Lydia Powell
We found the Barbecue and fish to be adequate to quell hunger, but not outstanding. The meat is not smoked, so the flavor of the pork is not competitive with those restaurants who do smoke the meat. The flounder was edible, but the fish flesh appeared to be old. The skin did not peel freely from the meat as it does when the fish is fresh.
The hush puppies were the best item we sampled from the menu- fried to crispness outside with a comforting blend of savory/sweet bread inside.
The Cole slaw contained way too much mustard. The Brunswick stew was way too sweet. The French fries are standard frozen ripple cut used by many institutions.
The staff members were very friendly, and the owner happened to be on site. He was very hospitable, and he made a point to make us feel welcome.
We understand that the business is a long-standing favorite in the area, and we wish them the best. But the price points are a bit stout for the food quality provided.
… moreGail DeSanto
Amazing down home authentic barbecue just off 95 in Smithfield – a must stop if you’re in the area!!
… moreBreanne P
Small spot but well worth the visit. We had pork bbq, great notes of vinegar throughout with a tiny bit of heat on the end. So good! The coleslaw and potato salad were absolutely delicious and they were not shy on the portion of hush puppies. A bit out of the way from Raleigh but check it out if you’re in the area, great food for great value.
… moreJohn G
Now this is Carolina BBQ at its BEST!!!!!! This place did not disappoint; everything was excellent. I know some people have the ability to write a thousand word review expressing how wonderful this place is and how tasty the foods are; but not this guy… I can only say this; it’s your miss if you don’t stop in here and get you a plate!!!
… moreChris East
Nothing less than a 5. This is really close to being the best BBQ in NC. I’m not going to say the best but very close. There was a little confusion honestly of where to park and enter since it was our first time. Once we figured it out, wow. The service was great, and our server visited often. She made sure we had what we needed. This is the only restaurant I’ve visited BBQ wise that puts a whole bottle of plain vinegar on the table. Thank goodness!!!!!!!! This was a welcome change and another reason for 5 stars. Fried chicken was a little chewy, but the flavor was great. The only thing missing here honestly was Collards. But I cannot complain. I love the pictures on the wall! They compliment this location well!!!!
… moreRobert Kerns
Good food in a place that is rich in local history. My son and I have had breakfast here a few times and I have had a few lunch events and solo meals here.
The daily specials are always a good choice and the staff is very nice.
If you eat in their annex space you get to see many hunting and fishing trophies from the owner.
Good country staples right off the bat Brightleaf!
… moreMartin Meza
They have great food, the fried chicked is great, the barbecue as delicious, i’m never been a big fan of hush puppies but theirs are so good and fresh.
… moreBecky Clark
Hole in the wall with delicious fried chicken and amazing hush puppies! This is not for someone trying to eat healthy. Chicken was juicy and crisp. The BBQ pork was tasty. Their sides were decent, but not as good as the meat. Great value and there is a discount for cash. We left stuffed from lunch. Service was fast and it’s in a convenient location from the highway. Definitely recommend.
… moreCharles Sasser
Update: I stopped by for an afternoon combo meal of barbecue chicken/barbeque with cole slaw and Brunswick stew. Moist chicken with that eastern nc bbq sauce. Chopped bbq with the nc sauce and some texas pete. Can’t go wrong with brunswick stew. Add a tea with crushed ice to finished my comfy meal. Previous: Cozy location. Haven’t been in a while. Used to go there in my youth. Dined in. The hush puppies were warm, soft and airy. I got the combination plate dark with the Brunswick stew and slaw. My friend got the fried chicken white with boiled potatoes and potato salad. The chicken was juicy and not greasy with crispyskin. The bbq was tender. The potato salad was creamy. The slaw was so good that I got a pint to go. The Brunswick stew was delicious and components were fresh with a broth where you can identify what was in it. Th3 boiled potatoes were tender and a good size. The experience gave me a renewed warm feeling like I enjoyed in my youth.
… moreAmy Morrison
As soon as you sit down, they greet you with a smile and a basket of fresh, hot hush puppies (with honeybutter already on the table). Our food was served seconds after we ordered, including fried chicken that tasted like it came right out of the fryer! Everything was good, with the brunswick stew being our favorite. Whole hog bbq is few and far between, with that and their hospitality, White Swan’s is a must stop….if not a destination unto itself. Thank ya’ll for a meal to remember!
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