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This roadside BBQ joint has been a staple for hungry tourists and locals for years. Serving pit smoked meats, fresh sides, family options and a full bar. Our pit has been dubbed the largest underground pit in the country! Gather inside or outside on our expanded deck seating area. Highlands Smokehouse offers counter service and full service dining options at our bar. Come on by eat with us or order to go for your picnic, dinner or larger celebration.
Rustic mountain restaurant for barbecued ribs, brisket & pulled pork, plus classic Southern sides.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 595 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: (828) 526-3554
Website: https://www.highlandssmokehouse.com/
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highlands smokehouse
This roadside BBQ joint has been a staple for hungry tourists and locals for years. Serving pit smoked meats, fresh sides, family options and a full bar.
Highlands Smokehouse Restaurant – Facebook
Details. . 84% recommend (29 Reviews). . $$. . Open now. . 595 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC, United States, 28741 ; Links. . highlandssmokehouse.com ; Contact …
Highlands Smokehouse (@highlands_smokehouse) – Instagram
Roadside BBQ joint in Highlands,NC! Serving pit smoked meats, fresh sides, family options & full service bar. Open Thur – Mon(11-8) Sun (11-7).
Reviews
William Deere
Expansive yet focused BBQ menu, check. Dog friendly patio. Check. Nice draft list. Bingo. Friendly staff, a win.
I’ve had my fair share of bbq and i will say im not sure this is actually where this restaurant shines. We only tried ribs and brisket tacos, but the meat in either was good but not great. However my collars greens were sensational, the mac and cheese we bought to go lives up to its reputation, and even the fries were stand outs. I suspect they make their own ranch from scratch as the herbs seem especially fresh.
Also oddly enough the chicken tenders we got for my son were some of the best we’ve had anywhere. He loved them.
I know it seems like i give out 5 star reviews rather freely, but its also part of the American way. I reserve 4 stars for places i would begrudgingly go to but never recommend. This however is a place i would happily recommend to anyone coming through highlands. Food is fresh, prices fair, something for everyone.
… moreI’ve had my fair share of bbq and i will say im not sure this is actually where this restaurant shines. We only tried ribs and brisket tacos, but the meat in either was good but not great. However my collars greens were sensational, the mac and cheese we bought to go lives up to its reputation, and even the fries were stand outs. I suspect they make their own ranch from scratch as the herbs seem especially fresh.
Also oddly enough the chicken tenders we got for my son were some of the best we’ve had anywhere. He loved them.
I know it seems like i give out 5 star reviews rather freely, but its also part of the American way. I reserve 4 stars for places i would begrudgingly go to but never recommend. This however is a place i would happily recommend to anyone coming through highlands. Food is fresh, prices fair, something for everyone.
Hans Eckman
The staff is extremely kind and helpful. They have a mix of indoor and outdoor deck seating that is dog friendly outside. The food is very good and they have a rotating selection of draft beers. We ordered the Thanksgiving combo package, and I have never had a turkey that was smoked so perfectly. Besides are very large and fit for a family. Everything we had was excellent. We’ve had their barbecue in the past, which is always been good.
… moreHannah Grogis
Tried this place for the first time last month, and it instantly became our new favorite BBQ spot. We drive all the way from Franklin just to eat here! The atmosphere is great, and the service has been consistently amazing—even when they’re packed.
I’ve had the chopped pork platter (so good), and the mac & cheese is phenomenal. BBQ places can be hit or miss with mac & cheese, but theirs is definitely a hit—highly recommend trying it.
On our most recent visit, I ordered the brisket sandwich (pretty sure it was the marble cut?) and it was incredible—so tender. My husband got the naked wings and loved them too. My mom gets the brisket + shrimp tacos and loves them.
Highly recommend if you’re in Highlands!
… moreI’ve had the chopped pork platter (so good), and the mac & cheese is phenomenal. BBQ places can be hit or miss with mac & cheese, but theirs is definitely a hit—highly recommend trying it.
On our most recent visit, I ordered the brisket sandwich (pretty sure it was the marble cut?) and it was incredible—so tender. My husband got the naked wings and loved them too. My mom gets the brisket + shrimp tacos and loves them.
Highly recommend if you’re in Highlands!
Alexander Lach
This was adequate barbecue for a small town. The brisket was stringy/chewy. The chopped pork was flavorless and dry. The ribs were the best meat we tried, tender and with a good bite. The sides were good, especially the exceptional mac and cheese.
Prices were good. Service was efficient, though felt a bit stingy. After ordering $95 of food they took three minutes to ring me up separately for $1 after I asked for bread.
