The North Carolina Smokehouse With Brisket You’ll Dream About
Brisket lovers, get ready, I’ll be serving up smoky, juicy perfection that’ll have you coming back for more. From the moment you step inside the Southport Smoke House at 1102 N Howe St, Southport, NC, the aroma of slow-cooked meats and hickory smoke hits you, promising a meal worth every calorie.
Their brisket is tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of smoke, while sides like creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw elevate every bite.
Friendly staff, relaxed vibes, and a menu that celebrates Southern barbecue make this smokehouse a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. One taste here, and you’ll understand why everyone raves, it’s brisket that could change your life.
A Massive Wood-Fired Smoker That Changes Everything
Walking up to Southport Smoke House at 1102 N Howe St Bldg C, Southport, I could smell the magic before I even opened the door. That rich, hickory aroma wrapped around me like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. The secret behind that unforgettable scent is a 4,000-pound wood-fired smoker sitting outside.
This beast uses 100 percent hickory wood, and nothing else touches the meat. No gas shortcuts or electric cheats here. The pitmaster feeds that smoker with care, treating every log as if it matters.
Hickory gives the meat a bold, slightly sweet flavor that sinks deep into every bite. You can taste the difference between real wood smoke and the imitation stuff instantly. The smoker runs hot and steady, creating that perfect bark on the brisket.
Watching smoke curl up from the chimney made me appreciate the craft even more. This isn’t fast food barbecue slapped together in minutes. It’s a slow dance between fire, wood, and meat that takes patience and skill.
Every piece of meat that comes out of that smoker carries the soul of traditional barbecue. You can’t fake this kind of flavor, and you definitely can’t rush it.
Brisket Smoked For Half A Day
I ordered the brisket without hesitation, and the moment it arrived, I knew I was in for something special. Each slice glistened with moisture, the edges dark and crusty, the inside pink and tender. The pitmaster smokes this meat for 12 to 14 hours straight, never rushing the process.
The seasoning is simple but perfect: coarse ground pepper and kosher salt. That’s it. No fancy rubs or secret spice blends, just two ingredients that let the meat shine.
Taking my first bite felt like biting into a cloud made of beef. The texture melted on my tongue, and the smoky flavor hit every corner of my mouth. Fat marbled through each slice added richness without feeling greasy.
I could taste the hours of care in every morsel. The bark had a slight crunch that gave way to buttery tenderness underneath. People around me were nodding in silent agreement as they ate their own plates.
This brisket rivals anything I’ve had in Texas, and I don’t say that lightly. It’s the kind of meat that makes you close your eyes and savor each chew. I found myself eating slowly, not wanting the experience to end.
A Menu That Goes Beyond Brisket
While the brisket stole my heart, I quickly realized Southport Smoke House offers so much more. Pulled pork sits on the menu alongside ribs, smoked chicken, sausage links, and wings. Each option gets the same careful attention in that massive smoker.
The pulled pork has a different character than traditional North Carolina vinegar-based versions. It’s tender and smoky, with a flavor profile that leans more toward Kansas City or Texas styles. The ribs fall off the bone with just a gentle tug.
Smoked chicken stays moist and flavorful, avoiding the dryness that plagues so many barbecue joints. The sausage links have a satisfying snap when you bite into them, releasing juices and spices. Wings might seem like an afterthought at a barbecue place, but these are worth ordering.
I watched other diners trying combination plates, mixing different meats to create their perfect meal. A couple next to me raved about the sausage, saying it had a touch of jalapeño that added excitement. Another table ordered the ribs and couldn’t stop smiling.
Having variety means everyone finds something they love. Even picky eaters in your group will discover a new favorite here.
Homemade Sides That Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Great barbecue needs great sides, and Southport Smoke House delivers on every front. I ordered mac and cheese along with baked beans, and both arrived steaming hot. The mac and cheese had a creamy texture with perfectly cooked pasta and a cheese sauce that didn’t taste artificial.
Baked beans came loaded with flavor, the sauce thick and slightly sweet with a hint of smokiness. Green beans offered a lighter option, seasoned well without being overcooked. Potato salad had the right balance of mayo, mustard, and seasoning.
