Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue - South Asheville

I love Bear's. I've had so many things from their food truck and I'm always super happy. We finally made it to their Sweeten Creek location so I could have a baked potato. And it is amazing! That thing is easily 2 meals. It's an incredible portion. Everything else they do is good, too. And the BBQ sauce? 💯 Just go! They have a small indoor space for dining. You could also sit on the brewery side if that's your thing.

Stopped by for a delicious lunch. We had the pulled pork and various sides. The bbq beans and the Mac and Cheese were to die for. The collard greens were also delicious! Highly recommend.

Ribs are amazing! Will definitely go back earlier in the day to grab some brisket and pork next time. BBQ beans are excellent! Highly recommended!

Food was really, really good. No complaints there except I would have liked a bit more meat on my stuffed baked potato. Brisket was EXCELLENT as were the sauce choices. Price was a little high in my opinion, but definitely left full (and bought some extra meat for later!). Ambiance was just alright, and you pretty much have to get your drinks/utensils yourself and clean up after. Fast casual style (kind of like Chipotle). Enjoyed the food, but not enough all around to make it a regular date night spot.

Passed by today at lunch. After what they did for our FD after Helene,I had to stop by if only to show appreciation for their efforts for our community. Had what they call MAC attack with Texas sausage. Spices just popped out of it. I couldn’t believe how good it was. Not any atmosphere but who cares with food that tastes that good. Helpful and friendly staff too. Thank you

First of all, let me say this is a hard to find place just off the beaten path not far from Asheville so if you’re in from out of town, go give this place a try they won awards for their barbecue couple years in a row. Their big beans are the best I’ve ever had Incredible they’re cooked in the smoker with the drippings the ribs had a nice bark on them with excellent flavor. Too bad I couldn’t try the burnt ends. They were out of them. Must’ve been even better than the ribs. Whatever that is they know what they’re doing make sure you stop next-door to the brewery and get yourself some, excellent beer I had a red pale that was excellent. This place is worth the drive put some of the other barbecue on the back burner and make it go make your car go to this place.

Passing through and read the reviews, we had to give it a try. Glad we did! The only negative thing I can say it that it was a little hard to find, but so glad we found it! The brisket was excellent. It was tender and moist with a nice smoke ring. The beans could be a meal by themselves, they had lots of meat in them. The pork was also very good. The service was very helpful in helping us make our choices. Definitely will return again if in the area!

I've been told about this place by many locals and I have to say... They were not wrong about the quality of product being presented, I had lunch with my food rep and he mentioned that this was his favorite kind of barbeque as well. (Texas/Kansas mix I believe) I had some burnt ends too which I somehow didn't get a picture of apparently, the customer service was as great as it gets, they were very knowledgeable and had a strong sense of pride backing their work/product. I will definitely be back! I'll review the brewery Attached later on, the brew-flight I had after my meal was phenomenal.

Food was cold even though the place was empty, prices were way higher than the menu posted online. They were also out of several things that I asked for and customer service was less than friendly. Gave us a side salad that was bigger than anything else we ordered and we had to ask for dressing and dessert that they left out. My brother got a pulled pork sandwich that was mostly bun.

This fabulous restaurant has been providing meals for hundreds daily in cooperation with the World Food Kitchen. Early next year they will be taking back their kitchen. Ever since the hurricane/flood in western North Carolina they have been supporting the community, It's like they were heaven sent. Nothing can compare to their dedication.

Delightful barbecue! I had the pulled pork and Texas sausage with Mac & Cheese and baked beans, plus a Coke. Everything was delicious but I must warn you the sausage packs a kick. The mustardy Carolina Gold BBQ sauce was a good accompaniment. I finished with a refreshing Mexican lager from the attached Sweeten Creek Brewery. My Mother had the half-rack of ribs with coleslaw and collard greens. She also approved of all she had. Visitors should he warned this is an open dining area, so it might be uncomfortable on very hot days. We were fine with a small rain shower pattering pleasantly on the tin roof as we ate. I would recommend and plan to return.

The food was Yummy! The brisket prepared to perfection in both flavor and tenderness. Was stacked with Mac/ cheese on a portable mushroom. Big enough to share. Best part they share space in the Sweeten Creek brewery so pair fabulous BBCue with a fine brew.

