Hi, Asheville. 👋 Since it’s pretty well established that no one knows what day it is anymore, we don’t feel so bad about missing National BBQ Day, which took place over the weekend. Leading up to it, we thought it was on the following Tuesday. 🤦 About that we can say the following: 1) Bless our hearts and 2) Every day is a BBQ holiday, if we’re being totally honest.
We’re not here today to talk about the best BBQ sauce in the Carolinas. We want to shine a little light today on some of the local ’cue y’all shouted out when we asked you on social media where you go to get your BBQ fix. Bonus: all but one of them are open for takeout so you can enjoy the tastiness at home.
While we’d go just for the following four little words: meats by the pound (including pork, chicken, turkey, and more), the plates, sandwiches, sides + more all come from the same folks that brought us Mojo Kitchen & Lounge, so you know it’s good. Protip: They also offer vegetarian bbq.
A collabo from two James Beard-nominated chefs — Chai Pani’s Meherwan Irani + Elliott Moss — this is the place for 12-hour smoked whole hog barbecue. And while their sides are fab, their homemade desserts really standout. Protip: Buxton is currently closed and not offering take out service, but you can whip up their eats at home with Moss’ cookbook.
With Texas-style barbecue — including tender brisket that’s slow-smoked for upward of 20 hours — this low-key eatery (with locations in Dillsboro, Franklin + Waynesville) is a meat-lover’s dream come true. Classic Southern sides like collard greens and macaroni and cheese are an ideal pairing for all that meat.
🐖 High Ridge Adventures Outfitting & BBQ
Love outdoor gear + outdoor adventures like fly fishing and hunting? You can find that and pit smoked, slow-cooked BBQ at this casual Marshall outfitting retail store and BBQ restaurant. With generous servings and delish desserts like rotating cobblers, it’s easy to see why y’all gave this Madison County spot some love. Protip: Call ahead for faster service.
This eastern-style barbecue restaurant with locations in both North + South Asheville draws a crowd for its meats, including brisket, ribs, chicken + smoked wings. Luella’s also knows veggies: their salads, featuring loads of greens + meat, are meals unto themselves. Protip: Editor Brook says you can’t go wrong with their bbq tempeh and an ice-cold grape Nehi.
