Haywood Smokehouse
Waynesville • Barbecue restaurant
Haywood Smokehouse has built a devoted following for serving what many consider the best BBQ in the region—Texas-style brisket that's consistently tender and flavorful enough to draw diners from over an hour away. The meats across the board (ribs, pulled pork, turkey, chicken) earn high marks, with standout sides like collard greens, Brunswick stew, and burnt ends baked beans. Service gets frequent shout-outs for being friendly and attentive, though you may encounter waits during peak times and
Reviews
2,746
Price Level
$$
Papas & Beer
Waynesville • Mexican restaurant
Papas & Beer divides opinion sharply among visitors. Loyal regulars praise the generous portions, well-balanced margaritas (not overly sweet), and reasonable prices, with many calling it the best Mexican spot in the area. However, recent reviews reveal concerning patterns around customer service, with multiple reports of billing disputes where management refused adjustments and displayed dismissive attitudes. Cleanliness issues have also surfaced in late 2025 reviews.
Reviews
1,719
Price Level
$$
Amenities & Features
| Feature | Haywood Smokehouse | Papas & Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Exceptional brisket that's tender enough to cut with a fork—repeatedly called the best around | ||
| Authentic Texas-style BBQ with excellent smoked meats including ribs, pulled pork, and turkey | ||
| Outstanding sides, especially collard greens, Brunswick stew, and burnt ends baked beans | ||
| Friendly, attentive staff with servers like Jim and RJ earning specific praise | ||
| Well-crafted margaritas with proper balance—not loaded with sugary mix | ||
| Generous portion sizes at reasonable prices offering solid value | ||
| Self-serve salsa bar for customizing your meal | ||
| Staff showed exceptional compassion during a medical emergency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haywood Smokehouse or Papas & Beer better?
Based on our TSM Score, Haywood Smokehouse ranks higher (9.6 vs 8.8). Haywood Smokehouse has 2,746 reviews with a 4.8 rating, while Papas & Beer has 1,719 reviews with a 4.4 rating.
What are the main differences between Haywood Smokehouse and Papas & Beer?
Haywood Smokehouse is located in Waynesville and categorized as Barbecue restaurant with a $$ price range. Papas & Beer is in Waynesville and categorized as Mexican restaurant with a $$ price range. Check the amenities comparison above for a detailed feature-by-feature breakdown.
Where can I book Haywood Smokehouse or Papas & Beer?
You can view detailed information and booking options for both properties on TheSmokyMountains.com. Visit each listing page for the latest availability, photos, and guest reviews.