Nothing says welcome to the Charlotte like a mouthwatering plate of pulled pork. While Charlotte, NC boasts of many BBQ restaurants and local joints, it is in Concord, home of Charlotte Motor Speedway, where some of the best BBQ joins are located. Being just a short drive from Charlotte, you cannot go wrong with a quick pit-stop in Concord! Here are our top 5 BBQ picks:

1. R&R BBQ

All-aboard! R&R BBQ is at the station. This train themed BBQ Restaurant is located right off I-85 on Pitts School Road. This local favorite is popular for its eastern North Carolina Style BBQ and legendary Sundrop on tap. Whether you have a craving for a chef salad or a heaping plate full of BBQ, R&R will surely please. The R&R menu is among the most detailed and includes a large variety of classic North Carolina foods. If you're not sure what to order try these favorites! The Foot Long Hot Dog, all the way of course, the Cheeseburger fully loaded, The Sante Fe Patty Melt, or the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. But the real attention is given to R&R's multiple BBQ Plates and Sandwiches. The menu features four different types of BBQ plates: the Engineer's BBQ Plate, Brakeman's BBQ Tray, Conductor's BBQ Plate, and the ever impressive Yardmaster's BBQ Salad. When it comes to R&R BBQ, you just need to know one thing: White or Red Slaw? Hop on board today and visit R&R at 755 Pitts School Rd. Concord, NC 28027.

2. The Smoke Pit

Fire up the smokers, add in a pork shoulder, and you get The Smoke Pit! Since 2014, The Smoke Pit has been serving up Lexington, North Carolina style favorites. From the classic pulled-pork sandwich to the daring chopped brisket sandwich, The Smoke Pit is the top-rated pit stop in Concord. Going on just two years of operation, The Smoke Pit has already been named the best restaurant in Cabarrus County. In less than a year, The Smoke Pit went from 30 daily guests to nearly 700 on any given day! The menu features a variety of food including BBQ loaded "Spuds," daily smoked BBQ plates, ribs, jumbo chicken wings, and the award-winning Sandwich plates. Not only does this popular eatery boast in its smoked meats, but it also features the one and only Si Robertson Sweet Tea, perfect with any plate of BBQ. The Smoke Pit is located off Highway 29 and is conveniently next to The Stock Market, a small meat emporium specializing in select cuts of Angus beef, pork, duck, and freshly caught and frozen seafood. And if you're looking for BBQ to cater, look no further, The Smoke Pit now offers full catering for any event! Don't miss this mouthwatering Concord pit-stop. Come on in and enjoy the smoky flavors of The Smoke Pit at 796 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC 28027.

3. Jim N' Nicks BBQ

Located almost exactly 3 miles from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Jim 'N Nicks BBQ is a local favorite. The food chain is well known all over the Southeast for its one-of-a-kind slow-smoked pork shoulder. Whether the delicious buttered rolls or the famous pulled pork, Jim 'N Nicks has some of the best BBQ to offer! The menu is full of truly delicious options including the Classic Pulled-Pork Sandwich, Carolina Style Pork, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Smoked Ham, and much more! Even though it is a franchised food chain, it caters to the local tastes so you can be assured it exemplifies the BBQ taste of Concord. Not to mention the friendly staff and servers make this pit-stop a formidable eatery. Don't be fooled, this establishment offers some of the best Pulled-Pork in the Carolinas. So take advantage of your time in Concord and make a pit-stop at Jim 'N Nicks BBQ located at 7791 Gateway Ln. NW Concord, NC 28027.

4. Troutman's BBQ

Established in 1968, Troutman's BBQ is one of the oldest pit-smoked BBQ joints in Concord. Located in the heart of the historic downtown Concord, this pit-stop happily serves guests specialty BBQ dishes, classic North Carolina favorites, and even offers an extensive breakfast menu. This pit-stop even offers BBQ by the pound for those who cannot get enough of the deliciously hand made sandwiches and slow smoked pork shoulders. Among the sandwiches, locals have a large craving for the Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Chuckwagon Sandwich, Big-T Cheeseburger, the 2-Hot Dog Sandwich plate, and many others. When it comes to BBQ, Troutman's understands the process involved in making the best tasting BBQ and it proudly boasts in this. Just try the Chopped BBQ or Sliced BBQ sandwich and see for yourself why this pit-stop has been serving customers for almost 50 years! Make this a must-see pit-stop and venture over to Troutman's BBQ at 362 Church Street N. Concord, NC 28025! 

5. Red Pig Cafe

Last in our list, but certainly not least, is the Red Pig Cafe. The Cafe is known for its quick and convenient food served with a smile. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will please no matter what time of day you make a pit-stop here. The menu is fully loaded with North Carolina classics like the "all-the-way" hot dog, Chuck Wagon Sandwich, Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Chicken melt, and many others! The BBQ menu is equally as impressive as the classic North Carolina selections. Featured on the menu is the BBQ plate which includes hickory smoked pulled pork served with the unique Red Pig Sauce, Red Slaw, and hush-puppies. They also include BBQ Chicken plates, Grilled Pork Tenderloin plates, Hamburger Steak plates, and Hickory Smoked Ham plates. No matter what you're in the mood for, this Pit-Stop will be sure to tickle your taste buds! Stop in today at 1480 Concord Pkwy N. Concord, NC 28025 and experience the Red Pig Cafe for yourself!

We hope that this list comes in handy as you're searching for the best BBQ in Charlotte. While some of these places are not given much recognition, they are sure to be an instant favorite. Whether you find yourself at the mouthwatering Smoke Pit, or make a stop at Troutman's BBQ, these Pit-Stops will give you a new appreciation of the North Carolina way of eating! Enjoy!