Bar-B-Q King

We have been dying to try this place since we saw it on DDD, and never seem to be in town when it’s open. We finally got to it today and it didn’t disappoint. The service (especially David, who has been there 41 years) was fast and friendly and quick to show up to help with pictures and to show me around the kitchen. Although the outside drive in area is looking a little rough around the edges these days, the kitchen is super clean and they do not mind having you in there. The food was fantastic. So glad we finally got to try this awesome restaurant.

My family has been eating here since '73. Same great food and service since then. Thank you, George, for always keeping your restaurant authentic and original. Some of my best family memories are eating at Bar-B-Q King!!! Don't ever change a thing!!! Everyone will always remember and love this place through many years to come!!! Great service, hot freshly prepared food, and iconic historic landmark. Keep up the great work and my best wishes for continued success to you and your family, My family and I will always enjoy our trips to the famous BAR-B-Q KING!!!!! ❤️ 🖤

The best original North Carolina BBQ I've had in quite a while, and I'm picky. Very friendly folks. BBQ, slaw, hush puppies, and sweet tea were all awesome!

Truly a Charlotte staple! I've been eating at this restaurant with my family since childhood and the great customer service and quality of the food has remained consistent over almost 30 years! Eating here with my child is so nostalgic for me so I always make sure I grab a meal every time I visit family in Charlotte. Highly recommended!

Genuinely one of the beat BBQ in Charlotte, came with some friends and got the BBQ plate and He ordered the fried chicken. It was really good, it tasted like it had a vinegar base which if your new to North Carolina BBQ that's basically one of the main ingredients. The chicken was well cooked crunchy skin but soft and moist inside. Overall I enjoyed my visit and I think if you enjoy BBQ you'll enjoy this place.

I stopped in two weeks ago, about 20 minutes before they closed and placed a quick order. Maybe I came during an off day or something, but between the service and the food it was just not a good combo. I did this thing all last year, where I tried every barbecue joint that I passed across the hole of North Carolina, so I was excited to try this place, and it just did not hit. The barbecue wasn’t very flavorful and the sauce that comes with it was not something that I fancied. I will say that they did include free hush puppies that tasted fairly decent and the fries were good. The tea was also sweetened well so my biggest complaint really is just with the overall service and then the flavoring of the barbecue in the barbecue sauce.

Food was pretty solid, however, in spite of paying with cash (which is cheaper than Credit Card) the server purposely pocketed my extra change for himself. I asked twice what the total was and instead of giving back $4.62 as the math would very easily dictate he kept saying he would only give me $4 back. It's not a lot of money but its the thought and purpose behind it that matters. Beware if you decide to pay in cash. Credit card with a receipt might be the safest route here to avoid any foul play.

I know some people hate the five stars but if a restaurant earn it, I have to give it to them. The food was not greasy no salty. I got some chicken livers and he comes with fries and coleslaw and I also bought the barbecue sandwich and I have to say there is by far one of the best food was ready in a matter of 15 minutes the servant came outside to pick up my order, he was really pleasant to talk to and explain me the menu. Indeed, is a place that I will go back. The prices are very cheap compared to all the restaurants around in the quality of the food is above the price.

My family has been eating here since '73. Same great food and service since then. Thank you, George, for always keeping your restaurant authentic and original. Some of my best family memories are eating at Bar-B-Q King!!! Don't ever change a thing!!! Everyone will always remember and love this place through many years to come!!! Great service, hot freshly prepared food, and iconic historic landmark. Keep up the great work and my best wishes for continued success to you and your family, My family and I will always enjoy our trips to the famous BAR-B-Q KING!!!!!

This no frills drive up dining experience has been around since 1959. There is no ambiance per say but it will take you back in time. The service was quick and friendly. They were surprised when we said we were taking it to go, so I suppose some people eat in their car! There are a lot of parking spaces here too. I ordered the BBQ Plate with chopped pork. I could have finished my plate, but wanted to save room for dessert so left some fries behind. The value is great! I ordered two plates and tipped 20%, which totaled at $30 with the credit card fee. Bring cash if you can to save 3%. As others have noted, the standard sauce is slightly sweet but not overpowering. I enjoyed it and may ask for a spicy version next time. Go support a local restaurant that has stood the test of time!

