From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with the most incredible, mouth-watering aroma that sets the tone for an amazing meal. We indulged in their brisket sandwiches, which were perfectly moist and flavorful. The sides were just as impressive: mac and cheese that was creamy and comforting, hush puppies served with a unique cinnamon butter, and fried buffalo chips paired with a spicy ranch that added the perfect kick. The French fries were cooked to absolute perfection—crispy and golden. What really sets The Smoke House apart is the incredible variety of BBQ sauces, ranches, pickles, and onions available, allowing you to customize your meal to your heart’s content. The staff was exceptionally friendly, and the restaurant was spotless, making for a pleasant dining experience. We’re thrilled to say that this has become our new favorite date spot, and we’ll definitely be back. As a bonus, they’re currently running a fantastic summer deal: from 11am-3pm every day, you can get a pulled pork sandwich with a side and a drink for just $7! 10/10 highly recommend!
Overview
Walking into The Smoke House At Monkey Junction feels like stepping into a place where time slows down and food actually matters. I’ve eaten at plenty of barbecue joints across North Carolina for work and for pleasure, and this one sits comfortably among the most memorable. Located at 5120 College Rd Ste 104, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States, it’s the kind of diner you hear about through word-of-mouth long before you ever see an ad.
The first thing that stands out is the aroma. You can smell the slow smoked meats before you even reach the counter, and that’s not an accident. The pitmasters here follow traditional low-and-slow methods, keeping temperatures steady for hours. According to data from the USDA and research shared by the National Barbecue Association, maintaining consistent heat below 250°F allows collagen in tougher cuts to break down properly, which explains why the brisket practically pulls apart with a fork. I watched the staff pull ribs from the smoker during one visit, resting them before slicing, a step many places skip but one that locks in moisture.
The menu keeps things focused, which is usually a good sign. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, it leans into smoked pork, beef brisket, chicken, and classic sides like mac and cheese, slaw, and baked beans. One afternoon, I ordered a brisket plate after chatting with a local contractor who eats here weekly. He swore the meat quality had stayed consistent for years, and after tasting it, I understood why. The bark had that deep smoky crust, while the inside stayed juicy without drowning in sauce.
What makes this place especially appealing is how approachable it feels. You’ll see families grabbing early dinners, college students stopping by after class, and longtime locals who know the staff by name. Reviews often mention friendliness, and from personal experience, that tracks. During a busy lunch rush, a staff member still took time to explain the difference between chopped and pulled pork to a first-time visitor, which builds trust and keeps people coming back.
From a professional standpoint, the kitchen workflow is smart. Meats are smoked in batches early in the day, rested, then finished to order. This method, endorsed by culinary schools like the Culinary Institute of America, balances speed with quality and reduces waste. It also explains why food comes out fast without tasting rushed. The sauces, offered on the side, range from tangy vinegar-based to a slightly sweet house blend, letting diners control the flavor instead of masking the meat.
Location matters too. Being in Monkey Junction makes it accessible without the downtown parking headache. Locals appreciate that convenience, and visitors often stumble in after checking nearby shops. While the space isn’t huge, it’s clean, casual, and comfortable, exactly what you’d expect from a Southern smokehouse that prioritizes food over flash.
There are a few limitations worth mentioning. Seating can fill up quickly during peak hours, and if you arrive late in the evening, certain meats may sell out. That’s not poor planning; it’s a sign they’re not reheating yesterday’s leftovers. If you want the full menu, earlier is better.
Overall, this diner earns its reputation through consistency, honest cooking, and respect for barbecue traditions. Whether you’re scanning reviews before your first visit or you’re a regular deciding what to order next, this is one of those Wilmington spots where the experience matches the hype, bite after smoky bite.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
New BBQ restaurant that is well known in Southport now has a place in Monkey Junction and I'm so happy. My son wanted BBQ while on leave and this place didn't disappoint. Counter service is fast and efficient. Pulled pork was moist and had some burnt ends which didn't even need sauce but the sauce bar with all kinds of choices didn't hurt. Everything from SC mustard, Eastern NC, Lexington and spicy. The hush puppies were very crisp and filled with corn. They were a little sweet and some of the best I've had. The Mac and cheese was creamy and very cheesy. The seasoned crinkle fries came out piping hot and crispy. The brisket was juicy and perfectly cooked. Reasonable prices for a half pound platter.
Figured I’d write a review after my third stop at The Smoke House at Monkey Junction in Wilmington, and it's easily some of the best BBQ I've tried after traveling far and wide. The brisket was tender, the pulled pork was flavorful, and the Alabama white sauce was spot-on-creamy with a nice tang. The green beans were fresh, the hush puppies were crispy with great cinnamon butter, and the sides held their own. The restaurant was clean, the service was friendly, and everything just clicked.
Great atmosphere and music. Quiet spot to hang out and enjoy the company you're with. Staff is extremely friendly and professional they constantly check on you and help when needed. Would highly recommend the restaurant for any occasion.
If I could give it higher than 5 stars I would. The food was soooo good. I got the pulled pork, Mac and cheese, and baked beans and tried their sweet, Lexington, and spicy sauces. The pulled pork was tender and juicy, the beans were Smokey with a little kick, and the Mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and perfect. The sauces were also excellent. The Lexington was a vinegar base and thus more liquid, the sweet was a thicker tangy sweet bbq sauce, the spicy was a thicker tangier sauce and different than I expected, but no complaints. We also got a kids pulled pork sandwich with hush puppies on the side (you can pick from their sides for the option you want) and our kiddo said “10 stars.” The hush puppies come with butter or cinnamon butter and were also amazing. They have sauces over to the side after ordering for you to choose from and pickles and sliced pickled jalapeños available there as well. The staff were very nice and the service was prompt. It’s a smaller establishment in a plaza with other places and stores. They have order in or to go options and ordering online options as well. Everything is hickory smoked on-site daily. We definitely plan to be back!
Best bbq in Wilmington! Great portions for the price and everything was absolutely delicious.