ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

The Great BBQ Debate: North Carolina Has 4 Cities In Top 100

Here in North Carolina, we are serious about our BBQ. Not only that we pride ourselves on it. Whether it’s eastern or western NC, we do it well. And yes…

BBQ North Carolina
MarinaZg/Getty Images Plus

Here in North Carolina, we are serious about our BBQ. Not only that we pride ourselves on it. Whether it's eastern or western NC, we do it well. And yes there are other areas of the country that think they are better, but we know the truth. While there are countless places to get mouth-watering bbq across the state one city that comes to mind first, at least for me, is Lexington. And shockingly they did not make this list. But before you go grab your pitchforks there is a good reason for that. This list is based on the 200 largest US cities, which is a category Lexington doesn't fall into. There are other nearby locales that are eligible for these rankings though! The list was created by LawnLove and ranks cities based on their BBQ, though North Carolina didn't rank as high as my biased opinion says it should have.

According to LawnLove rankings were based on award-winning barbecue restaurants, experience hosting a “master-level” competition, multiple barbecue festivals, and high ratings, among others. The highest ranking NC city was actually Raleigh, NC. And as a former resident who still considers the city my second home I can probably see it. The Pit is a Raleigh staple BBQ restaurant. But if we are talking quantity I think Charlotte outshines them. And then there's the triad. Where did the NC cities rank? Keep reading to see the top 20 BBQ Cities (according to LawnLove) and where each of the North Carolina cities ranked.

Read the full article here.

Top 20 BBQ Cities In America

20. Honolulu, HI

Honolulurebelml/Getty Images Plus

19. Des Moines, IO

IowaOleksii Liskonih/Getty Images Plus

18. Montgomery, AL

MontogomerySean Pavone/Getty Images Plus

17. Savannah, GA

GeorgiaSean Pavone/Getty Images Creative

16. Tampa. FL

TampaSean Pavone/Getty Images Plus

15. Raleigh, NC

Best Companies RaleighGetty Images Creative

14. Minneapolis, MN

MinneapolisRudyBalasko/Getty Images Plus

13. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OHaceshot/Getty Images Plus

12. Richmond, VA

VirginiaSeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Creative

11. Little Rock, AR

ArkansasSean Pavone/Getty Images Creative

10. Houston, TX

Houston, TXScott Halleran/Getty Images

9. Chattanooga, TN

ChattanoogaKruck20/Getty Images Plus

8. Austin, TX

AustinTom Pennington/Getty Images

7. Kansas City, KS

Liberty Memorial and Union Station aerial views, downtown Kansas CityGetty Images/Samantha Ward

6. Overland Park, KS

Overland Park KSSebastian Bodemer/Getty Images Plus

5. Orlando, FL

Orlandorabbit75_ist/Getty Images

4. Springfield, MO

Springfield MOtedpagel/Getty Images Plus

3. Chicago, IL

ChicagoQuinn Harris/Getty Images

2. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City MOSean Pavone/Getty Images Plus

1. St. Louis, MO

Missourif11photo/Getty Images Plus

North Carolina BBQ Cities

Raleigh previously mentioned at #15

39. Charlotte

CharlotteMyles Gelbach/Getty Images Plus

44. Fayetteville, NC

FayettevileChrisBoswell/Getty Images Plus

92. Durham, NC

Durham NCSean Pavone/Getty Images Plus

115. Cary, NC

Cary NCvalerie/Getty Images Plus

130. Winston Salem, NC

Winston SalemKruck20/Getty Images Plus

176. Greensboro, NC

Greensboro skylineRaynor Garey/Getty Images
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.