Sweet Lew's Barbecue - Charlotte

After having tried a couple of barbecue joints in the greater Charlotte area previously, I had my doubts about trying any more. Disappointment draped across me like a wet wool dog blanket for those others, so why should Sweet Lew's Barbecue be any different?

Oh, it's different. And different in the best way possible, my friends. Run, don't walk to Sweet Lew's. Run as soon as you can and run hard. It's just that good.

Pulling up to the restaurant, I was overjoyed to see the stacks of dried wood out back and the funky-looking building gave me hope that this was not going to be some typical Gen Z wanna be, but per chance a creative visionary's take on the art of old school 'cue (like Elliott Moss or Matt Register). It did not disappoint and exceeded all my expectations.

The interior is as funky as the exterior but with the extra benefit of that woodsy aroma we true BBQ lovers come to expect. The menu is varied with all sorts of deliciousness, but my mission is my BBQ sandwich (and maybe some Mac-n-cheese). I watched a sampler tray made and I would be remiss if I did not mention that I was coveting another man's lunch. It looked absolutely amazing in every way.

I ordered my usual BBQ sandwich and watched the magic unfold before me. Unlike most barbecue restaurants that chop-chop-chop their meat all at one time back in the kitchen, Sweet Lew's chops each sandwich fresh from beautiful chunks of smoke ring pink meat and fatty burnt end goodness right in front of the diner. What a show it was. And it was very hard for me to not reach around that glass partition to sneak a piece or three, pig pickin' style, but the swinging steel butcher blade kept me from risking a finger or two.

With a hearty potato bun piled high with well-chopped meat, I had to decide on white or red slaw. You all know me. I went with the mayo-based cabbage as opposed to the ketchup kind. It was super white and not very slaw-like in its consistency, but it was as tasty as many Down East slaws. Was it great? Eh. My final score would have been higher if the slaw was a bit more traditional in presentation and overall taste, but for white slaw on this side of the state, it was still pretty dang good.

The barbecue was cooked perfectly and flavorful, with each and every bite being moist and tender. No gristle. No unsightly fatty nuggets. It wasn't mushy or minced, but had a nice, rough chop like I do at home. I did not have any crispy skin mixed in that I could taste and I did not see any during the chop. No big whoop not having any skin as the slaw gave me the crunchiness I like to balance out the softness of the pork.

On a side note... (get it? "side" note) the Mac-n-cheese was delicious. It could have been less dry and a tad creamier, but overall, it was enjoyable and hit the spot. Next time I go back, I will get that sampler tray and try the brisket, ribs, and Brunswick Stew.

Three sauces sit on the tables at Sweet Lew's. They have a spicy red sauce, an Alabama white sauce, and their version of Eastern NC sauce. I'm guessing about it being an Eastern NC sauce because it looked like it, but didn't really taste like one from the good side of I-95. I am not a fan of fan of any of their sauces, but fortunately for me and my tastebuds, the sandwich needs nothing added and wonderful as-is.

Sweet Lew's gives me hope for Charlotte's BBQ scene and I wish they'd open one here in Raleigh since I have not been impressed so far with the Queen City 'cue joints that have have set up shop in The City of Oaks of late. Lots of smoke, but no fire it seems for me.

Overall, I was truly taken aback by how much I truly enjoyed Sweet Lew's Barbecue. It ticks off all the boxes for what makes for an honest-to-goodness tasty BBQ sandwich with that extra bit of funky flair. 9.25/10

Sweet Lew's Barbecue

923 Belmont Ave

Charlotte, NC 28205