Haywood Smokehouse — Restaurant in Franklin

We made a mistake, we didn't drive 15 extra minutes to the Dillsboro location, instead we gave Franklin a second chance. We ordered the brisket again, I always order my brisket from the point, which as most people know is the fatty, part of the brisket. The flat is the lean part. The first time I ordered from the point was about 2 years ago and it was so bland with absolutely no smoke flavor and way over cooked, I mean desecated, dryer than your granny's cornbread. We just gave them a second chance tonight, togo this time. I again ordered the brisket from the point and made sure to ask them if it was from the point before leaving. I was assured that it was, once I got home I opened it up to see that it was again over cooked and super dry. This time I called to complain. I was told to come back and they would remake it. When I got there I was met by the general manager, he was super nice and apologized profusely. He then introduced me to the kitchen manager who was also nice, and apologized. The GM then told me "If you want it fatty do not order the point. The point is actually the very tip of the flat and is the driest part of the brisket." I wanted to yell, What!?!? No, it's most definitely not. But I held my tongue. I must have looked at him funny because he then said "I'd like to know who told you the point was moist so I can correct them." I'm thinking I'm sure brisket pit masters the likes of Aaron Franklin, and Jon Lewis would love to have you correct them. He then said "If you want it fatty here, just ask for it fatty." Fair enough, I'm sorry I assumed that a bbq joint that prides it's self on its brisket would actually know the parts of the brisket, my bad I apologize for my mistake. I got my remade food and the kitchen manager informed me that there really isn't a fatty part of the brisket (if you truly think this, then either you shouldn't be near a bbq pit, or you're getting your meats from the wrong place) but he gave me lean, and just threw in some fat that he cut from other parts. Got it home and surprise it's still over cooked and dry. Save yourself the disappointment and drive the extra 15 minutes to Dillsboro, and get the BBQ that has actually won all the awards, not this sad desecated leather excuse that's masquerading under the same name. The real Haywood needs to revoke their franchise license before they completely ruin their good name. I think for the first time in my life I actually feel sorry for the cows that gave up their lives to become this. Google makes me give a minimum one star review otherwise this would be zero stars for the food and the...

Best barbeque I have ever had, and I have had a lot of barbecue! 😁🙌💕

Kayleigh was our server tonight and was a total delight-- and the food was INCREDIBLE. We ordered the 3 meats combo with pork, ribs, and andouille sausage, with collards, green beans, potato salad, Nana's coleslaw, and Brunswick stew-- it was ALL delicious!! (We split this between two people)

Usually when I get BBQ I like one or two sides but the other sides don't hold up-- that was not the case here! I would have eaten a second helping of everything we ordered (if only I have two stomachs!!) 😂

The meat was all delicious, and served in easily separated bite side pieces so it was easy to split and I didn't need a knife to cut anything apart (which, due to some current wrist issues, is a big deal to me). Helpful if you're sharing with someone else or kids.

Also they have a huge variety of homemade sauces and they were delicious!!!

We also got the bourbon chocolate pecan pie for dessert -- It was like a classic pecan pie with the bourbon chocolate as a generous drizzle on top-- it was good (but I make a version I actually like better with chocolate integrated into the pecan pie 😘). My husband still loved the pie and we left clean plates (with a little of each of our sides saved for a midnight snack later).

After all of that food, the total before tip was only about $52-- we left a little over 25% tip bringing the total to only $64. For all the food we got and the quality of food, it was DEFINITELY worth every penny!

I will absolutely eat here again next time I'm driving through! Thank you for such a...

First off they could probably charge for the smell that comes off smoker as you walk in but that is just the opening act. You can't go wrong any of the sandwich meals( pro tip , ask for your sandwich with Texas toast as you can sub the toast on any sandwich.) The two meat platters are a great dinner option if you are looking to really top off the tank, but the best kept secret is the smoked turkey! No shade thrown on the other proteins they are all outstanding, but the turkey is so juicy and smokey you can't beat it and it's a nice surprise ( who goes to the smokehouse for turkey?)! They have that turkey in the platters sandwiches and even in salad,(all great), and they have a brisket salad (yes you read correctly) that is also fantastic! Coming around the final curve here let me hit the sides. The potato salad is not homestyle its homemade and it might beat your mama's just saying. I'm addicted to the collar greens myself, but the baked beans are super meaty and smokey so don't miss them . Also for those of us watching our carbs we really have a seat at the table here no pun intended. Get a two meat platter with brisket and turkey, collards and green beans! You will leave full and happy and you've eaten a keto/paleo wholesome meal but you'll feel like you've cheated! Or better yet do cheat because while you want the most out of life yes, you also don't want to die without trying one of their deserts! I work at local auto shop and my co-workers and I are regulars in case that isnt apparent.I'm done.........