If you are looking for some great barbecue chicken then look no further than the Bar-B-Q King. This is a car hop that has been in Charlotte for many years. They were on Guy Fury's Diners, Drive-In's and Dives. This an no frills cash or card spot. I had the quarter dark with onion rings and slaw and I ordered some hush puppies on the side and sweet tea. The chicken was juicy, savory and delicious. I will return. I highly recommend you check them out.

Killer hot chicken and great barbecue sandwiches plus the staff are incredibly nice. It's not by accident that this place has been around for so long.

Talk about a blast from the past. With old school drive in service, I felt like I was in the movie Grease. The staff has been here for over 20 years with rich CLT stories and desirable recommendations. Don't let the outward appearances fool you, this restaurant brings in good traffic and within reason. @guyfieri from @foodnetwork has even place his stamp of approval on this staple drive-in. They are infamous for all things bbq but their Po Boy Burger with a side of hush puppies is sure to make you regular. Vintage. Reasonable. Must Try.

BBQ Platter is good. The coleslaw kinda threw me off with the mustard aftertaste, but once I acclimated I was ok with it. The hush puppies are seriously off the chain. The best I've ever had and I've been a hush puppy hound for over 20 years. I would literally just go here for that if you want a dose of hush puppies. No shame in the game here. Love the old school ordering system. Not so hot if you drive a truck or large suv, but I'm very much into the nostalgia. They do accept credit cards but cash is king in these parts. Hush puppy...

Service was incredible and the food is on point! Get the bbq fried chicken wow! Onion rings are homemade and the dipping sauce is the truth. I'll be back and bring more people!

Always the best food in Charlotte! Onion Rings are awesome, Chicken whether fried or barbeque is fabulous, slaw and BBQ Sauce are unbeatable, burgers and filet of fish sandwich are incredible, even their hot dogs and french fries! Always served with a smile whether you pick it up inside or curbside to eat there!! The only reason I don't get there once a week is because I moved to South Carolina - but I try to get there once a month at least!!

had just dropped my lovely bride at the airport and was missing her already. but I still needed a little something to eat before heading home and saw the dicey little barbeque drive-in on the edge of civilization was open so why not try there? it's kind of odd crossing Wilkinson there but I managed to get in just the same. a closer look and the facilities seemed a little time worn but functional and my nose knows the kitchen is open so I found a spot and waited to see what happened. what happened is that while I was looking at the menu I forgot that I had plans for the afternoon and asked the carhop to bring me this giant plate of food to take home: -- Bar-B-Q combo-dark comes with a 2/3-cup cup of white cole slaw that is fine chopped and pressed so it's appropriately moist rather than wet (which would make a gawdawful mess at anything short of a proper table), good creamy cabbage with a little crunch; a mound of real-onion onion rings that look hand dipped and fried inside by happy singing people; a different cup of pulled pork that maintained its dignity throughout, tender moist bits drizzled with something sweet and red and delicious; that same red was found in on my chickens... :-) it's the best way to serve chickens: fried and breaded and generously sauced but not quite drippingly so because nobody looks good covered in BBQ... and couple delightful balls o' hush puppy goodness were perched on the side of my plate. yumm! -- the only problem here is I wasn't going directly home. happily my foods stayed warm enough for the half hour it took to get where I was going so I still had a hot lunch when I arrived... yea food!

1965 feel old school traditional Charlotte icon great drive in food for a great stop without getting out. It's a pre drive through era time forgotten place. Had the PO Boy & onion rings with a Sun Drop, delicious!

Great experience! Sonic -style drive-in service, but we had a question and an employee helped us out and took our order as well. Super nice and helpful. Food came out in like 5 minutes, super hot and fresh. Good portions and very good quality for the price! Very reasonable by nowadays' standards. We got the burger and shrimp/trout combo with fries, beans, and coleslaw and it comes with hushpuppies. Tartar sauce is awesome too, and sweet tea is classic!

The service was GREAT! Everything else not so much. Fried BBQ chicken was dipped in sauce. BBQ Beans we're more like pork in beans. Strawberry pie was more like a Strawberry flavored pie. I guess they were frozen strawberries. Coleslaw was okay. I'd skip. But to each his own.

