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Charlotte Restaurant McKoy’s Smokhouse & Saloon is the Home Made Secret of Woodlawn Road

April 4, 2011

BY awilliamsrealty

Some one mentioned to me that I needed to make it over to McKoy's Smokehouse & Saloon on Old Pineville and Woodlawn Roads in South Charlotte. I showed up at the door with no expectations, but the smell of expertly prepared BBQ beckoned me inward. I was lucky enough to meet the two brother/owners and was glad I did. Ryan & Jim made us feel right and home, and made me want a nap due to food coma instead of making my next meeting. I asked Ryan about the specialty of the house in between his constant roaming of the dining room in search of patrons to connect with, his response read more like a verbatim play by play of the menu.

As I mentioned, Ryan considers everything his Brother whips up from scratch in the kitchen a specialty so he proceeded to bring one of everything to our table. Why not start with home made chips, salsa and queso. Ryan went to lengths to explain that this was not the normal presentation of the chips, but he was in a hurry and determined to not let us leave hungry.

Next up was the ultimate sampler

The wings were grilled and terrific, the mac and cheese tasted like home cooking that would make Mom proud, the BBQ tasted of careful preparation and guarded rub recipe and the greens tasted like they came from a soul food joint. The real stand out however was the chicken salad? I know, weird but the smokey flavor was so unique that I could have easily made it my whole meal like my Brother did... I did nothing of the sort.

I could not resist the BBQ half chicken. This is my usual watermark for BBQ restaurants when I am not enjoying the other white meat. McKoy's was as juicy and full of flavor as you could ask for. Not only did the chicken meet expectations, the fried squash reminded me of the Ole Smokehouse on Montford before it closed (High praise believe me) and the mushrooms could have been accompanying a filet at Sullivan's.

Ryan made me promise that I would try the ribs next time I came and claims them to be yet another house specialty. If they are anything like the rest of the specialties we tried, they will not disappoint. We were not able to get away before trying Mom's home made coconut pie. I could hardly force the first bite down and then to my dismay proceeded to lick the plate clean. I was not proud of myself.

This place should be on your radar immediately. If you prefer two wheels, they are starting bike nights in April.

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6 Responses to “Charlotte Restaurant McKoy’s Smokhouse & Saloon is the Home Made Secret of Woodlawn Road”

mary says:

April 5, 2011 at 3:06 pm

Many many thanks for your great review. I am quite proud of my sons! Please come again !!

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rmiller says:

April 6, 2011 at 1:28 am

McKoy’s is a great restaurant that not many people know about.

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Mike says:

April 9, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Most call it Mckoys, but some call it Home. I am proud to be 1 of those.

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freddycc says:

April 9, 2011 at 10:25 pm

Mckoys has great food! I would go there to eat anytime and not be disappointed. The BBQ is outstanding, better than Mac’s.

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tPet says:

April 12, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Based on your review and some other buzz, I decided to check it out today. Unfortunately, my experience was not as good as yours and some of the other commenters.

First, I go in .. the guy at the host stand asks “One?” I say “yes” .. he rolls his eyes, picks up a menu, drops it on the table immediately behind him and keeps walking .. not even an “enjoy your meal” .. okay .. maybe someone called him over ..

I ordered the pulled pork platter .. fries and the much-raved mac n’ cheese. To me everything was just on the wrong side of flat. The Q, while very moist just seemed to me a little shy of smoke. Did try the two sauces. The vinegar. No bite at all. Could have been pouring luke warm water on my meal for all I know. The thick sauce tasted to me mostly of ketchup.

The Mac ‘n Cheese – while very gooey and nice bits the browned top, again seemed a bit bland .. maybe needed a sharper cheese .. some minced onion .. something.

Basically, everything was okay .. but I don’t like to go out for okay food.

So .. by now I’m thinking .. maybe it’s me today. Taste buds are off .. maybe all the damn oak pollen has gotten to me. Place looked nice .. Love the TVs. A lot of smart people seem to like it. I should try another time.

Then the capper .. my server short-changed me. Not really enough to cause a serious stink about (about 50 cents or so). I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a mistake either based on her sheepish reaction as I mentioned it going out the door.

So based on all of the above .. just too many “yea, but” ‘s to give it another shot.

Sorry.

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Gaston says:

April 18, 2011 at 1:00 pm

I travel to Charlotte about every 2 months and I say I am only here for McCoy,s. The pot roast is to die for and the Mac & Cheese is just the way I love it. (sharper cheese might add a little something) I always have left overs and Lunch the next day is replay of the night before.
People need to tell someone about their treatment, all staff are the front of your business and if they are not happy get out. Service is the first thing you meet and the last as you leave in between it may be the food but service is what you get that brings you back. FOOD Great!

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