… morePrices were good. Service was efficient, though felt a bit stingy. After ordering $95 of food they took three minutes to ring me up separately for $1 after I asked for bread.
Theresa Singletary
We stopped at Highlands Smokehouse for a quick lunch on our way home, and wow – so glad we did! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. Everyone was so kind and clearly proud to be part of the team.
Two gentlemen behind the bar were prepping for service and saw me taking photos – rather than just smiling and moving on, they took the time to tell me the story behind the renovation, showed me some of the original roofing, and even gave us a peek at the cozy outdoor area with a fireplace and overhead heaters. That level of hospitality really stood out!
And the food? Absolutely delicious! We shared the pulled pork nachos (topped with all the good stuff) and a trio of tacos (2 chicken, 1 brisket), and let me tell you – we did not leave hungry. The portion sizes were generous, the presentation was great, and every bite was packed with flavor.
We’re already looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu. Huge thanks to the Highlands Smokehouse team – you are the kind of employees every business owner dreams of. You made our visit truly special! ❤️
… moreTwo gentlemen behind the bar were prepping for service and saw me taking photos – rather than just smiling and moving on, they took the time to tell me the story behind the renovation, showed me some of the original roofing, and even gave us a peek at the cozy outdoor area with a fireplace and overhead heaters. That level of hospitality really stood out!
And the food? Absolutely delicious! We shared the pulled pork nachos (topped with all the good stuff) and a trio of tacos (2 chicken, 1 brisket), and let me tell you – we did not leave hungry. The portion sizes were generous, the presentation was great, and every bite was packed with flavor.
We’re already looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu. Huge thanks to the Highlands Smokehouse team – you are the kind of employees every business owner dreams of. You made our visit truly special! ❤️
Connie Martin
Such a pleasant surprise! We ordered the 2 meats (sliced brisket and ribs) and brisket sandwich. WOW, generous portion, fair price, great quality.
The brisket was fall apart tender, ribs were tenderly smoked. At staff recommendation, I ordered the mac & cheese. I NEVER order mac & cheese because always disappointed. NOT THIS TIME. This might be the best item on the menu!!! The okra was light and crispy with no oily residue. So very good.
The brisket sandwich was yummy, tender and generous portion of meat. We ordered that with the baked beans and yummy. The beans have a slightly sweet mesquite flavor, so good.
Next time, I need to save room for the banana pudding because I’m sure it’s delicious too.
… moreThe brisket was fall apart tender, ribs were tenderly smoked. At staff recommendation, I ordered the mac & cheese. I NEVER order mac & cheese because always disappointed. NOT THIS TIME. This might be the best item on the menu!!! The okra was light and crispy with no oily residue. So very good.
The brisket sandwich was yummy, tender and generous portion of meat. We ordered that with the baked beans and yummy. The beans have a slightly sweet mesquite flavor, so good.
Next time, I need to save room for the banana pudding because I’m sure it’s delicious too.
Pat O
Been a while, good as remembered. They were out of the daily special. We had brisket, tasty, good smoke, a bit dry; pulled pork was very good and moist, both lean, no excess fat. The mac n cheese was great, the chilli beans good, the extra crisp fries (perfectly made as requested) were outstanding and a very generous portion.
The staff here is outstanding in every respect – efficient, friendly, helpful, patient, well trained and work as a team
Only issue, personal preference, the sauces are a bit thin – would be better with a bit more viscosity.
… moreThe staff here is outstanding in every respect – efficient, friendly, helpful, patient, well trained and work as a team
Only issue, personal preference, the sauces are a bit thin – would be better with a bit more viscosity.
Dan Dowling
This is what you might call refined barbecue in a relaxed space. Not fancy or stuffy but you can just tell these folks know and care about good food. To enjoy a meal like this in the cool mountain setting of Highlands, North Carolina might very well be a match made in heaven.
Everything about the food and the service was great. Our table of 6 had a mixture of various items and there wasn’t a morsel left when we were done.
… moreEverything about the food and the service was great. Our table of 6 had a mixture of various items and there wasn’t a morsel left when we were done.
Viktor Pilipchuk
Brisket was dry. Chicken didn’t have much flavor. Ribs weren’t bad. Baked beans were pretty good and the Brunswick stew was a home run. The famous Texas sauce was watery and had too much vinegar. The sweet sauce had a bitter vinegar taste. Overall not too bad of a place. Would we go again? Eh. It’s questionable.
… moreAlan Kline
this was the best food and service we experienced in our 5 days hiking in the Highlands, even better than the fancier restaurants in town. we ate their twice, enjoyed the pulled pork, tacos, and nachos while watching the Olympics on their big screen on the back patio. Very nice place, friendly service, and delicious food. Would definitely go back.
… more