The 8 Best BBQ in Asheville NC Options
Looking for the Best BBQ in Asheville NC?
When it comes to living in the south and BBQ, you might think of Carolina BBQ. One of the more famous cities for barbecue in NC is Lexington, but BBQ in Asheville NC is on the radar, too! Next time you are in Asheville, you must try at least one of these BBQ restaurants on our list.
We’ve included the best BBQ in Asheville, NC, and as a bonus, we’ve included some nearby restaurants at the end, too. Now it’s time to dive into some good comfort food and smoked meats; you’ll have many options here in Asheville! Now, let’s see if Asheville can rank in the best BBQ in North Carolina.
Best BBQ in Asheville NC
Who’s got the best BBQ in Asheville?
This list is not in a particular order, but the most popular BBQ locations we have placed towards the top. There are many different styles of BBQ; we know some like the Carolina style, but others love a Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City style better.
We personally lean towards the Texas-style BBQ but are open to all options; give us some amazing flavor and juicy brisket! Let’s dive into the best BBQ in Asheville NC.
1) 12 Bones Smokehouse
You will find two locations for 12 Bones Smokehouse, one in Asheville and the other in Arden, NC. They make everything from scratch with simple ingredients, and some of their recipes are old family favorites passed down.
Here, you will find an homage to Memphis-style BBQ, but they bring a twist of Asheville-style BBQ into play as well with a rib sauce made with blueberries and chipotles. On their menu, you will find sandwiches, salads, sides, and plates of lots of meats!
Even the Obamas have visited 12 Bones numerous times and claim it’s the best BBQ in Asheville NC.
The fan favorites include the blueberry chipotle ribs, pulled pork, corn pudding, cornbread, and the legendary jalapeño cheese grits. A hidden gem on the menu is the turkey sandwich. All of their meats and sauces are gluten-free. Some claim these are the best ribs in Asheville.
They do not take reservations; they are first-come, first-serve only.
Dine-in and takeout are available.
Hours for Downtown Location in River Arts District
They are only open on weekdays for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed weekends.
Address: 5 Foundy St, Asheville, NC 28801
Hours for their South Asheville location
(15 minutes south of the Biltmore Village)
11:30 am – 8 pm between Tuesday and Saturday.
12 pm – 6 pm on Sundays.
Address: 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704
Website
2) Luella’s Bar-B-Que
Luella’s has two locations, one in North Asheville and the other in South Asheville. They opened their flagship store on the north side back in 2009, an old A&W building. Everything is made from scratch.
Luella’s was named after the co-owner Jeff Miller’s grandmother, Grandma Lue. She handed down many of her recipes and secrets to Jeff. Luella’s focuses on southern barbecue and Carolina style but is also inspired by Texas and Memphis styles.
Fan favorites on the menu include the ribs, smoked andouille sausage, the big boy’s blue ribbon BBQ platter, and cheese n’ comfort fries. The BBQ platter is a great way to share with a group of family and friends, which includes brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork; plus, you select three sides, and it’s served family-style.
They do not take reservations; they are first-come, first-serve only.
Dine-in and takeout are available.
Hours for both locations
11 am – 9 pm every day
North Asheville Address: 501 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
South Asheville Address: 33 Town Square Blvd, Biltmore Park, NC 28803
Website
3) Moe’s Original BBQ
Moe’s is a chain, but don’t let that steer you away; it has award-winning Alabama-style pulled pork and other smoked meats. They are located in the Biltmore Village area and minutes away from downtown Asheville.
They are known for the pulled pork, ribs, turkey, and chicken, smoked over hardwood and made fresh daily. They have two sauces that are unique and many different sides and desserts to choose from.
Don’t forget to get banana pudding for dessert, even if you have to take it to go! They also have a beautiful outdoor patio.
Hours
Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm
Sunday, Noon to 8 pm
Address: 4 Sweeten Creek Rd. Asheville, NC 28803
Website
4) Black Bear BBQ
Black Bear focuses on offering a soulful traditional-style BBQ. You will find pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and even vegetarian options as well. They provide a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere where you can stop in for a meal.
They offer daily specials, and on Fridays, make sure to stop by for the burnt end of the week! Plus, you can find fun cane-sweetened sodas here, much better than the high fructose corn syrup stuff!
Fan favorites include pulled pork, brisket, mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole.
