12 Bones Smokehouse

12 Bones Smokehouse Review

You'll recognize this spot by the long line of customers snaking out the door. Open only weekdays 11 to 4, the wait to place your order is often half an hour. (Even President Barack Obama had to wait during a visit in 2010.) True to the barbecue-joint ethos, with concrete floors and old Formica-top tables, 12 Bones has little atmosphere. What it does have is the smokiest baby-back ribs you've ever tasted, pulled pork, turkey, beef brisket, chicken BBQ plates, and delicious sides including collard greens, corn pudding, and "mashed sweet taters." The crowd ranges from hippie potters from the River District art studios to downtown suits. The staff will call you "Sweetie." A second location is south of Asheville in Arden.