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    12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER

    4.3 (1.2k reviews)

    12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER Photos

    12 BONES SMOKEHOUSE RIVER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - 12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER

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    Hannah H.

    As someone who grew up near Lexington, I always had many bbq options but nothing comes close to the creative and delicious options that 12 Bones has. Their ribs and brisket are some of my favorites but their sauces take everything over the top. Try their blueberry bbq sauce on their ribs and their mustard on the brisket for the perfect flavor combo. If you're looking for a sandwich option, their smoked Turkey and Brie is my go to (pictured here). Smoked Turkey and Brie : Jalapeño Grits : Corn Pudding : Ribs : Tangy Coleslaw : Collard Greens : Fried Green Tomato BLT : Smoked Chicken Philly : Mac n Cheese

    Kristine F.

    Love the vibe here. You can write on the mark and make your mark that you were there. Fast service. I'm not a huge fan of ribs but had to come try it out with such great reviews. Didn't disappoint!

    Lauren O.

    Great barbecue. I appreciate the variety of the menu! Everyone would find something they wanted, it happened to be taco Tuesday the day we went which was tempting but I opted for ribs /turkey and some sides. You just can't go wrong. I loved the sides just as much as the ribs! Baked beans and potato salad were great! There's so many seating options, shady outside or a bunch of indoor. The barbecue sauce bar was a little weird it was all very watery but likely that's the style. Get the ribs! That is all. Or actually get the smoked turkey too! Tons of parking.

    Black cherry
    Daniel R.

    Can you even go to Asheville without trying 12 Bones? This restaurant came highly recommended, and it was enjoyable! The service was top notch. Everyone was so kind throughout the restaurant! The food was also memorable. I LOVED the smoked Turkey. If I could eat that every year on thanksgiving, I would. The corn pudding was also a nice treat! I ordered the special rib meat sandwich, and while the flavor was exceptional, the meat was super tough. I had a few pieces of pure cartilage and gristle, which hampered the sandwich experience. I also was a little underwhelmed with the mac and cheese. It needed a bit more flavor to really pop. Overall, this barbecue restaurant had some real highs and would definitely be a good place to visit when you're in Asheville!

    Brown sugar 6 Bones with Mac and Cheese and Damn Good Corn Puddin
    Aimee H.

    Got the 6 bones with mac and cheese and corn pudding as my two sides and came with a slice of corn bread! I got the brown sugar dry rub cus i thought the blueberry chipotle bbq sauce would be included on their sauce bar on the side but it sadly was not :( The ribs were still super tender and flavorful and would definitely come back to try the blueberry sauce! The mac and cheese is good but have had better elsewhere (Rocky's lol) but eating it together with the rib meat is *chef's kiss* The corn puddin also lives up to its namesake and is DAMN good The only complaint i have is that it's on the pricier side (i paid about $22 i think) but it did end up feeding me for 3 meals haha

    Side of pork and side of chicken
    Emily A.

    Visited 3/27/24. Stopped in briefly before dinner while visiting in Asheville because THE SMELLS were perfection. We only each ordered a side of meat (pork and chicken) so we didn't spoil our appetites, but honestly we should've just had dinner here. The pork was definitely what I would recommend. Service was fast and there was a wonderful variety of sauces available for dipping or for putting on top. Overall I would definitely recommend and I found myself wanting to go back afterwards. Simply delicious.

    David H.

    Visited the River location of 12 Bones based on a recommendation of a friend. Great location as there are a lot of artist venues and shops nearby to check out before or after you're eating. They've got the Southern BBQ vibe down here. They're located in an old railroad building so lots of wood, creaky floors, and many, many windows. Loved it. The day I visited they had ground brisket so I decided to give that a try. They have sliced brisket the day before so I'm thinking they grind up everything left from the day before. It's a bit drier than I expected but since I was going to be ladling on the spicy vinegar sauce, that fixed everything in a hot minute. I just had the chips as I wasn't starving, will try some of the sides next time I visit. For drinks, they carry RC products along with a selection of beers (it IS Asheville after all). They have a small area that serves as a gift shop where they sell their sauces, seasonings, t shirts, hats etc. It's worth checking that out when you're there. Service was friendly, the cashier was full of suggestions. One note about the River location area, it's mostly dirt parking lots and roads. So expect mud if it's been rainy/snowy.

    Mac and Cheese
    Koriey H.

