One of our favorite parts of traveling as a family — whether we’re towing the camper across the country or sneaking away for a long weekend — is finding local food. Not chains. Not the same burger we could get back home. We want the places with personality. The places where the menu is handwritten, the smoker is running, and the owner might wander out to ask how everything tastes.

So when we stayed at Morganton Point Campground in the North Georgia mountains (you can read our full campground review here), we knew we needed to find something local. Something smoky. Something that felt like North Georgia.

Enter Mike’s Trackside BBQ — a small, unassuming spot with big flavor, a racing‑themed atmosphere, and some of the best brisket I’ve had in a long time.

Why We Love Eating Local When We Travel

Before I get into the food — and trust me, we’ll get there — it’s worth explaining why we go out of our way to find local restaurants.

When we travel, we want to experience the place we’re in. The scenery, the people, the culture, the food — it all blends together into the story of the trip. You can’t get that from a chain restaurant. You can’t get that from a drive‑thru.

Local restaurants tell you something about the community. They’re run by people who live there, who know the area, who put their heart into the menu. And when you’re camping, especially in a place as beautiful as the Blue Ridge Mountains, that local flavor becomes part of the memory.

Mike’s Trackside BBQ fit that perfectly.

First Impressions: A Racing Theme and a Warm Welcome

Mike’s sits just a short drive from Morganton Point Campground, tucked into the kind of spot you might miss if you weren’t looking for it. But once you pull in, you can’t miss the theme — racing. Trackside. Engines. Speed. It’s fun, it’s bold, and it gives the place a personality right away.

Inside, the décor leans into the theme without feeling gimmicky. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel comfortable walking in with kids, dusty from a day at the lake, and ready to eat something hearty.

The staff was friendly from the moment we walked in. Not the overly rehearsed “Hi, welcome to…” kind of friendly — the genuine, small‑town, “Hey y’all, what can we get for you?” kind of friendly. The kind that makes you feel like you’ve been there before even when you haven’t.

The Food: Smoky, Tender, and Exactly What We Wanted

Let’s talk about the star of the show: the BBQ.

My Smoked Beef Brisket

I’m a brisket guy. If a BBQ place has brisket, that’s what I’m ordering. And Mike’s did not disappoint.

The brisket was tender, smoky, and full of flavor — the kind of brisket that doesn’t need sauce but still tastes great with it. You could see the smoke ring. You could taste the hours it spent in the smoker. It had that perfect balance of bark and melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture.

I’ve had brisket in Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, and Mike’s holds its own. That’s saying something.

The Kids’ Chicken Wings

Our kids ordered the chicken wings, and when I say they were huge, I mean huge. These weren’t the tiny, over‑fried wings you get at some places. These were meaty, juicy, and smoked to perfection.

The kids devoured them. And if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know that when they eat without complaining, you’ve found a winner.

The Burgers

Cherokee ordered a burger, and it was just as impressive. Thick, flavorful, and cooked exactly right. Sometimes BBQ joints treat burgers like an afterthought, but not here. Mike’s clearly cares about every item on the menu.

M has simple but discerning taste. She loves her cheeseburgers too but they must have that yellow cheese. While we thought the mac n cheese was amazing, she’ll stick with Annie’s.

The sides were solid too — classic BBQ sides done well. Nothing fancy, just good food that hits the spot after a day of hiking, swimming, or exploring.

The Atmosphere: Casual, Fun, and Family‑Friendly

One of the things we appreciated most about Mike’s Trackside BBQ was how relaxed it felt. Traveling with kids means you’re always looking for places where you don’t have to worry about noise levels, picky eaters, or the occasional meltdown.

Mike’s was perfect for that.

The racing theme gave the kids something to look at. The casual vibe meant we didn’t feel out of place. And the staff treated us like family, which always makes a meal better.

It’s the kind of place where you can show up in your campground clothes, order a big plate of BBQ, and feel right at home.

Location: Perfect for Campers and Lake Visitors

Mike’s Trackside BBQ is located just minutes from Morganton Point Campground, which sits on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge. If you’re camping there — or even just spending the day at the lake — Mike’s is an easy, convenient stop for lunch or dinner.

Address: Mike’s Trackside BBQ 45 Bypass Road, Morganton, Georgia

It’s close enough to the campground that you don’t have to pack up the whole crew for a long drive. And after a day of swimming or paddling, having a hot, smoky meal waiting for you is pretty much perfect.

Why Mike’s Trackside BBQ Stands Out

There are a lot of BBQ places in the South. You could eat at a different one every day and still not scratch the surface. But Mike’s stands out for a few reasons:

1. The Food Is Legit

This isn’t tourist‑trap BBQ. This is real, slow‑smoked, flavorful meat made by people who know what they’re doing.

2. The Portions Are Generous

You won’t leave hungry. The wings alone could feed a small army. We left with tons of leftovers.

3. The Theme Is Fun

The racing décor gives the place personality and makes it memorable.

4. It’s Family‑Friendly

No stress. No fuss. Just good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

5. It’s Close to the Campground

When you’re camping, convenience matters — especially when everyone is tired and hungry.

Our Final Review

Food: ★★★★★ The brisket was outstanding, the wings were huge and delicious, and the burgers were excellent. Everything tasted fresh and well‑prepared.

Atmosphere: ★★★★☆ Casual, fun, and perfect for families. The racing theme adds charm.

Service: ★★★★★ Friendly, fast, and genuinely welcoming.

Value: ★★★★★ Generous portions and fair prices — exactly what you want from a local BBQ joint.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ Mike’s Trackside BBQ is absolutely worth the stop if you’re camping at Morganton Point or exploring the Blue Ridge area. It’s the kind of local gem we love discovering on our travels.

Planning a Trip to Morganton Point?

If you’re heading to the area, be sure to check out our full write‑up on Morganton Point Campground — where we stayed, what we loved, and what you should know before you go.

👉 Morganton Point Campground