So so good! Wanted to grab some bbq out in Asheville and this hidden away Xanadu was fantastic. Grabbed a beer from the brewery attached and sat down to a brisket + slaw sandwich. The sauces were fantastic, meat was tender. Just perfect. Also got a side of beans after it was recommended and...I might just stop in again just for the beans they were so good. Well worth the stop.

Fantastic bbq! We were leaving Charlotte driving through NC and of course knew Asheville would have great food. We were in the mood for BBQ and found the two Bear's BBQ spots. This one was closest to the freeway so we stopped here. The location is a little express spot connected to the brewery but that did not mean the food was impacted at all! We ordered the Moink Balls and Full Rack of Ribs with Coleslaw and BBQ Beans. Wow! Everything was fantastic. The ribs were cooked perfectly with the right amount of smoky and tenderness. The BBQ Beans were the best my dad has had and the Coleslaw had the right balance of everything. We are outside which was pleasant and could still enjoy the music from the brewery. Absolutely pleasant!

First- this restaurant is a second row restaurant which is actually behind a business on Sweeten Creek, it is easy to miss! Look for the sign and turn! This place definitely looks like a dive but it also has the best pulled pork sandwiches! The sides are just yummy. I love the Kansas City BBQ sauce. If you like BBQ, I am certain you will like this place. No waiters, you order at a tiny counter and they serve you fast because every thing is ready to eat! The dining area is a run down screened in patio and it looks like the place to guzzle some beer after a baseball game. The bathrooms are equivalent to an abandon state park outhouse. I only say this so no one is shocked or expecting ambiance. Even so the BBQ is too good to give less than 5 stars, suggestion: get it "to go".

Burnt ends !! Brisket. Man n cheese. Always. Used to go when we lived in CT. Was so excited to see here in NC even if it is over 4 hours away! Worth the trip every time!

10/10 amazing BBQ, so tender + good seasoning. Burnt ends and Ribs were so amazing, can't wait to go back.

Stopped by for lunch and it was worth it. Husband had a pulled pork sandwich and I had pulled chicken, both really good. He had the beans and I had the Mac and cheese, both were outstanding. Location is dog friendly,'which for us is a show stopper as we always have our pups with us. Bonus, it is in the same location as the Sweeten Creek Brewery, which also was outstanding

Bears is my favorite bbq place hands down. the burnt ends and sides are so delicious! The owners have been working like mad to deliver food to areas hit by Hurricane Helene, and they are making way into neighborhoods with dilish foods in conjunction with world relief kitchen! kudos all around for being a huge part of helping our community during terrible times when we didn't have water or power or phone service. We LOVE Bears for all of this even more than before! THANK YOU!!!

Best ribs I have ever had in my life... and that's saying something! Very impressed. Proximity to the great brewery is a wonderful added bonus.

Found this brewery to try and we were excited to see they offer bbq as well. We were able to easily order and pick up the food inside and then sat outside to enjoy the weather and band playing. Ordered the two meats with two sides. Sausage, pulled chicken, beans and coleslaw. The sausage was spicy but awesome, chicken was super flavorful as were the beans. And loved the coleslaw! Would definitely come here again- prices and quality were excellent!!

These guys catered our daughter's rehearsal dinner and wedding reception last weekend and everything was phenomenal! People raved about the brisket, pulled pork, chicken, portobellos and ALL the yummy sides! Add in cornbread with honey butter and the whole thing was a home run for our crowd. Service and communication were stellar and I will recommend you guys at every opportunity!

This BBQ place had four different sauces to mix and match! I picked the pulled chicken sandwich which was an overall great choice. And I can never turn down Mac n cheese so I had to add that as a side and wow was that an amazing choice! The service was amazing and being able to pick where to sit either inside or outside is a big plus as well. The area where this establishment is located is just so beautiful!

