Highlands Smokehouse

Expansive yet focused BBQ menu, check. Dog friendly patio. Check. Nice draft list. Bingo. Friendly staff, a win. I've had my fair share of bbq and i will say im not sure this is actually where this restaurant shines. We only tried ribs and brisket tacos, but the meat in either was good but not great. However my collars greens were sensational, the mac and cheese we bought to go lives up to its reputation, and even the fries were stand outs. I suspect they make their own ranch from scratch as the herbs seem especially fresh. Also oddly enough the chicken tenders we got for my son were some of the best we've had anywhere. He loved them. I know it seems like i give out 5 star reviews rather freely, but its also part of the American way. I reserve 4 stars for places i would begrudgingly go to but never recommend. This however is a place i would happily recommend to anyone coming through highlands. Food is fresh, prices fair, something for everyone.

The staff is extremely kind and helpful. They have a mix of indoor and outdoor deck seating that is dog friendly outside. The food is very good and they have a rotating selection of draft beers. We ordered the Thanksgiving combo package, and I have never had a turkey that was smoked so perfectly. Besides are very large and fit for a family. Everything we had was excellent. We've had their barbecue in the past, which is always been good.

Tried this place for the first time last month, and it instantly became our new favorite BBQ spot. We drive all the way from Franklin just to eat here! The atmosphere is great, and the service has been consistently amazing—even when they’re packed. I’ve had the chopped pork platter (so good), and the mac & cheese is phenomenal. BBQ places can be hit or miss with mac & cheese, but theirs is definitely a hit—highly recommend trying it. On our most recent visit, I ordered the brisket sandwich (pretty sure it was the marble cut?) and it was incredible—so tender. My husband got the naked wings and loved them too. My mom gets the brisket + shrimp tacos and loves them. Highly recommend if you’re in Highlands!

This was adequate barbecue for a small town. The brisket was stringy/chewy. The chopped pork was flavorless and dry. The ribs were the best meat we tried, tender and with a good bite. The sides were good, especially the exceptional mac and cheese. Prices were good. Service was efficient, though felt a bit stingy. After ordering $95 of food they took three minutes to ring me up separately for $1 after I asked for bread.

We stopped at Highlands Smokehouse for a quick lunch on our way home, and wow - so glad we did! From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. Everyone was so kind and clearly proud to be part of the team. Two gentlemen behind the bar were prepping for service and saw me taking photos - rather than just smiling and moving on, they took the time to tell me the story behind the renovation, showed me some of the original roofing, and even gave us a peek at the cozy outdoor area with a fireplace and overhead heaters. That level of hospitality really stood out! And the food? Absolutely delicious! We shared the pulled pork nachos (topped with all the good stuff) and a trio of tacos (2 chicken, 1 brisket), and let me tell you - we did not leave hungry. The portion sizes were generous, the presentation was great, and every bite was packed with flavor. We’re already looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu. Huge thanks to the Highlands Smokehouse team - you are the kind of employees every business owner dreams of. You made our visit truly special! ❤️

Such a pleasant surprise! We ordered the 2 meats (sliced brisket and ribs) and brisket sandwich. WOW, generous portion, fair price, great quality. The brisket was fall apart tender, ribs were tenderly smoked. At staff recommendation, I ordered the mac & cheese. I NEVER order mac & cheese because always disappointed. NOT THIS TIME. This might be the best item on the menu!!! The okra was light and crispy with no oily residue. So very good. The brisket sandwich was yummy, tender and generous portion of meat. We ordered that with the baked beans and yummy. The beans have a slightly sweet mesquite flavor, so good. Next time, I need to save room for the banana pudding because I'm sure it's delicious too.

Been a while, good as remembered. They were out of the daily special. We had brisket, tasty, good smoke, a bit dry; pulled pork was very good and moist, both lean, no excess fat. The mac n cheese was great, the chilli beans good, the extra crisp fries (perfectly made as requested) were outstanding and a very generous portion. The staff here is outstanding in every respect - efficient, friendly, helpful, patient, well trained and work as a team Only issue, personal preference, the sauces are a bit thin - would be better with a bit more viscosity.

