Low and Slow Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant in Smithfield, NC. Open: Mon–Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Phone: (919) 578-6479. Average rating is 4.1 stars from 1,602 reviews. Website: https://lowandslowsmokehouse.com/.
Low and Slow Smokehouse
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Spacious interior of Low and Slow Smokehouse restaurant.
4.1 1,602 reviews Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Real Pit BBQ, Right Off the Runway

Slow-smoked meats and sweeping airfield views in Smithfield, NC, open every day.

About Us

Exterior view of Low and Slow Smokehouse restaurant building.
Exterior view of Low and Slow Smokehouse restaurant building.

Tucked beside a small regional airport on Swift Creek Rd, Low and Slow Smokehouse earns its name the hard way. Nothing here is rushed. The pitmasters work with time and smoke the way good barbecue demands, and the result is meat that pulls apart at the touch and carries that deep, wood-fired flavor you can't fake.

The setting is half the story. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame live takeoffs and landings from the airstrip next door, turning an ordinary lunch into something your table will talk about on the drive home. Over 1,600 guests have weighed in with a 4.1-star rating, and the consistent thread running through the reviews is simple: the food is serious, and the atmosphere is unlike anything else in Johnston County.

The buffet is the main event, loaded with rotating cuts including rib eye strips, smoked sides, and Southern staples. Arrive before 4 PM for the daytime price. The staff, including standouts like Lena, treat large groups and first-timers with the same attentive energy that keeps regulars coming back.

What We Offer

The buffet spread changes throughout the day, but the commitment to quality doesn't. Smoked proteins anchor every rotation, and the sides, collards, mac, baked beans, cornbread, are made to hold their own next to the meat. If you want to build your own plate, the Loaded Baked Potato is a crowd favorite and a full meal on its own.

Beyond the buffet, the kitchen handles individual orders for guests who want to zero in on a specific cut or combo. The dining room accommodates groups comfortably, and the team has experience working large parties through service without losing the personal touch. Low and Slow Smokehouse is open seven days a week, 11 AM to 9 PM, so whether you're grabbing a weekday lunch or making it a Saturday outing, the smoke is always going.

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Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Expensive (2 buffets, 3 soft drinks, 1 app was $85)!! But the view was nice! If you do the buffet go before 4pm for the cheaper price. The rib eye steak cut in strips on the buffet were not refreshed enough and most pieces were cooked medium well/well done and the BBQ pork chop was dry and hard to cut. They had good banana pudding and mac n cheese! Our waiter had too many tables and our service was not great."
— Jennifer Aubut
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Nestled inches middle of nowhere at a local airport is this restaurant. Great views of the small planes taking off and landing. There was a long wait as it was Saturday (the day before Mother's Day). But let's get to the good part, the food. Although I can't eat much, what I had was amazing. I had the brisket quesadilla. It had an abundance of meat inside. The portions were very good. My son had the buffet with brisket added. He said his food was great was well. If you like bbq, this is a great hidden treasure."
— tiara ray
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Thank Lena for great customer service. We appreciate you for working our group so diligently. Great food for our first visit. My graduated daughter ordered the Loaded Baked Potato, my other daughter ordered the BBQ Wrap w/ fries, and I ordered the Loaded BBQ Nachos. My daughter's brother ordered a Side Salad w/ Mac-N-Cheese."
— Malinda McLean
⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Tried out a new spot today ✈️ The ambiance was the highlight. Sitting out on the patio watching the planes take off and land while the breeze rolled through was such a vibe. The layout of the place was really nice too. I didn’t try the bar, and I ended up skipping the buffet because some of the items looked a little dry, like they had been sitting out for a while. The food itself was good, just not amazing. Overall I’d give it about a 7.5/10. I’d definitely come back though, simply for the atmosphere. Watching the planes while you eat just hits different."
— Heather Jones
⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"I would come back for the atmosphere! Such a unique and place, visited just before sunset and the environment was absolutely beautiful, relaxing and one of a kind. It is a flight school location and seeing the planes land and take off was so fun. I don’t know if this might be a new restaurant or just have new staff but they seem very disorganized, but I will say everyone is friendly and welcoming. French fries were good…. UPDATE Came back on a weekend and they were more organized, but this time our server was so sick it made me feel uncomfortable also sorry for her, a bit strange they allowed her to work like that. Stars for service still stand, but for different reasons."
— Lara Mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours?

Low and Slow Smokehouse is open every day of the week, Monday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Is there a price difference for the buffet at different times?

Yes. The buffet is priced lower before 4 PM, so arriving at lunch gets you the same spread at a better rate. After 4 PM the dinner price applies.

Do you accommodate large groups or parties?

Absolutely. The dining room is set up for groups, and the staff has experience coordinating large parties efficiently. Calling ahead is recommended so the team can prepare accordingly.

Where exactly are you located?

You'll find us at 3149B Swift Creek Rd in Smithfield, NC 27577, adjacent to a local general aviation airport. The runway views from the dining room are part of the experience.

Is there a menu beyond the buffet?

Yes. Individual orders are available for guests who prefer to order off the menu rather than do the buffet. The Loaded Baked Potato is a popular standalone option.

How busy does it get on weekends?

Saturdays in particular can draw a wait, especially around midday and special occasions. Arriving early or closer to opening at 11 AM is the best way to beat the crowd.

What type of barbecue do you serve?

The menu focuses on slow-smoked Southern barbecue with rotating cuts on the buffet, including beef and pork options. The emphasis is on genuine pit-style smoking rather than quick-cook shortcuts.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 9:00 PM
Monday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday Today 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
93° Partly cloudy Smithfield
Sat 96° 74°
Sun 91° 75°
Mon 77° 69°
Tue 87° 67°
Wed 95° 72°
Thu 104° 75°
Fri 101° 77°

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