    Let me start by saying the Customer Service was TOP TIER! Walked in straight from a flight and the cashier was an absolute delight. Now to the food. Honestly it was all just okay, some bad some "good". -Mac n cheese was not Mac or cheesin. It was giving noodles and oodles. Now I think about it, I'm going to blame the cashier bc she knew better to give me this ( refer to pics) lmao - greens were good and seasoned well -brisket was tasty -ribs were a dubbed and tough AF. The ribs gave me old, "here you go bc we're about to close", Overall the experience was cool but I've had better bbq in the north and I'm ashamed to say that!

    Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken Plate
    Koreen D.

    Heard Obama went here and loved it so we went too haha. They sadly ran out of brisket when we went so we got the pulled pork, pulled chicken, and ribs with mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, vinegar slaw. And I think it was pickled okra. We got the ribs with the blueberry sauce and plain. The pulled meats were pretty dry. Probably why they give you a shit ton of different sauces, but I thought the chicken was especially dry and tough. The ribs had good smoke flavor, but were also quite tough. Maybe I'm just used to ribs that practically fall of the bone and are hella tender. These weren't it, but hey, it tasted good. For sides, I especially loved the slaw and okra (but I love all vinegary stuff so no surprise). The others were also alright. Overall, better than Luella's but honestly more of a 3.8 vs a 4.0. The vibe was pretty cool with the writings on the wall though. And maybe the brisket would have been the winner. Ohwell

    Jacqueline T.

    This place is an Asheville classic and my husband and I finally tried it on our last visit. We shared: - 6 Bones (Strawberry Hopsour & Blueberry Chipotle) with Smoked Potato Salad and Mashed Sweet Potatoes - 6 Bones (Brown Sugar & Blackberry) with Mac & Cheese and Damn Good Corn Puddin' - Banana Pudding The ribs were fantastic. I'm not a big rib person normally, but these were the best I've ever had. The blueberry chipotle was my favorite, but you really can't go wrong. The sides were also very good. The only one I wouldn't get again is the mac & cheese. It was basically just noodles with a little Velveeta cheese I think (not the kind of mac and cheese I like).

    Directional post that will make you dizzy even if you've had nothing to drink
    David C.

    What an unexpected find. We were browsing and shopping in the Arts District of Asheville. We saw this place and the smell of smoking ribs wafting through the air compelled us to go inside. And are we glad we went inside. We ordered the daily rib sandwich and we each got a side order of Mac 'n cheese. The beers are brewed on site and I ordered a Hop Shower Sour Imperial fruited sour ale and my wife ordered a Stay Golden light American Lager. My fruited ale was hoppy and the citrus hit the palate forward for a surprising zing. Delicious! The sandwiches were served open face and looked like a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with cheese, sautéed onions and bell peppers. But instead of paper thin sliced beef, it was filled with amazingly juicy and tender morsels of succulent smoked rib meat. (As I write this review, my mouth is watering!) The place has a Boho vibe with super friendly employees who obviously love their job. Prices are comparable to other rib joints. The decor is American graffiti gone wild. The dining area inside is quite large. Additionally there are two other outdoor dining areas. Even if you're not a passionate art lover, you need to venture here where the "art" of the rib is down home delish! The beers ain't bad either.

    Pulled pork sandwich with corn pudding!
    Angell T.

    Best BBQ in Asheville! ...and the corn pudding was out of this world!!!! Fun ambience and friendly staff!

    Smoked Turkey Sandwich with 1 Side
    Pam C.

    I stopped here for lunch and my day just got better! I had the cuban sandwich which was a combo of pulled pork and pork loin on Cuban bread. The pulled pork was especially tender and delicious. The standout was the jalapeños sauce. Just the right amount of heat and coupled with the pork-absolute YUM. Hubby had the smoked turkey sandwich and the thick sliced sugar bacon was a winner. We bought the cookbook just to get that recipe! Also took home a pound of pork pork and had on baked potatoes that evening. Couldn't get enough of this smoky delicious barbecue.

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    Page 1 of 30

    Ask the Community - 12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER

    Out side seating for our small dog?

    Yes. Picnic tables under a tent are a good spot.

    Is your outdoor seating dog-friendly?

    Yep! Was when we were there!

    Do they offer a childrens menu?

    Hi Joey. We do not have a kids menu. We can offer a Grilled Cheese and Chips. We also have a side plate option that is good for children as well.

    Are you open for indoor dining?

    Hello! No, we are currently open for Takeout and delivery through Kickback AVL.

    Anyone know if they still serve the Hogzilla sandwich here? Has anyone had it? Was it good?

    Yes, they do and it's a beast. I think 4 different meats! 12 Bones is my #1 fav BBQ place! Great new location. They have it going on!

    View All 7 Questions

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    12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER - bbq - Updated September 2026

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