Holy Smokes, That’s a Surprise
Look at the bark on this Brisket Sandwich!
Places to eat in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, are limited. But it’s a seasonal town with around 700 residents, busy during a brief snow ski season and heavily reliant on tourism the rest of the year. Holy Smokes BBQ, located in the White Wolf Lodge, and is surprisingly good. One would expect a run-of-the-mill barbeque place here, but North Carolinians take their que seriously!
Holy Smokes BBQ is located in the White Wolf Lodge in Beech Mountain NC
If weather permits, sit on the back deck at Holy Smokes for a fantastic view while you eat;
It’s a newer-looking shop with a ski lodge feel of strong wood tones and kitschy décor. Large picnic tables line the inside dining room, and orders are placed at the counter and delivered to your table.
Holy Smokes BBQ interior dining room looks rustic and casual
Holy Smokes BBQ food counter with tons of house and Beech Mountain merch.
The burnt-end brisket sandwich is served on a fresh bun and is a tall, smokey, beefy bite. The bark on the medium-thick slices is just right, adding smokey goodness. There's just enough fat for a rich mouthful. There are six house sauces, and I go with sweet BBQ on the brisket. Holy Smokes mashed potatoes are a pleasant surprise. They are a cheesy, creamy mound of taters with bits of red skin left in to add texture and served with a side of thick, beefy gravy.
House-made Sauce selections include Sweet, Sweet Heat, Applebutter BBQ, Carolina Tangy Mustard, Eastern, Cheerwine Vinaigrette, and Sweetpotle.
Holy Smokes BBQ Brisket Sandwich with mashed potatoes and beef gravy
Holy Smokes BBQ home made sauce selection
The burnt ends turkey looks, well, burned. I expected it to taste that way. Nope. It's just a thin, smokey bark on the outside of moist turkey bites of turkey breast.
Turkey Burnt Ends are juicy and meaty
The pork ribs are prepared with a peppery, garlicky, dry rub with hints of brown sugar and salt. The pork has just enough fat to make each bite juicy. Their baked beans are real-deal smokey and sweet, with bits of pork mixed in. The house cole slaw is standard: shredded crispy cabbage, carrots, and a sweet mayo base.
Pork Spareribs have a salty, sweet, garlic dry rub and just enough fat for a tender bite
Inside and outdoor dining are available. If weather permits, step out back and dine on the rear porch. The view is spectacular. Holy Smokes has a store with house-brand merch and a great selection of hand-made ice cream, milkshakes, and fudge. On my visit, the fudge offerings were Chocolate, Chocolate Walnut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl, Rocky Road, Cookies and Cream, and Heath English Toffee.
Service is prompt and friendly, with moderate prices and plenty of parking. Lodging is also available through the White Wolf Lodge.
Holy Smokes rear elevation shows the back observation deck and the lodging available on the third floor.