19 of the absolute best BBQ sides in Charlotte

When it comes to barbecue, you might think it’s all about the meat.

You’ve probably got a favorite type (the pork vs. brisket debate is a heated one). And you probably have strong feelings about a particular style of sauce (where are my vinegar fans?).

But while meat might be the main event, there’s one thing that can truly make or break the meal…

The sides.

From macaroni and cheese to coleslaw, the sides are the unsung heroes of the barbecue world, and it’s high time they get the credit they deserve.

So here it is, a comprehensive list of all the barbecue joints in Charlotte and the best sides to order at each.

What to order at Queen City Q

Do you really feel like cooking after the 1st day of school? Kids 10 & under eat for $1 tonight per parent meal. Treat them to yummy Mac & Cheese and your wallet to a night off. #Ballantyne #MatthewsNC #ConcordNC #UptownCLT #CharlotteNC

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Best Mac ‘N Cheese – You don’t call your mac ‘n cheese “the best” unless you know it’s pretty darn good.
Green Bean Casserole – Like Mom’s Thanksgiving specialty, only one step better (don’t tell her we said that).
Corn Maque Choux – Hard to pronounce but worth sounding silly while ordering.

What to order at Midwood Smokehouse

Droolworthy bacon wrapped goodness! #bbq #bacon #clt #charlotte

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Bacon-wrapped Jalapeños – Not your everyday barbecue side but definitely should be.
BBQ Baked Beans – Legitimately some of the best baked beans in the 704 area code.
Pimento Cheese Fries – Do yourself a favor and top these with chopped pork.

What to order at Mac’s Speed Shop

Yum. #moderntrail

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Cheddar Grits – Skip the mac ‘n cheese and go for the grits here. They pair perfectly with the famous Beer Can Chicken.
Baked Potato Salad – Gives regular potato salad a run for its money.

What to order at Bill Spoon’s Barbecue

Bill Spoon’s BBQ in Charlotte, NC Back to the best BBQ and some of the best sweet tea in Charlotte. Large BBQ plate with Mac and Cheese and French Fries #chuckstops #charlotte #nc #clteats #cltfood #spoonsbbq #macandcheese #carbs #bbq #eatlocal #cltlocal #eatdrinkclt #queencity #charlottesgotalot #eat #instagood #amazing #instafood #buzzfeast #forkyeah #eeeeeats #food #foodie #foodporn #foodstgram #foodpics #foodgasm #yum #yummy

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Hushpuppies – Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. They come with everything, and they are bottomless.
Banana Pudding – Not technically a side but so tasty, it’s worth mentioning.

What to order at The Improper Pig

Thanks for giving us a try @aka_roses #beimproper #makeyousqueal #Repost @aka_roses — …been dying to try @theimproperpig 🐽 and finally made it out today 👏🏻 #clt #clteats #bbq #southern #food #hashtag #fries #frieslookinglikehashtags #pulledpork #pork #slaw #sweetpotatofries

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Jalapeño Cheese Grits – Creamy with just the right amount of kick.
Sweet Potato Waffle Fries – There’s something about the waffle shape that makes these better than your average sweet potato fry.

What to order at McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon

McKoys BBQ , much yum #bbq #pulledpork #collardgreens #schoolboyq #fried #okra #hops #ipa #hoppium #beer

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Fried Okra – Perfectly crispy and best served with some of McKoy’s homemade ranch on the side.
Spicy Pinto Beans – A nice deviation from the typical baked beans you find with barbecue.

What to order at Sauceman’s

North Carolina BBQ here we go! #chasingbbq

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Fried Corn on the Cob – I think the name should tell you enough.
Collard Greens – The perfect combo of spicy and sweet; might be the best I’ve ever eaten.
Sugar Biscuits – Trust us, you’ll want to save room for these.

What to order at Seoul Food Meat Co.

Happy December 🌲 it’s the most wonderful time of the year 😆 We are doing a giveaway every week of the month of December!!! (Different prizes every week!) This week we are giving away 2 Seoul food meat co. hats!!! The rules are simple: Simply tag three friends on this photo! We will choose two people at random next Thursday (12/8) the winners will be announced right here on Instagram 👍🏻 There will be a different giveaway every Thursday so keep an eye out!! 😋🍻 📷:@kyohnam

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Soy Pickled Devil Eggs – An Asian twist on a classic barbecue side dish.
Pimento Corn Cheese – If you are a pimento cheese fan, this is a must-order.

(This content was co-created with Charlotte’s got a lot.)