Risin' Smoke Barbecue

I know it isn't a normal choice but I got the Texas Philly this afternoon and am still thinking about it. it was SO good. they have a great atmosphere, the service is top notch and so positive! we visited from North Carolina and I will drive an hour and half to have that sandwich and service again. going to make sure to grab a slice of pie next time. also the beans are amazing. thanks for a great experience!

Anyone who has to make a trip along I-85 through north central NC and south central VA is familiar with the town of South Hill. It's basically a mid-way point between Durham and Richmond or Virginia Beach, and is right up near the state line, so it kind of makes a natural stopping point. You also know that the options for actually stopping and eating there, are pretty limited outside of fast food. So I was encouraged to find a roadside BBQ shack with more than 4 stars on Yelp about 5 miles off the highway.The place looks the part, an old gas station converted into a BBQ hideaway. Upon pulling in and parking, my hopes were high. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience.The service at the counter was friendly and helpful, definitely a high point. I ordered a brisket sandwich combo, for which I chose collard greens as the side (on recommendation), and a tea. It also came with a condiment cup of coleslaw for the sandwich, on request. All told, about 15 bucks. A few minutes later my order was up, and I had a seat on one of the counter stools.Unwrapping the sandwich, I was already a bit unenthused. Standard economy hamburger bun, bit of meat poking out one side. Removing the top bun revealed one solitary slice of brisket about a half inch thick, cut in half, a small portion based on all my life BBQ experiences. Pulling off a piece, the meat had a very pot-roast like texture, not characteristic of recently smoked brisket. In all fairness, unless you are rapidly selling brisket, it is a difficult meat to maintain quality on. I dumped my coleslaw ontop and sauced it up, which helped, I liked the sauce... but the sandwich was a definite disappointment.The collard greens, though cooked properly, were very salty. I was hoping for a little bit of sweetness or vinegar, but just salt. I added some of their vinegar style sauce hoping to help it, but just didn't make much dent.Maybe ordering brisket was the wrong thing to do and pork is more their speed, or a plate is the better route, with a different side for sure... but I don't see myself trying again. The search for decent stop-over food continues.

Absolutely fantastic BBQ. This is an old gas station converted into a BBQ place, and it's clean but simple - but you're really not here for the ambiance or the service, you're here for the meat, and the meat is delicious. Easily the best brisket I've had in years, no question there, and it was helped along by some awesome sauces. The pulled pork was fantastic as well. The sides (I chose collard greens and fried okra) were great, very home-y. If I lived anywhere nearby, I'd go here all the time.

We stole away for one night of camping to watch the meteor showers Saturday night and decided to grab some dinner so we didn't have to get a campfire going. This place got good reviews so we have it a shot. Between is we had pulled pork, brisket, Mac n cheese, slaw, onion rings and pecan and key lime pies.The food was good - I prefer more smoke on my 'Q but the meat was tender and well smoked. The onion rings would have been amazing had I eaten them right away but even soggy they were delicious. Oh, and the hush puppies were excellent as was the pie.But our favorite thing? The service. It was so good. I would go back and eat there again even if the food wasn't good because the people were just delightful. Go eat good food and be delighted! And make sure you order the PEE-can pie!

Fantastic BBQ! Wish I had a place like this where I live. The Brisket is juicy and flavourful! Delicious sides and hushpuppies. The pulled pork is also juicy and tender. You can't go wrong with the sweet or vinegar BBQ sauces either. My only regret is that I couldn't eat more.

Healthy helping for the price you pay definitely works for me not to mention how great the food is and the fact that you also receive nothing but the best attention in the world Luuv it I had the Brisket Platter every time I come hereKeep up the great work

Came here for lunch as we were leaving the lake. Lady behind the counter was super friendly, and knew her menu.We ordered the large brisket platter and pulled pork platter. My husband states the brisket, was tender with the right amount of smoke. I found the pulled pork to be wet, and mealy. Are sides of okra, greens, were hot and flavorful.I also found the iced tea not very strong at all.We will return, but I will try something other than the pork. There was a lady coming in with fresh organic milk, which seemed to be a hit with the customers.

Great food. The sliced beef brisket is our favorite. We are from Texas so this is a huge find for us! Cute atmosphere. Lots of homemade desserts although I've been too full to try them. Very reasonable prices. This is where we go when we want to treat ourselves!

Very friendly local staff. Excellent bbq, sides and of course pie. Indoor and outdoor seating. Very affordable.

We went to the Risin Smoke Barbecue and I couldn't finish the food. I want to know what German shepherd approved the anything they sell; he had to be a hungry dog!! I'm going to give the cold ribs 1 star for being a rib. The brisket was cut incorrectly and tastes like overcooked roasted beef maybe I should call it mystery meat. My pulled pork was so dry and zero flavor, including water. We had extra dry barbecue chicken. Yuk!!!! Don't waste your time or money. We spent about $60 on junk. I can't believe they have a 4.5 star rating. Who is eating this stuff.