Big J's Bubba-Q — Restaurant in Royal Pines

I’ve passed by this place so many times. I never really gave it too much thought. As I drove by today, I saw the place had a lot of people in the parking lot waiting. I now understand why there was a wait.

I only ordered the fried chicken and the pork (which is chopped and I’m more of a pulled pork fan). If you are thinking of stopping in, you might consider calling ahead. Everything that is fried, is fried at the time you order and it’s at least 30 minute for your chicken to fry. As I was waiting, I was talking friend who called me an idiot for not getting the brisket. I hurried in to see if I could order some brisket but they were sold out. Just another reason to come back! From start to finish, the individuals that work there were such nice people. And it was genuine. The chicken is hands down, the best in Asheville.

If they ever decide to make a spicy fried chicken, they would put a certain chicken spot across the road cough… Rocky’s… cough cough… out of business (not trying to throw shade because Rocky’s isn’t bad… But I’m serious…). The chicken from this place was just that good. I put a little Tapatio hot sauce on it and it really took it up a notch. The chicken was Super crispy and super juicy!

The pork wasn’t bad. Again, it’s chopped and not pulled but still pretty good. The spicy bbq sauce is very thick and sweet. I cut it with apple cider vinegar and it was perfect. We didn’t have any sides since we had a lot of things at home. But, now that I know the brisket is that good, I’ll go back SOON, and try some sides along with it. Don’t pass up this little spot. It will...

Do yourself a favor and come here! It's small, and the dining room is outside, but the people alone made our visit great. The friendliest staff you'd ever want to ask for.

I ordered the brisket plate, with mac and cheese and coleslaw. Everything was perfect. She asked me if I wanted barbecue sauce or horse radish with my brisket and I said sure. It doesn't need any of that crap, it was perfect alone.

My wife ordered the fried chicken, we requested two breasts (extra charge), she got the potato salad and fried okra. Again, everything was perfect.

My only suggestion, and I was really surprised they didn't have tea, only soft drinks. I can see iced tea being a huge profit margin, and BBQ without tea?? We had an easy solution, since the chicken is cooked to order and not sitting under heat lamps it takes 30 minutes. So, we walked across the street to Rocky's Hot Chicken and got orntea there (grabbed a slice of their amazing Coca-Cola cake) and walked back over.

The servings were good,check, we didn't finish it all (late...

Got a hankerin' for fried chicken? We heard Big J's Bubba-Q was the place to go, and it did not disappoint. Don't just drive by because it looks like a hole in the wall place. We'll, it is a hole in the wall place, but the fried chicken was excellent!! I got the two-piece white, my wife got the two-piece dark. Our sides were mac-and-cheese, baked beans, fries, and fried okra. They must brine their chicken in some super secret recipe - chicken was super moist, even the breast. And the sides were excellent, especially the fried okra.

Don't be in a hurry if you order on-site - fried chicken is made to order, and it took ours 30 minutes. But it was worth the wait. And the couple that helped us - I assume they were the owners - were the nicest people.

Looking for a white-napkin dining experience? This is not your place. Looking for excellent food with a no-frills experience? This is your place. I look forward to returning and trying the BBQ, but it will be tough to NOT get the fried...