Asheville NC BBQ?

Anyone familiar with the BBQ places in Asheville? I've tried Ruby's Tap House, but I know that there are several others. I've heard very mixed comments about some of them and nothing about others though.

Rob n Kim

I have only had Ruby's, and it was really really good, sorry I can't help with others but If in the area I would go back to Ruby's

Your best bet is a place called 12 Bones, down by the river in a "transition" area of town. They are a lunch-only place, but do a great job and are getting a very loyal following. Western style / some Texas influence.

The 2nd place I would go is Perry's in Black Mountain. They do an excellent job with their meat and have a bunch of great sides. They have alot of Texas influence as well, and actually do the brisket as well, if not better, than their pork. It is very non-descript, just off of State, I believe.

Downtown, there is Ed Boudreax's, which is the place to go if you are looking for a nice microbrew with your BBQ. The food is good.. but if you are a BBQ "purist", I'd go to the other 2 first. Definately worth a regular visit, though, and your best dinner option due to their later hours and location.

The other place you should try once is the BBQ Inn on Patton. It is more of an old-school restaurant w/ more of a traditional NC pork flavor.

quote:

Originally posted by Hazelmn

The 2nd place I would go is Perry's in Black Mountain. They do an excellent job with their meat and have a bunch of great sides. They have alot of Texas influence as well, and actually do the brisket as well, if not better, than their pork. It is very non-descript, just off of State, I believe.

Respectfully have to disagree about Perry's in Black Mtn. Tried it twice and would give it a six at best. The German restaurant just off 40 near the Bi Lo, Kindel something is my choice in Black Mtn.

v960 - I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I've had Perry's several times and have always been pleased with the food.

Would you add any others to the list?

Perry's started out several years ago over in Swananoa. Perry was from Oklahoma, if I'm not mistaken, and cooked real TX style barbecue with wood in a large iron cooker. He offered beef brisket, pork, sausage and turkey. Also had pretty good sides typical in OK and TX. He eventually retired and sold the business. New owners moved to Black Mountain and installed a Southern "Pride" oven (may be an Ole Hickory) to cook with.

Hence, no more real Texas style barbecue in NC. True barbecue is cooked with wood. Not gas. Not electricity. Quite a shame. Perry's was once really, really good.

This will probably be my only post on this entire site...I was just surfing the net for more BBQ joints to check out....

I moved to Asheville 3 months ago and have spent each and every weekend trying BBQ joints within 40 miles.....I have eaten at more than 10 spots easily...and several more than once.

I have to agree with Hazelmn about the first two choices.

12 Bones is easily the best spot in town...won't be open again until January 22nd or so...they can afford to vacation whenever they want because they do so well and they make small batches (250 lbs. a day
?) to keep quality up....

I also agree with the choice of Perry's as the second choice....I thought the western beef was introduced to the Carolina's very well...the sides...and I really love the moistness they maintain in their chopped 'cue....I was pleasantly surprised really.

Third...it's a toss-up really....I think things really slack off a bit and you have to pick and choose each place for a certain thing they do well...For example....The BBQ Inn?...I go there when I want a good Brunswick Stew....Ruby's?...To be quite honest...the ONLY thing I'll eat there is the ribs...but they are pretty good....

I understand Jim in NC's point about wood fire...I think that really is the only way to do it right...but so many folks are switchin' over to the electric ovens....if you want to just head out and grab some 'cue on the fly...you're really runnin' out of authentic shacks to check out....

Solution: Get everyone in your neighborhood to throw in some cash on one of those new Stump's Smoker and become a pro yourself....

Just my .05 ;)

Perry's took out Tuperware containers and nuked it. The sides so-so.

I now eat at the German place...Kindl something and forget the Perry's.

quote:

Originally posted by V960

Perry's took out Tuperware containers and nuked it. The sides so-so.

That's interesting considering the fact that Perry's uses a steam table to keep their food warm...

Maybe now but the old saying "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" seems to apply. Happened twice...I eat at the German place when in Black Mountain.

Has anyone tried the place down in Saluda? Green River or Green Mountain or something? Might give it a try this week.

I didn't know 12 Bones was closed for a vacation.. thanks for the tip.

Green River in Saluda is a former log-burner. Switched to a shiny-barbecue-makin'-cookshack-machine several years ago. Their strength has always been sides.

I've never been but I had a co-worker who liked Bono's. It's been several years so I don't the situation.