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Southern Smoke BBQ - Authentic, Award-Winning North Carolina Barbecue in Garland

Southern Smoke BBQ in Garland, NC, is a hidden gem for authentic Southern barbecue lovers. Renowned for tender, smoky ribs with a perfect smoke ring and balanced rub, it offers a true taste of Carolina-style BBQ. The pulled pork is expertly smoked, maintaining texture without being drowned in sauce. Signature sides like creamy mac ’n cheese—ranked among the nation’s best—moist cornbread, and fresh coleslaw elevate the meal. Reasonably priced and served with friendly hospitality, this spot delivers bold flavors and quality that make the drive worthwhile. Don’t miss arriving early—when the BBQ sells out, the day’s done.

Southern Smoke BBQ at a glance

  • Address 29 E Warren St, Garland, NC 28441, United States
  • Phone +1 910-549-7484
  • Restaurant type Barbecue restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Southern Smoke BBQ: Reviews & Ratings

Roger Miller
5

Had opportunity to try this place out finally! Well worth the drive. Ribs and sauce were outstanding. Good smoke ring, perfect texture, hot and tasty! Pulled pork (tried with no sauce on top) was excellent southern style. Beans were sweet and tasty. Cornbread was moist and delicious. Got the ham and biscuit pudding to go…tbd on that! Check it out!

John K Evans
5

ALERT: TOP TEN ENTRY FOR MAC 'N CHEESE NATIONWIDE. This was our 346th 'cue stop in a journey spanning 35 states, and our 23rd in the Carolinas, where there are quite a few BBQ joints that fly under the radar because they are located in small towns well removed from the interstate. This is one of them. There is no seating inside the building, but take your meal and walk around to the back. Here you will find a truly unique picnic seating (see photos). The price point here is superb. $26 bought two trays-- chopped pork with sides of coleslaw and mac 'n cheese, a rib plate (4 bones) with sides of baked and green beans, a sausage link, and two cans of diet Pepsi. The mac 'n cheese, which is an in-house recipe, is one of the ten best that we have so far found in BBQ circles nationwide. The coleslaw is neutral, making it ideal to cleanse the palate as you move between different meats. We also liked the beans, especially the green beans. The sausage link had good snap and flavor. and the in-house vinegar sauce really brought the pork to life, but our meat of choice here would be the ribs. Beautifully prepared, with a clean bite and a tasty rub and light sauce, they are simply delicious. So, we strongly recommend that you make the effort to get here ... but go early! We were eighth in line at the opening, and worried that we might miss out because, as is always the case in the universe of small town American BBQ, when it's sold out, they are done for the day.

Daniel Gunn
5

Some of the best BBQ I've ever had. Perfectly smoked BBQ and Ribs. The pulled pork was not chopped beyond recognition or overly sauced, as is common from other places. The ribs were tender and meaty, with a beautiful smoke ring, and a balanced rub that enhanced the flavor of the smoky meat, not super saucy, though there is sauce available. The sides, especially the cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni & cheese, and okra & tomatoes, were all tasty, above average, and obviously freshly made. And the price is very reasonable for the size of the serving. $7-8 for a plate, including sides and a drink. I ate there for lunch, went back to pickup dinner for my family, and I'll probably drive the 40 minutes to go back for lunch tomorrow. 200% recommended!

AeRoStAtIc
5

Ribs are out of this world, better than what I have had in the big cities in Texas. BBQ sauce is not too sweet. They have rotating sides, I have had Brisket Chili, Mac, Cornbread and all are phenomenal. Owner is really friendly. Get here early! They sell out incredibly quick.

Faye Jones
5

Totally loved this place!! Excellent brisket, BBQ, ribs. Great smoke flavor and cooked perfect and all sides are great also good. Highly recommended

Michael Torbert
5

Excellent service and food. The bbq and all the sides are phenomenal. The BBQ is among the best I’ve had, easily top five in the state. Just make sure to get there early before they sell out! They also have other meats like chicken which I didn’t try.

J Allen Murray
5

Great BBQ and ribs! BBQ is great even without any additional sauce. You can’t beat the price of a sandwich combo or bbq tray with a drink.

Location

  • Southern Smoke BBQ
    Southern Smoke BBQ
    29 E Warren St, Garland, NC 28441, United States Hotline: +1 910-549-7484

Southern Smoke BBQ, nestled in Garland, North Carolina, is a hidden gem that truly exemplifies authentic Southern barbecue. This spot draws BBQ lovers from near and far, and for good reason. The ribs here boast a perfect smoke ring and tender, meaty texture, complemented by a balanced rub that enhances rather than overwhelms the natural smoky flavor. The sauce strikes a fine line—rich yet not overly sweet—allowing the quality of the meat to shine.

The pulled pork is another standout. Unlike the overly sauced or finely chopped versions found elsewhere, Southern Smoke keeps it simple, smoky, and succulent. Served both with and without their in-house vinegar sauce, it caters beautifully to traditional southern palates. The sausage link, with its satisfying snap and bold flavor, provides a perfect contrast and showcases the varied expertise behind the pit.

Sides at Southern Smoke BBQ carry their own weight. The cornbread is moist and fresh, evoking classic Southern baking, while the mac 'n cheese is nothing short of exceptional—earning accolades from seasoned BBQ reviewers nationwide. Other sides like baked beans, green beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and okra & tomatoes are thoughtfully prepared, balancing sweetness, tang, and texture to refresh the palate between smoky bites.

The setting is informal, with no indoor seating, yet the unique picnic area at the back creates a communal, down-home atmosphere. Given the superb price point—generous portions with sides and drinks for under $30—Southern Smoke BBQ offers remarkable value without sacrificing quality.

What truly stands out beyond the food is the passion and friendliness of the owner, fostering a welcoming environment that makes each visit memorable. The catch: come early. This small-town treasure sells out fast, a testament to its growing reputation.

In sum, Southern Smoke BBQ is a must-visit for anyone serious about genuine Southern barbecue—perfectly smoked meats, standout sides, and heartfelt hospitality make it a place you'll want to return to again and again.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Credit cards