McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon has a homey and cozy atmosphere that is bound to make you feel at home. It is a family-owned restaurant that serves affordable recipes with good taste. You will find their smokey wings covered in tangy sauces and their slow-cooked ribs that are so tender they just fall off the bones to be the stars at McKoy’s smokehouse.

Come as you are to this half dive bar half smokehouse staple. Sit next to bikers, bankers and families when you come to McCoy’s and enjoy their signature barbecue and wings.

Cuisine Type: Barbecue

Ambience: Casual Dining

Price: $$

McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon serves Nooner Specials, which are a different entree on each day of the week. The Nooner Specials are as follows: Meatloaf on Monday, Pit Pot Roast on Tuesday, Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy on Wednesday, Pulled Pork BBQ Plate on Thursday and Fried Shrimp Basket on Friday. The restaurant also serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and barbecue platters.

“Family Recipes Made Public” McKoy’s Smokehouse offers ultra-authentic Southern cuisine from their iconic smokehouse location, letting locals get in on the secret family recipes that have made this barbecue beacon a Charlotte sensation. Named for the owners’ grandfather, McKoy’s keeps its focus on simple family-style cooking with a wide range of savory barbecue selections spanning from their signature smokehouse wings to a diverse selection of Southern sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens and fried okra. For a great taste of real Charlotte barbecue, McKoy’s smokehouse is one of the best options in town.

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McKoy’s, a biker bar at night and BBQ place by day. They smoke a variety of meats over pecan wood, including an entrée called “Living the Dream.” Plan on sharing it or taking a bunch back to your hotel, because it features heaping portions of ribs, BBQ pork, pit roast, smoked BBQ chicken, and two sides. It’s $23 well spent and worth the wait. Located just half a block north of the Woodlawn stop on the Lynx light-rail line, you may not even have to drive to get there.

The interior really embraces the “saloon” aspect of the name, and there are plenty of TV’s with sports on. McKoy’s has been around since 2006 and while I don’t want to speak too prematurely, it appears they have hung on beyond the pandemic, perhaps just barely.

For my appetizer, I decided to try their smokehouse wings, opting for barbalo and upgraded to their “double grilled” to get them nice and crispy. While they do utilize a “full roid” wing (I mean, these drumettes were huge), they were nicely cooked and quite tasty. Would order again.

McKoy’s Smokehouse And Saloon in Charlotte offers an exceptional dining experience with its positive aspects in staff, atmosphere, and menu. The atmosphere is lively and fun, creating a vibrant saloon-like vibe that adds to the overall experience. The service is excellent, with friendly and attentive staff members who ensure a memorable dining experience.

The menu at McKoy’s Smokehouse And Saloon is a true delight for barbecue enthusiasts. The dishes are flavorful and well-prepared, with standout items such as the double-grilled chicken wings and the “Living the Dream” sampler platter, which includes a variety of delicious meats and flavorful sides. The portion sizes are generous, providing ample food to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon offers up barbecue with a twist. Rather than the usual hickory or oak wood, McKoy’s smokes meat with pecan wood. Try it in a sandwich, on a platter, or even piled on top of nachos or a baked potato. Don’t miss some of the other menu items, such as the smokehouse wings or the pulled chicken sandwich. If you get a late-night craving for barbecue, McKoy’s even has a late-night eats menu.

Barbecue is serious business in Charlotte. If you want to check out more barbecue joints in town, consider getting a Great NC BBQ Map. In its second edition, it maps out over 450 barbecue joints all across the state. Helpful symbols tell you whether they do whole-hog barbecue, how it’s prepared, and what styles of sauce you’ll find. There’s even a set of stickers so you can mark which Charlotte barbecue joints you visited during your trip.

Ryan went on to run some of Charlotte’s most successful nightclubs and restaurants, while Jim concentrated on the art of BBQ and perfecting the family recipes. After retiring from a successful career as a photographer, Namon decided now was the time to make his dream a reality. McKoy Register was known for his love of family, friends, good food and good times. He is the inspiration behind this concept. What makes McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon in Charlotte different from the competition is they strive to make all their guests feel at home. Whether it be biker or banker, everyone is treated as if they’re a guest at McKoy’s home. Best BBQ in Charlotte. Swing by today for Good Times, Good Food and Good Friends.

McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon
4.5 stars - based on 2050 reviews
4630 Old Pineville Road Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 523-6330

Hours:Mon-Thu 11am - 10:00pmFri-Sat 11am - 11:00pm

Categories: Barbecue , BBQ

Price Range: $$ Takes Reservations: No