Randy’s BBQ

I love this place. Very friendly service and excellent BBQ. Small town simple and relaxing.

My wife and I just left Randy’s after our first meal there, and we were amazed. It was probably the best BBQ I have had, definitely the best hush puppies ever (they achieved the perfect balance of crispy-​to-​moist), and the service was incredible. Every server was equally attentive to each table and the food was served quickly. I suggest you eat here.

Super casual atmosphere for a filling meal. Think: Styrofoam cups and mini-​bowls for drinks and sides, and paper trays and tissue cups for the BBQ, slaw and hushpuppies, or melamine divided plates for their «plate» meals.
Seems like everyone here already knew each other, but they were willing to welcome anyone new — and that was def us — clearly «out-​a-​towners», we came because we wanted to have some Carolina BBQ and Unilocalers were pointing this way.
Only cash or check… and there’s an ATM on premises, but that didn’t deter us. We came at 7 on a Saturday, and were able to get a booth, but likely, the last one. We were hungry after a day of gem «mining» at Emerald Hollow, and were really looking forward to some Q.
We tried for the sweet potato tots as an appetizer. They were out. We went with the Sweet Corn tots. A cup of 15 tots for $ 6. They were yummy, although in sure that anything the fried was going to be yummy. Their crinkle cut french fries looked ordinary, but they were pretty yummy, too. I’m not sure but they could be sneaking some of their BBQ drippings into the frying oil. Just sayin’ — There was something particularly magical about their fried things.
Another Unilocaler commented that the hushpuppies were really good. He’s not kidding. I’m not a Southern gal, really, so I’m new at things like fried okra, collard greens, and Cherrywine. (When we asked what Cherrywine was, we literally got the: «y’all aren’t from around here, are ya’? from our waitress. We weren’t offended, although perhaps it could have felt that way had she not been so super friendly… and the fact that, no, we’re not from around there. We’re west coasters living in Northern Virginia) So hushpuppies, I’ve never loved them. Onion-​y, savory, fried bites… what is there not to love? But they’ve always been a bit «meh». Not so here. Very scrumptious. And just to be clear, their menu did not have collard greens, but they DID offer fried okra, fried squash, tenders, hot wings (25 at a time, I think), sweet rolls, baked beans, slaw, homemade chips…
My eldest son tried for their fried fish. Both the menu plate and fish special wiped out their inventory of fish, apparently. He went for the chicken tenders, which of course, were magical. My other two had kids’ BBQ and kids’ Mac n Cheese. The kids’ Mac n Cheese was Kraft or something like that — not the same as mama’s creamy homemade Mac n Cheese, but I don’t mind that compliment.
We tried both the white and red slaws. The white was the perfect recipe I’m always looking for when I want to make slaw. The red was tangy with a nice kick. Had never had that before but I could see how one could get a craving for it. Like how one can crave wasabi and the sushi that deliver it… But I digress…
So the BBQ. I got the sliced, hubby got the chopped. Let me say, their Q has enough flavor that you could enjoy without any sauce. It is basted in the vinegar sauce we were told. That is saying something, right? We tried both vinegar and sweet sauces. They were both really good.
We were too full for any desserts and had to take a to-​go box because we didn’t finish all the Q.
Randy came by to see how we were liking the food. Seems to have a good handle on what pays off — good food, generous servings, and super friendly staff.
We were NOT offered any free anything for our first visit here (as another Unilocaler had mentioned that Randy does this for all new guests) perhaps because we appeared to be visitors just driving through and may not provide return business, or perhaps because Randy found that to be an expensive practice… but that is OK. Food was great, and we were too stuffed to take another bite. We would come again any time we are in town.
Bottom line: Strong choice for a great meal. Classic sides and fried anything here are great. When we come again, we’ll prob stick to the BBQ as a main dish for everyone.

This is a super barbeque spot. It was busy on a Sunday after church so we sat at the counter. Sliced BBQ plate and big chopped sandwich both outstanding. Nice wait staff and quick service despite the crowds. Outstanding stop for anyone craving good NC BBQ.

Holy crap! Great place, great staff, great food. I dont know squat about bbq, but I ordered the combo plate. Pulled pork, chicken, red slaw (whatever that is) fries and hush puppies. All stellar. Then, because I was a first timer, they have me a banana pudding that was the business. Total? $ 11. Killer. I shall be back!

This was the most amazing experience we’ve had in so long. The décor outside was with to pull us in. The staff were so kind and genuine! We felt welcomed and at home from the second we walked in. Our server, Kayla, was kind, considerate, and helpful. The food was fast and so fantastic. The helpings are generous. The food tastes home cooked. It was delicious. We had a sliced bbq plate, a half bbq chicken, and a kid’s cheeseburger. Everything was divine, right down to the banana pudding that we finished our meal with. We will most definitely be back to this hidden gem!

