May 17, 2022
May is National Barbecue Month, and in Cabarrus County, this is as much a challenge as a celebration. With excellent barbecue joints — each featuring their own specialty — it’s easy to satisfy a craving for something sweet and smoky here. Check out these ideas of places to eat, a savory souvenir and a must-attend event, all centered around finger-lickin’ North Carolina BBQ.
BBQ Restaurants in Cabarrus County
Browse below for a sampling of local barbecue joints serving up smoky goodness with classic Southern sides.
Field House Bar-B-Que, Kannapolis
Field House has served up some of Kannapolis’ best for nearly 25 years. It also has a good selection of salads and seafood, such as oyster po’ boys and fried flounder sandwiches for those who crave something a little different.
We Recommend: Dessert! With the excellent pastry and ice cream selections, you won’t want to fill up too early.
Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers, Concord
Johnny Roger’s, run by a local family with a long-standing love for barbecue, was crowned the champion of the inaugural Cabarrus Burger Madness competition in 2021 with their winning Candied G.O.A.T. Burger. Here, you can get your barbecue in a sandwich, on a platter or in a bowl.
We Recommend: Fat Boys BBQ Sauce, the family’s special recipe for Eastern North Carolina vinegar BBQ sauce.
Mt. Pleasant Smokehouse, Mt. Pleasant
In addition to the tried-and-true barbecue options, Mt. Pleasant Smokehouse has additions like a cheesesteak, a Cuban and — our mouths are watering — a grilled cheese and brisket sandwich. Whether guests are barbecue purists or up for something a little different, this family-friendly restaurant offers it all.
We Recommend: Red Neck Nachos. How do you make nachos even better? Add BBQ.
Pharr Mill BBQ & Brewing, Harrisburg
Find craft beer and craft barbecue at this tasty Harrisburg hot spot. Made on-site, their brisket, pulled pork, and ribs make up a menu of delicious sandwiches, plates, tacos, and nachos. These smoked dishes pair perfectly with Pharr Mill BBQ & Brewing’s variety of hoppy and fruited ales, stouts, sours, and seltzers.
We Recommend: Described as “rich, juicy and delicious,” the beef ribs are hard to resist. Get them while they last!
R&R Bar-B-Que, Concord
R&R is famous for its Eastern North Carolina-style pork BBQ. If you’re in the mood for beef brisket, be sure to come on Tuesday or Friday. But fair warning — when they run out of brisket, they run out. So consider coming early — the brisket is worth the wait.
We Recommend: Pair your brisket with the fried corn on the cob. Mmm.
The Smoke Pit, Concord
The Smoke Pit combines two great loves of Cabarrus County — barbecue and NASCAR. Devin Barbee entered the BBQ biz after retiring from NASCAR; his partner, Joey Graham, created a menu inspired by the barbecue greats — the Carolinas, Texas, Kansas City, Memphis and Florida. They believe that good meat means no shortcuts: They butcher their own meat and smoke it for up to 18 hours.
We Recommend: The burnt ends, whether in a sandwich or on a plate. Can’t lose.
Take Home a Taste of Cabarrus
Angel’s Share Meat Liquor is an award-winning barbecue sauce made locally in Midland, North Carolina.
This unique condiment is created by blending award-winning bourbon, also made locally at neighboring Southern Grace Distilleries. Choose from five different flavors ranging from the original honey-chipotle bourbon blend to a tangy mustard-based sauce. Angel’s Share is available at several local spots, including Union Street Market in downtown Concord, the Southern Grace gift shop and in the Cabarrus County Visitor Center.
Jiggy With The Piggy Festival, Kannapolis: May 2024
Recognized as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, Jiggy With The Piggy is a barbecue celebration in Kannapolis featuring a Kansas City Barbecue Society Competition — where, in a way, the biggest winners are the taste-testers. With teams from across the country participating, this is one of the largest sanctioned events by the KCBS in the United States. A limited number of tickets for the People’s Choice Pork Tasting Contest are available for those who want to sample ‘que from the competing teams.
The festival goes beyond smoked meat, though — More than 100 artisans showcase and sell their art, kids can go on rides in the Kid’s Zone, and the celebration also includes free concerts and fireworks. And best of all? The festival is free to the public. Mark your calendar to visit Kannapolis for the festival in 2024!
Plan Your Barbecue Bonanza
Ready to plan your trip to Cabarrus County? Between bites of barbecue, find fun for your whole crew. Check out our local’s guide to Cabarrus County for a little inspiration.