Been eating here since 1974, food quality has been going downhill since Steve left the nephews to run the business. I understand with inflation that prices have to go up, however at the same time the food quality keeps dropping. Smaller buns at least a 1/3 smaller than what they used to serve and even the meat patties have shrunk. The fries that was possibly some of the best were even removed from the menu for a new crinkle style, really. Please go back to the quality food items that helped make you a success for so many years. Don't allow Steve and Pete's legacy to go down with less than acceptable quality just so you can try to squeeze an extra nickel out of it. I'd be glad to pay a little more for quality. It sad to say that after almost 50 years the QUALITY ISN'T THERE ANYMORE. Disappointing Good thing I have South 21 on independence blvd to get my fix. At least their quality is still up there.

The fried chicken is darn good as long as you like a heavy vinegar based sauce. Imma say it. There's better bbq elsewhere. The pork was dry and unflavorful and so were the hush puppies, onion rings and slaw. They advocate for drench it in the sauce. I liked it but the vinegar gets to you after awhile. It's over hyped because of Drive Ins Diners and Drives. But hey, it's an experience. I got the Bar-B-Q combo with pork and chicken. The fried chicken gets 4 stars. I wouldn't get anything else.

The food is really good and fresh. The staff is always helpful and efficient. The drive in ambiance is warm and comfortable! I love the jumbo shrimp and trout box.

This is an amazing Charlotte staple! The vinegar/spicy sauce on the Barbecue Fried Chicken is easily some of the best in the state. Recently also had the calabash shrimp and highly recommend. If you want a good spicy fried chicken place this is a Charlotte must!

You should probably pay no attention to my review...I've only passed through CLT and have little NC bbq experience. Had just enough hunger to be able to try one Eastern style (this place) and one Lexington (Sweet Lew's--which lacks the history of this place but I thoroughly liked the food). This place certainly has the aesthetic charm...retro in that it's got legacy, though wish it were better cared for. And I can't say I was excited by the food.

Love this place. It is iconic! Onion rings and fish are my fav but the chicken dipped in bar-b-que sauce is delicious

Love everything I have for 55 years. My son played baseball for them 31 years ago an they never lost a game. Thank you for being here as long as you have I hope you will be here for many years to come.

Unique spin on BBQ chicken. I'm not sure it's my favorite and I haven't pinned why it's a local classic. I've tried a few different types of Carolina BBQ. Frankly, I've got mixed feelings about this place. The location is completely inconvenient. It's on the busy side of Wilkinson (I think) so please use caution when exiting and entering. While I know it's intended to be an old school drive-in, the gadgets to order were falling apart, literally. A little pick me up would do the trick. It was clean overall, but the wear and tear made me concerned about the inside's cleanliness. The service was cool. The Car Hops were around the way, with good southern energy. I felt at home in this regard. The food is wet fried BBQ chicken. I will admit it takes craft to specialize in the texture. It wasn't too wet that you couldn't get a little of the crunch from the fried texture chicken should have. It's BBQ flavor is more on the tangy side. I'm not crazy about tangy BBQ; however, it was not a terrible. Another huge takeaway we're the side portions. I should have taken a photo of how small the baked beans were in proportion to my hand. You could swallow it in one bite or two. Otherwise, the hushpuppies were good!

We saw this place on Diners, Drive inns and Dives. I was at a medical appointment near by and decided to try lunch here with my dining mate. We both ordered the the half bbq chicken which came with fries, coleslaw and 2 small rolls. I asked for onion rings and no fries which cost extra. We ordered at the drive up menu station and when our food was ready, a man brought it out to us. He wore a mask. Our boxes were filled with 4 pieces of good sized chicken. They were first fried crispy and then probably dunked in a tangy red vinegar based bbq sauce. This was a first for me. I liked it , chicken tender, great crunch but I probably would prefer fried chicken without the sauce. Coleslaw was sweet and fresh. Fries nothing special, onion rings great and crispy. Roll, standard soft whitebread type. We could not finish all our chicken and so the price of almost $27 for our 2 boxes of chicken was okay for 2 meals. I would go there again and try something else. I felt safe in the lot, the service friendly and the food homestyle good. Besides chicken, burgers, sandwiches, fish and salads on the menu with plenty of other choices.

