A Taste of North Carolina Tradition at Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q
Located at 5180 Veterans Pkwy in Garner, North Carolina, Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q stands as a landmark for those seeking an authentic taste of Southern culinary heritage. For many residents and travelers passing through the region, this establishment represents more than just a place to grab a meal; it is a reflection of the local food culture that has defined the state for generations. The restaurant prides itself on maintaining the classic flavors that have made Eastern North Carolina barbecue and fried chicken staples of the community dining experience.
Stepping into the restaurant, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that prioritizes comfort and simplicity. The focus remains entirely on the preparation of traditional dishes, utilizing time-honored techniques that emphasize quality ingredients and consistent results. Whether you are a long-time local or a visitor curious about the regional food scene, the establishment offers a straightforward approach to dining that values the history of its recipes as much as the satisfaction of its patrons.
What Defines the Smithfield's Experience
Authentic Eastern-Style Barbecue: The kitchen specializes in the slow-cooked, vinegar-based pork barbecue that is synonymous with the Eastern North Carolina tradition. This method highlights the natural flavors of the meat, providing a tangy and savory profile that is distinct from other regional barbecue styles found across the United States.
Signature Fried Chicken: A cornerstone of the menu is the fried chicken, prepared to achieve a balance of a crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy meat. The consistency of this preparation has helped build a reputation for reliability, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and quick, satisfying meals alike.
Commitment to Southern Sides: No meal at this location is complete without the traditional accompaniments that round out the dining experience. From classic coleslaw to hushpuppies, the side dishes are crafted to complement the main courses, adhering to the familiar flavor profiles that define Southern comfort food.
Community-Focused Atmosphere: Situated conveniently on Veterans Parkway, the location serves as a hub for the Garner community. The layout and service style are designed to accommodate both individuals looking for a quick lunch and families gathering for a relaxed dinner, fostering an environment that feels welcoming and unpretentious.
The Importance of Regional Culinary Heritage
The significance of Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q lies in its dedication to preserving specific regional cooking methods. In an era where dining trends shift rapidly, there is a distinct value in establishments that remain anchored to the culinary identity of their home state. By focusing on the fundamentals of Eastern North Carolina barbecue and traditional fried chicken, the restaurant provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing diners to experience the flavors that have shaped the local palate for decades.
Furthermore, the operational philosophy at the Garner location emphasizes efficiency without sacrificing the integrity of the food. This balance is essential for maintaining the standards expected by a loyal customer base. The preparation process involves careful attention to detail, ensuring that each batch of chicken or pork meets the established criteria for texture and taste. This consistency is what allows the restaurant to remain a relevant and respected part of the local food landscape.
For those interested in exploring the nuances of Southern cuisine, visiting this location offers a clear window into the traditions of the region. It is an opportunity to engage with food that is deeply rooted in local history, prepared with a respect for the techniques that have stood the test of time. The combination of accessible service and a commitment to classic recipes ensures that the restaurant continues to play a vital role in the daily lives of those in the Garner area.
A Welcoming Destination in Garner
Whether you are planning a stop during a road trip or looking for a dependable local spot for your next meal, Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q on Veterans Parkway provides a genuine experience. The restaurant invites guests to enjoy a meal that celebrates the simplicity and richness of North Carolina cooking. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation, the establishment remains a cornerstone of the community, offering a taste of the South that is both familiar and enduring.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Drive-through
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
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
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Quiet
Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
PLATES
LARGE BAR-B-Q PORK PLATTER
REGULAR BAR-B-Q PORK PLATTER
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 DOT
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 Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q
Brian Wray
30-05-2026
Food is always Great and the serivce superb. Mr D and the team take care of their customers.
Order …
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Al Hildreth
30-05-2026
Delicious food for a fair price. Employees are very accommodating.
