Some of the best meals in North Carolina hide in buildings you might drive right past without a second look. I almost did, until a cloud of hickory-scented smoke drifted across the parking lot and practically pulled me inside by the nose.
What I found was a simple counter-service barbecue spot with brisket so tender and smoky that I caught myself daydreaming about it for the rest of the week. If you love food with a story and a price tag that will not wreck your weekend, keep reading.
A Coastal Barbecue Stop on North Howe Street
Tucked into a building at 1102 N Howe St in Southport, Southport Smoke House sits just a short drive from the harbor and the beaches of Oak Island. From the road, it looks like a modest little barbecue joint.
Inside, it turns out to be one of the most talked-about plates in Brunswick County.
The setup is down-home and cheerful. You order at the counter, grab your food, and find a seat in an airy, contemporary dining room that feels bright rather than dark and cramped.
Classic barbecue plates and sandwiches lead the menu.
Visitors come from all over to eat here. Some arrive after a day at the beach, others on purpose from hours away.
One family even mentioned driving three hours just for lunch and calling it worth every mile. That kind of loyalty usually means something special is coming out of the smoker.
Getting Here by Ferry, Bike, or Back Road
Picture this: a ferry ride across the Cape Fear River from Fort Fisher, a bike pedaled through town, and a lunch stop that ends the day in the best way. One visitor did exactly that and joked that you should bring the car next time, because you will be too full to ride back.
Southport makes an easy day trip from the wider coast. Travelers staying in Wilmington have mentioned it is about 50 minutes away, and folks vacationing at Carolina Beach and Oak Island treat it as a regular stop.
That mix of ferry crossings, small-town streets, and salty air turns a barbecue run into a mini adventure. Summer brings the beach crowd, while cooler months offer quieter streets for wandering the waterfront after your meal.
Either way, the smokehouse fits neatly into a relaxed coastal outing that does not cost much beyond gas, a ferry ticket, and lunch.
Brisket Worth the Hype
Brisket is the headliner, and it is not even close. It comes up far more than any other dish when people talk about this place, and the praise sounds remarkably consistent.
Diners describe it as moist, marbled, and so tender it practically melts. Others rave about deep, smoky flavor and say you can tell the pitmaster knows exactly what he is doing.
A visitor from Kansas City, a town that takes barbecue very seriously, noted the meat did not carry too much fat. That is high praise from someone raised on smoked meat.
Here is the catch. The brisket sells out, sometimes well before closing.
Guests have shared stories of grabbing the very last portion on a busy holiday weekend. One regular put it simply: if you want brisket, get there fast.
Plan an earlier visit, and you will have the best shot at the dish that makes this place famous.
Award-Winning Ribs and Other Smoked Favorites
Missed the brisket? Do not panic.
The ribs here have reportedly won several awards, and diners say they fall right off the bone with a rub that hits just right.
Pulled pork earns plenty of love too. Visitors call it hearty, tender, and nicely smoked, and one guest noticed it is not the typical North Carolina style, which made it a fun change of pace.
Spicy sausage, smoked chicken wings in a hot and sweet sauce, and Brunswick stew round out the lineup.
Then there are the pork belly burnt ends. Paired with a honey chipotle sauce, they have become a quiet favorite for people who like rich, sticky bites.
Even chicken tenders get a mention from folks who are not big barbecue fans, so mixed groups can all find something. The menu feels expansive without being confusing, which keeps ordering at the counter quick and easy.
Hush Puppies with Cinnamon Butter
Ask a regular what you absolutely must order, and you will likely hear two words: hush puppies. One visitor called them the star of the show and said skipping them means you are doing it wrong.
The secret seems to be the homemade cornmeal, which gives each bite a fuller, more satisfying flavor than the frozen kind found elsewhere. They arrive golden and crisp outside, soft and warm inside.
What makes them truly memorable is the dip. A sweet cinnamon butter comes alongside, turning a classic Southern side into something closer to a treat.
People who stopped in once often mention them first when they talk about coming back. If you are sharing with a group, order more than you think you need.
A basket disappears quickly once everyone has tasted that buttery cinnamon swirl, and nobody wants to fight over the last one.
Sides That Steal the Spotlight
Mac and cheese might be the side that sends people back to the counter. One family from Iowa loved it so much they ordered a second round before leaving.