Red and white slaw provided tangy crunch that cut through the richness of the meat. Seasoned fries came crispy and hot, dusted with spices that made them addictive. Every side is made in-house, and you can taste the difference.
I noticed one family ordering extra sides to take home, clearly unable to get enough. The woman behind the counter smiled knowingly, boxing up containers of beans and slaw. Banana pudding sits on the dessert menu, and I watched multiple people ordering it to go.
Sides aren’t an afterthought here; they’re an essential part of the meal. Each one complements the meat perfectly, adding variety and balance to every plate.
A Sauce Bar With Seven Regional Styles
One of the coolest features at Southport Smoke House is the sauce bar. Seven different homemade sauces sit waiting for you to explore, each representing a different barbecue region. A map on the wall shows where each sauce comes from, turning condiments into a geography lesson.
Sweet sauce represents Kansas City, thick and molasses-rich. Spicy sauce brings Texas heat with bold flavors and a kick. Tangy sauce channels Virginia with its vinegar punch.
White sauce pays tribute to Alabama, creamy and peppery in the best way. Eastern sauce delivers classic North Carolina vinegar and pepper simplicity. Lexington sauce represents the Piedmont region with its tomato and vinegar blend.
Mustard sauce comes from South Carolina, bright yellow and tangy with a sharpness that wakes up your taste buds. I tried every single one, dabbing small amounts on different bites of meat. Each sauce transformed the flavor in unique ways.
Some people stick with one favorite, while others mix and match throughout their meal. The variety means you can customize every bite exactly how you want it. I found myself gravitating toward the Texas spicy and Alabama white sauces.
Hush Puppies That Steal The Show
Multiple reviews warned me not to skip the hush puppies, and now I understand why. These golden spheres arrived hot and crispy, the outside crunching perfectly under my teeth. Inside, the cornmeal batter stayed tender and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of moisture.
What makes these hush puppies legendary is the cinnamon butter that comes alongside them. Sweet, spiced butter melts into the warm hush puppies, creating a flavor combination that borders on dessert. I couldn’t stop popping them into my mouth.
The balance between savory cornmeal and sweet cinnamon butter is pure genius. Some people eat them plain, enjoying the natural sweetness of the cornmeal. I alternated between plain and buttered, unable to decide which version I liked better.
A couple at the next table ordered a second basket before finishing their first. The woman laughed and said she drives from an hour away just for these hush puppies. I completely understood her dedication.
These aren’t your typical hush puppies that sit heavy in your stomach. They’re light, flavorful, and dangerously addictive. If you only order one side, make it these.
You’ll thank yourself with every bite.
Buffalo Chips That Redefine Potato Sides
Buffalo chips caught my attention because multiple reviews mentioned them specifically. Despite the name, these aren’t thin potato chips. They’re thick-cut, chip-shaped fries with incredible seasoning and a perfect cook.
Each piece had a golden exterior with a fluffy interior.
The seasoning blend adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that makes plain fries seem boring. They come out of the kitchen hot and crispy, maintaining their texture even as they cool. I dipped mine in the smokey ranch that several reviewers recommended.
That combination of seasoned chips and creamy, smoky ranch created a flavor explosion. The ranch had a subtle smokiness that tied it back to the restaurant’s barbecue roots. I found myself reaching for more chips between bites of brisket.
Other diners around me were ordering buffalo chips as their side of choice. One man told me he gets them every single visit without fail. The portion size is generous, easily shareable if you’re dining with others.
These chips bridge the gap between traditional fries and something more exciting. They’re substantial enough to feel satisfying but don’t overshadow the main event. I left wishing I could order a bag to take home.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
From the moment I walked through the door, the staff at Southport Smoke House made me feel welcome. The woman at the counter greeted me with a genuine smile and asked if this was my first visit. When I nodded, she walked me through the menu with patience and enthusiasm.
She explained the smoking process, recommended sides, and pointed out the sauce bar with pride. Her energy was contagious, and I could tell she truly loved working there. Other staff members moved efficiently, keeping the line moving without rushing anyone.
Everyone seemed happy to be there, which is rare in the restaurant industry. When my food came out, the staff member who brought it asked if I needed anything else. She checked back once more to make sure everything tasted good.
