Gaston Co. Cue Trail
A guide to our best barbecue

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!

Black's 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.

Hillbilly's BBQ & Steaks
305 S Main St, Lowell, NC 28098, USA
Open: Mon-Thurs – 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat – 11am-9:30pm, Sun – 11am-3pm
Dining Rm & Drive-Thru/Pickup Window. Hillbilly's BBQ & Steaks opened in 1989. From the very first day the same philosophy is still going strong.

RayNathan's
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.

R.O.'s Bar-B-Cue
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.

The 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.

Ole Carolina Barbeque
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!

Ray's Country 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.

Kyle Fletcher's BBQ & Catering
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.
