What Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q Serves and How to Order

Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q is a fast-casual barbecue restaurant where you order at a counter and pick up your food. The menu centers on smoked and grilled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, served with sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and baked beans. You can order individual plates, combo meals, or family packs depending on how many people you're feeding.

When you arrive, you'll walk up to the counter, look at the menu board or printed menu, and tell the staff what you want. Most locations let you choose your protein, pick two or three sides, and add a drink and dessert if you want. Payment happens at the counter before your food is prepared, and you'll wait a few minutes while they plate your order. Some locations offer dine-in seating, while others are pickup only — check your specific location's setup before you go.

Smithfield's operates multiple locations across different states, so hours, exact menu items, and whether they offer dine-in or takeout can vary. Call ahead or check the location's website or phone number to confirm what's available near you and whether they're open when you plan to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Smithfield's is a counter-service barbecue restaurant where you order and pay before receiving your food, not a table-service restaurant.
  • The core menu includes smoked chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket paired with Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
  • You can order individual plates for one person or family packs if you're feeding a group, with pricing varying by location and portion size.
  • Hours, menu specifics, and whether locations offer dine-in seating differ by restaurant, so calling or checking online before you visit saves time.

Understanding the Menu and Protein Options

Smithfield's menu is built around four main proteins: smoked chicken (usually available as halves or quarters), pulled pork, ribs (typically baby back or spare ribs), and brisket. Each protein is smoked on-site or prepared fresh daily, and the flavor profile leans toward traditional barbecue — smoky, tender, and lightly sauced rather than heavily glazed. You choose one protein per plate, though family packs let you mix and match if you're ordering for multiple people.

The chicken is often the most popular item because it's affordable and cooks quickly, so lines move faster when you order it. Pulled pork and ribs take longer to prepare if they're not already smoked, so expect a slightly longer wait during busy times. Brisket is usually available but may sell out on busy days, especially later in the evening. If you're unsure which to try, ask the staff what's fresh that day — they can tell you what came off the smoker most recently.

Sides, Drinks, and Pricing Structure

Every plate comes with a choice of two or three sides depending on the combo level you order. Standard sides include collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, coleslaw, and sometimes sweet potato fries or green beans. Some locations rotate seasonal sides, so the full list may change. You pick your sides when you order, and the staff will plate them alongside your protein.

Drinks are usually fountain sodas, sweet tea, and water, sold separately or included with combo meals. Desserts like peach cobbler, banana pudding, or brownies are available at most locations but may cost extra. Pricing varies significantly by location and portion size — a single chicken plate might range from $8 to $15 depending on the restaurant and region, while family packs for four to six people typically run $35 to $60. Call your local Smithfield's or check their website for current prices.

Dine-In Versus Takeout and Seating

Some Smithfield's locations have dining rooms with tables and chairs where you can eat when ready after ordering. Others are takeout only, with no seating available. A few locations may offer drive-through service. When you call or visit, ask whether the location has dine-in seating so you know what to expect. If you plan to eat there, arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) usually means shorter lines and more available tables.

If you're taking food home, ask for napkins, wet wipes, and any sauces on the side so your food doesn't get soggy during transport. Barbecue stays warm for about 30 minutes in a closed container, so plan to eat within that window if you want the best texture. If you're ordering for a group and need to feed people at different times, takeout lets you pick up and distribute food more flexibly than waiting for everyone to arrive at a dine-in location.

What to Know Before Your First Visit

Smithfield's is a cash-friendly restaurant, but most locations now accept cards and mobile payments. Call ahead to confirm payment methods if you're planning to pay a specific way. The restaurant is typically casual — no reservations, no dress code, and service is fast enough that you won't wait long once you've ordered.

Portions are generous, especially in family packs, so don't order more than you can eat if you're dining in. Leftovers reheat well in an oven or microwave, though the texture of smoked meat is best eaten fresh. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask the staff about ingredients — they can usually tell you what's in the sides and whether items contain common allergens like nuts or shellfish.

Finding Your Nearest Location and Hours

Smithfield's has multiple locations, primarily in the Southeast and some other regions, but the chain is not nationwide. To find the nearest restaurant, search online for "Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q near me" or visit the company's official website if one exists for your region. Each location has its own phone number and hours, which may differ from other Smithfield's restaurants.

Hours typically run from late morning (around 10 or 11 a.m.) through evening (around 8 or 9 p.m.), but some locations close earlier or stay open later depending on demand. Holiday hours may be different, so if you're planning a visit on a holiday, call first. Many locations are busiest during lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), so visiting outside those windows usually means shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or by phone for pickup?

Some Smithfield's locations offer phone orders for pickup, but not all have online ordering systems. Call your local restaurant directly to ask whether they take phone orders and how long pickup typically takes. If they do accept phone orders, calling ahead during busy times can save you from waiting in line.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

The menu is meat-focused, but most locations can serve you sides only — collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, and coleslaw are usually vegetarian. Ask the staff which sides contain meat broth or animal products if you need to avoid them. Vegan options are limited since many sides contain dairy or meat-based seasonings.

What's the difference between a plate and a combo?

A plate typically includes your protein and one or two sides. A combo adds a drink and sometimes a dessert or extra side. Family packs serve multiple people and let you choose different proteins and sides for each person. Pricing is lower per person on family packs than on individual plates, so they're better value if you're feeding a group.

How long does food take to arrive after I order?

If the protein is already cooked and ready, your order takes 5 to 10 minutes. If they need to cook your protein fresh, expect 15 to 25 minutes depending on what you ordered and how busy they are. Chicken is fastest; brisket and ribs take longer. Ask the staff for an estimate when you order so you know how long to wait.

Do they cater for events or large groups?

Many Smithfield's locations offer catering or large group orders, but availability and minimum order sizes vary. Call your local restaurant and ask about catering options, pricing, and how far in advance you need to order. Some locations may require 24 to 48 hours' notice for large orders.