6 North Carolina Eateries Named Among America's 'Top 100 BBQ Spots' In 2024

It's nearly summertime, which means barbecue season is nearly upon us, and nothing compliments long summer days surrounded by family and friends better than piling up a plate full of all your barbecue favorites.

Yelp recently compiled a list of the Top 100 Barbecue Spots in 2024, finding the absolute best BBQ joints around the country that are worth stopping by to sample smoky meats, flavorful sauces and delicious sides that are out of this world. Among the list are six restaurants found around North Carolina:

• No. 7: Haywood Smokehouse (Waynesville)
• No. 32: Midwood Smokehouse (Charlotte)
• No. 34: Prime Barbecue (Knightdale)
• No. 61: The Smoke Pit (Concord)
• No. 78: Smokehouse at Steve's (Graham)
• No. 92: 12 Bones Smokehouse – River (Asheville)

Here's what Yelp had to say about Haywood Smokehouse:

"Known for 'smoky and moist' brisket with 'perfect' bar, this spot is so good that it can be 'crowded at 4:30 on a Wednesday.' So good that its sister location in Dillsboro was singled out by Yelpers for the top brisket in the entire country. And founder Joe Beasley says his ribs are just as good. 'They're the very best we can make,' using the largest St. Louis-style ribs they can find, he says."

Check out Yelp's full list to see more of the best barbecue restaurants around the country. You can also read up on our previous coverage of the "best BBQ spot" in the state.