M & K Barbecue

Yet another trip to Charlotte for a football game (The 2016 NFC Championship game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals) gave me the opportunity to take down my 11^th NCBS Trail Historic Pit. M&K Bar-​B-​Q is located a few miles off of I-​85 in the small town of Granite Quarry and is actually just down the road from Wink’s BBQ, my last stop. Just like Wink’s the BBQ is Lexington cooked and served with Lexington style BBQ slaw. It also comes with the crispyiest fries I’ve ever had (fantastic!) and delicious hushpuppies. There is even a pitcher of sweet tea on each table so that you can ensure that your glass is never empty of the this Southern staple. Now while M&K has earned its spot on the trail by keeping with the historic traditions of NC BBQ, it failed to win over my taste buds. The BBQ itself is good, filled with smoky flavor, however the in house sauce that would normal mesh so well with its meat half did not this time. The sauce was much to peppery and that pepper flavor dominated every bit of the meat. I’m sure that vinegar and tomatoes were in there somewhere but their contributions were lost due to the overwhelming and necessary amount of pepper. The service is great, the sides are fantastic and the tea is perfect but the inharmonious pairing of the slow cooked ‘cue and house made dip set this historic pit behind its companions on the trail.

Eat here every single day. It’s the best place in the county for breakfast. The beef brisket is to die for!!! Great place!

Another one of our adventure eating outings this time our luck was not as good as at other times. Mind you the food here is not bad it is just what I would call average. The service was great the staff very attentive the place looked clean, but as a whole this place would not rank much above your average small town diner. I was hoping for some really good bar-​b-​que but the sauce lacked something can’t put my finger on it but something. Still it is a fine place to eat.

If anything this BBQ has gotten better, and is the equal of any Lexington style BBQ, including that of any pig offered in the city of Lexington, or its environs. The taste is clear, sharp, and fresh — it explodes on the palate. The meat is moderately chopped, moist, and incredibly tender, and the rather mild slaw finishes the composition. The Hush Puppies are also great.
The Chili Dog remains solid, the place has added additional seating and a drive thru — and there is a nice looking Mexican restaurant in the back half of the building — culinary life is good in Granite Quarry, NC.

I’ve gotten spoiled by eating in Lexington several times I guess. I know this place generally gets good reviews here and on national posting boards, but I thought it was just okay. I was deciding between one and two stars but two really cut girls were working, so I give them the benefit of the doubt. -:)

As far as I am concerned this is the holy grail of BBG in rowan county. Lexington may have the title but this place has the food. Great chopped pork, great hotdogs and great cheeseburgers. Plus Sweet tea!!!