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
3-4 people, Suitable for all group sizes
Charles Sasser
30-05-2026
The best ice ever........can't beat the bbq sandwich combo.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Hushpuppies, Pint Brunswick Stew, Bar-B-Q Sandwich
Adrienne Chafee
30-05-2026
Super-fast, super-friendly service. Stopped here while on a road trip with friends. This restaurant is used to handling groups and we were sitting together enjoying our dinner in no time. I had the chopped barbecue plate with slaw and … More
Stephanie Canning
30-05-2026
Shout out to Ms. McRae for helping me with getting my order as needed with ease and a BIG smile and.. just sweetness!!! And I changed the order up a few times too.. it was not a problem at all! Then Sydney came over with my part of my … More
Al Hildreth
30-05-2026
Delicious food for a fair price. Employees are very accommodating.
Order type…
More
Erik Bjers
30-05-2026
Stopped for a late dinner of chicken and BBQ.
The chicken was ice cold, and the BBQ sauce is basically just ketchup. … More
Ross B
30-05-2026
Food I always good but had to cancel my order today. The wait was awful! Lots of people walking out. More
Charles Sasser
30-05-2026
The best ice ever........can't beat the bbq sandwich combo.
Order type
D…
More
Nick Loyd
30-05-2026
Stopped by after work tonight 11/21/25 a young lady named Kai took my order and then when I got to the window not only served my food with a smile but was very polite. Even though I'm kind of deaf, she repeated my order and even noticed … More
Shane Oakley
30-05-2026
I don’t know if I’ve visited a Smithfield’s as overly bad as this one. The restaurant was filthy, sticky, greasy and it was only 5:30. The batter was falling off the chicken I assume because it had been steaming in the bin for a long time. … More
Danny Bell (DrDan)
30-05-2026
Can I first tell you that I am so full? All I eat was the value pack which is a barbecue sandwich with french fries and I had a Diet Coke. And I feel like I’m stuffed. Why? Because this place gives you great value for your money. There was … More
Gina Sharp
30-05-2026
Sadly this place is getting so bad.
We went for dinner. Waited for a long time for food. Mgr assured us the stuff was in the bag. SOMEONE remove him. He's definitely not happy and the help shows … More
Monica Reynolds
30-05-2026
The food was great, service impeccable. A relaxing atmosphere, too. The young lady behind the counter ( Sanajai) was so polite and friendly! Was refreshing to see someone enjoying their job. More
Gary Jon Meyer II
30-05-2026
For the menu selection the prices are a bit high. The food is consistent and good. I don’t prefer their Brunswick stew, but my wife loves it. I just add hot sauce. It’s cool that the have a Tesla Charging Station considering how close this is to I-40. More
Darlene Dunn
30-05-2026
It's the best on this side of town! Food is always great and the people are very attentive. Price good too. They are closed Monday and Tuesday. Closed New Years Day. Happy New Year 2024. May The Lord Jesus Bless you in 2024 if you're … More
Justin Williamson
30-05-2026
Stopped in today for lunch. Found the place to be clean and in great shape. Good food and great service as always! I really enjoy the flavors they create with their BBQ Sandwich w/slaw!!! My wife said the chicken was super!!! They loaded us up on hush puppies also!!! Thanks folks!
Darryl Goodwin
30-05-2026
Ordered @ drive through. Speaker and mic was not very good, missed the first item I ordered. Had to add it at the window and wait. … More
JamiSue Sharp
30-05-2026
Great place for a quick hearty meal. Loved the pulled pork and hush puppies. The coleslaw and Brunswick stew were great as well with lots of good flavor. Enjoyed the veggies in the stew. We came for a quick stop and had no problem getting our food right away on a Sunday mid afternoon. Check it out. More
Kirsten Brannan
30-05-2026
My husband picked up dinner and we were super disappointed. I got the large BBQ plate and they gave me "double" fries even though my husband requested coleslaw as my second side. They gave me a single serving of fries and then instead of a … More
Delphinidae
30-05-2026
We have been going to this SCNB for over 20 years and it used to be a great location. A lot of the food has really gone downhill in the last few yeas. The chicken many times is way to salty, many times the potato salad has almost raw … More
Jamie Winter
30-05-2026
These people are AWESOME! We made a mistake and ordered food at another restaurant and thought it was this location. We were in a time crunch to make it to a dance performance with my daughter. They helped us and honored our order. So kind and helpful and it was our mistake! More
Reviews Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q