I didn't realize this location was an express outlet when I ordered delivery on April 30th, because the only place it says Express is here on Yelp, not on their website. Also beware that they have 2 locations. This is the Express one. I ordered a Stuffed Spud with pulled pork. It arrived as a very dry potato cut in half, no butter or seasoning, topped with very dry mac and cheese. Not at all creamy like in some photos here. Not topped with any additional pile of cheese, as is shown in a photo on their website and listed on their menu, then dry pulled pork, sliced onions, and no sour cream either, as listed on their menu. Dry, dry, dry. BBQ sauce on the side wasn't enough to help it. I had to doctor the whole thing in my kitchen. The cornbread was dry and super dense. I've never had cornbread that ate like a brick. The flavor was good with the honey butter tho. The broccoli salad was really good but did have a ton of raisins. The bbq baked beans were also smoky and delicious and not dry. Then I had ordered a Monster Cookie PB Cup. I guess they either get them premade or bake a frozen cookie puck. But even the ginormous cookie was dried out. Whoever runs this food outlet really needs to refocus. The food is NOT inexpensive. Making sure its always fresh, moist, and tasty should be pretty simple goals. I wouldn't recommend it. If you go, eat there, check your food, and ask them if its fresh. But dont get take out for home or order it delivered, $35 later, and its dry and incomplete. The owners should honestly be embarrassed to send out dry bbq items like that. Maybe it was a slow day for them, but they still need to keep their food fresh.

Excellent BBQ, one of the best I have ever had. The mac and cheese was pretty good and the greens were just right. The service was pretty good as well, we had never eaten there and they helped us choose what we should eat and they were not wrong. Both the ribs and the brisket were GREAT! I would like to try the downtown location, but this one is just fine.

Amazing Mac and cheese brisket and corn and good service and nice atmosphere and color

Anytime I see Kansas City style barbecue, I'm game! Growing up in KC, I'm quite partial and Bears knows their way around some good Q. My family will scarf down some of their bratwursts too. Service is always in the know of what's best and are happy to help! This is a fairly no frills location, go in, order and pick a seat, or take your food over to the brewery side. Either way, you can't go wrong. Good times with good food is to be had, and this is the place!

We both approve of the brisket. Ribs were like candy. And the outdoor area and dog park area is awesome!

My hubby and I shared the 3 meat platter with two sides - selected pulled pork, portobello mushrooms and sliced brisket, Mac and cheese and sweet potato mash. Food was delicious. In fact, it was the best brisket we have had since moving back to Western NC. Portions were solid. There was plenty of food to share. Staff was knowledgeable and personable. We will definitely go back.

Tried to go to the downtown location and could not find parking anywhere. So we went to the smokehouse Express. First time visiting this establishment. Had high expectations, read some awesome reviews. Our experience at the express was horrible. Ribs weren't warm, butter did not melt into my baked potato, the macaroni and cheese was hard. My friend reported that the bathroom was a disgusting mess. There is one person managing the orders, the food, and the cash register. There was a line of people. Don't more people work at this location? I could go on but I'm not going to. I'm assuming the quality at the main restaurant is better. But shouldn't the quality of the food be consistent no matter which location it was at?

A little place off of the beaten path that we found on Yelp. Food was excellent and plentiful! Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food! Can highly recommend this place!

After some less than memorable meals on our trip out east we were REALLY ready for some decent food. Bear's Smokehouse Express delivered that and more! Both my wife and I had 1/2 racks of their cooked-to-perfection pork ribs. These were perfectly seasoned and NOT fall-off-the-bone. I hear you say "What... NOT fall off the bone...that's good???" Yup. It is! You want the meat on the rib to be perfectly cooked and tender, but holding together enough so you get that nice feeling of gnawing it off the bone. Kids... we were gifted with sharp teeth to do this...not molars for grinding mush meat. But I digress. Lots of good sauces. On to the sides.... the baked beans were nice and smoky and had BIG chunks of BBQ meat in it. Heck, a bowl of those beans would be a meal in itself. On the recommendation of my host we got the broccoli salad. Oh my... crunchy broccoli florets in a sweet-tangy sauce with raisins. I asked for a small sample of cole slaw since that's my go-to test for good sides. It passed with flying colours. Crunchy cabbage and again, a tangy sauce. I'm sure all the rest of the sides are just as good. I had a nice conversation with the pit master. He uses a mix of hickory and oak and occasionally mesquite. It's a 24 plus hour operation. He knows his craft well! This is some of the best BBQ I've had... and I've had a lot! And... bonus...this BBQ joint is attached to a microbrewery! A perfect IPA was just right with the meat. So... you want a recommendation for BBQ, especially one that doesn't have you fighting for parking in downtown Asheville? This is the place! One note... when you are looking for the joint, it is off the street behind another building! It took us a couple of tries to find it. Look for a small sign on the side of a building and you'll know you've hit the right place.

Great Food. Great Beer. Great service. They ran out of Ribs, but I was late getting there. Had the brisket and do not regret it. Highly recommended this place.

