Reviews

What Folks Say About Our BBQ 🐷πŸ”₯

Generations, two families, one fire, and a whole lot of regulars. Over 2,079 reviews across Google and Yelp.

β€œIf you have lived in Lincoln County for any length of time, you are familiar with the legend of BBQ King! This establishment truly needs no introduction -- but if you're new to town, this is your sign to stop in and behold the experience. Keith Smith, Jordan Smith, and the rest of the team here make and serve EXCEPTIONAL barbecue! I love hearing my order of King Combo with hushpuppies and fries shouted out the moment I place the order. And I make a point to stop in, sit down, and kick back in their home-y wooded dining room.”
Adam Peter Shinngoogle
β€œBBQ is a STAPLE in the Lincoln/Gaston county area. I called it in on the way and it was ready within 10 minutes. The wings were AMAZING!! smoked to perfection, crispy skin, juicy inside. Dipped in the classic bbq sauce was to die for. I'm not a huge fry person but these were great! And the SLAW, uhhh mazing…”
Alisha Sheetsgoogle
β€œYou'll love the atmosphere. Everything is so unique here from the ladies and gentlemen screaming out your back to back to the cooks- remembering it without writing down your food order!! ..down to the cozy woodsy atmosphere this is a very popular, best place in town to get barbecue!!!”
Alesha W. Schroncegoogle
β€œWell being that I was there close to the beginning of it all in 1972 it's always going to be my fave!! Yes I yelled the orders too. You can't go wrong stopping here!! Absolutely the best!!”
Rhonda Dysartgoogle
β€œI have ate here on many occasions and it has always been great food. I love their onion rings especially because they cut them bread them and fry them on the spot, they do not use frozen onion rings. They have great workers their also, give them a try if you haven't.”
Marcgoogle
β€œI love this place, I'm thankful it's still here. I've been going to BBQ King since I was a kid with family, this place holds so many good memories! The food is amazing as always, you get plenty of it for what you pay for and it's reasonably priced! Amazing customer service!”
kelly keevergoogle
β€œThe bbq pork here is what i think of a classic southern bbq: chopped with a more thin more vinegar sauce. Absolutely delicious. Green beans were tasty, Mac n cheese was traditional baked Mac. The slaw perfectly compliments the bbq and I found myself putting a little slaw on every bite.”
Aliciagoogle
β€œThe BBQ was pretty good, however the sides were what made the meal! The green beans were the best part! I also enjoyed the mac and cheese and their onion rings! Honestly, hearing those girls scream β€œI NEED A PORK PLATE WITH A SIDE OF SLAW, ONION RINGS, AND HOLD THE SAUCE” made the experience complete!”
Grant Logangoogle
β€œWell known locally for great BBQ, burgers, and hot dogs, also. The method of placing an order to the cooks is quite entertaining. The front staff, (where you order; no wait staff at tables here), yells out your order to the kitchen staff. During busy times, it's very loud, and part of the enjoyment of dining here.”
pat abernethygoogle
β€œThis is the best place in lincolnton nc for bbq and they have the best 1/2 & 1/2 sandwich around. I cant wait for the winter months, they serve their Brunswick stew and its the best I've ever ate.”
Helen Lamberthgoogle
β€œWe love BBQ King! They have been the go to place in Lincolnton for over 50 years. They have a variety of bbq dishes plus hamburgers, hot dogs, fish filets, and even Brunswick stew! When you go in you place your order at the counter and they will 'holler' it to the cooks and you hardly have to wait anytime before it is ready to eat in or carry out!”
Patsy C.yelp
β€œI have loved this place every since I was a teenager and I am now 67. I pray they never go out of business because this is one of my favorite places to eat. I usually get take out and take it home but this place is the best for sure. I love the way they collar out the orders, so neat. Keep up the good work.”
R. H.yelp
β€œThe best BBQ around! They are so welcoming, and it's like coming home! I eat there at least two times a week. They also have burgers, hot dogs, hushpuppies, and fries. Best place around! Try it, you won't be sorry!!”
Margie C.yelp
β€œBest burgers, poor boys and bbq around. Been eating here for years. It's a Lincolnton landmark and institution.”
Kathy G.yelp
β€œLiving in Virginia, but from South Carolina I like to think I know BBQ, but after visiting BBQ King I have a whole new take on chopped pork! Piedmont style Bbq is my new favorite!!”
Rob N.yelp
β€œFood was outstanding, ambiance was classic, and the service was quick and polite. Don't skip the Mac & Cheese.”
Jake P.yelp
β€œAs a local and a regular, I've eaten here countless times and have never had a bad experience. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and great quality. If you're looking for good, dependable, local BBQ with friendly service, BBQ King is always a solid choice.”
Brandi G.yelp
β€œDelicious food! I love the poor girl with ketchup, pickles, mayo and slaw. They holler but it's for the good food!!”
Crissy H.yelp

