Alabama-style BBQ joint makes comeback with new Charlotte-area restaurant
Move over, Carolina-style barbecue. There’s a new “’Bama-style” barbecue joint making its return to the Charlotte -area food scene.
Moe’s Original BBQ officially opens Tuesday, May 19, on West Roosevelt Boulevard in Monroe, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive.
Ranked among the best spots to grab a BBQ chicken sandwich in Alabama, the Tuscaloosa-born restaurant chain serves up slow-smoked meats, classic Southern sides and homemade sauces. Expect crowd favorites like the cornbread, pulled pork sandwich and banana pudding.
The Monroe restaurant — owned by North Carolina natives Russell and Brooke Gentry, and Russell’s brother Paul — marks Moe’s return to the Charlotte metro. It will join existing locations across the state, including spots in North Asheville, Hendersonville and Wilmington.
Brooke worked at the former Moe’s Original BBQ restaurant in Matthews before it closed, the release said. The eatery was eventually replaced by Moo & Brew in 2022, CharlotteFive reported.
Brooke Gentry’s dream of opening a Moe’s of her own was four years in the making.
“We wanted to create a place that felt welcoming and familiar to all,” she said in the release. “Whether you’re sharing a meal with your family, picking up dinner on the way home or stopping by after work, we want every guest to leave feeling the warmth of Southern barbecue and a true sense of community.”
Other menu highlights include:
- Smoked chicken
- Fried shrimp Moe Boy
- Smoked turkey platter
- Baked beans
- Marinated slaw
- Potato salad
What’s Alabama-style barbecue?
So what sets Moe’s ‘Bama-style barbecue apart?
The regional style is defined by “slow-smoked pork, bold seasonings and distinctive sauces,” the restaurant said. At Moe’s, pork shoulder is the star of the show. Expect cuts that are well-trimmed, dry-rubbed in a secret seasoning blend, then smoked over oak and fruit hardwoods.
The finishing touch? A vinegar-based sop sauce.
Customers can further customize their meal with Moe’s homemade ‘Bama-style white sauce, tangy tomato-based red sauce, pickles, slaw and other sides.
The Monroe Moe’s Original BBQ will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Moe’s Original BBQ
Location: 100 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110
Cuisine: Alabama-style barbecue, from-scratch sides
Instagram: @moesobbq