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.
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Pack your bags, Denver is not just a mountain layover. RiNo alone can eat a full day between the murals, food, and bars. Skip the concert and hit Red Rocks midday instead, you’ll basically have it to yourself. Golden’s a 30-minute trip if you want a change of pace, and if food drives your travel like it does mine, Denver Central Market and BRUTØ deserve real time on the calendar. Give it three days minimum, four if you’re eating your way through it. Save this.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