This is what you might call refined barbecue in a relaxed space. Not fancy or stuffy but you can just tell these folks know and care about good food. To enjoy a meal like this in the cool mountain setting of Highlands, North Carolina might very well be a match made in heaven. Everything about the food and the service was great. Our table of 6 had a mixture of various items and there wasn't a morsel left when we were done.

So good I ate there twice in three days. Pulled pork had a nice bark from the smoke and their flavorful rub. Great slaw and beans, and the side salad was pretty good too considering it was from a bbq joint. Texas style sauce was my favorite although your preference may vary. Banana pudding was 10/10. Great spot and a must try when traveling to/through Highlands.

We hosted a private party at smokehouse last night and they did an outstanding job. The food was good, the service from the staff and bartenders was outstanding. The owners were extremely helpful as we planned a rehearsal dinner from 4 hours away. Have never eaten here as a regular guest but can only expect it to be wonderful based on how they handled our private event

Overall: Simple, great BBQ and atmosphere. If we're in the area again, we'll be sure to come back. The good: Tender, delicious meats - we got the nachos and chopped brisket, and both were fantastic. The pile of nachos were enough to split between the two of us alone, so we left full and happy (and with leftovers). Tons of delicious toppings, and the chopped brisket was tender and flavorful. There are 4 sauces are available to try at the tables, which is nice if you're a bigger fan of one over the other. We loved the outdoor patio with plenty of seating, they played good music, and the service was friendly and quick. The not-so-good: The covered patio could use some heaters. There's an outdoor fireplace, but many of the tables are left to sit in the cold air. Food/drink: 9.5/10 Atmosphere: 9.5/10 Service: 10/10

We drove a long way to try Highlands. Wasn't worth it. All of our bbq was eh. Not moist. Great presentation. Great building. One of our five orders was "lost". Took another 20 mins to re order and be served. The manager did nothing to make up for it. If I had to eat there again I would. But not drive 90 mins just for that. Burnt ends were tasty. But not "burnt "

They had a wing special with a chili sauce and they were really good. The bark on the ribs was intense, and the brisket was tender. For sides, we ordered the bbq beans n the Brunswick stew, which made me think we didn't need to order the ribs cause there's a ton of pork in those 2 sides. The hush puppies were so tasty, crisp on the outside, and so moist n tender on the inside. The collard greens were also tender. We wanted to do an Irish car bomb, but they couldn't find 3 shot glasses, n we waited a bit while they searched. We ended up with a small glass, then couldn't figure out how to charge us so rang up each ingredient separately....hot mess that should have honored a discount price but it was like $50 for the 3 drinks.

My wife and I were in our 2023 Roadtrip. On this day we started in Pigeon Forge, TN and were headed towards Highlands, NC to see some waterfalls. On the last test stop that had cell signal, I Yelped for places to eat, this place was one of the top places. We are so glad we stopped here! Nice place that you can drive by (it's on a bend in the road) if you don't see the sign in time! (I had to turn around) Parking lot is down back and there are a lot of steps up to the deck. When you walk in, you are at the bar. Walk around the bar and there is a counter in the front that you can order at. When you place your order and pay, they give you a number for your table. You pick you seat, inside or out on the deck! For our app we chose the Burnt Ends. My wife never had them before, she likes them now! These were really good, they use Cheerwine for the glaze. For our meals, my wife had the Brisket Sloppy Joe with hush puppies. I had the pulled pork tray with Mac n Cheese and Smokehouse beans as my sides. It is serve yourself drinks (fountain/Sweet Tea/ Lemonade) next to the drinks they have carriers with 4 different sauces. Sweet, Texas, Mustard, Vinegar BBQ sauces. They do have Alabama White sauce behind the counter, you just have to ask for it! This was our best meal stop of our trip! The food was really good! There was a lot of pulled pork and I couldn't finish it all! The Mac N Cheese was very flavorful and creamy. The Smokehouse beans tasted like they had curry in them, really good! Hush puppies, wow! Staff was nice, not much interaction, very knowledgeable when we asked questions. If you ever find yourself along the NC scenic byway around Highlands, NC. Find this place and eat there, you won't be disappointed!

