Asheville is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for smoky, sweet barbecue dishes galore. All across town, the BBQ joints are second to none, serving up all the most popular flavor combinations, day in and day out. Having a hard time finding the best of the best? Just use this guide to pinpoint all the top spots for BBQ in Asheville, North Carolina.
Table of Contents:
1. 12 Bones Smokehouse
2. Luella’s Bar-B-Que
3. Moe’s Original BBQ
4. Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill
5. Little Pigs BBQ
6. Black Bear BBQ
12 Bones Smokehouse
Low and slow is the name of the game at 12 Bones Smokehouse, as is making absolutely everything from scratch. Located right along the French Broad River, this BBQ joint promises to tantalize your tastebuds no matter what you order.
You can go with traditional plates piled high with smoked meats or have them go the extra mile by whipping you up a decadent sandwich. If you go with a plate, you can get baby back ribs, wings, pulled pork, or even smoked turkey. Their sandwiches feature all the same meats plus a bit of sugar bacon to bring it all together.
If you want to make sure you always have their BBQ flavors on tap, take home some pulled pork or sliced smoked turkey, which they sell by the pound. Don’t forget to load up on the sides, too, like their corn pudding, jalapeno cheese grits, and baked beans.
Luella’s Bar-B-Que
Luella’s Bar-B-Que is so dang good that they have to run two Asheville locations to keep up with the demand. Whether you go to their north or south eateries, the amazing scent of perfectly smoked meats will hit you upon walking up to the front door.
Although they specialize in meat trays and sandwiches, their appetizers are well worth a taste. So, don’t skip the chance to whet your appetite with their sweet potato chips, cheesy fries, or deviled eggs. As you nosh on those goods, you’ll get a chance to dive into their huge menu full of awesome dishes.
If you cannot decide where to go, you really cannot lose with their two- or three-meat combo tray. You’ll get to choose between their BBQ chopped pork, smoked turkey breast, chile-rubbed beef brisket, smoked wings, and pulled free-range chicken. If you want to skip the meat, but not the sweet barbecue flavor, go with the tempeh instead.
Moe’s Original BBQ
Moe’s Original BBQ is taking over the nation, and for good reason. Their barbecue is always moist, smoky, and wholly delicious, taking each meat to the next level. This Asheville location sits in the Biltmore Village region, serving as a top spot to dine in style after a day of exploring that extravagant estate.
The menu features all the best-smoked meats, like pork, chicken, and turkey, served on sandwiches, platters, and family packs. If you’d like something a little different, they have southern fried catfish and shrimp on the menu as well.
Their flavorful sides are well worth the visit on their own, especially the mac ‘n’ cheese, marinated slaw, and potato salad. Just remember to save room for the banana pudding to enjoy a truly memorable dessert.
Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill
If Hawaiian-style BBQ is what you seek, then look no further than Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill. Customers rave about the baby back ribs, poke nachos, and BBQ nachos. The service here is warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is fun and inviting, and they have plenty of BBQ favorites to choose from.
Menu items like cheddar & green chile cornbread, sticky & spicy chicken wings, BBQ brisket sandwich, smokehouse salad, and BBQ pulled pork sandwich will sure delight your BBQ fancy… Especially when the portions are this large. Enjoy the innovative flavors and friendly staff at Huli Sue’s.
Little Pigs BBQ
Established way back in 1963, Little Pigs BBQ is a part of the fabric of Asheville. No one really remembers a time without this fan favorite, nor do they want to. This awesome barbecue joint brings big flavor in all they do, especially when it comes to its exquisite hickory smoked BBQ.
They happily serve up their smoked meats by the plate with hushpuppies plus your choice of two sides. You can even mix and match your meats to get your fill of BBQ pork, ribs, and chicken.
Want more for lunch the next day? Just get a bulk carry-out order going while you munch on your meal in their dining room. Do yourself a favor and get extra hushpuppies to go as well plus a whole lemon pie for dessert.
Black Bear BBQ
Culinary creativity is always on tap with each visit to Black Bear BBQ. At this barbecue joint, you can enjoy traditional dishes made with flair plus the quality service to match. Their menu features all the best BBQ imaginable from chopped brisket sandwiches to half chicken plates. They even have BBQ jackfruit available in multiple ways for those meatless days.
If you just can’t choose between all their awesome options, go with their sampler plates. You can also get their meats by the pound plus all the sides you wish, then divvy them up between everyone in your group.
Although it’s tempting to fill all the way up, save some room for their desserts. Chocolate lovers adore their big fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookie, while fruit aficionados always love to dine on their peach quick bread and banana pudding.
As you explore all these Asheville BBQ joints, you’re sure to find your favorites. Just remember to bring your friends, family, and coworkers along on your future trips to treat everyone to the best barbecue in North Carolina.