The cook grabbed the onion rings with his bare hands no gloves and put in deep fryer no gloves for cooking at all dirty in back . The owners wife came in fussing at guy that serves customers outside telling him that he needs to tell customers not to park in front of spaces blocking other customers from parking to make their orders she was loud and rude to him not even noticing customers waiting inside never acknowledged us and carried on dug into cash register when I asked about the menu she told me that someone would assist me and continues yelling about him handling cars and it's his job to maintain those people. She also needs to wash her hands being in back servicing food making drinks I left and will not return. They're very comfortable I think and need refresher training on food service and health servicing community because it's about the money not the people and handling food in a healthy manner

Quick and friendly service. You will have to pay a small credit card use charge if you don't have cash. Food was hot but sub par. A lot of choices.

Being born and raised in Charlotte, I have been coming here for as long as I can remember. I thought it was the coolest thing growing up to be able to order and eat right from the car. We usually ended the visit with a trip to watch the airplanes at the airport on the way home. I have been know to order takeout from the king and do the same thing in my adult life. I did not start eating the BBQ fried chicken until my early 30's, and now its my favorite thing to order. Other favorites are the sliced BBQ sandwich, poor boy, trout plate and always the onion rings! I have my now adult daughter hooked on the BBQ Chicken also. Must try!

I've been here in the past past and it's been decent but I came here tonight for some BBQ after work and the experience was terrible. The lady taking the orders had the worst attitude I've ever seen and was super rude. Then the man bringing the food out dropped my tray on the ground and said "ahh it's fine". Then when I handed them my signed receipt he said, "where's the tip man?" I'm like are you kidding me, what a freaking joke.

Neat joint with lots of character and probably lots of stories that could be told. Food was just average. For the experience, I enjoyed it overall. I got the pulled pork with beans and slaw if I recall. The pork was good... not great... but good. I only drink water at lunch so was disappointed to find they don't have bottle water... not surprised though. Sipped it out of cup... old school like!

Nope, nope, nope, nope....hell nope! Swung through this place on the way to CLT. I don't know WHAT Guy Fieri could have been eating when he stopped by, but I hope it wasn't what I just had. Management has had to have changed or something. Any explanation would do honestly, because what we just took a few bites of was ABSOLUTE TRASH. Chicken cold. BBQ sandwich cold. This chicken literally tastes like the oven baked chicken from the cafeteria when I was a kid. BBQ had absolutely no taste other than that of the terrible sauce. Usually I don't leave terrible reviews, but this was really terrible. Just no other way to explain it. We have a rule, if we can cook something better at home, why are we even here?! My 12yo could have cooked this better at home. Just stay away. SERIOUSLY DO NOT RECOMMEND.

Since 1959 Bar-B-Q-King has been serving the very best Onion Ring known to man. Everything on the menu is pretty dang good their Chicken, Burgers,BBQ,Fish,Shrimp etc . But when I go I've got to have a Box filled with their Trout,Rings and Slaw and don't forget the Sweet Tea then "I'm good" it doesn't get much better.

Horrible experience; terrible food Today I ordered two fried chickens and one tasted spoiled. I called the restaurant to request a refund only for the person to tell me I would have to bring it to him. When I arrive, the restaurant is closed and I'm greeted with a "we're closed". I explained the taste and mentioned I didn't taste the other since I feel sick and both men advised they cook chicken every day and receive chicken daily so it can't be spoiled but "oh well, they will give me my money." In the order was also a hot dog and tea and neither guy owned or acknowledged the problem and hesitated to refund $17 from a $22.95 order. No apology or anything! After many years of patronage, this will be my last trip. Should have taken heed to the 93 sanitation score and the 3% upcharge to use a credit card. I prefer South 21 over this place. Every location is friendly and the food is consistently delicious with the same concept and no upcharge to use a card. But it's a NO for Bar-B-Q King. Oh and their hours online are incorrect. They close at 9 pm.

Very disappointed in their customer service. Picked up an order this paat Saturday that I called in a week prior for 10. When I unpacked the order I recognized there was no barbecue sauce. I called BBQ King to let them know of the missing sauces and to see if they could bring it to the Betty G Ross park 10 minutes away where we were having a get together of groom and groomsman. Manager said they would not deliver the sauces and never offered any form of compensation. Whatever happened to good customer service and southern hospitality. Let me tell you. Those wings were so dry and the chopped pork was almost tasteless without the barbecue sauce. We now know their food really isn't that good. They just have no competition in Lincolnton. If you want to start a new barbecue place, go to Lincolnton and you will not have any competition.

