The North Asheville location of Luella’s Bar-B-Que is a perennial favorite with locals and visitors to the western region of North Carolina. This popular BBQ joint was inspired by owner Jeff Miller’s grandmother, who passed down several excellent recipes. The restaurant’s kitchen staff strives to honor Grandma Lue every day, and it shows.
Luella’s serves a variety of standard barbecue entrees, such as ribs, chopped pork, and beef brisket. The meat is delectable, but the sauce ultimately sets the restaurant apart. Prepare to sample a range of delicious sauces, ranging from mild to spicy.
Delicious food may be a priority at Luella’s Bar-B-Que, but the restaurant also seeks to establish a relaxed and homey environment. To achieve this end, the dining establishment regularly hosts local musical acts. Live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere without detracting from visitors’ conversations with one another. In other words: don’t worry about shouting to be heard over blasting music. Just sit back and enjoy.
If there’s one occasional complaint from visitors, it’s that the service at Luella’s can be hit or miss. Many people report attentive and kindhearted waitstaff, but others observe indifference or downright rude behavior. Nearly all agree that the delicious food makes any visit worthwhile, no matter who serves it or how.
A few of our menu favorites include the following:
Ribs
Luella’s fall-off-the-bone ribs are sure to satisfy. Order a full or half rack alongside hush puppies, and leave room for sides — you get to select two. Favorite sides include calico beans, fried okra, and collard greens. If you prefer to stick with ribs alone, you can, but the sides are not worth missing.
Smoked Andoille Sausage
If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicy, this is just the ticket. Classified by Luella’s as “medium spicy,” this delicious entree is smoked daily to perfection.
Big Boy’s Blue Ribbon BBQ Platter
Bring a group of hungry friends or family members and get ready to dig into the best BBQ selection in Asheville. The Big Boy platter includes half a pound each of brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork. You and your group can also select three sides, and of course, the platter comes with plenty of hush puppies. Everything is served family style, so be prepared to share.
Cheese N’ Comfort Fries
Nothing says comfort quite like a heaping plate of fries. But these aren’t just any fries; they feature a special cheddar sauce, green onion, bacon, and Lue’s BBQ rub. You’re also welcome to add pork or chicken. The fries are so good, some people order them as a meal in lieu of a traditional entree. The best option: share fries and BBQ with a friend.
Insider Tips:
-On the hunt for affordable barbecue in the Asheville area? Don’t forget to hit up Luella’s on Wednesdays for wing night, when you can score impressive deals on the best BBQ in town.
-Every Sunday, Luella’s hosts a jazz and barbecue brunch featuring music from the Django era. If you love jazz music and BBQ-inspired brunch, this is the time to visit.