My husband and I shared a late lunch here of brisket nachos, brussel sprouts, and a couple hazy IPAs. The brussel sprouts were so good and while the nachos were good, the amount of brisket added when we requested it be added was disappointing. Good beer selection, friendly bartender/staff, lots of outdoor seating, and pup friendly.

We were in the area for a business trip. The Bride wanted BBQ and this place didn't miss anything. Generous portions of everything. The actual meat was well prepared and had the smoky flavor you'd expect. It is counter service, you place your order and they bring it out. I thought they had forgotten my beer but it was brought out after the food was delivered. Not worth losing a point over, but the sauces they offered were kind of lackluster. They had flavor but no kick to the flavor. I guess they don't want the sauce to overpower the smoke flavor?

Been looking forward to trying this place for a couple years. Got there yesterday around 2 pm, which was a Saturday. Only one person taking orders at the register, and it took about 15 minutes to finally make our way to the front. The girl at the register did a good job of listening, and got our order right. We found a table and sat down, but were disappointed in how long it actually took to get our food. I felt like it was taking a while, but when our friends started commenting on it , I knew it wasn't just me. Once the food finally came out, it looked great, but was actually very bland. Between the half chicken, pulled pork, Mac & cheese, and Brunswick stew.. everything was underseasoned and underwhelming. Again, I kept quiet and listened to my friends begin to complain before I actually said anything. Hated that it was disappointing. Really wanted to live it

We were looking for a lunch spot and totally enjoyed this place. Excellent salad and BBQ. Service was great.

Amazing! Brisket had the perfect crust. We had brisket tacos with onion straws and a delicious creamy coleslaw. The perfect combo of savory crisp sweet and smokey. The smoked Mac n cheese is to die for. Salad topped with moist smoked chicken. Highly recommend.

Stopped her for lunch after a day chasing waterfalls. We got bbq nachos, burnt ends and a couple beers. The service here was good. You order at the counter, get your number and they bring it out to you. We ordered and didn't have to wait long for our order The nachos were a huge portion. We got them with pulled chicken. They were just ok. I think I would get them with pulled pork or brisket next time. The burnt ends were FABULOUS!!! They were so tasty with their Cheerwine bbq sauce. I will be dreaming of these. We did not order any sides but they have some great choices.

Great BBQ in a great atmosphere. When I visited it was for a private event but the food and service didn't disappoint. Must try the biscuit, baked beans and hush puppies. The various sauces were amazing too!!

Take our service style was easy, picnic tables outside were nice, food came up quickly...good food

We decided to give Highlands Smokehouse a try and glad we did. Excellent food and service. Clean restaurant. We certainly be back.

Really great food and chill ambiance. Cute patio/deck seating. Low staff so service was slow but they were very kind.

Authentic smoke pit. (No fake boiled BBQ here.) Ribs, brisket, pork shoulder. Amazing. Very high quality. The sides and desserts are really great too. I had the onion tangles and Brussels spouts. They were so good I saved my ribs for later. Large portion sizes for the price. If you are nearby and don't eat here, what are you doing with your life? Do you just hate amazing food? Get it together. Honestly.

Food was delicious. I got the chopped chicken which was smoky and tender. I also had the collards and Brunswick stew. Both were excellent. My husband got the brisket which was fine before I could ask him how it was! We sat outside to enjoy the cool weather, service was good and the staff were friendly.

Love this place. My problem is, it's easy to over order because everything is so good! Friendly atmosphere and cool vibe. Definitely recommended.

