Mac’s $$

2511 South Blvd., Charlotte
704/522-6227
www.macspeedshop.com [1]

HOURS: Daily 11 a.m.–midnight

COST: Most entrées between $10–20

Don’t be intimidated by the leather-clad bikers who are permanent fixtures at Mac’s. One of the most popular biker bars in Charlotte [2] is also home of the best barbeque in the city—Mac’s is synonymous with barbeque. The menu has all of the standards—pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, Texas beef brisket, Kansas City–style beef ribs, and beer-can chicken—but the taste is anything but standard.

Mac’s has won national awards for their barbeque, which is dry rubbed, slow smoked, and hand pulled. Barbeque is the star, but the side dishes can’t be overlooked. The mac-and-cheese, green bean casserole, baked beans, and collard greens are so popular that Mac’s added the “veggie plate” that features three or four selections from the sides menu. Wash down the barbeque with one of the 150 selections on the beer menu.

In the summer, the parking lot in front of the restaurant is a maze of picnic tables and motorcycles. There is just one rule at Mac’s: Motorcycles get prime parking in front; cars are restricted to the rear lot. Be careful weaving through the sea of Harleys on the way to the front door.