Smoke A &#x27;Lil Smoke

Love the food and service, but this time the portions were not consistent with the last several…read moretimes I have ordered

Great food, but they mess my order up every time. I love the catfish and chicken strip meal.read more

Words to live by.

Catfish and chicken tenders. The chicken tenders seem kind of small compared to the last several times I've ordered them.

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Chicken fried steak

Countryside BBQ

4.3(143 reviews)

2.8 mi

Tasty menu and excellent service from each waitress and cashier. We will certainly be back soon.read more

Countryside BBQ is southern style home cooking! It is a very comfortable environment and has a lot…read moreof different food items to sample! The staff are very helpful as well! It also has a related resturant "Hook And Anchor" Fish camp.

Perfect Pork Sandwich, Perfect Mac N Cheese, sweet potato with toppings, Perfect Sweet Tea

My own mini-pitcher of Sweet Tea

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Rocket Pig Rides

Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack

4.5(1.2k reviews)

34.0 mi

Rocky's Chicken Shack is the bomb! The chicken was spot on, we got the medium heat on my chicken…read moresandwich with all the Fixins including made pickles, heat levels spot was perfect! My lady got the fried chicken thighs with homemade corn pudding that was amazing! Heat levels spot on the plump and juicy thighs were on spot!!

The service was great & food came out so quick! I got the 3 tender plate with fries and mac and…read morecheese. Everything came out hot and was fresh. The tenders were sizable, which was appreciated but they were so tough and somewhat overcooked, resulting in a stringy texture. The flavor was pretty good but they were also soggy and not that crunchy chicken you usually look for in fried chicken. The sides were honestly better than I expected - I love the seasoning on the fries and the Mac and cheese was creamy. I would like to come back to try maybe another cut of chicken or the pot pie!

Bar and menu

Hot or Rocky's Hot? @tiffhuangry

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1 Fried Leg & 1 Fried Thigh with a wing and 2 sides

The Marion Wing Factory

3.6(35 reviews)

0.8 mi

This place is huge. We went a Friday night to try out their wings and they didn't disappoint. We…read moreall tried different flavors. My fav was the Asian and teriyaki and hubby liked the mustard base ones. It was pretty empty when we went and service wasn't fast but it wasn't too long. All the food came out fresh and tasted good. Our server was friendly and informative.

Great experience. I had the Asian chili chicken wings special, which gives you eight jumbo wings…read morewith fries and carrots and celery for $10. Excellent deal! The wings were cooked perfectly and we're definitely jumbo! My wife had the pub burger and she said it was delicious. Our server was fantastic! Definitely a recommend for this place.

Teriyaki and Apple Butter BBQ

Cauliflower Wings

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Basket of Taters

Blue Ridge Biscuit Company

4.6(439 reviews)

18.2 mi

A good local place to eat in Black Mountain. Order first and then grab a seat. You might need to…read moreshare a tables on a large table if you are alone just a couple. They have unique dishes and names for them. I can't remember the name. It was a biscuit with a piece of fried chicken, bacon, cheese and a ton of gravy. For those of you outside of the south this is not uncommon but finding a good biscuit and gravy can be a challenge. This is a good hometown place to eat with friendly service.

Oh, my. Life. Changing!! We drove around downtown BM…read morethinking we'd eat at one of those rustic touristy places. Bad idea. Long lines!! We drove around a bit, then decided to head up Hwy 70 to Asheville and settle for a chain place. We almost passed this place up but decided to take a look. It's located in a nondescript strip block of businesses. But once you get inside... Charming decor, awesome service and those biscuits. The size of softballs!! And the grits. To die for!! We will be back!!

Bakery

Charm

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Rockys Hot Chicken Shack South

4.5(631 reviews)

31.6 mi

Simply PHENOMENAL! Rockies has been a hit every time I have visited! The food is fresh and cooked…read moreperfectly. The flavor of the Honey Mild is that perfect combo of sweet and mild heat. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the Arden/Asheville, NC area.