I said to myself I haven't reviewed places that I tried when I traveled to other cities. So this will be the inaugural review of that: There's something about me that loves old fashioned, vintage decor. Some not all and decor that's not to the point of downright scary or dirty. Bar-B-Q King is one of those places. It's feels like this place that hasn't changed but yet the areas surrounding it has. Once you set yourself inside it seems like you are taken back. That's what these vintage places do to me. Now the food: I went with what they were known for: bbq pulled pork and bbq fried chicken. Now I'm not a "wet" fried chicken kind of guy but it does work and work well. The sauce and somehow it retains the crunch. I haven't experimented if the crunch still pertains after a few hours though because of the smell, it won't let me lol. Pulled pork fries and hush puppies were all superb! All of the fixing for less than $15! It's a drive in so I recommend you just find a spot, order and have the nice servers walk your food to your car. They do accept tips so it's optional. I ended up going there 3 times during my stay in Charlotte and in my opinion this is as good as Charlotte BBQ gets. Only if you share my taste in what makes good BBQ. If not there are other of newly established decors that has great bbq but this spot is just so unique, I hope it never goes away.

Many times I have passed this classic Charlotte joint and never stopped. I finally did, looking forward to some fried chicken. I wish I could say it was something special, just for nostalgia's sake. It's old, but old isn't bad unless it's not cared for. This place just is run down. The parking area is filthy - I didn't want to get out of my car to throw my trash away.

Service was fast and friendly and that's where my good experience ends. Patronized this establishment for the first time yesterday and I doubt I'll be going back again for anything, my husband says he'll try a different dish next time. If you like the overpowering taste of vinegar than this just may be the place for you. We both ordered half barbeque chicken, ff and cole slaw which also had vinegar in it...

First of all, my wife and I love supporting local places. We had both been and liked it, but had not been together. Recently, we had a baby boy, so we wanted to try some quick and delicious. This fit the bill. The chicken is tasty and I am not aware many places where you can get your fried chicken dipped in sauce. I know of one other place. I do know of places with dipped or tossed wings but not whole pieces of chicken are n the Charlotte area. The sides are also tasty. Fries or onion rings, you won't be disappointed. If I had any complaints, I would say, I did not love the strawberry pie. However, the service is impeccable, the food is down home and made with care. I like the drive in set up. My wife has the chicken sandwich which was good, but if you come, my vote is for the chicken, fish, or burgers. It's a good local place, with an old school feel.

The presentation was good, the food was hot, crispy, juicy chicken and good portion sizes. However, the food was very bland. The chicken, fries, onion rings, hush puppies, etc. all needed seasoning. If the food had flavor it would have been delicious. We didn't finish it all and will not return. The location was also horrible. The prices were very reasonable. We went because we saw it on Guys Diners, Dives, and Drive In's and it look so delicious. When we received our food it too looked delicious, but looks can be deceiving. Overall, 2 stars and that was mostly for presentation and freshness of food.

I was so disappointed if I could give less stars I would. I've been coming here for over 30 years and the past few times have been a terrible experience. The curb hops have harassed me for bigger tips (I tip at least 15%) and the lady inside at the counter was yelling at us about a mask while we were outside before we could get it on to come in. While waiting inside for food I noticed, while she's yelling at us, the employees in the back preparing the food weren't wearing theirs as well as not having any gloves on. Their sanitation rating has dropped significantly,almost a B rating. I go there for their strawberry pie but no matter what time of day, they never have it. It's one of the most popular things they serve. For a business to have been around for over 50 years I think they should know better customer service and food preparation.

What I LOVE: *Onion Rings *Cherry Lemon Sprite *BBQ Fried Chicken Down home good eats. Seriously some of the best "fast food" you can get. The food is delicious. The BBQ fried chicken is my favorite because it still retains some of the crispiness from the fried goodness and the bbq wins me over. It is tangy and vinegary with just a tinge of sweetness and delicious spice. The onion rings are crunchy with nice big pieces of onion on the inside. The Cherry Lemon Sprite is the business. I am not a big soda fan but this will blow your mind. It is just delicious and I MUST have this every time we eat here. To be honest, I haven't been disappointed with anything I have ate here. From the mentioned to rib eye sandwich plate to the sliced pork bbq sandwich. Just do it. Enjoy it and I promise you will not be mad at yourself.