Hours
Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 6 pm
Address: 800 Fairview Rd Ste C8, Asheville, NC 28803
Website
5) Little Pigs BBQ
Little Pigs BBQ opened in 1963 and is family-owned and operated; it’s Asheville’s Oldest BBQ restaurant. Located about a half-mile from the Biltmore, visitors come for the BBQ and chicken.
They provide hickory-smoked chopped pork BBQ that has been smoked for 15 hours. They do not use any rubs or sauces during their cooking process. This is very much Carolina-style BBQ.
Hours
Monday – Saturday 10:30 – 7:30 pm
Closed Sundays
Address: 384 McDowell Street, Asheville, NC 28803
Website
6) Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill
Located in downtown Asheville, in the historic Grove Arcade, you will find this Texas BBQ with a spin that incorporates Hawaiian flavors. Fan favorites here include Sue’s Huli chicken, crispy ribs, brisket French Dip, and poke nachos. Plus, don’t forget to order their famous banana cream pie.
Honestly, I’m not sure you can go wrong here! This is a must if you are in downtown Asheville and near the Grove Arcade!
They take reservations! Make one here now
You can also order online as well.
Hours
Monday Noon – 8 pm
Thursday – Sunday Noon – 8 pm
They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Address: 1 Page Ave, Suite 150, Asheville, NC 28801
Website
7) Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue
Another downtown Asheville option is Bear’s Smokehouse, located in the heart of South Slope, the brewery capital of Asheville. They started as a food truck back in 2020 but quickly expanded and converted an old auto and truck repair shop into a dining area for people to enjoy.
Their focus is on Kansas City-style BBQ. You will find them at two other locations as well, one in Asheville and one in Mill Spring, NC.
Fan favorites include the brisket & burnt ends combo, bear balls, creamy mac and cheese, cornbread, and pulled pork. All of the sauces and rubs are gluten-free. They also have vegan options.
Hours
Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday Noon – 9 pm
Address: 135 Coxe Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
They also have a second location that operates out of the same property as Sweeten Creek Brewing in South Asheville.
Website
8) Garage BBQ
This Asheville native, Jonathan Lewis, started selling his BBQ on Facebook back in 2017 out of his own garage. He went public and now has a food truck. Garage BBQ offers pulled pork and chicken and a wide range of sauces to choose from.
Garage BBQ offers 35 homemade sauces that rotate on the menu, including whiskey, banana-pepper, mustard Siracusa, strawberry, and pickle BBQ sauces. The meats and sauces are gluten-free.
You can check their Facebook page for scheduled dates and locations.
Other BBQ locations near Asheville NC include:
Big J’s Bubba-Q
Fan favorites include their BBQ plate, fried chicken & ribs! They don’t have a website, and some might drive by, but we recommend stopping; you won’t be disappointed.
Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 11 am – 8 pm
Address: 3722 Sweeten Creek Rd, Arden, NC 28704
Smokey & the Pig
Great spot to stop for Carolina BBQ. You will find pulled pork, chicken, and brisket! You can choose from sandwiches or plates, which include meat, bread, and two sides. For dessert, check out their homemade banana pudding.
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 am – 7 pm
Address: 913 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
Facebook Page
Doc Brown’s BBQ
Located just a few minutes outside of Asheville, in Candler, NC. Started by Dr. Dave Brown originally as a food truck but now has opened a brick-and-mortar location. They serve pulled pork, chicken, barbecue ribs, and brisket that is 100% wood-smoked.
Sides available include potato salad, macaroni and cheese pie, sweet potato casserole, and collard greens. You can find a vegan option too. Their menu can vary from day to day.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm
Address: 1320 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715
Website
Hotel and Lodging in Asheville NC
Downtown Asheville, you will find the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown, Kimpton Hotel Arras, Aloft Asheville Downtown, and Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown.
Near The Biltmore, you will find the Grand Bohemia Asheville, Home2 Suites, and Courtyard by Marriot Asheville Biltmore Village.
Traveling to Asheville, NC
From Charlotte, NC, to Asheville, NC, it will take you just over 2 hours to drive.
From Atlanta, GA, to Asheville, NC, it is just over 3 1/2 hours to drive.
From Nashville, TN, to Asheville is over a 4 1/2 hour drive.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed the amazing list of options for the best BBQ in Asheville, NC. There are so many good options to choose from; you really cannot go wrong! It will all come down to personal taste and what styles of BBQ you usually enjoy best.
I know some do not care for the vinegar Carolina-style, but some LOVE it! Come and enjoy some of the best restaurants in Asheville, NC.