They don’t just call us the Smokies because of the lingering fog that rolls over the mountains every morning—we also do homestyle, smoked BBQ better than anyone else in the South. We’ll let y’all settle the age-old tomato-based versus vinegar-based versus mustard-based BBQ sauce debate amongst yourselves—but we recommend you do it in one of the Haywood County barbecue joints listed below.
BUTTS ON THE CREEK BBQ
Maggie Valley’s oldest BBQ restaurant sits so close to Jonathan Creek, you’ll feel like you’re sitting right on the creek bed. Both the customer service and the food here is top-notch: from sandwich plates to picnic-style offerings, this is the place to go if you want to try something new, like fried corn! This rich side is rolled in batter and deep-fried to crispy indulgence. For all you sauce aficionados, you’ve got to try Butts on the Creek’s award-winning mild mustard sauce—it goes well with just about anything on your plate. End your dinner with their rich and creamy hot fudge cake paired with vanilla ice cream. As is the case with all restaurants on this list, the sides, desserts, and sauces are all homemade.
FAT BUDDIES RIBS & BBQ
The legend of Waynesville’s Fat Buddies is a testament to one delicious recipe’s longevity. The current owners have stayed true to family tradition for several generations, much to the delight of anyone lucky enough to stop in for, say, the BBQ chicken platter. Their secret is a slow-cooked, expertly-basted method with a secret sauce that locks in tasty smokiness. You’d be silly not to try their Rack Attack, a full rack of smoked baby back ribs, but you can’t go wrong with anything on their extensive menu, from the onion loaf to the smoked turkey dinner. Is your stomach rumbling yet?
HAYWOOD SMOKEHOUSE
Serving Texas-style barbeque, Haywood Smokehouse has a passion for old-school BBQ, and serving up tender, smoked platters to Haywood County residents and visitors. Their philosophy is simple: if you want to make great BBQ, you have to start with great meat. That’s why they smoke their brisket 16 – 20 hours and their butts 14 – 18 hours using only native hickory. The end result is a fall-off-the-bone freshness and delightful smoky flavor, aided by house-made sauce that’s exploding with flavor. Their menu features a broad offering—in addition to the expected brisket, pork, and chicken dishes, you’ll also find quesadillas and sandwich melts. Expect a warm, lively environment to enjoy when you stop in here.
BOOJUM BREWING CO
Located in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains, Boojum Brewing Company offers various seasonal pub faire, drinks, live music, and events. Their tasty meats are sourced from local farms. Try their house rubbed and roasted local HNG Farms pulled pork plate. Paired with their WNC Red, Sweet Red or Alabama White BBQ sauce, you’ll be in hog heaven! If you’re looking for a kick, try out their Korean BBQ tacos from local Hickory Nut Gap Farms or their Boojum wings tossed in a hot buffalo sauce. Grab a brew and hang out on the back deck for some refreshing mountain air. It’s sure to be a great time!
No matter how you slice it, or sauce it, you’re sure to find mouth-watering BBQ in Haywood County. So, get out here, and try some of the best BBQ the Smokies have to offer!