Every year on my foodie road trip to Florida, Inlook for irresistible restaurants that have been on tv food shows. This was so far out of our way but once I saw the Hot Chicken on Diners Drive-ins and Dives I knew it would be worth the drive. The friendliest staff and patrons I've ever come across. Inside there is only 1 tiny counter with 2 seats so I ether eat in your car or bring it home. This chicken and onion rings were the best I've ever had of either! I would definitely go back if it wasn't so far off our root. I will find some way to get back here one day. Loveeee this Dive

When traveling we often try to visit restaurants that have been on Dives, Dinners and Drive-Ins. As we sat in the car deciding what to order David came out to the car to see if we needed any help. Next thing we know we were sitting at a small table inside getting the royal treatment! The food was amazing, onion rings that we dipped in their BBQ sauce (per David's recommendation- WOW!) homemade hush puppies, pulled pork and fried chicken soaked in BBQ sauce!!!! We left with full bellies and happy hearts, what a fun experience it was!

It was very delicious i got a Po boy burger with two beef patties mustard and ketchup lettuce pickle and fries it was very juicy and flavorful and cooked to perfection one of the best burgers i have ever tasted would recommend highly

I tried it again. The service is nice, and under the circumstances, eating out is a luxury. Therefore, I am thankful to have place like this, so I can feel like life is "free" and normal again. Ps/ The napkins might be soggy and with food under your tray...

We went fairly late after arriving into Charlotte from our drive from Atlanta. You pull up into a spot and a runner comes out to take your order, then brings you your food and you pay for it. You can also go up to the walk-up counter yourself. I ordered fried fish with fries and coleslaw. My brother got pulled pork with onion rings and coleslaw; it also came with two hushpuppies. You also get a bread roll. The food was okay, but I wasn't particularly impressed by any of it. Prices are inexpensive and portions are decent though.

We only visited because Guy Fieri ("Diners, Drive Ins & Dives) has been at least a couple times. So, this is an old fashioned Drive In. Located in a rough area of CLT. Eat in your car. No lids on the drinks. No to-go containers. Regarding the food; my husband liked the BBQ combo plate, a lot of food, a lot wasted, couldn't carry home. He liked it all, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, (creamy) coleslaw. I had the minced pork BBQ sandwich (pulled pork not available). It was mediocre. Thought the hush puppies were good. The onion rings have a thick/solid batter coating. I've had much better. Our bill was $35 for 2; generous portions but overpriced for the quality and setting. We don't plan to return, many other places to enjoy around CLT!

3.5 stars? Who gave them that? 1. The service is so unique. I like to describe it as a "sonic from WW2". Same PA speaker as when it was built. It's a little hard to talk into but they'll come out if it's challenging 2. Get their cherry limeaid soda. My oh my is this good 3. Most important. Get their sampler platter the BBQ pork is wonderful and the BBQ fried chicken is unbelievable. A combo could feed 2 people butttt who wants to share. I like their hush puppies too! 4. I can never photograph my food because we crush the food immediately. 5. Attached is a photo of the sign at least

Step back in time. Delicious food, especially the hush puppies and bbq sauce. Great prices and love the cherry lemon Sundrop! Love this place. Hope they get an app for online ordering.

Can't go wrong with this Charlotte landmark. Bar-B-Q King has been around as long as I can remember. So if you're on a budget, can't go wrong with Bar-B-Q King. They offer everything from there name sake Bar-B-Q to burgers, hotdogs, fried chicken, to fish and shrimp. And everything is good and it won't break the bank. Very recommended.

Almost $15 for a seafood plate that sucked. Trout was dry, fish sticks (really?) were greasy, shrimp triple breaded, tartar sauce strangely acidic, french fries old and cold. For that amount, could have went to a fish camp. Lesson learned.

The service was excellent! We both had the 1/4 white chicken and it was great! If you're not a vinegar fan then this is not for you. I had to deduct one star because the other half thought it was too vinegary. That said, just coming and talking to Shorty was worth it!

Been coming to this place for about 50 years. Love out of town now but always stop by to eat when visiting. Always great food and service.