Black's Barbecue — Restaurant in North Carolina

To be clear, I've never had canned dog food.....but I have a great imagination....

Many locals told me Black's was the best bbq around town. I gave it a shot.

Not what I was expecting. I ordered a simple bbq sandwich. I've had bbq all over the country over the last few decades, so I feel my opinion matters to an extent.

What I was expecting: pulled or chopped SMOKED pork, maybe doused in vinegar sauce, maybe not. Fine chopped slaw, or long sliced slaw. A bun, maybe woth the inside buttered and toasted, maybe not.

I am not picky by any means. I've had every combination of the different styles listed above, and some are better than others, but all are edible.

What I received at Black's on 321. A smashed flat- burnt bun.....burnt on the OUTSIDE!!! maybe that why it's called Black's? Because the top of the sandwich bun will resemble a hockey puck. Inside the sandwich: borderline cold-well, to be fair it wasn't cold, but rather on step removed from luke warm- pork that was flavorless, no smoke flavor-no sauce flavors-vinegar or otherwise. On top of the cold pork was 'coleslaw', which calling that stuff coleslaw is an insult to the dish. The consistency of the slaw was somewhere between a puree and minced.

It was atrocious. Thousands of people seem to love this place, so maybe I got it on a bad day, or maybe some items are better than others. I'm not a professional food critic, I'm just a regular man, so don't take my word for it. Go try it yourself.

I'm not trying to be am A-hole. I am being truthful. Hopefully the owners will do whatever it takes to make good food to keep this place in business, bc if everyone had the same experience I had, this place would not stay in business. To be fair, I had bad experiences at RO's and Kyle Fletchers too.

Imo, it seems like some of the employees at these places don't...

As an out-of-towner, I settled on eating here when I was disappointed to find out another BBQ restaurant was closed. This place is clearly a local hangout and favorite of residents. I highly respect any small business who caters to their demographic and has stayed in business for as long as they have. The grandson proudly runs the register, answers questions, and shares that his grandfather opened the restaurant. My review is based on those positives. For others who are wandering in from all over and have certain BBQ expectations and tastes, please note the following:

They are cash only but have an ATM in the restaurant. They are known for their red sauce that has a tomato base and coleslaw mixed in to the sauce. It is unlike any NC sauce I have ever had. Pleasant and not horrible, but I much prefer vinegar-based sauces. Also, I would have ordered more slaw on the side if I had known the amount within the sauce was minimal. They do not have "typical" BBQ sides like mac and cheese, collards or any other green, baked beans, etc. They offer Lay's potato chips, fried onion rings, and french fries. The fries were yummy, but I was disappointed when I was expecting something entirely different. Their sweet tea is delicious and a staple addition for any BBQ meal. Their prices are fair for what you get. If you are extra hungry, I recommend ordering a large portion versus regular. Their only options are minced and sliced BBQ. They do not offer pulled options and do not have chicken or turkey for those who do not care for pork.

Overall, it was good, but I won't be back. I do applaud them for being so successful and for the clear sense of community amongst...

I absolutely love it when we stop in gastonia at this local staple in any kids live that grew up in gastonia, lake wylie or clover. I always usually get the sliced bbq sandwich large with of course the slaw, it is the best slaw I have ever had on a bbq sandwich. This time I didn't get pictures of the bbq sandwich only the curly cheese dog sandwich which is the best hotdog sandwich with slaw, cheese and chili on it and the best part it is its not as messy as a regular hotdog bun. They cut the hotdog where it gets crispy and omg shape it in a circle. This sandwich smacks every time. The service is old school like a drive in only ring missing is roller skates, and always greeted within a minute!!! Always great service and food and reasonably priced. Was $15 for a large bbq, small bbq and curly dog sandwich:) if you also haven't tried their homemade cherry lemon sundrop you are missing out! Make sure to take cash as they are old school cash only...