Discovering the Heart of Barbecue: Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield
Nestled in the vibrant community of Smithfield, North Carolina, at 1260 N Brightleaf Blvd, lies a culinary landmark that has become synonymous with authentic Southern comfort food: Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield. This establishment is more than just a place to eat; it is a genuine reflection of regional culinary heritage, offering patrons a taste of tradition perfected over time. For locals and visitors alike, the name Smithfields evokes images of smoky, slow-cooked meats and perfectly seasoned fried chicken—the twin pillars of classic American barbecue culture.
The atmosphere at Smithfields is intentionally welcoming, designed to feel like an extension of a family gathering. It’s a place where the aroma of hickory smoke mingles with the savory scent of fresh-made sides, instantly signaling that you have arrived somewhere special. While the menu showcases a deep respect for time-honored recipes, the commitment to quality ingredients ensures that every dish served meets the highest standards of flavor and freshness. This dedication to excellence is what has cemented Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield’s reputation as a must-visit destination in Johnston County.
Understanding the essence of great barbecue requires appreciating the nuances of preparation. At Smithfields, the barbecue tradition is honored through patient cooking methods, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to develop fully. This careful approach contrasts beautifully with their renowned chicken offerings, which maintain a crispy exterior while remaining incredibly juicy inside. It’s this balance—the smoky depth of the BBQ alongside the satisfying crunch of the chicken—that defines the unique culinary profile of this beloved local spot.
Exploring the menu reveals a commitment to providing a comprehensive Southern dining experience. Beyond the main attractions, the supporting cast of side dishes often steals the show. These accompaniments are prepared with the same level of care, featuring classics that complement the rich flavors of the smoked meats and fried poultry. Whether you are seeking a quick, satisfying lunch or a hearty family dinner, Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield consistently delivers on its promise of authentic, flavorful Southern fare.
The location itself, situated conveniently on N Brightleaf Blvd, makes it an accessible hub for the community. It serves as a gathering point where stories are shared over plates piled high with delicious food. The enduring appeal of Smithfields lies not just in the taste, but in the experience—the feeling of genuine hospitality that accompanies every order.
Key Highlights of the Smithfields Experience
Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield stands out in the competitive landscape of regional dining for several distinct reasons. These elements combine to create a dining experience that patrons consistently seek out and remember:
Authentic Barbecue Techniques: The commitment to traditional, slow-smoking methods for their barbecue is paramount. This process ensures deep flavor penetration and tender texture, distinguishing their pulled pork and ribs from faster, less authentic preparations. This dedication to time-honored craft is evident in every bite of their smoked offerings.
Signature Fried Chicken Excellence: Complementing the smoky barbecue is their celebrated fried chicken. Achieving the perfect balance between a seasoned, crispy crust and moist, flavorful meat is an art, and Smithfields has mastered it. This duality makes the restaurant a destination for fans of both major Southern cooking styles.
Hearty, Homemade Sides: The supporting menu items are crafted with the same attention to detail as the main courses. These sides—often featuring regional favorites—are prepared fresh daily, providing the necessary balance and complexity to complete the classic Southern plate. They are essential components of the overall meal structure.
Community-Focused Atmosphere: More than just a transactional dining venue, Smithfields fosters a warm, inviting environment. It operates as a true neighborhood fixture where quality food is served with genuine Southern warmth, making every visit feel personal and comfortable.
A Taste of Tradition Awaits
Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield, located at 1260 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577, United States, represents a cornerstone of local culinary identity. It successfully bridges the gap between nostalgic comfort food and contemporary standards of quality and service. For anyone looking to truly understand the flavors that define North Carolina barbecue and Southern hospitality, a visit here is highly recommended.
The enduring success of this establishment is rooted in its unwavering focus on flavor, tradition, and community connection. Whether you are drawn by the allure of perfectly smoked meats or the irresistible crunch of their famous chicken, Smithfields offers a satisfying and authentic taste of the South. It remains a celebrated destination where culinary heritage is served fresh daily, inviting everyone to pull up a chair and enjoy a truly memorable meal.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Kerbside pickup
Drive-through
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Plenty of parking
Menus
PLATES
LARGE BAR-B-Q PORK PLATTER
REGULAR BAR-B-Q PORK PLATTER Includes hushpuppies, coleslaw, and potato salad
COMBINATION WHITE
COMBINATION DARK
CHICKEN TENDER PLATTER
CHICKEN PLATTER - WHITE
CHICKEN PLATTER - DARK
SHRIMP PLATE
BAR-B-Q CHICKEN
SAUCES
SANDWICHES
BAR-B-Q SANDWICH
CHICKEN TENDER SANDWICH
TENDER VALUE PACK
BAR-B-Q VALUE PACK
SNACKS
CHICKEN TENDER SNACK
SHRIMP SNACK
CHICKEN WHITE SNACK
CHICKEN DARK SNACK
SAUCES
KID’S MEAL
CHICKEN TENDER
CHICKEN LEG
HOT DOG
PINT & SIDES - 1/2 Pints available
HUSHPUPPIES
FRENCH FRIES
PINT BRUNSWICK STEW
PINT BAKED BEANS
PINT COLESLAW
PINT POTATO SALAD
PINT BAR-B-Q
CHICKEN BOXES
Ask us about our large catering orders, 20, 30 & 50 + ppl.
