfingers. A photo posted by Jay Brabbs (@jaybrabbs) on Dec 11, 2016 at 1:36pm PST
Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte
Ribs, brisket, pulled pork—all smoked to perfection in a casual, welcoming space. Great for family-style dining with plenty of sides to share. It’s a must-visit for any Charlotte barbecue tour.
5 Of The Best BBQ Joints In Charlotte
Since opening in 2011, Midwood Smokehouse has grown into a Charlotte staple for delicious barbecue. With hickory logs burning all day, Midwood serves up Texas-style BBQ closer to home.
25 Best Restaurants in Charlotte, NC for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1401 Central AvenueCharlotte, NC 28205(704) 295-4227 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Midwood Smokehouse is a relaxed restaurant serving BBQ dishes and classic sides.
American - Restaurants in Charlotte NC
Midwood Smokehouse Barbecue is strongly rooted in the BBQ traditions of both the Carolinas and Texas. Whole hog, beef brisket and other smoked meats are...
15 best mac and cheese dishes in Charlotte
About the mac: Their classic mac has that thick, homemade-feeling consistency ($3.50). Just what you want with pulled pork and coleslaw.
Lunch in Charlotte NC
Midwood Smokehouse: great BBQ, but more TX style than NC style. Get the "burnt ends" and save room for banana pudding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit