North Carolina is famous for its down home soul food and for serving up some of the best barbecue in the South—and Asheville lives up to the hype! You can find two distinct types of barbecue in town: Lexington and Eastern; both are pork-based but differ in the cuts of pork and the type of sauces they are served with. A town in full support of local farmers, a few of Asheville’s barbecue joints even serve locally-sourced hogs. (Feature photo: Buxton Hall)
Whether the meat is cooked slow and low for 15+ hours over hardwood coals, cooked in vinegar-based sauces, or perfectly smoked and seasoned, Asheville bar-b-que is comfort food at its best. Find beef brisket, smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork and country classic sides like baked beans, cornbread, collard greens, slaw and banana pudding at most barbecue restaurants in Asheville. See our Top Places for Southern Food if you've got a hankerin' for fried chicken and more southern staples.
Check out these BBQ restaurants below for some finger-lickin’ good food for dine-in or take-out!
Best BBQ in Asheville
Bear's Smokehouse Asheville
This smokehouse in Asheville’s South Slope offers award-winning K.C. Style BBQ with signature items like brisket burnt ends, smoked sausage, loaded baked potatoes, and more. They also offer vegan… read more
This smokehouse in Asheville’s South Slope offers award-winning K.C. Style BBQ with signature items like brisket burnt ends, smoked sausage, loaded baked potatoes, and more. They also offer vegan options like tempeh and Impossible Meatloaf and a variety of craft beers to enjoy! Open 7 days a week with online ordering and delivery available. 135 Coxe Ave
Little Pigs BBQ
Serving locals and visitors alike since 1963, this family friendly barbecue joint serves meats smoked over hickory wood plus popular broasted chicken and hushpuppies. Known for their fast and… read more
Serving locals and visitors alike since 1963, this family friendly barbecue joint serves meats smoked over hickory wood plus popular broasted chicken and hushpuppies. Known for their fast and friendly service, stop in for a combo plate and leave satisfied! 84 McDowell St
Luella's BBQ
It’s all about the bbq and scratch-made sides at this local joint that draws inspiration from family recipes. Feast on ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken with sides like fried okra, collards… read more
It’s all about the bbq and scratch-made sides at this local joint that draws inspiration from family recipes. Feast on ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken with sides like fried okra, collards, spicy vinegar coleslaw and more. They offer brunch on the weekends. 501 Merrimon Ave
Moe's Original Bar B Que
Featuring award-winning Bama-style, wood smoked pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and chicken, this hidden gem is off the beaten path, but well worth a visit! Traditional Southern sides made fresh daily… read more
Featuring award-winning Bama-style, wood smoked pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and chicken, this hidden gem is off the beaten path, but well worth a visit! Traditional Southern sides made fresh daily, along with tasty desserts. 4 Sweeten Creek Rd
12 Bones Smokehouse
The lines may be long, but it’s worth the wait for this locally loved BBQ joint. Enjoy the Southern style, slow-smoked barbecue and scratch-made sides while they last—when they sell out, they… read more
The lines may be long, but it’s worth the wait for this locally loved BBQ joint. Enjoy the Southern style, slow-smoked barbecue and scratch-made sides while they last—when they sell out, they close up! Opened only for lunch Mon-Fri, 11 AM-4 PM. 5 Foundy St
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