TAILGATE SPECIAL WITH BAR-B-Q
4 – PIECE CHICKEN BOX
8 – PIECE CHICKEN BOX
12 – PIECE CHICKEN BOX
16 – PIECE CHICKEN BOX
BEVERAGES
GALLON – ICED TEA
COKE PRODUCTS
SMITHFIELD’S ICED TEA
DESSERTS
PECAN PIE
BANANA PUDDING
SEASONAL PIES
Photos
Reviews Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield
Karen Perrington
13-11-2025
Normally we love this Smithfield’s location but we went an hour before close yesterday and our order was cold, looked like all the food was already put away so I am not sure what food we got but after eating it my granddaughter got sick. Just very disappointed because we do not usually have a problem. (This review is specifically for last night)
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Hushpuppies
Sumer
10-11-2025
Honestly, I never leave low reviews but I feel like this place needs an honest review. With the word "BBQ" in the name, you'd expect BBQ. They have one BBQ sandwich on the menu, completely dry with no BBQ sauce on it. I asked for BBQ sauce, they said they don't do that here. The banana pudding was old. The fries were fine. The food was overall extremely mediocre with no flavor. Prices were high for not much food. We won't be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2
Reservation
Reservations not required
Phillip Petty
29-10-2025
We love coming to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, always clean, always consistent, friendly staff and exceptional barbecue and their chicken is good as well.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
French Fries, Hushpuppies
Noise level
Moderate noise
Charles Sasser
22-10-2025
Late lunch of BBQ sandwich with fries and good ole sweet tea. Received slaw on the sandwich but would have liked a little more for the amount of BBQ on the sandwich. My friend got the tenders snack pack. The tenders were larger portions which was a pleasant surprise. Enough for one to go home in a box for later. Thier large cups are verifiable large. Order and pay at counter and they actually deliver to your table for dining inside.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Tammie Fail Norris
02-10-2025
Extremely busy, only one table empty, only one employee for entire dining room.People lined up all the way to the door waiting to order. Cars wrapped around the building outside. Had to wait for a parking space to become available to park. … More
Drew S
30-08-2025
Every time we’re in the Raleigh area we make sure to stop at Smithfield’s for the pork BBQ and fried chicken. Great food, service, and always clean inside. The vinegar sauce is awesome!
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Amber Owens
02-08-2025
First time here and won’t be back!!! Service was horrible and rude!! Then wanted me to pull up to wait when no one was behind me and I said no I would wait and she rolled her eyes!!! Do better!!! Food just thrown on the plates. I waited 10 plus minutes for this, I’ve never waited that long at other Smithfield’s. More
John Maynard
30-07-2025
Just wonderful! We stopped by with our scout troop to enjoy a meal before hitting the coast for a sailing adventure. We were hungry. Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q was there to help. Thanks! Can we give them a "Thumbs Up"?
Marcus Bland
15-07-2025
I’ve been eating at Smithfield’s for years and never had a complaint until tonight. I ordered a dark chicken plate with potato salad and cole slaw. The potato salad was white when it normally has more yellow coloring. I know that it’s made with mayo but it normally don’t taste like straight mayo and the cole slaw wasn’t cut up at all manager said it supposed to taste like mayo and they meant to not cut up the cole slaw so it don’t get watery
Meek Cuff
13-07-2025
Beyond disappointed, and I will not patronize this chain again. Around three-ish I attempted to order online for pickup which was not available for through the rest of the afternoon and evening. Unfortunately I did not review the menu … More
Douglas Bowman
04-07-2025
Super clean and very fast service. Food is always great
Service
Dine in…
More
Amber Hermann
01-07-2025
The staff and food were both generous and good! The restaurant was clean, the atmosphere was inviting, and the southern cuisine was amazing! More
Marie H
29-06-2025
If you like vinegar based bbq then this is a good place for a drive through. Hush puppies (the little brown things you see) are good. Beans and potato salad are alright. Not my favorite kind of bbq.
