Risin’ Smoke Barbecue Update:
Risin’ Smoke Barbecue, Smoked Chicken and Onion Rings
Well after reading the comments from the regulars at Risin’ Smoke Barbecue we had to make another trip to South Hill. Everyone kept mentioning the pies and some commented on the smoked chicken. So off we went. Tammy did get the smoked chicken and brisket this time so I tried some of her chicken. Yes it was very good. It had a nice smoke flavor and cooked very well, not over cooked or dry. Please forgive me but it did not turn me into a smoked chicken fan and make me swear off my pork. Sorry. Tammy is more likely to order it again.
But moving right along, we both went with a side of onion rings. They were to die for. I hope my picture does them justice. If you even slightly like onion rings you have got to try these with the homemade batter. As if the other food wouldn’t bring me back, I’ll take that hour and a half drive for another order of the onion rings. Yes again, they’re that good.
Risin’ Smoke Barbecue, Homemade Chocolate Chess Pie
And finally we did get to try the homemade pies. Tammy ordered the chocolate chess pie and I got the pecan pie. The pecan pie was great. I even liked the crust which is an accomplishment for me. The chocolate chess was wonderful. Even though Tammy barely gave me enough to taste I could tell how fantastic it was.
Risin’ Smoke Barbecue, Homemade Pecan Pie.
Here’s a funny little tidbit about the chocolate chess pie. While talking to the owner, Jeff, I mentioned that we used to come thru here going to camp at Kerr Dam a long time ago. When we’d go out there we would come back to South Hill to another restaurant but all Tammy and I could remember were the pies. We didn’t remember the other food. Jeff said that in the 90’s his mother used to bake pies for that restaurant.
That was exactly when we were making our trips out there. We remember that pie as being just as wonderful then as it is now. So on second thought maybe I’ll come back for some onion rings and a slice of pie or a whole pie.
Needless to say, we will be back. After talking with Jeff, I have to come back for the ribs and the Brunswick Stew. Being a lover of both items, I can’t wait. He has assured me that I will not be disappointed. Oh how lucky you folks are that live near Risin’ Smoke Barbecue. Maybe someday when I retire (no time soon) I’ll just pack it in and move out there. Just kidding.
Anyways, I needed to add this to the review that I had already posted. If this is your first trip to this site please continue reading about this restaurant. If you’re back for the update, I haven’t changed anything below that you already read.
One request in closing this update. If anyone has the website address for Risin’ Smoke Barbecue please send it to me on the “Contact Me” page. The only one that I’ve found says it is not there anymore. I’m also not sure if the Facebook page I found is their page or not. If there is another one out there I’d love to have that address also. Thanks in advance.
Original Risin’ Smoke Barbecue Post:
This little Jeep Ride took us out Route 58 to Risin’ Smoke Barbecue in South Hill, VA. It was a nice ride even though the weather was not the best. This turns out to be a pretty cool little place.
Where Is Risin’ Smoke Barbecue?
Risin’ Smoke Barbecue in located on West Danville St. in South Hill, VA also known as Rt. 1 / Rt. 58. And this seems to be a good place to mention that they also sell gas. That’s right. A gas station / bbq joint. Don’t let that stop you. You might should even let it intrigue you a little.
The Restaurant and Staff:
Risin’ Smoke Barbecue.
So, Risin’ Smoke Barbecue looks like it may have been a gas station convenience store at one time. The store part was gutted and turned into a restaurant. They keep it up very nice and was very clean when we visited. When you go in you walk over to the counter and place your order. The staff was very friendly. They also helped with the side choices. Once you order you sit where ever you like. The only drawback is that they don’t have a large dining area. Luckily they were not over crowded when we went. Once our order was ready they called out our number and I went back to the counter to pick it up. They did have people cleaning the tables as customers left. They checked on us to be sure everything was ok as they cleaned. Again, very friendly. So far so good. This was looking like a good stop. But the true test was yet to come once we brought our food to the table and started sampling everything.
What We Ate at Risin’ Smoke Barbecue:
Pulled Pork and Brisket with Fried Okra and Baked Beans.
