Haywood Smokehouse in North Carolina

"If you’re anywhere near Dillsboro or Franklin and craving barbecue done right, do yourself a favor and head straight to Haywood Smokehouse. This place doesn’t just serve food—they serve comfort, craftsmanship, and enough smoky goodness to make you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. The star of my visit? The fried honey BBQ ribs. Good grief. These things should come with a warning label because once you take that first bite—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in that sticky-sweet honey BBQ magic—you’re officially ruined for all other ribs. They’re the kind of ribs that make you pause mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening. Absolute perfection. The service was exceptional from the greeter that welcomed us when we walked in to our server (Paige). Everything else followed suit: hearty portions, rich smoky flavor throughout, and sides that taste like they came straight from someone’s grandma’s kitchen. The staff was friendly, the atmosphere cozy, and the whole experience felt like a hug delivered through barbecue. If you’re looking for a place that feels authentic, delicious, and memorable, Haywood Smokehouse deserves a spot at the top of your list. And seriously—don’t leave without getting those fried honey BBQ ribs. You’ll be thinking about them long after the plate is empty."

"The staff provided excellent service and the food was tasty and the need was very tender. I had ribs, French fries and macaroni and cheese. My partner had brisket, green beans and potato salad. We both had pea on pie with ice cream. Everything was amazingly delicious"

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! We stopped at Haywood Smokehouse on our way home from vacation, and I’m still thinking about it! Hands down, the best brisket I’ve ever had—tender, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable. I’m not usually a big fan of brisket, but that changed today. The service was incredibly friendly, and the prices were unbeatable for the quality you get. Every bite was perfect. The sides were just as impressive—the brisket tip baked beans were some of the best baked beans I’ve ever had. I seriously can’t brag enough about this place. I’m already planning a day trip back just to eat here again. If you’re anywhere near, don’t miss it!"

"So good! Baked beans!!!! You will Never find a place like this to compare flavors i love this place. They cook their meats tender juicy smokey flavor I had turkey plate with collard greens and Brunswick stew, hubby had ribs and brisket . Definitely worth stopping."

"Oh... My... Delectable goodness... This small hole in the wall barbecue restaurant has the most tender and juiciest brisket I have had in a very long time! The meat is perfect with flavor, and just about everything we ordered tasted fantastic! The fries were the some of the best I've ever had, and they have plenty of selections for anybody who is our barbecue connoisseur!"

"I have nothing bad to say... but I will point out some real positives. When you go to a BBQ pithouse you have expectations, and mine started with my early years in Texas. They claimed to be Texas good and they were. Not everything I've seen in a Texas old fashioned restaurant was there but there was enough and the key to it all is their nicely smoked Brisket. We moved to Florida from Texas and most the places we can find in central Florida don't stand up to Texas standards. Haywood Smokehouse has some good enough Brisket to make a Texan respect it and you don't want to put any sauces on this stuff, because that would be a crime. You may be tempted to order something else besides Brisket, but if you're a Brisket lover than don't bother with the rest of the menu! I will add pictures of the menu that are from October 2, 2025 for reference. The pictures are from our lunch and they show how nicely they sliced the Brisket, because too thin and you lose the moist juces that are then just flowing to the plate... nice and thick here. The "Burnt Ends Baked Beans" are just what you think they are, with brisket ends chopped into them, very nice. The fries were double fried for a crispier texture. You probably won't have room for desert, and that would be a shame, so be sure to get the Southern Banana Pudding to go so you don't miss out. Comfortable atmosphere perfectly suited to a Texas style smokehouse. We will be going back for more... after we finish the pound of brisket we ordered to take home. Ignore the fact that I nibbled off a fair bit of that before I too the picture of the to go brisket!"

"Im from Louisiana and we know bbq, but moving here to NC a year an a half ago the first thing i did was find a bbq place close by and Haywood smoke house came up just a few miles down the road. Best bbq around, ribs, baked beans are on point and the coleslaw is the best and the best sweet tea iv ever had. 5stars easy"

"Haywood BBQ did the Catering for Our Daughters wedding. (Chicken, Brisket, Pulled pork, Coleslaw, Collards, Baked Beans, Cobbler). 5 Food. If you are doing buffet style you cannot go wrong with them. Everyone enjoyed the food. Thank you Haywood. You never disappoint."