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. Based on 580 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.5 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ No delivery
Address:
595 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: (828) 526-3554
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
11 AM–8 PM
Hours might differ
|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Menu
… View more
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Heather Jordan
My family of 5 went with our dog. We have our order at a window outside and the food was delivered to us. It was delicious! We had the burnt ends for an appetizer and then the kids had chicken fingers, my hubs had brisket sandwich with creamed corn, and I had brisket tacos and collards. So good!
… more
Carter Claiborne
Great food but pretty pricey. Definitely Texas-centric bbq and food basis, but had good vinegar pulled pork, and good mustard and white sauces too. I was not a fan of the brussel sprouts — they tasted really strongly of vinegar. The meat itself though was phenomenal, tender, and moist. Very cool forest service themed branding and interior.
… more
Ethan Poole
This restaurant is one of the more unique ones I’ve been to. While many of the restaurants in my reviews are chain restaurants, this one was nice, as it had no big, bold branding, had a very active and homemade atmosphere, and was an overall pleasant experience.
… more
Tony Moss
We drove from SC to find this place and I wasn’t disappointed whatsoever!!! Simply amazing! Hands dow the best ribs I’ve ever eaten!!! They were tender, moist and delicious! We ordered several meats and none disappointed!! The best thing though was the pork belly burnt ends!!!! Talk about meat candy!! We will make that drive again!!
… more
Alan Guerry
On a BBQ scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being Red Lobster and 10 being Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, Highlands Smokehouse comes in a solid 7. I’m super finicky about my que, so the average diner may very well enjoy it much more than I did. The ribs were fantastic without sauce although they fell off the bone a tad too easily, the onion strings were pretty good and the okra was some of the best I’ve ever had. Definitely not pretentious, just a good old down home BBQ place. 4 stars for the entire experience.
… more
Russ Boyer
Got to Highlands pretty late on a Sunday evening, so choices are limited. Saw that Highlands Smokehouse was open for another 45 minutes and ran down to try to get some food. Even though I came in shortly before close, the staff could not have been more friendly. Got the brisket melt for my wife, and brisket nachos for me. Both were excellent! Definitely check them out.
… more
Stephen Palmer
Food was fresh, cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious! Entire staff was smiling, friendly and looked like they were enjoying their day. Loved being able to sit outside under an umbrella on the second story deck. Great experience… we’ll definitely be back!
… more
Nicole Mashburn
Stopped in to spoil our middle child for good grades. It did not disappoint. We had the brisket tacos, the special (chicken quesadilla), and the brisket nachos appetizer. The nachos were enough for at least 4-5 people, and they were delicious! The guacamole was fresh, the homemade queso cheesy, and the jalapeños and onions were crunchy and spicy. The brisket tacos were fresh–brisket was smoky and not greasy, the slaw crunchy, and the onion straws crispy. We didn’t even use any sauce. My daughter said the chicken quesadilla was phenomenal–smoky chicken, cheese, and tons of sides to put on it. The mac and cheese side was cheesy and almost tasted like it had some horseradish in it..a little kick but it was so good. I have zero complaints. We finished off with a peanut butter turtle cheesecake….I like my cheesecake a little sweeter but the texture was perfect and the crunch from the white chocolate chips and nuts helped. We will definitely be back! Service was great, everyone friendly, great atmosphere.
… more
Aliyah
Amazing food! The Brisket Burger was very good!
… more
Justin Case
Great place, great food and the margaritas are fantastic. We always look forward to eating here every time we come to the highlands. Brisket, pulled pork, quesadilla, beans, Mac, slaw, hush puppies all are great. Service is good and the kids enjoy eating on the deck/patio. Again the smokehouse margarita is . See yall next year
… more
… View more