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Pit Stop Top 25 List

Welcome to the Pit Stop Top 25 BBQ List — our curated selection of the best barbecue across North Carolina and beyond. These are the spots that earned an 85 or higher on our Pit Stop Scorecard, representing exceptional taste, smoke, juiciness, sides, sauces, and overall experience. As longtime NC natives with a lifelong love for barbecue, we’ve traveled near and far, tasting and testing, and these are the places that truly stand out. Whether you’re chasing perfectly smoked brisket, tender pulled pork, or the ribs that make you close your eyes in delight, this list is your ultimate guide to the BBQ destinations worth the trip.

Number 1

Noble Smoke BBQ in Charlotte NC

Noble Smoke Charlotte, NC

Score 93.75

Number 2

Pop's Smokehouse Cherokee, NC

Score 93.50

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Haywood Smokehouse Dillsboro, NC

Score 93

Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro, North Carolina, showing the rustic wooden exterior and parking area with customers outside.

Number 3

Number 4

Sweet Lew's BBQ, Charlotte NC

Score 90.25

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Number 5

Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby, North Carolina, featuring the classic mid-20th century barbecue restaurant façade

Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge Shelby, NC

Score 90

Number 6

Hannah's BBQ South Granite Falls, NC

Score 87

Hannah's BBQ South Granite Falls NC

Number 7

Big Tiny's BBQ

Mooresville, NC

Score 86

Front view of Big Tiny’s BBQ in Mooresville, North Carolina, showing the historic brick building and entrance with BBQ sign

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