We stopped here this past week for lunch and glad we did...however, if/when we're back in NC, I…read morewould order a different selection. We ordered the Pimento Cheese Chicken BLT Sandwich (+ Sweet Potato Casserole) and the Rocky's Royale w/ Cheese Sandwich (+ Pickles). The "sandwich" aspect of both meals took away from the shining star - which was the chicken. The pieces of bread just got in the way and made it harder to eat - not to mention that the bread was cold - not toasted. We both ordered "hot" - which when you ate the chicken itself - had such a nice kick. Next time - skip the sandwich aspect and just get the hot chicken + side of pickles. The sweet potato casserole was fine - but it's the chicken you want to write home about. Staff-wise / ordering / atmosphere was great. Everyone was very helpful and had it not been raining - we would have sat on the large outdoor patio.

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3 Fried Tenders

KenJo Markets #44

4.2(10 reviews)

46.1 mi

sat in the drive thru line for 30 minutes with 2 cars in front of me and I never moved forward. I…read morefinally just got out of the line

The blue plate special is a good value for the price- lots of food for $7. The chicken breast was…read morehuge. Liked the sweet potato casserole. Fried okra was fine. Get the feeling this would have been fresher at lunch, as by evening the sides appeared to have been under the warming lights a while.

Inside

Broasted Chicken aka fried chicken

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Menu and prices from Dec 2018.

Open Oven

4.8(215 reviews)

17.6 mi

Adorable little cottage that has both indoor and outdoor seating. We loved the ambiance; there were…read moretons of rustic and farmhouse decorations. You order at the counter and they have a display of baked goods. There's alcoholic drinks as well as a whole menu of espresso/coffee. Their food was so good that I devoured everything and wasted no time taking a photo for Yelp (oops!). I got the Chokes on Eggs which I 10/10 recommend! The fried artichoke was unique and everything was so savory. My friends got Benedicts and everyone's plates were emptied.

Went here for brunch. Order at the counter and food is…read morebrought to you when it's ready. The issue is that they seemed to forget about our order.... My Heavenly Hash Bowl was not very flavorful. The potatoes arrived cold and not fully cooked. I didn't like it and didn't eat much beyond the egg and avocado ingredients. My husband enjoyed his bayou bowl, but they forgot his order of grits. The grits were cheesy and tasty. The place is kitschy and has some charm. Sound levels can get a little high making it a little hard to hear fellow diners. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Parking is by luck on the street.

Ordering area

Chicken & waffles

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Bloody Mary - very good!

Luisa's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.1(82 reviews)

2.9 mi

Luisa's Italian in Marion has that small-town, homey feel that instantly makes you comfortable. The…read morefood tastes like something someone's grandma has been perfecting for years--fresh, simple, and really satisfying. Their pasta dishes are always spot-on, and the pizzas have that perfect mix of flavor and a cozy, homemade vibe. They've also been incredibly accommodating with our big group twice now, which says a lot about the kind of place this is. Even when they're busy, the staff treats you well. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, the kind of spot where you settle in and feel right at home. If you're in Marion and want good Italian food with true small-town charm, Luisa's is absolutely worth a visit.

We stopped in while traveling back from the mountains, looking for something simple for the…read morekids--good pizza, a clean place, and a friendly atmosphere--and this spot went above and beyond our expectations! Our waitress was so kind, and the owner personally greeted us when we arrived and again before we left, which really spoke volumes about the kind of place this is. The pizza was outstanding--the crust was perfectly crisp, the toppings and cheese stayed in place, and every bite was delicious. The warm bread served before the meal was such a nice touch too. We only wish we lived closer because we'd be regulars here! But we'll definitely be stopping back in on our next trip to western NC.

Italian restaurant

Chefs salad

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Grilled Chicken Pasta with Rigatoni

Bruce's Fabulous Foods

4.6(188 reviews)

0.9 mi

It is so rare to walk in a place and feel like a regular on your first visit. I can't wait to be a…read moreregular after our first experience! We were welcomed and the lovely owner doted all over our son. The food was out of this world good. Everything is fresh and they actually care about what is being put on your plate. We had the Reuben, and the chicken salad sandwich. Included dessert is my kind of place. We upgraded to cheesecake and banana cake, and left no crumbs.

This is one place you have to come to if you are in Marion. It is a gourmet diner... It has so many…read moreoptions. The Reuben sandwich is great. The burgers are fantastic. Everything is homemade here. Everything. And you must save room for desserts because the banana cake is literally out of this world. Be sure to talk to Barbara if you're there she's the owner and she is delightful.... My new favorite in the mountains.