Ok, now for the good stuff. Today I had a 2 meat combo plate featuring Pulled Pork and Sliced Brisket. For my sides I chose Baked Beans and Fried Okra. It also came with 2 hushpuppies. The pork was very good. Mine had a nice smoke ring and some really good bark, or as we sometimes call it burnt ends. It was good and moist and had a fantastic smoke flavor. This pulled pork rates with some of the best that I’ve had. It was that good. Also note that they offer chopped pork if that’s your preference. I just prefer the pulled.
And the brisket you may ask. It had a great flavor as well and just melts in your mouth. Again, if I had a top 10 they would be running with the best of them with their brisket also.
I did sample their sauces. They had two of them on the table but they were not marked or labeled. My preference went to the lighter colored sauce. It had more of a vinegar taste. My okra was good but nothing fancy or doctored up. The beans were really good. They had a little bit of a sweet sauce but not too sweet and a smoky flavor blended in it also.
Pulled Pork and Brisket with Collards and Mac & Cheese
Tammy had the same meats as I did but ordered the Collards and Mac & Cheese to go with them. The mac & cheese was homemade and really good. The collards were seasoned well and very tasty. And finally the hushpuppies, you got it, they were really, really good too.
Final Thoughts:
Well once again we took a little Jeep Ride to a new bbq joint and it paid off. We really enjoyed the food and the service at Risin’ Smoke Barbecue. So if you’re traveling on Highways 1 or 58 near South Hill you should check them out. I-85 travelers, it would be worth your while to make a stop here as well. They are a little ways off of the interstate but it’s not too far. I believe you’ll be glad you did.
Your Thoughts About Risin’ Smoke Barbecue:
So here’s your chance to let others know what you think. Tell us what you think about Risin’ Smoke Barbecue. Did we get lucky with our visit or is this normal for them?
What do you regulars think?
If you’re a fan of Risin’ Smoke Barbecue leave us some comments. We’d love to hear what you have to say. What’s your favorite dish? Are they good neighbors? Talk them up a little if you really like them.
Most of all, if you agree with this post share it on your social media pages and help spread the word.
Let others know how good this place is so they’ll pay them a visit too.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I can’t find a website for Risin’ Smoke. You can see more info about them on the other ratings websites like Yelp and Trip Advisor.
They have a Facebook page but it’s listed as unofficial. You can check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Risin-Smoke-BBQ/525632110969939
Enjoy the ride, good eating and thanks for stopping by.
28 Comments
I eat there fairly often. Not as often as Wiley, but on a regular basis.
It’s also worth noting that you can get one pound orders to go and that Jeff will always gladly cook for your parties and events, with some advance notice on the larger orders of course.
In addition to the pork and brisket, they have chicken, salmon, turkey, homemade pies and so much more.
Always fast. Always friendly. Always affordable. And ALWAYS delicious!
Thanks for your input. It’seems always nice to hear from the people who go on a regular basis. It’s good to share the additional information about their services. I know that we really enjoyed our visit. Take care.
Love love love this place!! I am picky about my que and prefer to cook my own but Rizn smoke is a great bbq joint. I have had brisket a lot of places including Texas but this place has the best recipe for mouth watering brisket
Brenda. I am also picky about my que. Some time back I also began cooking my own also. I do enjoy that side too but time is a real factor to do it right. After visiting so many different places I decided with a lot of help and support from my wife to start this blog and try to let others know how much great bbq is out there. I have tried to cook brisket too but with little success. I really admire the places like Risin’ Smoke that has their brisket nailed down. Theirs is wonderful.
With all the great comments coming in, I can’t wait until we can return. I believe it will be sooner than expected. Thanks to all of you for adding to the review.
Their smoked chicken is also great, as well as breakfast biscuits and many delicious pies. Order your pie by the slice or do like I did for my Easter meal and order the whole pie. Love this place.
Ginger, Several people have suggested the smoked chicken. Maybe I can talk my wife into getting that next time and I can try a little. I’m just not a major fan of chicken though I have tasted some great smoked chicken along the trail. Fortunately my wife does like it as long as she still gets her brisket. As for the pie, we will be back. I’m hearing too much about them not to come back. Thank you all!
This is awesome to see a review of this place on your website, I grew up in this town and have known the owner for years. I have eaten at his place a few times, always delicious. Jeff is a really great guy and the food is terrific !!