Great find! We were out riding around on a Sunday and stumbled upon this restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were very friendly. Definitely worth going again

Went to Highlands Smokehouse today for lunch. Ordered the 2 meat tray and shared it with my wife. We got chopped pork and 3 ribs along with collard greens and hush puppies. The food was great and very delicious. It was enough for both of us for lunch. The BBQ was so good and I tried all the 4 sauces provided at the table. My favorite being the Texas sauce as it had a little spicy flavor to it. If you are interested in BBQ then this is the place to go while in Highlands. We were hungry so did not take any pictures.

The brisket taco is very enjoyable. Brunswick stew is excellent. I've never been disappointed at Highlands Smokehouse.

Just happened to stop here for lunch after a busy morning. So glad we did. We've brought family here as well and they loved it just as much. I can only tell you about the Salad with Burnt ends and their Mac and cheese because it's the only foods we've had there. Both items are very tasty and well worth the drive. The Mac and cheese isn't mushy which happens at a lot of places. Added bonus, when we took family there, a visitor (black bear) came wandering into the parking lot. So lunch and entertainment! I highly recommend eating at this establishment. You won't be disappointed.

We stopped in for lunch this week. All the food was amazing. We tried the pulled pork sandwich, brisket melt, and a couple of different tacos. They were all amazing. The sides were wonderful as well. If you like collards, Brunswick stew, Mac and cheese, or French fries, you'll love em. Get the Parmesan truffle fries for a real treat. Wash it down with some quality craft beer. Mick, Stephanie, and Chris were all great! Thank you. I can't wait to come back.

Wonderful BBQ. I had the pulled pork which was moist and super flavorful. We really enjoyed the restaurant.

We love this restaurant! We eat here often (have a home in Highlands) and it's always great food. Staff is friendly and they have expanded interior and outside dining. They are also building more parking area. When reading reviews you need to know ownership and staff changed a couple of years ago. IT IS A DIFFERENT OPERATION. All those bad reviews dated 3 or more years ago are for a different restaurant.

Really great service great food wonderful tastes, yummy okra. We have three inside and out. Looks like a great place at night dog friendly.

This place is unbelievable. We visited multiple times during our visit. Everything is absolutely delicious. I wish this place was by my house.

What a great surprise! Excellent Brisket and hushpuppies! The sliced marbled brisket had me in full on foodgasm land. Friendly staff and cozy ambiance! And an amazingly delicious smokehouse margarita!

Excellent food from a very varied menu. The staff and ambience are pretty basic with very little engagement

Absolutely great bbq! Nice area to sit at outside and that brisket is amazing. Highly recommend to stop by at least for a drink, you will leave with a full belly after you realize you can not just leave without eating!

Amazing nachos! The best I've ever had. We will be back. The place was pretty full for lunchtime and it made sense. My hubby and i shared the entree and left full.

This place is great! Highly recommend. Chopped pork and chicken, macaroni and cheese were great. It was nice to have a side salad option as a side and it was also very good.

We were really happy with this place! After spending the morning hiking with our dogs we really wanted to eat without having to go back to the hotel and drop them off. They are dog friendly, with a nice outdoor covered patio with a fireplace. We still needed our coats, but it was 30 degrees out with 40 mph winds and we could happily enjoy our meals. I got the sliced brisket sandwich and it was honestly the best brisket I've ever had. Incredible. My husbands chopped pork sandwich was ok. A ton of meat, but a bit dry. For sides we had fries (good) and Mac and cheese, which was ok. We would 100% be back for some brisket sandwiches and to try some more of their sides (they had tons of options!)

We have been coming here a couple of years now. Best kept not so secret.... their burger! One of the best I have had! Maybe I will get off the burger and try the bbq some day! lol Also, the hush puppies! yum! Always a stop when we come here!

