Pop's Smokehouse, Cherokee NC

Our stop at Pop’s Smokehouse happened during one of our regular trips to Cherokee to enjoy the casino and the mountains. While exploring the area, we noticed Pop’s was undergoing a full remodel and nearly skipped it because it looked closed. Thankfully we walked in anyway, because this place turned out to be one of the biggest surprises on our barbecue journey so far.

Even operating out of their food truck while the restaurant was being renovated, Pop’s delivered some incredible barbecue. The sausage immediately stole the spotlight — smoky, slightly spicy with jalapeño, and packed with flavor. It was easily one of the best sausages we’ve had at any barbecue stop and a must-order if you visit. The pulled pork was juicy with a balanced sweet rub and good smoke, while their sauces complemented the meats extremely well with a consistent sweet background that tied everything together.

The ribs were tender with a solid smoke profile and sweet barbecue sauce, while the smoked chicken paired perfectly with a unique peach mustard sauce recommended by the staff. The sides were also impressive. The baked beans stood out with multiple beans, excellent smoke flavor, and a surprising mustard undertone that made them one of the most memorable sides we’ve had. The mac and cheese was rich, peppery, and loaded with multiple cheeses, while the hush puppies and crinkle-cut fries rounded out the meal nicely.

Beyond the food, Pop’s offered a fun and welcoming experience. Located right in downtown Cherokee, the restaurant also features axe throwing and a family-friendly environment that made the visit memorable. Even during renovations, the staff delivered great service and an enjoyable atmosphere. After our visit, Pop’s quickly earned a spot on our Top 25 BBQ list, and it’s now a must-stop every time we return to Cherokee.

​

The Story Behind Pop’s Smokehouse

Pop’s Smokehouse is a family-owned barbecue restaurant located in Cherokee, North Carolina, focused on traditional slow-smoked meats and a welcoming atmosphere built around family and community. The restaurant’s concept reportedly started with a pitmaster known as “Pop,” whose love for classic, old-fashioned barbecue grew from cooking for family gatherings and events. Over time, those backyard cooks turned into a small barbecue operation that eventually expanded into a full restaurant.

Today the business continues that family tradition, with the operation carried forward by members of the family while maintaining the original idea of “let our family feed your family.” The restaurant focuses on creating a casual, family-friendly environment with smoked meats, homemade sides, and activities that make it a fun stop for locals and visitors alike.

The Cherokee location itself is relatively new and opened to bring another barbecue option to the downtown Cherokee tourism district.

 

Their Cooking Style and Meat Approach

Pop’s Smokehouse focuses on traditional slow-smoked barbecue meats, including pulled pork, ribs, brisket, sausage, and chicken. Their meats are typically cooked low and slow and paired with classic southern sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw.

One notable detail from their menu is that their brisket is described as USDA prime brisket that is seasoned and smoked before slicing, which suggests they are focusing on quality meat cuts rather than heavy marinades or injections.

Based on what you observed and what is common in their style of barbecue, their seasoning appears to lean toward a traditional salt, pepper, and simple rub base with sauces used to complement the meat rather than overpower it.

 

Wood and Smoking Methods

While Pop’s Smokehouse does not publicly list an exact wood blend on their website, the cooking style and flavors align with fruitwood smoking techniques often used in modern southern barbecue.

Fruitwoods such as apple or peach wood are frequently used to give meats a slightly sweet smoke profile, which matches the sweet undertones are noted in the pulled pork and sauces during our visit. These woods are popular for pork and chicken because they add a milder smoke flavor while enhancing natural sweetness.

 

What Makes Pop’s Unique

A few things help Pop’s stand out:

• Family-run operation focused on hospitality
• Traditional BBQ techniques with modern flavor touches
• Located in the heart of Cherokee’s tourism district
• Combination of restaurant, food truck service, and outdoor entertainment
• Casual environment with axe throwing and family activities