City Barbeque opens in Ballantyne Saturday
The newest entrant onto the Charlotte BBQ scene, City Barbeque, opens in Ballantyne on Saturday, Sept. 17.
While the Tar Heel state enjoys many storied ‘cue traditions and a national reputation for barbeque, Charlotte has until recently lagged behind in its BBQ offerings IMHO.
Full disclosure – I am a Yankee and am not particularly partial to Carolina-eastern style BBQ. I much prefer slightly sweeter, smokier and dry-rubbed styles popular in other regions of the country.
Thank goodness the QC’s ‘Q profile has jumped of late to meet the increasing demand – especially for BBQ profiles that extend beyond the typical NC offerings.
Enter City Barbeque in Ballantyne, the first of four planned Charlotte area locations. Matthews, Huntersville and University City restaurants are set for 2017 openings.
A growing collection born in Columbus, Ohio, City Barbeque started 17 years ago after competition BBQ chef Rick Malir and friends toured America’s best joints in order to develop and share the “ultimate barbeque experience.” The Ballantyne location is their 28th restaurant system wide.
Co-founder Frank Pizzo was on hand greeting lunch customers at a soft-opening earlier this week.
“Our concept grew out of the love for authentic barbeque,” says Pizzo. “This means low, slow and seasoned with wood (Hickory) smoke.”
All their meats are smoked on site in one of their three huge smokers. Brisket, chicken, pork shoulder and ribs get local love – they’re all seasoned with a proprietary dry rub and then into the smokers for 15-20 hours depending on the meat. Chicken and ribs are “kissed” after smoking with City Barbeque’s custom sauce before serving.
“Barbeque is such a regional tradition in the U.S.,” said Pizzo. “We wanted to have a restaurant that offered the best of different regions of the country paired with incredible hospitality.”
City Barbeque has scored on both counts.
I found traces of Texas, Kansas City, North Carolina and Memphis styles that had me in a state of ‘Q-based bliss.
The brisket and pulled pork have plenty of smoky bark, tender chew and a satisfying richness. Chicken here is tender, well seasoned and gets just a hint of tang.
If you’re feeling saucy, City offers five different homemade sauces to choose from. Carolina-familiar vinegar and tomato-based “Swine Wine” was a popular choice on my visit. Prefer something sweeter? The dark, rich original has hints of molasses in a tomato-ey base and South Carolina fans can go for their tangy mustard based sauce.
Sides take a starring role at CB – all are homemade fresh daily. The baked beans are smothered in love and tasty chunks of brisket, the collards zing from a splash of vinegar and porky goodness. Rounding out the accompaniments are corn pudding, two styles of coleslaw, hush puppies, mac ‘n cheese, fries, green beans and potato salad. Lettuce lovers need not fret as City’s giant salads come with crisp greens, smoked chicken or turkey and the same love as found in the barbeque.
Peach cobbler, banana pudding and killer triple-chocolate cake are not for the timid – spoiler – each is big enough for two and will slay the most ardent sweet tooth.
This is a casual fun place where families are welcome. They have a nice-sized patio and several screens for game days. Come hungry – the portions are huge – there’s plenty to share and still have left over to take out.
And the hospitality? Warm, friendly and authentic – just like the barbeque.
Details:
City Barbeque
Ballantyne Town Center
11212 Providence Road West
704.817.4050
Photos: Michael Solender
This story was originally published September 16, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "City Barbeque opens in Ballantyne Saturday."