Stopped in for a quick lunch and I am so glad we did! The food was excellent and the staff was very friendly. Our waitress Amber was super helpful and nice.

Great BBQ. Probably the best in the Lake Norman area. We love it. Also, very nice people and great service.

This is outstanding NC BBQ at its finest. The pork was perfectly cooked & nicely seasoned with an Eastern NC style vinegar sauce (other sauces are available). The hush puppies are the real deal too. Unlike many BBQ joints that use the long, skinny version, Randy’s has the round, meatball shaped puppies… they were awesome!!!
When we want BBQ, we will only hit Randy’s in Troutman or Lancaster’s in Mooresville!

I was bribed to write this review. Yes I admit it, when someone hands me a free cherry cheesecake, just point out who needs to be stabbed and ill get to work. Food was awesome, the waitresses were so sweet, and the hush puppies were the only thing that got my GF to hush for a few minutes as she savored in how great they were.
One thing I noticed that really impressed me was one of the waitresses moved a bench in the front of the restaurant to clean behind it. Ive been ti restaurants that do a quick topical clean and just let the dust cake on throughout the years. The fact that they moved the bench and got down and dirty to do the cleaning makes me think this place is very well managed and clean. Good on you Randy and team.

On my first visit, I told my waitress that it was my first time to their restaurant and that the BBQ was outstanding. I was given a free cup of banana pudding as Randy’s way of saying welcome and thank you — it was FANtastic. I’m not special… Randy does that for all first time visitors — IF you say the magic words, «this is my/​our first visit.» The waitresses at Randy’s BBQ are excellent, but they’re not clairvoyant. (Well, maybe a couple of them are, because they always seemed to anticipate when I needed a drink refill. LOL)
On my second visit, just prior to Thanksgiving, Randy was handing out samples of freshly roasted turkey and a smile to every diner. Amazing!
Tonight, I saw Randy come out of the kitchen carrying a gigantic tray. My first thought was «what is that ‘rascal’ up to THIS time?» He was distributing free samples of FRESHLY made (as in… still warm) pork rinds to every table. I had never had pork rinds that were freshly prepared and they were much nicer than store bought.
I have seldom visited a restaurant where the owner has been so willing to «put his money where his mouth is,» when it comes to thanking customers for their patronage. I was really impressed. Not only does every diner receive a heartfelt «thank you» from Randy during every visit, but he gives out samples to his customers /​friends occasionally. I’ve never experienced this anywhere else.
Randy’s PORK BARBECUE is EAST of I-​95, NC vinegar based BBQ, which has become my favorite! It has been VERY good to excellent every time that I’ve eaten here. The meat is tender, smoky, vinegary, and plentiful… which is what I look for in fine barbecue. It is so good that it doesn’t need any additional sauce, which is a rarity.
EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA TYPE BARBECUE!
The crinkle cut FRENCH FRIES served here are reminiscent of the olden days… hot, golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and fluffy and tender on the inside. (This is «normally» achieved by twice frying, which is a rarely used technique nowadays. I don’t know if that’s done here but that’s how it’s done properly. Peanut oil also adds more flavor. This oil has the highest smoking point or heat tolerance.) A «small» serving is more than enough for one person, and a large order of fries will easily feed three people.
The DOUBLE BACON CHEESEBURGER is phenomenal. It is actually a step above Five Guys, and I LOVE Five Guys’ burgers. When one asks for onion on their burger, one receives an actual SLICE of onion and not chopped up onions a.k.a. hot dog fixins. The kitchen is generous with the bacon!
The HUSH PUPPIES and RED or WHITE COLESLAW are excellent as well. The red barbecue coleslaw is more piquant than the traditional white version. I especially like the red coleslaw for BBQ sandwiches.
The waitresses are friendly and attentive. Service is outstanding, there’s no other word for it.
The kitchen runs like a finely tuned Swiss watch, and the food staff is talented.
Randy is in the kitchen as much as he’s in the dining room — keeping an eye on the food prep and order flow. He is constantly in motion, making sure that every facet of the business is top notch and functioning smoothly. He genuinely appreciates his customers. Randy is just an amazing individual whose success is well deserved.
The ambiance and décor are casual, warm, and inviting — based upon Coca-​Cola, barbecue, and racing.

Honestly, the only bad thing that I can say about the restaurant is that it’s not located a block from my home in Hickory. :o)
Randy’s BBQ was the BEST new «food place» that I found in 2015 — thanks to Unilocal

Let me tell you. I liked this place so much, I bought a house nearby and can’t wait to get back to my seat at the counter in the coming year (s). Wonderfully friendly waitstaff, and even a cup of ‘nana puddin on the house to celebrate our first visit.
Spouse had a platter with chopped meat and red slaw, and I had a salad (that’s where you pretend you’re eating super healthy because there’s lettuce and tomato under your pile of pork and fresh, homemade ranch dressing…). I like to mix the vinegar sauce and the thicker sauce. Hush puppies were sweet and delicious, and the meat was tender and flavorful. The red slaw was delicious, too!
Cannot WAIT to get our whole family to visit just so we can bring them here after a hike in the nearby Lake Norman State Park!