Jacob Melecio
10-06-2025
Service was top shelf. Food was ok.. nothing to lose your mind over. Very plain
Service…
More
Francene Gregory
20-05-2025
On 7/28-25 I went back to Smithfield BBQ in Henderson N.C on Dabney Drive and I spoke with the manager Ms.SeaBrooks she replaced my order that was wrong on Saturday. The order was corrected, the services was fantastic, my hot dog kids meal … More
Kim Johnson-Stevens
19-05-2025
Places and online order and could not pick it up at the drive thru- the lady was very rude and I was told her I was sick and she rolled her eyes and said well it's not ready. Still had to go inside cause no one brought it out and people kept looking at me cause I was coughing like crazy - I tried to tell them.
Susan Mayo
17-05-2025
Delicious Fried Chicken, BBQ with Slaw FF and Hushpuppies ( of which there was an additional order) The staff here is fantastic team of Awesomeness too. Stop by and give it a try for yourself More
Samantha Fickling
11-04-2025
Great BBQ! Love the sweet/spice taste of their BBQ sauce. Would definitely recommend the Brunswick stew as a side and the hush puppies were a definite plus with the platter! Also love that I didn't need to wait in line to wash my hands before I ate
Tim & Beth Tears
27-03-2025
First time at the new location. The chicken was tender, Fry’s were a bit undercooked, potato salad was good it’s not loaded with vinegar like most other NC restaurants. Brunswick stew okay. Service was excellent. Dominic was extremely attentive to our table. Having someone wait on you is unusual for a “fast food restaurant” but always the case here. Portions are smaller than they were at the old location. Which is fine because most people eat way more than they need to feel full. We “eat to live not live to eat” our nation would be healthier if everyone did that.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Donna Spicer
16-03-2025
First time at a Smithfield’s chicken and BBQ. Ordered a regular BBQ plate with Cole slaw, hush puppies and potato salad. I am not a fan of the Cole slaw, but that’s just my taste preference…the rest was just what I was looking for!! Great service and friendly atmosphere! More
Alex W
14-03-2025
When visiting North Carolina I have to make this stop. I ordered the 4 piece, with hush puppies. The chicken was hot, and the hush puppies were crisp and delicious. … More
Jaycie Yarber
03-03-2025
Today I was door dashing and they said they dont accept orders after 9:30 which is fine but I needed them to talk to door dash so that this doesn't happen again and the lady was very rude, Closed the window right in my face. I wasn't being rude, I just wanted help.
Service
Delivery
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2
David Adams
27-02-2025
I was a little bit disappointed with the lady who took my dinner order. I told her that I wanted and pint of Brunswick stew, and three chicken tenders. That is not what I got. … More
Brian C Newman
23-02-2025
Clean, efficient restaurant. Best place for local North Carolina chicken. I appreciate the sink up front to wash away the chicken grease.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
3-4 people
Wheelchair accessibility
Easy access.
HG
03-02-2025
Food is good but the lady at the drive thru was so rude to me complaining that my car was too short for the window and that it’s “bad for their backs” to have to reach down. Maybe she should find a different line of work if handing someone a bag of food is that hard on her. 😂
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 4
Shermeca McCrary
02-02-2025
I work close so I come here often…..staff is fantastic! Chicken was so greasy and I have had better here so I figured must be a busy day! More
Eric Garris
31-01-2025
Good food. Great service. Courteous staff. Shame I can only give five stars
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Douglas Bowman
15-01-2025
Super clean and very fast service. Food is always great
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Parking space
Plenty of parking
bruce hoang
09-01-2025
Must stop here if driving through north Carolina on I95! Love their pulled pork BBQ, fried chicken and Brunswick Stew
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sandwich, Hushpuppies
Ricky Beasley
06-01-2025
Anytime there’s a SCNB I just have to stop and grab a NC style BBQ sandwich! I choose no slaw on the sandwich and a side of hush puppies and sweet tea!!! Never disappointed when I stop in. This location always makes me fat and happy !
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Richard Dorfman
01-01-2025
Wow... Talk about wowing a customer, we were both blown away! We stopped in after we walked out of another restaurant we looked at, nothing wrong with it except overpriced. We had remembered eating at a Smithfield's probably 10-12 years ago when we were traveling and there happened to be a location nearby.
This time we ordered a BBQ plate and chicken tender. A drink was surprisingly Free and a senior discount was applied when paying... All without us having to ask for any discounts... 2 nice surprises. The food was delivered to our table when it was ready, this was another surprise... what fast food place does this? The food was great, quick, good value and friendly service. When we were about done eating one of the workers came by and gave us a to go box with 2 more chicken tenders in it... another nice surprise... where has this ever happened before, not to me and surely never at Wendy's, McDonald's or Chick Fil A. Lastly when we left we discovered that charging our Tesla in their parking lot was Free on their Tesla destination chargers.
Well we had a good quick lunch and have already told a few people about our experience. Little things like this make for a memorable experience... It's not always only about the food or the price that makes for a great experience.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reviews Smithfields Chicken N Bar B Q Smithfield