This guide highlights our top picks for where to get the best Carolina BBQ in Asheville, from family-friendly spots to roadside stands.
Before we get into the details of Asheville’s best BBQ joints, we wanted to share a map to help you find the spot most convenient for you!
BBQ Restaurants In Asheville
All of the restaurants listed in our Asheville BBQ guide are great, but the top three are the ones we recommend most often. If you are wondering why Buxton Hall BBQ isn’t on this list, they closed in November 2023. We are sad, too!
33 Town Square Blvd | South Asheville
Macaroni & cheese, pulled pork with vinegar sauce, and top-notch takeout
Luella’s is one of the top BBQ restaurants in Asheville and one of our favorite restaurants for takeout.
They serve up Eastern Carolina-style BBQ in a vinegar sauce that is always exceptional. Luella’s BBQ also has several other sauce varieties available if you are more of a mustard or tomato person.
In addition to pulled pork, you’ll find great brisket, smoked wings and even vegan BBQ tempeh. And don’t miss their banana pudding!
Luella’s is a top pick for kid-friendly restaurants in Asheville.
Much-loved Asheville BBQ restaurant with excellent ribs
If you’re wondering where to get the best ribs in Asheville, 12 Bones Smokehouse gets our vote! They are located in South Asheville (their River Arts District location flooded.)
12 Bones keeps it simple with its menu: a few different types of meats served as either a platter or a sandwich. They have a ton of sides to choose from as well as a few salads on the menu.
We always come back to their ribs— especially the brown sugar rub and the blueberry chipotle ones. Yes, blueberry!
*12 Bones Smokehouse’s River Arts location flooded during Hurricane Helene. It remains closed.
1320 Smokey Park Highway | Candler
Authentic homestyle BBQ just west of Asheville
If you are looking for the most authentic feeling Carolina barbecue restaurant in Asheville, head to Doc Brown’s.
Located just outside of Asheville, this Candler BBQ spot is worth a visit if you’re nearby (and even if you aren’t!) Doc Brown’s has a ton of fun menu options, great portion sizes and a really great local feel.
They have three different sauce types and three different types of slaw, so you can mix it up with each visit. Our go-to is their SC mustard sauce, though all are great! Don’t miss their cole slaw flight!
Hawaiian BBQ in Downtown Asheville
Located in the Grove Arcade, Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill brings an exotic twist to the Asheville BBQ scene with a Hawaiian BBQ and grill.
In addition to their classic BBQ menu that features brisket, pulled pork and baby back ribs, Huli Sue’s also has plenty of seafood and grilled options on the menu.
Their bright and trendy interior creates a fantastic ambiance for a great dining experience. They also have outdoor seating on the wide sidewalk along the beautiful exterior of the Grove Arcade.
BBQ in South Slope with great outdoor seating
This Connecticut-based barbecue restaurant has an awesome space in South Slope and are also located in South Asheville at Sweeten Creek Brewery.
You’ll find excellent brisket, ribs and even vegan meatloaf at Bear’s. They also have some wild menu items, like their bear balls with mac and cheese, pulled pork and cornbread battered, fried and topped with cheese and bacon. As intense as they sound!
Bear’s in South Slope has a great outdoor seating area with picnic tables, fire pits, bistro lights and Adirondack chairs.
Authentic Carolina BBQ at a roadside stand
Hidden Gem Alert! Big J’s no-frills barbecue establishment in South Asheville is the perfect spot to grab a quick BBQ sandwich or pick up a to-go dinner for the entire family.
Their menu includes all the traditional Carolina-style BBQ offerings including pulled pork, ribs, chicken and sides.
800 Fairview Road | East Asheville
Fast & casual BBQ in East Asheville
And now let’s go to the east side of Asheville to Black Bear BBQ! Located ten minutes east of downtown Asheville, Black Bear BBQ is an unexpected find in an unassuming shopping center.
Formerly Webo’s BBQ, the owners of Mojo took over in 2020 and quickly made Black Bear BBQ a local go-to.
You’ll find a large menu with all the sides and fixin’s you could dream of. They also have great desserts (like the banana pudding!) and tons of options to feed large groups.
Quintessential roadside BBQ joint in picturesque mountains
Less than 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, Smokey & the Pig is a perfect mountain BBQ spot near Fairview, NC. Their authentic Carolina BBQ is smoked in a wood-burning smoker, giving the BBQ a classic wood-smoked taste.
Smokey & The Pig’s menu includes sandwiches, plates and bulk options. They offer pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket and ribs. They even make ordering for the whole family easy with preset family meal deals.
Smokey & the Pig is primarily a takeout restaurant but they do have a few outdoor tables. There is no indoor seating available.
Asheville’s oldest BBQ joint
With claims to Asheville’s oldest BBQ joint, you know you are in for a treat! Little Pigs is located just south of downtown Asheville near Biltmore Village and Mission Hospital.
It’s nostalgic in all of the best ways and has great food, too. In addition to pulled pork, they also have broasted chicken that is cooked in a pressure fryer!
