11 Small-Town North Carolina Smokehouses I Tried On The Backroads (6 Totally Delivered)
I tried all 11 small-town smokehouses on North Carolina backroads, and spoiler alert: every single one brought something worth writing home about, even if only six stole the crown.
The road started with a squeaky cooler and a stubborn craving that refused to mind its manners. I chased smoke trails across farm fields and sleepy crossroads, fully convinced my destiny was wrapped in foil and dripping.
Every pit stop felt personal, like receiving a postcard that smells like hickory and says “bless your heart” without blinking.
Some spots fed me like family, others fed me like a dare, and a few simply apologized with extra napkins.
1. Backroads Smokehouse BBQ
E Pleasant Hill Rd, Pink Hill, NC 28572 rolls in like a friendly wink, and the smoke greets you first.
The chopped pork arrives tender, glistening, and confident on a simple tray.
Vinegar sauce pops like a drum fill, cutting through rich edges and waking taste buds fast.
Hushpuppies land hot, crisp outside and soft inside, and the slaw keeps everything honest.
The lady at the counter slides extra sauce with a grin, like she knows your future.
Picnic tables squeak, but the bite says stay awhile.
Collards bring a gentle tang that nudges the pork into focus.
Banana pudding shows up quiet, then steals the chorus with creamy comfort.
This place delivers steady joy, no fuss, just truth on a plate.
By the last bite, I was seriously reconsidering every other meal I’ve ever eaten.
2. B’s Barbecue
751 B’s Barbecue Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 pulls crowds early, and the line moves with faith.
Chopped whole hog leans savory and bright, kissed by wood and history.
The vinegar spark sings, the fat melts, and the bark whispers secrets.
Plates arrive fast, like the kitchen knows your name already.
Slaw cools the edges, while Brunswick stew plays backup with sweet corn and tender shreds.
The screened windows frame laughter and the clatter of trays.
A pit hand waves me toward fresh pans, and that small gesture felt golden.
Crackling edges crunch softly, then fade into smoky calm.
If you blink, they might sell out, so come with purpose and leave grinning.
3. Low And Slow Smokehouse
3149B Swift Creek Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577 hums like a quiet song, then the ribs at Low and Slow Smokehouse kick in loud.
The glaze glows, the bones surrender, and the spice rides easy.
Pulled pork sits juicy with pepper freckles that make promises.
Mac and cheese brings cozy comfort without getting heavy.
A young server refills tea fast and slides extra napkins, reading the room perfectly.
The wood stack out back looks like a handshake.
Green beans snap and shine beside a biscuit that breaks clean.
Sauces range from tangy to gentle sweet, never shouting, always guiding.
I ate real fast and left real slow!
4. The 12 Bones Smokehouse
At 5 Foundy St, Asheville, NC 28801 the 12 Bones Smokehouse steals the show.
Pork pulls soft, carrying smoke that lingers like a catchy chorus.
The blueberry glaze looks playful and tastes balanced, never cloying.
Cornbread squares arrive warm with a gentle crumb.
Greens lean savory and peppery, keeping the plate lively.
The line moves quick, and staff jokes float like seasoning.
Smoked turkey surprises with clean flavor and rosy slices.
Sauces swing from tang to heat, but nothing masks the meat.
Creative touches shine, yet the fundamentals stay tight and true.
5. Haywood Smokehouse
Hazywood Smokehouse on 79 Elysinia Ave, Waynesville, NC 28786 feels like a friendly lodge where the brisket does the talking.
Slices show a pink halo and tender chew that holds shape.
The bark brings pepper and a quiet crunch that frames each bite.
Potato salad sits cool and steady with mustard brightness.
A server recommends sausage links and nails the call.
The links snap clean, releasing smoky juice and subtle spice.
Baked beans carry bacon bits that whisper campfire.
A tiny chalkboard lists specials, and the crowd trusts it.
I was patient and the meal rewarded me in the best way.
6. Prime Barbecue
Want Prime Barbecue? Go to 403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545.
Brisket slices fold gently with glossy edges and pepper bark.
Pickles snap bright, cutting richness and keeping the rhythm tight.
Ribs balance sweet and spice, leaving fingertips proudly messy.
Jalapeno cheddar sausage brings a bold pop without heavy burn.
The line looks long but flies, and trays land picture ready.
A pitmaster nod seals the verdict with calm pride.
Brisket gone. Ribs conquered. Sausage taunted. My napkin waved a white flag.
7. The Smoke Pit
It is smoking hot at The Smoke Pit on 701 Pitts School Rd NW, Concord, NC 28027.
Sandwiches tower with pork and slaw in happy chaos.
Ribs shine sticky and tender with a wink of char.
Mac and cheese leans creamy and generous, a steady sidekick.
Staff hustles with smiles, keeping tables moving and plates hot.
The dining room buzz feels friendly, not frantic.
Turkey slices show smoke rings and clean slices that hold up.
Sauces offer simple lanes, from tangy to slightly sweet.
Come hungry and playful, because this place rewards big appetites.
8. Smokehouse At Steve’s
Nestled along 402 W Harden St, Graham, NC 27253, Steve’s opens with a grin at the counter.
Pulled pork lands moist with pepper sparks and soft bark.
Chicken quarters wear a gentle glaze that smiles, not shouts.
Hushpuppies arrive golden and hush the table.
Slaw brings crunch and a lemon wink that brightens everything.
The cashier shares a quick tip about extra sauce and nails it.
Brunswick stew feels like a porch story in a cup.
A little bell dings orders, adding charm to the rhythm.
Pulled so good, it’s bringing the buns out to play.
9. Backcountry Barbeque
Not really in the back of the country, but Backcountry Barbeque at 4014 Linwood Southmont Rd, Lexington, NC 27292 is a go-to.
Chopped pork holds gentle bark bits that keep bites interesting.
The dip leans tomato tang, bright and tidy on the palate.
Red slaw steps in with crunch and a pepper shrug.
Hushpuppies keep rhythm with soft interiors and crisp jackets.
Locals swap lake stories while trays clatter like percussion.
Pit smoke drifts softly through a side door like good news.
Baked apples show up as a sweet surprise that fits.
If Lexington style calls your name, this one answers warmly.
10. Black Powder Smokehouse
At 302 E Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282 Black Powder Smokehouse looks classic outside and lively inside.
Brisket slices carry a rosy line and tidy bark.
Pork shoulder rides tender, with juices that land softly.
Collards taste bright with a vinegar kiss and gentle heat.
Street corn salad surprises with herbs and creamy whispers.
The crew checks on tables like neighbors, not servers.
Chocolate chess pie finishes bold but balanced.
A chalk map on the wall sparks chatter about road routes.
I came, I saw, I got smoked… deliciously, at Black Powder.
11. Stamey’s Barbecue
Stamey’s Barbecue at 2206 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403 teaches a master class in steady tradition.
Chopped pork leans tender with tiny bark treasures.
The dip is brisk, clean, and designed for repeat bites.
Red slaw clicks into place like a puzzle piece.
Service feels practiced yet warm, like a favorite radio host.
Peach cobbler brings gentle sweetness that closes the loop.
Pits perfume the parking lot and set the mood.
At Stamey’s, the only thing more consistent than the pit smoke is my demand for seconds.