ChowNow Loves Local: Celebrate BBQ in the Queen City

Hey all you Charlotte BBQ lovers! For one weekend only, ChowNow is teaming up with five local hot spots to offer their limited-time take on the classic BBQ sandwich. From macaroni and ribs to spicy jalapenos and blue cheese slaw, this list will leave you hungry to order. Not in the area? No problem? Download the ChowNow app to see what local spots are serving up in your city.

 

The Big Merts MacRib Sandwich

Mert’s Heart + Soul

The Big Merts MacRib Sandwich

James Bazelle and his team at Merts Heart + Soul have created a hearty, cheesy, and smoky sandwich that perfectly complements the rest of their menu. Beef short ribs are smoked with Merts BBQ sauce and topped with their award-winning mac n cheese on a soft potato roll. “I call it low county southern cooking,” said James Bazelle in an interview with Brittany Walters-Colden. Curious about what else is cooking behind the counter? Order the Soul Sampler with your MacRib Sandwich to try a variety of favorites like the soul roll, fried chicken wings, salmon cake, and cornbread.

 

Smoked BBQ Sandwich

Lincoln’s Haberdashery

Smoked BBQ Sandwich

If you like BBQ with an upscale spin, Lincoln’s Haberdashery has you covered. Their Smoked BBQ Sandwich is filled to the brim with pork shank and an Asian papaya slaw on a salted sorghum butter cornbread brioche roll. We suggest adding a mimosa kit to elevate the dine-at-home experience. When choosing to dine-in at the restaurant, be sure to leave a little extra time to explore. From themed celebrity prayer candles to an impressive wine selection, this spot will keep you on your toes. 

 

Horace’s BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken

Horace’s BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken is our mystery guest here on the Charlotte BBQ Sandwiches list. That’s right – without a storefront and hidden messages throughout the website, Horace’s Hot Fried Chicken has secretly taken the city by storm. Yelp users warn that at peak hours it’s nearly impossible to place an order due to the high volume of diners, so make sure to place your order early! The featured BBQ Chicken Sandwich contains their famous hot fried thigh, smoked blue cheese, and kale slaw. This is served with Horace’s white BBQ sauce and smokey bacon braised collards.

 

Buffalo Rubbed Pork ‘Que

JJ’s Red Hots

Buffalo Rubbed Pork ‘Que

Father and son duo Jon and Jonathan Luther founded JJ’s Red Hots with the aspiration of one thing – to make the world’s best hot dogs. And they have. That’s why a side of sausage or a ‘JJ’s Number 1 Red Hot’ is the perfect addition to the fourth partnering sandwich on the list: the Buffalo Rubbed Pork ‘Que. Loaded with fried jalapenos, blue cheese slaw, and buffalo-style vinegar sauce on a Martins Bun, this sandwich is packed full of locally sourced and house-made ingredients. “We believe that serving you is a privilege,” as mentioned on their website, “how do you like that for old school?”

 

Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Reid’s Fine Foods

Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Reid’s Fine Foods was first opened in 1928 and happens to be the original deli-grocer serving the Charlotte area. Many of the locals frequent this North Carolina staple, and news outlets excitedly report every time a new location opens up. For BBQ Week, Reid’s featured sandwich is a perfectly balanced combination of sweet and spicy. Honey BBQ Pulled Pork is topped with red cabbage slaw, sliced jalapenos, and fresh cilantro on a fluffy brioche bun. We recommend ordering a side of fresh fruit to munch on between bites. 

 

 

How was your trip around the city? If you visit each of these restaurants, be sure to take photos and tag @chownow for a chance to be featured on our Instagram page before the week is out. We’d love to share your Charlotte BBQ Week journey with our friends across the US. Oh, and don’t forget to order through ChowNow! This keeps more money in your pocket and away from third-party delivery apps that charge unnecessary hidden fees. 

 


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Images by Various | Editing by Kristen Reames