Register and waiting at Bruce's Fabulous Foods, Marion

Crème brûlée Cheesecake at Bruce's Fabulous Foods, Marion

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Entrance to Bruce's Fabulous Foods, Marion

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Bruno G.

0

4

3

2 years ago

Smoke a Lil Smoke BBQ Joint is an absolute gem! Their meats are top-notch--perfectly smoked, juicy, and packed with flavor. The pulled pork was tender and full of that rich, smoky goodness, the chicken was incredibly juicy with just the right amount of char, and the sausage had the perfect snap and seasoning. But what really takes this place over the top? The sauces! Each one was unique and bursting with flavor, complementing the meats perfectly. Whether you like it sweet, tangy, or with a little heat, they've got you covered. Great atmosphere, friendly service, and BBQ done right. If you're a fan of real, slow-smoked goodness, this spot is a must-visit. I'll definitely be back! read more

Donna H.

2

38

22

2 years ago

Great selection of bbq staples. I had the pulled pork plate and really enjoyed it. Nice selection of homemade sauces. Blueberry, Spicy, Sweet, Mustard, Peach habenero. Good homemade side selection. Mac and cheese, vinegar balled slaw and hush puppies were all great. Very friendly family owned business and a fun atmosphere for families. read more

P C.

0

2

0

7 months ago

Great food and service. Best BBQ in town and love the wings as well. Eat it weekly and it never disappoints.

Chris W.

0

1

0

7 months ago

best bbq ever genuinely I don't think I will eat any where else that has bbq ever again

Smoke A 'Lil Smoke - bbq - Updated October 2026

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Phil's Bar-B-Que Pit

3.8

(255 reviews)

I have been stopping here on my way to mountains for several years. Food is most often really good,…read morealthough there have been occasions when the pork and/or chicken was dry. I cannot recommend the desserts, but the barbecue flavor and sides are very good. Love the hushpuppies and the white barbecue sauce is excellent!

Keep driving on 40. This ain't it. It's a cool looking building. When you walk inside, it's a cool…read moreIsh five. But the only thing that was really good was the barbecue beans? We had a cheeseburger, a barbecue sandwich, chicken, wings, french fries, Brunswick stew, macaroni and cheese, hush puppies, baked beans, and collard greens. The collard greens and Brunswick stew were the worst I've ever eaten in my life.

Round House Brisket

4.8

(17 reviews)

This has become one of our favorite places to eat. The food…read moreis always delicious, as well as the service. Clean fast and great prices, what more could you ask for?

Classic Brisket sandwich was delicious! Clean, friendly and fast service…read more Cute building!

Bubba's Good Eats

3.8

(65 reviews)

I haven't had a single thing to eat from Bubba's that I didn't absolutely enjoy! Give me the philly…read morecheesesteak every day for the rest of my life, and we'll be on good terms. It's my go to. The funny thing is, I didn't also expect to find the best salad in Burnsville - but I did. When I wanted a fresh, crisp salad that tasted like it was cut and prepared when I ordered it - I only found that at Bubba's. If that's not what they're doing, do not tell me otherwise. Service has always been exceptional and friendly. The atmosphere is equally family-friendly and the decor is supportive of local sports, and our industries. This is the neighborhood place. And unless you are going off hours, it's always packed and there's as much seating as it can accommodate, but that's not a whole lot. So, I'm always picking up and eating at home. I am a local now, I'd love to join the locals here, I'm just not sure when I'd do that, and as a solo-flyer, I'd be robbing people of valuable food real estate. Maybe in the Spring, more people will be eating outside and I can find a seat. Right now, that fifth star is on hold until I can experience the atmosphere first hand during a meal.

Went in on a Saturday at lunchtime. The service was great and the food was delicious. Try this…read moreplace out.

Butch's BBQ & Breakfast

3.1

(79 reviews)

Been coming in here once every few years for 20 years and I'm sorry to report it's not as good as…read moreit used to be. Actually I think other bbq places may have gotten better but this place has not. Chopped pork was ok but not distinctive. Red Cole slaw was excellent. Sweet potato casserole is a sugar bomb, hiding sweet potato flavor. Jalapeño corn bread was just not good, too cakey, no jalapeños. Fair prices. $7.99 value meal is a good deal. I'm also sad that it was virtually empty on the weekday we visited at noon. It's never been a place for ambiance and is still not. On the hunt for better barbecue place.

