Sweet Lew’s BBQ

Sweet Lew’s BBQ is Lewis Donald’s barbecue restaurant on Belmont Avenue in the Belmont neighborhood. A full bar and a whiskey and bourbon list have turned it from a takeout stop into somewhere you stay for the evening. Chopped pork comes with a genuine smoke line, and eastern North Carolina natives approve of both the pork and the collards, which is the review that actually counts in this category. Brisket, ribs and half chicken round out a board that rewards sharing.

What to know

• Pimento cheese with baked crackers is the starter to get.
• Brunswick stew and hush puppies round out the plate.
• A Cheerwine slushie is on the drinks list.
• The mac and cheese divides people sharply.
• Bloom and Bottle sits across the street for a drink before.