SOUTH BOULEVARD. Eastern North Carolina style, South Carolina style, forget the distinctions...this is just plain "suey-perb" barbecue. The meat is slow roasted for a smoky, rich and tender culinary experience. You add the sauce (however much or little) you prefer. The hushpuppies are hot, the tea is sweet, and the staff is pleasing! So, bring your appetite and save room for some "nanner puddin'" (banana pudding).

If you're prone to let appearances fool you, then you may miss one of Charlotte's most genuine culinary gems: Bubba's Barbecue. Renowned all over the Southeast, Bubba's doesn't try to impress customers with smoke and mirrors ­ no, what you get here are a few tables, wood panel walls, some metal chairs and, of course, awesome hickory-smoked Eastern North Carolina BBQ. From ribs to pulled pork, hushpuppies to Southern-style coleslaw, for many a meal at Bubba's is nothing short of life-changing. And if you're in need of directions, just follow I-77 north to exit 16-B ... as the saying goes, "The 'B' stands for 'Bubba.'"