Food was good. I did take out. That was problematic…read more I ordered combo, requested my sauce When I finally got to the window for pickup, the bag was given with a smile and knot in the top. I drove around and parked to eat. Upon releasing the knot, sauce was wrong, it was bbq, not Honey mustard, color should have been easy to get right, no utensils, and no napkins. I went back through line and called from behind the car at the window. There is a small door for staff to egress if needed. I called, stated problems and said my location. Man on phone said no problem right on it. No one came out. So Seven minutes later I came to window. They knew nothing of what I was talking about , because I had to explain again. Blank face. Then another associate handed the man a small bag. He just handed it me no looking inside of it. So when I got it, it had sauce utensils and only one napkin. Again this is bbq. I said only one napkin, again blank stare no movement. That's when I actually got mad. Shot a,bird, not proud of, and pulled off. Staff at window sucks, long waits alot if mealing around and nothing going out window timely. This was the first time I had been back since new management over a year ago. Same attitude.

Golden Fried Chicken

3.9

(50 reviews)

Love the food and service, but this time the portions were not consistent with the last several…read moretimes I have ordered

Great food, but they mess my order up every time. I love the catfish and chicken strip meal.read more

Bar-B-Que Hut

4.0

(28 reviews)

So good! Ate our burgers too fast for a pic but they were huge, thick patties. Onion rings are…read morefantastic and huge servings. Order at the window and wait for your number outside or in your car.

McDowell County staple. Great burgers, hot dogs, hushpuppies, fried pickles, and more. Great…read moreprices. The wait time can get long because they get fairly busy but it's worth the wait.

Okie Dokie's Smokehouse

4.4

(317 reviews)

Man it has been over 10 years since my original review of this place, and they have been through a…read morelot in that time. Helene of course upended this entire area, especially these businesses in Swannanoa that were absolutely decimated by the river flooding. Okie Dokies was closed about a year, maybe a little more, after the devastation. I'm thankful they have re-opened, and have even added to their sign out front "re-established in 2025" So far as what I had to say about the food from before. Well. Nothing has changed. The thing that made me fall in love with this place was the jalapeno hushpuppies and the accompanying barbecue spiced ranch. Those items are absolutely still top tier, they may be even better than before (or maybe absence made the heart grow fond). As far as the rest of the menu, on this trip I had a pulled pork sandwich (very tasty pork), cole slaw, baked beans, and it also came with some home-fried chips. My lady went with a sides plate so we could also get in on some cheesy grits, mac n cheese, potato salad, and collards. Of all of that, the winners were baked beans, cheese grits, and for me the potato salad. The chips needed more seasoning, slaw was good enough, mac n cheese also good but not great. The only pure miss was the collards, which just didn't do it for either of us. Tender enough, but missing more of that vinegar flavor and spice. Days and hours they are open are somewhat limited, if you're on a weekend visit to the area, Friday or Saturday you'll need to go. We will continue to make this a stop now that they are back, if even just for a jalapeno hushpuppy snack!

Good. Likely the price $ left a bad taste in my mouth! I'm…read moreshocked at what BBQ cost locally. I prefer to do my own, but I just can't afford a $35 rack of ribs Sandwiches are reasonably $$ GRATEFUL for an OPEN dining Option in Swannanoa!! Thanks

Heifer's

4.8

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The food is good, the portions generous, and the price is low. A three way winner. Definitely a…read moregood place to eat.

We were fortunate to choose Heifer's for dinner one night last week while on vacation. From the…read moremoment we walked in we were met with the friendliest staff, so very welcoming and warm! Our food was incredibly delicious - I had wanted the ribeye but sadly they were out - so I hesitantly ordered the NY Strip (I don't normally care for them) and it was beyond amazing, tender, wonderfully seasoned and perfectly cooked!! The Pineapple Upside Down Cake, which I truly didn't think I'd have room for as I had devoured every bite of my dinner - well let's just say there wasn't a crumb left. By the time we left (after hanging around just talking to everyone for a half hour) we truly felt more like family than customers. We had wanted so badly to get back again before we left, but we ran out of time and just never made it back in town. But it is definitely on our list of places to return to next year - one of the highlights of our vacation this year! You guys absolutely rock!

Little Pigs BBQ

3.7

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The best chicken I have ever had. Super moist and well seasoned. Great hushpuppies. Good slaw and…read moreaverage potato salad.

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