If you’re craving real-deal mountain barbecue, this Haywood Smokehouse Review will make your next meal decision extremely easy. Haywood Smokehouse is the exact kind of BBQ spot you want after a day in the North Carolina mountains — casual, smoky, and serving big portions with absolutely no tourist fluff. We visited the Waynesville location (they also have one in Dillsboro), and it instantly became one of those places you think about long after you leave.
Early in your planning, you can also see my full review of Weekend in Bryson City & Dillsboro, NC if you want to build an entire itinerary around good food and mountain views.
Haywood Smokehouse is locally owned by two brothers who do all the smoking themselves, which explains why everything tastes so intentional. The brisket is the standout — a shockingly tender, lean brisket that somehow keeps all the flavor without the weird chewy fat situation I normally hate. The whole place has that relaxed, mountain-town vibe where nobody rushes you, the portions are generous, the sides taste homemade, and the food actually lives up to the hype.
Both locations feel unpretentious in the best way. You walk in and immediately smell the smoke — not the artificial kind, but the “we’ve been tending this fire all day” kind. It’s casual, welcoming, and clearly popular with locals. Families, hikers, travelers, and groups all fit right in. It’s the type of spot you’d happily return to after a long day of exploring Western North Carolina.
If you’re staying in the area or doing a little mountain-town hopping, this fits perfectly with nearby restaurants, scenic drives, and outdoor activities. It pairs especially well with a laid-back afternoon in Dillsboro — their downtown is adorable, and if you’re planning to shop, check out my post on Shopping in Dillsboro, NC for the best boutiques and local stores.
This is where Haywood Smokehouse shines. Everything we ordered was tender, smoky, and full of flavor, but here’s what I’d order again without hesitation:
The star of the entire menu. Western North Carolina isn’t usually known for brisket, but theirs is shockingly good. The lean cut is insanely tender with no chewy fat — my ideal brisket. This would be my number one recommendation for this Haywood Smokehouse Review.
Yes, you can get the ribs fried. They’re crispy, smoky, and different from anything you’ll get at typical BBQ spots.
Add bacon and cheese. Trust me on this one. It’s rich, indulgent, and worth the extra napkin.
Get the baked beans — actually, get two. They’re sweet, smoky, and easily some of the best beans I’ve had anywhere.
Desserts are made fresh daily, and they do not skip steps.
Banana pudding — classic, creamy, comforting.
Bourbon chocolate pecan pie — the chocolate takes it to another level. This was amazing and absolutely worth saving room for.
They even go big for Thanksgiving, typically smoking over 200 turkeys. If you’re ever visiting during the holidays, this would be an incredible local option.
Haywood Smokehouse has a full lineup of sauces, and choosing one feels a little like choosing your alter ego. Here's the breakdown:
Sweet Red – Brown sugar and molasses. Sweet, safe, and dependable — delicious on everything.
Hot Red – Sweet Red’s spicier cousin who shows up uninvited and somehow makes everything better.
Sweet Carolina – Sweet, mild, and gentle. Zero attitude, all charm.
Georgia Fire – Sweet at first, then a little burst of heat that sneaks in at the end.
East Carolina – Tangy, peppery, and classic. Locals will argue endlessly about this style, and that alone tells you it’s legit.
Strawberry Chipotle – The unexpected superstar. Sweet, smoky, and surprisingly balanced.
S.O.B. – Habanero + jalapeño. Bold, hot, and a little chaotic in a fun way.
Chipotle Ranch – Creamy, smoky, and perfect when you want flavor but not full drama.
Pro tip: Mix Sweet Red + Georgia Fire for the perfect combo.
Haywood Smokehouse is the kind of place you walk into hungry and walk out planning your next visit. The food is consistently good, the sauces are genuinely fun to experiment with, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been eating there for years. Whether you’re staying in Waynesville, visiting Dillsboro, or exploring the surrounding mountain towns, this belongs at the top of your food list.
If you’re building a food-focused trip or just want more great spots to eat nearby, learn more in my post about Where to Eat in Bryson City, NC for additional breakfast, pastry, and coffee options that pair perfectly with a smoky BBQ dinner.
You are going to want to save this…☀️ If you only have one day in Miami, base yourself in Downtown Miami.
You’re on the water, minutes from the cruise port, and about 10–15 minutes from some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. For a short stay, it makes logistics simple and food access… dangerously convenient.
Efficient. Walkable. Well-connected. If time is tight, this is how you make it count. 🌴✨
Yes. Sanguich is worth it. 🥪😍 It works because it doesn’t try to be trendy. No fusion twist. No reinvention. Just the classics done correctly.
Roasted pork done right.
Bread pressed properly.
Flavors that actually make sense together.
It feels nostalgic. Intentional. Rooted in culture. And it’s easily one of the best lunch stops in Downtown Miami. If you’re near Bayside Marketplace wondering where to eat this is a simple answer.✨
Thinking about the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata for your Virgin Voyages excursion?🌊 Important context: I am not a thrill girl. Roller coasters make me queasy. And I still loved this.
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are like a 5/10 intensity. Adventurous but very doable. Guided. Safe. Not extreme.
You can choose your comfort level and that’s what makes it so good.😍
#damajagua #puertoplatacity #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #waterfalls #adventure
If you’re docking in Puerto Plata and don’t want to book an excursion, this is such an easy way to spend a few hours. You can walk straight from Taino Bay. It’s flat, manageable, and felt safe with a really good mix of colorful photo ops and actual city energy.
If you only have 1–2 hours, prioritize:
📍 Umbrella Street
📍 Pink Street
📍 Centro Histórico
Have more time? Add the Malecón de Puerto Plata. Into history? Stop by Fortaleza San Felipe. We were there during La Vega Carnival, which made everything feel extra lively, but even without a festival, I’d still recommend this route.
It’s simple. It’s realistic. And it gives you a look at Puerto Plata beyond just the cruise port. 🌴✨ Save this for your next stop.
#travelling #puertoplata #dominicanrepublic #downtownpuertoplata #travelitinerary
If you’re cruising into Taino Bay, here’s what you actually need to know. I was genuinely surprised. It’s clean, modern, and way more built out than I expected. Shops, photo spots, a lazy river, restaurants you could easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored.
I left for an excursion, but coming back and spending the afternoon inside the port was actually… nice. Easy. Low stress.
If you want adventure or deeper culture, leave the port. If you want a relaxed day? You truly don’t have to. Save this for your Puerto Plata stop & read the full blog now! 🌴
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