WOW really good BBQ size of the portions is unreal and the service is better than the food! Support this local gem folks!!! Everything is great!!!

Best Bbq around. They are not selfless about putting the bbq on the sandwiches. You get your money worth. And they have the best fried pickles. I love their iced tea too.

Delicious BBQ (BBQ sandwich and fries are a must– soda isn’t flat and sweet tea is excellent!) and incredibly friendly staff who make sure you leave happy! Owner walks around and thanks you for your business– a much appreciated touch you don’t find at chain restaurants!
Can’t wait to go back to Randy’s!

Randy’s is one of those off the beaten path surprises that I never would have found were it not for Unilocal.Its bright, cheerful and spotlessly clean with very friendly service. They have burgers and bbq pork (chopped or sliced) and grilled boneless chicken breast. Different lunch specials like Spaghetti and Meatballs are served too. They also have Cherry/​Lemon slushies which were brain freezingly (not real word, but it works!) excellent! We had a cheeseburger which was standard but on the plus side of good, fantastic onion rings and a chopped pork bbq plate with red Carolina slaw which was huge in portion and flavor. They sell their own fried pork rinds which are some of the richest tasting pork rinds that I’ver ever tasted ($ 3.50 for a large bag). During our meal at the counter no less than 5 separate people came buy to make sure we were happy with our meal and kept our drinks filled.

I’ve eaten here a handful of times now and love it! After trying a few different things from the menu I consider the BBQ and burgers to be my favorites.
This is hands down the best place in Troutman to eat. The portion sizes are huge (I always leave stuffed) and the prices are super affordable. The staff is always really friendly. The owner constantly walks around and makes sure everyone is enjoying their meal and let’s everyone know he appreciates their business. It definitely has an awesome small town feel and family friendly atmosphere.
The only complaint I have is it’s cash only, which isn’t a big deal as long as you know that ahead of time. If not there is an ATM in the lobby, but of course no one likes paying an ATM fee so come prepared with cash!
A must try if you’re nearby!

Amazing! We stopped in on a road trip! It was a few minutes off the interstate but it was worth every single extra mile! The barbecue was so good and the portions were huge. The service was awesome too! They even gave us free banana pudding because it was our first time.

I pass thru this area once a month and always looks busy. Stopped in for BBQ trays to go. Service really friendly but a little slow. No matter… local named Barry at the bar chatted with me and taught me a little about Troutman.
I’m an eastern nc guy who’s lived in Piedmont for 20 years. Very good chopped bbq. Just enough burnt ends in the mix and nothing was dry. Their white slaw is top 5 for my taste. Seriously.
Red bbq sauce was fine (tasted like bullseye), and vinegar sauce was ok. Doesn’t matter b/​c didn’t need much… this pork is as good as advertised. And the wife also liked the hush puppies and kids enjoyed the cherry lemon sundrop slushies!
We’ll be back. Thank you.

Randy’s is an absolute must for true Carolina BBQ. In this little town of Troutman were restaurants come and go as fast as the seasons it’s wonderful to see one stick around, especially one this good.
Forget all the BBQ standards out there. Sure, hushpuppies are good. Slaw is good (to some of you, but not to me). And fries are a staple. Yeah yeah, Randy’s has all of that if you’re hooked on boring. However, they’ve also gone the extra mile (many more than one) to really beef up the menu from something as simple as that. For sides they’ve got a seemingly endless selection beyond fries. Tater tots, onion rings, home made chips, pork rinds, and more. And with the BBQ, again you can always go basic. Or, you can get a big BBQ sandwich on a sesame seed bun with the red slaw (vinegar, not mayo based — me likey!) and a side of chili-​cheese tater tots. They’ve also got Nathan’s brand hot dogs which can also be ordered fully loaded at standard size and foot-​long. And if you’re on more of a health kick, they do have BBQ salads.
The staff is friendly as can be, laying on that southern charm as thick as their drawl. It’s also not uncommon to see the owner walking around to say hello and catch up with the regulars and newbies alike. He’s even known to pass out free pork rinds on occasion. Prices are completely reasonable too. The only small issue I take is with the fact they only let you pay with cash or check. I’m not sure their reasoning behind this, though I’m sure I can guess it has to do with fees levied by the banks and credit card companies. Still, that doesn’t keep me from coming in here when I do have cash on hand. If not for the cash requirement, you can bet I’d be here at least once a week.