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Gaston Co. Cue Trail
A guide to our best barbecue 

Gaston County Cue Trail Logo

Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or looking to try something new, the Gaston Co. Cue Trail is a great guide to our best BBQ.

Carolina 'Cue
Exhibit at Schiele Museum

Start the Gaston Co. Cue Trail off right by visiting the Carolina 'Cue Exhibit at The Schiele Museum in Gastonia. Opening on June 18, 2022 this exhibit sponsored by First Horizon Bank, explores the history of this beloved food, discusses the science behind rubs and sauces, and hosts memorabilia from local restaurants!

Carolina Cue at Schiele Museum

Firehawk Brewpub

309 N Main St, Mount Holly, NC 28120, USA

Firehawk Brewpub offers a unique dining experience including mouthwatering slow-cooked pork, prepared from cherished family recipes passed down through generations and craft beer.

Barbecue in Gaston County

Blacks Barbecue

2902 York Hwy, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA

Open: Tues-Sat – 10:30am-8pm | Closed: Sun & Mon

Cash Only | Takeout. Since 1957, Black’s Barbecue specialty is the barbecue sandwich and slaw. Purchase by the pound.

Barbecue in Gaston County

​Hillbillys BBQ

305 S Main St, Lowell, NC 28098, USA

Open: Mon-Thurs – 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat – 11am-9:30pm, Sun – 11am-3pm

Dining room and drive-thru/pickup window. Hillbilly's BBQ & Steaks opened in 1989. From the very first day the same philosophy is still going strong.

Barbecue in Gaston County

RayNathans

4571 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA

Open: Thurs-Sat – 11am-9pm, Sun – 10:30am-2pm | Closed: Mon-Wed

BBQ is more than just food and a style of cooking. It’s reminiscent of a slower, simpler time rooted in fellowship with friends, family, and neighbors.

Barbecue in Gaston County

ROs

1318 Gaston Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA

Open: Tues-Sat – 10am-9pm | Closed: Sun & Mon

Dining Room & Curbside Ordering. Welcome to ROs BBQ.com! Our barbecue sandwiches have been one of the most popular in the Southeast US for 70 years! We are among the very few drive-in / dine-in restaurants that still offer curb service.

Barbecue in Gaston County

Smoke Pit

421 Cox Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA

Open: Tues-Thurs – 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat – 11am-9pm, Sun – 11am-8pm | Closed: Mon

Best BBQ!! Pulled chicken, ribs and great a sides. You can't go wrong at the Smoke Pit! This is the place to bring your family and friends.

Barbecue in Gaston County

Ole Carolina

1011 Union Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA

Open: Tues-Sat – 11am-8pm, Sun – 11am-3pm | Closed: Sun

Dining Room & Takeout. If you love Barbecue, then you owe it to yourself to try Ole Carolina BBQ, the best Barbecue in the Carolinas! Find us on Union Road or have us cater your next event!

Barbecue in Gaston County

Rays Smokehouse

219 S Broad St, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA

Open: Thurs-Sat – 11am-9pm, Sun – 10:30am-2pm | Closed: Mon-Wed

Dining Room. A small place with great food all prepared in house from time tested recipes that we made in house and with input from some of our long time customers.

Barbecue in Gaston County

Kyle Fletchers

4507 Wilkinson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA

Open: Tues-Fri – 11am-8pm, Saturday – 11am-3pm | Closed: Sun, Mon, & holidays

Cash Only | Dining Room & Takeout. Cozy joint for down-home grub, including BBQ pork, fried chicken & burgers, plus hearty sides.

Barbecue in Gaston County
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