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Google

4.41,900+ reviews

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Yelp

3.7118 reviews

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Google Reviews

4.41,900+ reviews

  • β€œWe have been eating here for years, it's always good and when we are in Lincolnton NC it's our favorite place to eat, food is always hot, service is fast and they have always been very nice, tea is always excellent, we highly recommend the BBQ King, see you soon.”
    Reynold BiggerstaffSeptember 2025
  • β€œBBQ King is a big part of our community, the food is great and so is the service, whether dining in, taking it home or having it catered you know you and those you are feeding are going to pleased when they know it's BBQ King.”
    Cathy DavisMarch 2026
  • β€œDon't come as often as I would like. But in all the years I have gotten to come... Never once have I been disappointed. Each and every time the food, service are awesome. When asking questions about anything, immediate and also very kind answers.”
    darlene bryantMay 2026
  • β€œI looove BBQ King, it's the best BBQ in the Carolinas!!! The burgers are great, too, & no meal would be complete without those delicious onion rings!!!!!”
    ReginaMay 2026
  • β€œThe food here is consistently great. Always a place to sit. I love the laid back environment.”
    Erica MassingaleAugust 2026
  • β€œDelicious food with friendly staff and generous portions! If you leave here hungry, it's your own fault!”
    Karen SmithFebruary 2026
  • β€œThe food is fresh. It's definitely an experience to eat there, not just good food. The atmosphere of locals, catching up with one another over great food!”
    Beth ParkerMay 2026
  • β€œBBQ here is some of the best in the area, certainly a hidden gem! They're always busy and consistent and food is made delicious!”
    Sean HoganSeptember 2025
  • β€œDelicious food & friendly service. The decor is perfect - cozy with almost a wooden cabin feel. Decorated with Americana memorabilia & Southern charm. Neat how they call the orders out out loud to the kitchen. Definitely worth a visit!”
    Leesha Austin-BuehlmannAugust 2021
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Yelp Reviews

3.7118 reviews

  • β€œFood is delicious always. Noisy how they shout out orders but part of the atmosphere. Have eaten here for over 40 years. Wonderful.”
    Cynthia P.November 2024
  • β€œGreat bbq. Love the onion rings. A Special on MTW. Fair prices. Sometimes we get 1/2 lb bbq to take home.”
    Tanya H.July 2026
  • β€œCourteous staff! Great food! Always a clean restaurant! Even if they are packed out the door with the line, it usually doesn't take more than 15 minutes to get in and get your food and get out!”
    Angela B.October 2022
  • β€œOur favorite restaurant in Lincolnton! We go here at least once a week! I know the word BBQ is in the name but we love the cheeseburgers! Try it with slaw instead and extra crispy fries!! Yummy!”
    Brooke C.February 2024
  • β€œGreat food and quick service. Barbecue and burgers. The onion rings are amazing. Been eating here for years.”
    Steven B.March 2023
  • β€œEverything is great, good food and excellent service. Everything runs smoothly. The food is always hot and fresh.”
    Crystal H.May 2025
  • β€œThere are only good things to write about this restaurant. Everything on the menu is delicious. Come hungry.”
    Marsha I.July 2022
  • β€œIs it healthy? I can't imagine it would be... but it's the king. And it's sooooooooo good. That bbq sauce is crazy good. I also like their wings and tenders too. The ranch=thank me later.”
    Alex S.October 2023
  • β€œFirst time in years since I've eaten there. It's as good as I remember. We ordered a BBQ plate and tray. Quick service great food.”
    Cara B.October 2025
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