Pit Stop BBQ Review: Pop's Smokehouse in Cherokee, NC

Pop’s Smokehouse – A Hidden BBQ Gem in Cherokee, NC

Sometimes the best barbecue finds happen when you least expect them, and that was exactly the case when we stopped at Pop’s Smokehouse. We were in Cherokee doing what we often do when visiting the area—spending some time at the casino and enjoying the mountain town atmosphere. While exploring downtown, we noticed Pop’s Smokehouse, which happened to be going through a full remodel at the time. From the outside it almost looked closed, but we decided to walk in and check it out anyway. That decision turned out to be one of the best surprises of our barbecue journey so far.

Even while renovating the restaurant, Pop’s was still serving customers by cooking out of their food truck. That alone made the experience interesting, but what really stood out was the quality of the food coming out of that setup. The star of the meal was something we don’t normally score in our reviews—the sausage. It was smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with jalapeño flavor without being overpowering. It was easily one of the best sausages we’ve come across at any barbecue stop and something we would absolutely recommend ordering if you visit.

The pulled pork was another highlight. It had great smoke flavor, a slightly sweet rub, and a juicy texture that made it stand out. Their sauces followed a similar theme, with a balanced sweetness that complemented the meat rather than overpowering it. The ribs were tender with a nice bite and paired well with their sweet red barbecue sauce. We also tried the smoked chicken, which was served with a unique peach mustard sauce recommended by the staff. It may sound unusual, but it worked incredibly well and added a bright, tangy flavor to the chicken.

The sides helped round out the meal in a big way. The baked beans were phenomenal, made with multiple types of beans and layered with smoke and a subtle mustard flavor that made them stand out from the usual barbecue beans. The mac and cheese was another standout, loaded with several cheeses and a strong black pepper flavor that gave it a bold southern twist. The hush puppies and homemade crinkle-cut fries were solid additions that completed the plate nicely.

Beyond the food, Pop’s offered a fun and welcoming environment right in the heart of downtown Cherokee. The restaurant includes axe throwing for adults and kids, making it a unique stop for families or groups visiting the area. Even during renovations, the staff was friendly and the atmosphere felt relaxed and inviting. Once the full remodel is complete, it looks like Pop’s will have even more seating and an expanded setup that should make the experience even better.

After breaking down every category using our Pit Stop Scorecard, Pop’s Smokehouse earned an impressive 93.50 out of 100, making it one of the highest-rated stops on our barbecue journey so far. What started as a quick stop during a Cherokee trip turned into a standout barbecue experience, and it’s now officially on our list of places we’ll visit every time we’re back in town.

If you’re in Cherokee and looking for great barbecue, Pop’s Smokehouse is absolutely worth the stop.

Pulled Pork and Ribs from Pop's Smokehouse Cherokee NC