Regulars say the recipe has stayed the same for ages, it is extra cheesy, and portions are generous.
The supporting cast is strong. Potato salad gets called the best some diners have ever had.
Fried okra wears a crunchy batter, while the coleslaw comes sweet and the white slaw earns its own fans. Green beans, baked beans, seasoned fries, and collard greens fill out the board.
Most folks love the collards, though a few found them a little salty.
Buffalo chips deserve a special shout. One visitor joked about future cravings becoming a real problem.
Save room for banana pudding, praised for its balance of banana, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers. It is a sweet, nostalgic finish.
The Sauce Bar and Free Toppings
Sauce lovers, rejoice. Instead of one house bottle, you will find a whole station of options covering sweet, spicy, tangy, and everything in between.
Guests rave about the tangy variety, described as having a light kick and a hint of sweetness. Alabama white sauce shows up too, which delights anyone who enjoys that creamy, peppery style.
A Kansas City visitor was thrilled to spot a KC sweet option, and noticed the restaurant even nods to different regional barbecue traditions on a map.
Next to the sauces sits a complimentary condiment bar. Pickles, jalapenos, and onions are free for the taking, so you can build your sandwich exactly how you like it.
It turns every plate into a small experiment. Try a few sauces on separate bites of brisket and pork.
You might discover a favorite you never expected, and it costs nothing extra to play.
Faith, Kindness, and a Prayer Board
Warm hospitality may be the ingredient people remember almost as much as the meat. Visitors repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, kind, and genuinely welcoming at the counter.
The restaurant is a Christian-based establishment, and that shows in thoughtful ways. Bible verses sit at each table, Christian music plays in the background, and a prayer board invites guests to share what is on their hearts.
Many diners say they loved these touches and wish more businesses felt this way.
One customer was so impressed by a drive-thru worker on a Sunday afternoon that she said he deserved a raise. Another visitor said the people alone warrant a trip.
Not every experience is flawless, and one guest felt let down by a phone call about a takeout order. Still, the overwhelming feeling shared by visitors is of a caring, hometown spot where people are treated like neighbors.
Casual Comfort for Beachgoers and Families
Sandy flip-flops? Totally fine.
The vibe here is casual enough that beach visitors can walk right in and settle down for a hearty plate.
Cleanliness comes up again and again. Guests mention spotless tables, clean restrooms, and plenty of seating.
One visitor appreciated that the chairs are comfortable for all body types and that there is lots of room for mobility access needs, which matters for families with grandparents or anyone using a wheelchair.
The crowd tends to be a mix of travelers and locals, and a Kansas City visitor saw the hometown support as a good sign. Families from Iowa, upstate New York, and across North Carolina have all stopped by and left happy.
Barbecue fans will be in heaven, but picky eaters can lean on chicken tenders and sides. It is the kind of easygoing room where kids, grown-ups, and road-trippers can all feel at home.
Hours, Drive-Thru, and Smart Timing
Good news for flexible schedules: Southport Smoke House opens every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekend trip or weekday lunch, the doors are open.
Because it is counter service, lines can form during busy stretches, so expect a bit of a wait at peak meal times. A drive-thru adds another option, and regulars point out it is not just for pickup, since you can place a fresh order right from your car.
Call ahead at 910-363-5035, or check southportsmokehouse.org for the menu.
Timing matters most for brisket. It is known to sell out, so arriving earlier gives you the best chance.
As for cost, one barbecue fan noted that prices are what you would expect, since quality smoked meats and good sides are not cheap. Portions are generous, though, and plenty of diners leave feeling they got their money’s worth.
A Plate Worth Planning a Trip Around
Somewhere between the first whiff of hickory smoke and the last spoonful of banana pudding, it becomes clear why people keep returning. The place looks humble, yet the food leaves a lasting impression.
Is it perfect for everyone? Probably not every single time, and a few diners have noted the occasional salty side or a rough takeout experience.
Still, the vast majority describe tender brisket, awesome ribs, crave-worthy hush puppies, and a staff that makes strangers feel welcome.
If you are exploring the southern North Carolina coast, pencil in a stop. Pair it with a ferry ride, a stroll along the Southport waterfront, or a lazy afternoon on Oak Island.
Arrive hungry, arrive early for the brisket, and leave room for dessert. Odds are good that a few days later, you will catch yourself wondering when you can go back.
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