Smithfield’s Chicken N Bar-B-Q

I’m from Pittsburgh Pa and my husband has talked about Carolina barbecue for years. I can see why he loves it. Smithfields’ is delicious, large portions. Restaurant is immaculate and service staff great. We will be back next trip to Henderson NC.

Great food, and friendly staff. The pulled pork is excellent. Definitely worth a stop.

I’m a fan of Carolina style (or eastern style as it’s called in NC) pork so decided to stop here. First, the hush puppies they bring out were excellent. I ordered the pulled pork plate but the waitress brought a sample of the «chopped» pork, which is cooked in the usual vinegar and pepper flakes. The normal pulled pork is plain, which is probably what the guy here complained about being tasteless. I changed to that and was very happy!
Order the chopped pork plate instead, that’s what you want. A side of slaw goes well on pulled pork and the baked beans were among the best I’ve had. Chunks of ground beef and I think jalepino peppers in them. The atmosphere is basic but the service was friendly and quick.

I really like Smithfield’s, to the point I had been hunting one down on my trip back from DCC because I was craving some Brunswick stew. But this one disappointed me. I placed my order for two pints of stew for takeout at the front, then went to use the restroom while I waited. The bathroom itself could have been cleaner. The stalls were messy and the sink was water logged. When I returned to the counter, I saw my pints of stew on the kitchen counter ready to be packaged. I knew they were mine because I was the only one waiting for food. I stood and waited, and waited, and waited. It was easily 5 minutes I watched the cashier mill about and walk past the food before finally stopping to put a lid on it. I noticed stew running down the side of one container and he wiped the container on his apron. Personally, I found it a bit unsanitary. I only imagine aprons are where they wipe their hands too. I would have rather him used a napkin or towel. But I don’t plan on licking the outside of the container, so I let it slide.
He handed me the bag and didn’t offer me any condiments, so I asked. I walked out to my car and my husband just about drove off the lot before realizing I had no spoon. We had to stop and go back so I could get one. Major fail to hand someone a takeout order of stew without utensils! Another issue– please smile! The employees had no personality. They weren’t rude but they lacked friendliness. It was like I was bothering them.
I will say, that stew was yummy. And it was really hot, so I wondered if the guy waited to put a lid on it because of the heat. If he had told me that, it would have explained a lot.

Bbq wasn’t too great. It’s in a convenient location but other than that this place hardly deserves a well written Unilocal review.

I truly enjoyed the atmosphere and customer service was outstanding! After placing your order they bring the completed order to your table. My order was ready even before I left the counter which was also impressive.
The sink in the dining area is a great touch for people like myself that like to wash their hands before eating and don’t always like going into the bathroom to do so. Also a great idea since they do serve bar-​b-​q items.
Great place to stop off I-​85

You want some good food on your roadtrip on I-​85? You can get Carolina BBQ, incredible hush puppies, and good fried chicken.

Get the fried chicken and shrimp combo! The brunswick stew is a must have! Pass on the banana pudding. Service is outstanding and the atmosphere is very nice. Old Dinner feel with black and white 50’s them photos on the walls.

This was our 1^st ever visit, since Smithfield’s doesn’t have stores in my home town. In fact, I’ve never heard of the place before and did not know what to expect. I don’t usually rate fast-​food restaurants — heck, I hardly ever eat in them — but I am able to rate it on that basis. For the genre, I think Smithfield’s really delivers a good meal.
It’s as if someone decided to start a chain by drawing from signature items at the big chains. The fries were in the style of (and every bit as good as) McDonalds but without the over-​salting; KFC slaw is still tops, but this was a tasty second; the fried chicken was just as delicious and crispy without being as greasy as Church’s; and I don’t know what fast-​food chain does hush puppies this well (Carey Hilliard in Savannah?). I didn’t try the pulled pork, but my dinner guest said it was tasty and spicy and as good as any other.
Pretty good stuff for fast food.

I like that Unilocal describes 3 stars as A-​OK. That’s just what Smithfield’s was. Killer service for fast casual– almost like a step up. They bring your food to you in the dining room after ordering at a counter and then at this one came around offering drink refills table side– nice touch. Pretty amazing baked beans here– not for the dieting though. Narry a salad or non-​friend site!
I was surprised how affordable the pricing was here. I enjoyed the piping hot (not spicy hot) Brunswick stew, baked beans and potato salad (mustard based here).

This place was another great find on our road trip. It’s right off the highway. Local family place. We had chopped BBQ sandwiches and a dinner that came with BBQ chicken and fried shrimp. It was all excellent and served with unlimited sweet tea. Sides were fries, cloe slaw and hush puppies. All were excellent
Lots of locals so you know the place is good

The BBQ and Stew are very good and plentiful and the tea is sweet. To top it off, the service is great and the restaurant is clean. Highly recommended.

Very very nice clean place. Free WiFi, friendly staff, clean restrooms, and excellent BBQ.

Pretty good overall. Pulled pork was very moist and flavorful. Service was outstanding. Dine-​in wait staff was very attentive. Portions for the sides were a little on the small side which was a little disappointing. Sauce was traditional NC, sharp and spicy.