Big Mikes BBQ — Restaurant in Mills River

A Hidden Culinary Treasure in Western North Carolina: Big Mike's BBQ

As you venture towards Hendersonville or Asheville, ensure your journey includes a stop at Big Mike's BBQ, a permanent food truck embedded in the picturesque landscape of Mills River. Offering far more than your average smokehouse, Big Mike's is an enchanting blend of unique flavors and breathtaking views.

The truck is set amid stunning open vistas, with sprawling space for children and pets to play. There's plenty of picnic-style seating, allowing you to bask in the beauty of the location as you feast. Conveniently located for travelers from AVL airport or towards Hendersonville, it's the perfect spot to begin your exploration of Western North Carolina.

The heartbeat of Big Mike's is its family operation, with Mike himself at the grill and his daughters ensuring every guest feels welcome. Their vibrant interaction with locals and visitors alike reinforces the heartwarming community spirit of the region. The star of the show is undoubtedly Mike's special wood-smoking techniques, a secret to his unbeatable BBQ.

While all offerings are a celebration of Mike's culinary prowess, there's a clandestine delicacy you mustn't miss - the fried ribs. This off-menu gem is the key to a unique dining experience. Simply catch Mike's attention, give a knowing nod, and ask, "What do you know about fried ribs?" Instantly, he'll recognize you're in on his secret and serve up what could arguably be the most succulent ribs you'll ever savor, with meat literally falling off the bone.

The surprises don't stop there. The brisket is sublime, tender and full of flavor, while the nachos are a revelation, challenging what you thought possible from a BBQ joint.

Big Mike's BBQ is more than just a meal - it's an experience that will leave an indelible impression, becoming a cherished memory long after your visit. So step into this quaint, family-run nook in the heart of nature, and allow the flavors of Western North Carolina to welcome you in the most delectable way. Big Mike's is a testament to the power of food, family, and southern hospitality, waiting to serve you a slice...

Big Mikes Disappointment

I absolutely do not recommend you use Big Mikes to cater anything, at all, ever. The way they handled a wedding this past weekend tells me that they do not want, appreciate, or even have the knowledge to handle catering orders.

This past weekend and after a year delay due to Hurricane Helene, my sister was finally able to have her wedding. Back during the Summer of 2024 she was taking recommendations for BBQ places to consider for the catering. Big Mikes came highly recommended specifically for catering by several people in local groups. My sister went out, tried the food and decided to go with them.

This past weekend was the wedding and they were to be there at 5. They didn't show up so the wedding coordinator contacted them to find out where they were. They never called to say they were running behind or that there was an issue. The food finally arrived an hour late. Using Google maps between Big Mikes and the venue shows it is around 22-25 minutes between the places. So the timing suggests they forgot, got the call, grabbed what was needed and ran over.

They didn't provide any serving utensils or the setup to keep the items warm. I heard from a couple of other guests that the chicken was cold. We all made plates and ate as soon as the food got there, because it was an hour late, so that's how it was delivered.

Talking to my sister after the event she told me that it was difficult to even get an invoice from them. She had to send a reminder for that. I asked her if she ever heard anything from Big Mikes in regards to them being an hour late to the wedding and she said no. They had all day Sunday and Monday to contact her and chose not to, so they must think being an hour late is professional. Or they just absolutely do not care about catering orders. Or they have absolutely zero integrity and don't care about their reputation or making things right.

My sister has reached out to them and I'll update this if they bother to...

The lady taking the order was not very customer friendly today. First time I've seen her there. She acted kind of like we as customers were an inconvenienced. This is not normal. She either had a bad day or she just honestly did not want to be bothered with customers. They were out of brisket she said nope we are out . They were out of potato salad. I mean good grief BBQ goes with potato salad. So that's strike two on the food. Asked for variety of BBQ sauce well that didn't happen. Others drinks were left out of order. I mean get it together. And yes I have dealt with customer service and I never wanted a customer with these comments. Word of mouth very powerful thing remember that. Last times we've been there the Hispanic lady walked circles around workers today. Take reality check get it together these two working today need a little bit of retraining. Give a man a days work for days pay or don't waste their time. Good thing to work by. I would have already said something to them. And yes I managed quite a lot.firdt of all big Mike I said others before us their drink was left out. Read the review. Second of all big Mike I am old school I believe in work the old way!!!! Not workers now a days. Third give credit where due and criticism when due. If people give customer service and it's good then and only then do they get a review. So...... Being as you can't take criticism when something's wrong then you do not deserve a good review. Remember word of mouth,!!!! Very powerful. You lost five customers because you don't want to accept criticism you have blasted everyone that gave you bad review. So long goodbye no more and I will pass to trillions your lack of being able to take a little criticism. So...