One Of North Carolina’s Most Popular Restaurants Now Open In Charlotte Airport
North Carolina residents aren’t the only ones who love Midwood Smokehouse. President Obama and Justin Timberlake are just two of the big names that have paid the BBQ restaurant a visit when in the Queen City. So it only makes sense that Midwood Smokehouse, one of North Carolina’s most popular restaurants is now open in the Charlotte Airport.
You’ll find the BBQ joint in Concourse B right next to Starbucks. The menu is of course modified from the full-service restaurants but still offers most of the favorites you know and love. Including lots and lots of barbeque and smoked meats, along with delicious sides. See a map of the exact location and get more info here.
Midwood Smokehouse is one of the most popular BBQ restaurants in Charlotte and beyond with locations in the Queen City, Huntersville, Raleigh, and Columbia (South Carolina). It is one of several new restaurants popping up in the Charlotte airport recently. Others include Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, The Waterman, and one of the most popular breweries in all of Charlotte Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. It’s nice to give travelers, even those just passing through, a taste of Charlotte. As someone who likes to get to the airport very early and grab a bite to eat and a drink before my flight, I love seeing all these fun options!
Makes me want to book a flight somewhere soon. For research purposes of course. What would you like to see added to the Charlotte airport that represents North Carolina and the Queen City?
8 North Carolina BBQ Restaurants Included In Southern Living's Top 50
We talk about it often- North Carolina BBQ. You probably have a favorite- Eastern or Western style. But regardless of which you prefer the state takes great pride in our smoked pork and other meats. So when Southern Living Magazine releases its yearly top 50 Barbecue Joints, we’ve come to expect a certain amount of representation. This year, that means 8 local institutions. Yes 8 North Carolina BBQ restaurants were included on Southern Living’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints for 2023.
Eastern vs. Western North Carolina BBQ
Your preference for Eastern or Western will probably influence whether you think their top choice in NC is THE best BBQ restaurant in the state. If you’re new here eastern-style NC BBQ features a vinegar base which makes it lighter, and uses pepper giving it a little spice. On the other end of the state, Western-style or “Lexington” style is made with a sweeter sauce. The sauce is usually made with butter, sugar, and ketchup.
So how exactly where these BBQ joints ranked? Southern Living’s Contributing BBQ Editor Robert Moss, traveled across the South trying as many restaurants as possible. So each of the top 50 restaurants is personally tested and approved by a certified expert. He took into consideration factors such as overall experience, setting, food presentation, sauces, and regional authenticity. Some recognized restaurants are repeats from previous years (if you’re good you’re good!). However, there are also some new additions to the rankings.
It may come as a surprise that North Carolina’s 8 restaurants on the list aren’t the most. That honor goes to Texas who had 14 spots included on this list. I guess everything is bigger in Texas (and they probably have more to choose from!) So take a look below at each of the North Carolina restaurants recognized as the best of the best. Interested in the full list? You can find that here. Thanks to Southern Living for sharing this information with us!
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.