Kristin’s Hook’d On Smoke (food truck) — Restaurant in West Jefferson

Kristin might be the most incredible human I've ever come across, even though we never actually got the chance to meet. Several months ago, my now wife and I reached out to Kristin asking if she would cater our wedding. We'd never had her food, but had seen rave reviews about her business. After just one phone call, we could sense how passionate Kristin was about what she does and how both kind and fair she is. We knew we wanted her as our caterer.

Less than two weeks before our wedding date, Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina. We watched from states away as Kristin jumped into action and began serving countless free meals to people in her area, despite herself having suffered damages to her home. She worked tirelessly (I don't think she slept) to help others in a time of crisis. Her selflessness was and is immeasurable.

The area of our cabin wedding weekend was mostly spared from the storms, and we were encouraged by our contacts in the area that it would be safe and isolated enough from restoration efforts to continue as planned. Seeing what Kristin was doing for her community, we certainly didn't expect anything from her, and in fact, we wanted to find ways to support her.

Five days before the wedding, Kristin reached out to me, and despite my protest that our wedding was infinitesimal compared to her community assistance, she insisted on still being there Saturday to serve us. In spite of countless challenges thrown at her from every direction, she just wanted to provide happiness through her food and to be able to support her staff.

I can honestly say that the meals she catered were among the best foods I've ever eaten. The brisket, the pulled pork, the mac n cheese, the potato salad, the hush puppies, the green beans, oh my gosh, it was all unreal. The 45 people in attendance couldn't stop gushing over the food. I think it actually overshadowed the ceremony in some people's minds. The food was plentiful, hot, and way too reasonably priced for its quantity.

My partner and I regrettably didn't get to meet Kristin as we were swept away for photos and vows, but my parents had nothing but the kindest words to share after their conversation with her.

I encourage every person who sees this review to go support Kristin and her business. Her food is incredible, but even more so, she is genuinely an amazing, selfless person. She works way too hard, but her passion is tangible as soon as you interact with her. I hope to return to the area again in the future, and when I do, my first stop will be at Kristin's for everything...

When you can tap on your smoked chicken with the edge of your knife and it goes "clunk", you know it's not going to be a happy dinner. A chicken must never clunk. Then there were the ribs, which couldn't even be divided for eating. The chicken and ribs were also seasoned with an overly spicy dry rub. The chicken was hot on the exterior and cold inside. When sent back we didn't think it was going to return. It really didn't matter, as it wasn't worth eating. The pork was pretty good, but had more fat than usual and was barely lukewarm. I ordered the "large plate," which was barely a lunch size portion. The sweet potato fries were obviously pre-packaged frozen. They were soggy with no sweetness. The cole slaw was okay. The only saving grace was the basket of hush puppies. They were hot, fluffy, well seasoned and non-greasy.

Moving on to the sauces - there were two. The sweet sauce was runny and the Carolina vinegar based sauce had little tang or flavor. They both tasted watered down. They were also both served straight from the fridge, which didn't help the matter of the already tepid food.

The only waitress, who was juggling the entire room, said that they had been under new ownership for a short time. If the new owner doesn't get this straightened out in short order, this place is just going to be going under for...

We drove 12 hours to try Kristen's hooked on smoke from what we had read on Facebook, OMG totally best brisket and mac-n-cheese. If you get the chance, it's 100% worth it. We will definitely be back, thank you again!!!

Round two, we had to go back for more, another phenomenal meal. We had the bourbon BBQ meatloaf and pork tacos, the sweet brussel sprouts, onion rings, corn fritters, cole slaw, and roasted corn. Kristin's really is the best food around! If you have not eaten there yet, you have to give it a try! Also, her personality is contagious.

Update 1-2-25 Kristin is as amazing as her food, always helping the community. After the hurricane flooded her house and many others, she was able to clean up enough to open her home to others who lost theirs. At the same time, cooking and providing meals for people who had nothing left. Kristin puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and you can taste it in her food. Best BBQ you will...