Wanted to love it but it just wasn't good. Had smoked chicken, Brunswick stew (best thing we had), and brisket nachos. Flavor of chicken wasn't great. Brisket was dry. Looked at ingredients and lots of chemicals and added junk to food. Just not that tasty and not that high of quality.

Nice stop along a beautiful route! Enjoyed our meal outside with a fireplace. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich and the sliced brisket sandwich...the brisket was our favorite. The coleslaw was different but still tasty, the baked beans and french fries were delicious! Friendly service too.

I have tried this place several times, and this was the last try. The dry rub on the ribs is TOO MUCH! It's too spicy, and loaded with salt and pepper! Forget trying to enjoy the flavor of the meat itself!! The ribs they use have very little meat, but plenty of fat and grizzle. I didn't care for their sauce either.

Delicious menu. Everything is great. Service is excellent. Try the burnt ends and fried pickles appetizers. Shredded pork is very tender. Definitely worth the price

It was some excellent barbecue! Mick was an excellent help at taking our order and delivering our food. Great atmosphere and great customer service!

Great experience. Got brisket, pork rib, pulled pork all were delicious. Marbled brisket was some of the best we have had. Sides: Mac and cheese Cream corn (different take on traditional) Okra Potato Salad Beans Top to bottom delicious. Friendly staff. No clue why this place is not 5 *****

came here on a family reunion really good for big groups. Tons of seating inside and out was a little disappointed by their gluten-free selection. It's not hard to have gluten-free bread on hand. Barbecue was pretty good love the branding the restaurant is decorated very cute.

OMG BBQ heaven!!! Stumbled on this amazing BBQ place! So glad we stopped in Highland for this tasty treat!- BBQ was spectacular! You don't need to add BBQ sauce to the smoked meats at all!! That's when you know it's good! Staff and bartenders were top notch! If you are traveling through the area you have to STOP here!

This is the 3rd time we have tried the barbecue and last time. It is dry and tough the bun for the sandwich isn't good at all it to was tough. I picked up our order to go 2 barbecue pulled pork sandwiches very disappointing. The Mac and cheese is good slaw and hush puppies. Also we tried the chicken wings last weekend they were good. To bad about the pork and ribs.

I'm here in December and the place is packed. I have been told it is long wait times in the summer so I'm hesitant to tell you how good it is should I want to come back. All the food was delivered hot. It was all good especially my brisket melt. One of my group comes here for the tacos. So please don't take my place in line because I gave a good review...

The food here was very good. So good that they had to turn people away before closing because they ran out of food. It's a very low key place. Nothing fancy at all but the servers were friendly and prices were fair. We will return when in this area again.

Best BBQ in Highlands area. I Started w the burnt ends, really good. Finished up with a 2 meat plate, chopped brisket and chopped chicken, w slaw and hush puppies. Everything was great, but the chicken was some of the best I've had. Plenty of beer on tap. Great spot

Maybe I hit them at a bad time but it was some of the most mediocre BBQ I've had in a long time. Not the best, not the worst but nothing to write home about. It was really expensive too, but that's all food now. I would swear that they watered down the sauces, especially the mustered sauce. It wasn't thick at all. With that, there wasn't anything you could do to make the pulled pork tase like anything. Anything except, overcooked dry pork shreds. Three stars because the wings were ok.

Some of the best BBQ I have had in a while. Definitely a must go to if you are in Highlands NC. We grabbed our normal large table, because we travel in a pack, and got everything ordered......best value is the mac and cheese side. All came out together and since one of party lives down the road and it is the south....everyone came by to say hi. Mom and dad and sister too work the dining room and that tells me they are vested. It showed in the quality of the food. Flavorful and delicious. They do have a secret weapon to sell more BBQ. you need to park behind the building and it just so happens that is where all the smoker smoke goes....you are drooling before you even get into the restaurant. All the meat was very good and the sides too. The okra was a bit crispier than in FL so I think it is a regional thing. Second time this trip we got crispy okra. I know where I am going next time in town.....see you there.