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.

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.

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!

Gluten-free options are a big help to me! Being my husband's bday when we went, he thoroughly enjoyed half of his half-rack of ribs + half of the huge serving of brisket that ordered. And we still had extras of the dudes to take home for him to have another meal. Service was great, and very helpful. Comfortable setting, nice breezy patio... with no flies! Im sure we'll go back again. Convenient location, but off the main drag, so no traffic noise. Pleasant.

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.

So always like to go positive first. Atmosphere was super laid-back. Very rustic and dog friendly. Although rustic it was still clean. Small micro Brew attached in the same building is a definite plus. Some really nice beers to try. Flavor profile was good, pulled pork was seasoned well and the mac and cheese was actually quite enjoyable. For the downside. Someone in the kitchen needs to learn better how to pull pork and properly separate the fat. I know fat is your flavor but big gooey chunks of it are a definite turn off. This was our first visit, and we did not understand if it was order at counter only. Or if there was table service. When we asked the person behind the counter there was quite an attitude. I may return but honestly don't know for sure, I would like to try their brisket perhaps.