I was more than pleasantly surprised at the food, the flavors, the portions, the cleanliness and the friendly staff. I had the half ribs with two sides. The ribs were perfect and smoky, the sides were collards and mashed sweep potatoes, both were excellent. The house made BBQ sauces were also some of the best around, with ghost pepper sauce and texas pepper, they had the hot stuff that I crave. There was also a good mustard base and regular, sweet style with no heat for you softies. The BBQ nachos were a surprise with amazing BBQ beans and generous portion. This place I will return to.

Service, there is none. Meat was good, Sides not great. Expect to spend $100 for 2 adults and 2 kids. Dirty tables, no service, no ice, no cold water, no highchair height tables for kids, no refills, 1/2 the sides were all out. Meh, I'd pass.

Fantastic brisket, ribs, burnt ends... and the sides are phenomenal!!! Beans, mac and cheese, sweet potato mash, coleslaw... Incredibly yum! Also... the impossible meatloaf was surprisingly very good!

What a find as we traveled through the area from Raleigh to Nashville. Happened upon it in Asheville and couldn't believe our luck. A local called it the best bbq in Asheville as we went in.

The brisket was fantastic, just like in Houston! The burnt ends, where is good as I have ever had! Excellent food in a great setting

Came here from New York absolutely smacked with the boys. We enjoyed the smoked meats. Very tasty. The service was expeditious. I mean super fast. Beers on deck too across the way. Nice outdoor seating. By the time we left we were absolutely buzzing. Dogs are welcomed. Good vibes. Would visit again.

I ordered a brisket sandwich and it was at least 50% fat and not edible. I ordered the potato salad and I did not like it. I was disappointed. I wish I would have take a photo of all the fat in the sandwich.

Since Bear's took up residence at Sweeten Creek Brewing, I have tried quite a few items, and nearly every meat. All of them have been fantastic! The sliced brisket and burnt ends are out of this world good, but the pulled pork is also great, and the Texas sausage is phenomenal, as are the smoked meatballs (Moink balls)! The beans are a particular favorite since they have bits of brisket and sausage throughout. They have the standard plates and sandwiches like most other places, but they also have a selection of bowl, like the Bear Bowl (cornbread/beans/meat), loaded baked potato, and loaded smoked portabello. For sides, the aforementioned beans, mashed sweet potatoes are tasty. My family loved the mac and cheese (I'm not a M&C fan) and of course the cole slaw. They also have take home meals and meats by the pound, but I would make sure to call and see what they have. When they run out, sometimes that's it for the day. I am deducting one star for the prices though. I hate to do it, and I know how prices across the board are going up, but it is one of the more expensive BBQ places in town. Don't get me wrong, you get a lot of food, but be prepared for sticker shock. Wash it all down with a refreshing Sweeten Creek beer, and it's the best combo in town!

We ordered the 3 meat dinner, ribs, brisket and pulled pork with baked beans, Mac n cheese and topped it off with the cornbread and honey butter. Y'all these two bears were HUNGRY and there was so much food we couldn't eat it all. Everything was homemade and didn't disappoint!! The owner said we just missed the sausage so we will be back tomorrow to sample it. Highly recommend

Waited in line for 10 minutes in a small cramped place. You have to order at one end and then walk all the way through the crowd to get to the cashier. Because they had vegan options, I knew it was a vegan-friendly place . Only to find out they ran out of the impossible meatloaf on a Friday at 7pm. I get this is a bbq place but I knew the sauces were good enough to make any options worth it. They also ran out of coleslaw right when we got to order.

Fantastic BBQ just opened on Sweeten Creek, another location for Bear's BBQ (Like the one downtown). Same excellent food, to me just about the best BBQ in Asheville, lots of covered outdoor seating, indoor as well, all new. They don't even have a proper sign yet, so it is really hard to find, especially going north on Sweeten Creek, look for the red Re-Define sign on the east side, about a mile south of route 40. A great addition to south Asheville!!!

Stopped in really quick for a lunch. Couldn't find the place. Guess they just opened days before. Wife and I. both had a pulled pork sandwich with the coleslaw on top. Lots of bed in the area. Delicious sandwiches. You can only see the sign from one direction. We will come back.

Friend staff, delicious food! Recommend the Bear Bowl or Bear Attack! Brisket is on point!