I overheard another employee chatting with regular customers, asking about their families and remembering their usual orders. That kind of personal touch transforms a restaurant into a community gathering place. Multiple reviews mentioned the exceptional service, and I experienced it firsthand.
Good food matters, but great service elevates the entire experience. The staff here understands that and delivers every single time. I left feeling like I’d visited friends rather than just grabbing lunch.
A Casual Atmosphere Perfect For Everyone
Southport Smoke House keeps things relaxed and unpretentious. The dining area is bright and airy, with contemporary touches that feel fresh without being fancy. Tables fill up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, but the space never feels cramped or chaotic.
Families with kids sit comfortably alongside couples and solo diners like me. The counter-serve setup means you order at the front, grab your drinks from the self-serve station, and wait for your number to be called. It’s efficient and keeps prices reasonable.
I appreciated the casual vibe because it removed any pressure to dress up or act formal. This is come-as-you-are dining at its finest. The walls feature barbecue-themed decor and that regional sauce map I mentioned earlier.
Music plays at a comfortable volume, loud enough to create ambiance but quiet enough for conversation. Large windows let in natural light, making the space feel open and inviting. Clean tables and floors showed the staff takes pride in maintaining the restaurant.
Whether you’re stopping in after a day at the beach or grabbing dinner with family, the atmosphere works perfectly. There’s no stuffiness or pretension, just good food in a welcoming space. I felt completely at ease from start to finish.
Catering Services For Your Special Events
During my visit, I overheard a customer discussing catering options with the manager. Southport Smoke House offers catering services for events ranging from small family gatherings to massive parties of up to 500 people. That’s impressive for a restaurant of this size.
The manager explained their catering process with the same enthusiasm she showed for dine-in customers. She talked about menu customization, delivery options, and pricing with transparency and patience. The customer seemed thrilled with the options available.
One review I read mentioned a tennis event catered by Southport Smoke House for 180 guests. Everyone praised the food quality and the seamless service. Having barbecue catered means your event gets that authentic wood-smoked flavor without you doing the work.
Imagine serving your guests brisket that’s been smoking for 14 hours, along with all those incredible sides. The staff handles setup and breakdown, letting you enjoy your own party. The value proposition for catering seems excellent, especially given the food quality.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or family reunion, having Southport Smoke House cater takes the stress away. You get restaurant-quality barbecue delivered to your location. I made a mental note to remember this option for my next big gathering.
Convenient Hours And Online Ordering
Southport Smoke House operates Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving you plenty of time to stop by. They’re closed on Sundays, which I later learned aligns with the owners’ values and gives staff a day off. Those hours work perfectly for lunch or early dinner.
I appreciated knowing I could visit any day except Sunday without worrying about odd schedules. The restaurant also offers online ordering through their website, making takeout incredibly convenient. You can browse the menu, place your order, and pick it up without waiting in line.
This feature is perfect for busy families or people grabbing food on their way somewhere else. During my visit, I saw several customers come in, give their name, and walk out with bags of food within minutes. The online system clearly works smoothly.
A drive-through option is also available, which several reviews mentioned appreciating. You can get quality barbecue without leaving your car, which is rare for food this good. The phone number is easy to find if you prefer calling in your order.
Convenience matters when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait forever. Southport Smoke House balances efficiency with quality, never sacrificing one for the other. I left impressed by how smoothly everything operated.
A Final Bite That Stays With You
As I finished my meal, I ordered banana pudding to go. The woman behind the counter winked and said I wouldn’t regret it. She was absolutely right.
Layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and whipped topping created a dessert that tasted like childhood memories.
Sitting in my car, I took one last look at the building before driving away. Smoke still curled from the chimney, promising the next batch of meat would be just as incredible. I thought about all the reviews I’d read before coming here.
People drove hours just to eat at Southport Smoke House, and now I understood why. This isn’t just good barbecue; it’s an experience that connects you to tradition and craftsmanship. Every element, from the massive smoker to the friendly service, works together perfectly.
I pulled out of the parking lot already planning my next visit. Maybe I’d try the ribs next time, or order a combination plate to sample everything. The buffalo chips definitely deserved another round.
If you find yourself anywhere near Southport, North Carolina, make the trip to 1102 N Howe St Bldg C. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll leave with a smile that lasts for days.
