Haywood Smokehouse, Dillsboro NC

This episode from Pit Stop Adventure is exactly why we hit the road chasing great barbecue, and Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro, North Carolina delivered on every level, living up to its reputation as one of the best barbecue joints in the state and the country with its competition roots and “let the meat speak for itself” philosophy. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels like grandma’s kitchen mixed with hickory smoke, filled with vintage décor and a loud, welcoming energy. The sides were impressive across the board, with meaty, smoky baked beans that could stand alone as a meal, a creamy potato salad elevated by crunchy celery, and a flavorful Brunswick stew with a thinner broth but big smoke and meat presence. The pulled pork put a unique spin on North Carolina barbecue by blending Carolina vinegar with Texas-style chili notes, while the brisket was the undeniable showstopper—juicy, smoky, pepper-forward, and nearly perfect without needing sauce. Finished off with bite-off-the-bone ribs coated in a balanced sweet red sauce, Haywood Smokehouse proved to be well worth the drive and set a new benchmark for barbecue on our Pit Stop journey.