Our trip to Risin’ Smoke was really a lucky draw for us. I wish they at least had an official Facebook page if not a website. I stumbled upon them while looking for another place in South Hill using a map app on my phone. It’s my pleasure to write about a restaurant that clearly puts their whole selves into preparing great food and looking out for their customers. The small town, small business owners are the places that I enjoy the most, especially when their food is as good as theirs is. Thanks for checking out the site. Look around the site you may find some place close to where you are now. Take care.
I work nearby, walking distance, and love to be able to walk over and grab a smoked chicken sandwich (my favorite) or a milk shake. I’ve tried several options and have never been disappointed. My kids, ages 7 & 9, choose it as their dinner pick quite often. It is definitely worth the trip. Great food and great service!
Mikki. I think it would be really bad for me to work within walking distance to Risin’ Smoke. I feel that they have a great fan base and love hearing from all of you. I’d love to hear from the owner (Jeff, I believe). With all these wonderful comments he has to be a pretty good guy. I also admire you for exposing your children to such great food at a young age. Thanks for adding to my review.
This place is awesome! You know own it is the real deal when you smell meat smoking in the parking lot! My favorites are the smoked turkey and smoked salmon and onion rings (also homemade). They also have soft ice cream and milkshakes!
Sorry to say that they were not cooking when we were there. I love the smell also. I saw a picture of their onion rings on line and thought they looked delicious but neither of us tried them. This is really sounding like we will be back very soon. All this feedback from the regulars is great. Thank you so much.
We eat here at least once a week, it is always GREAT (the brisket is my personal favorite)! The staff is wonderful and Jeff is the best around when it comes to cooking, he has never fixed me anything I did not like. The pies are to die for (I don’t have a favorite pie because I cannot choose one LOL)!
Marcia. I believe I might would eat there weekly too if I lived in the area. The brisket was awesome but so was the pulled pork. I enjoyed both. Sounds like we really messed up by not having dessert. Thanks for the input.
Agree that Risin’ Smoke is a local gem! We are very partial to their brisket. I didn’t see that you had dessert, Patrick – if you didn’t indulge in Judy’s homemade pies with mile-high meringue, you missed a treat. Thanks for visiting and shedding some well-deserved light on a great place to eat.
The dessert recommendations keep coming in. Their brisket was fantastic. We will come back and I’ll have to check out some dessert next visit. Thanks for the comments.
What you describe is Risin Smoke all the time. The service is always excellent it is always super clean and I have never ever been disappointed with anything I have ordered. It is a must stop for anyone with the opportunity!
George. Thanks for the added comments and confirming what I said was correct. It makes me feel so much better when the local people chime in and they feel the same as I did or even more supportive of the place. We did enjoy Risin’ Smoke and plan to return soon. Hope that all of you out that way give them plenty of support. I know they will appreciate it.
Their food is always delicious! We have never, ever had a bad meal or service there. Jeff smoked a large brisket and half chickens for us for Christmas dinner. They were delicious and he sent two bottles of sauce. The sweet sauce is may favorite. The desserts are homemade and fantastic. He isn’t open on Sunday, so don’t plan a Sunday visit.
He also has a delicious breakfast. You can get a plate or biscuits. Again, fantastic!
We high recommend Risin’ Smoke.
You are right, it used to be a convenience store/gas station.
Thank you so much for checking us out and giving us even more info about Risin’ Smoke. It is good to note that they are closed on Sunday. Someone else also commented on my Facebook site about the desserts. They must really be awesome. We’ll have to go back and try them too. I’ll need to remember my cooler next time. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for the added comments. It’s great to hear from all of you out there. I definitely believe we found a great spot. We have got to go back there. They really hit the spot with us too. Hope they can get the support that they need to keep it going. You regulars sound great too.
We’ve live in La Crosse, and my husband works at the Hospital in South Hill… We’ve only lived here for a year and 7 months (previously lived in Long Island, NY for 5 years and born, raised, and lived in Delaware prior to that) and don’t really know a whole lot about the area considering his hours and my past health… But a few months ago, the ER staff started ordering from Risin’ Smoke and he brought some home… I’ve never been a fan of BBQ, period., but this place turned me into a HUGE fan… We order from here often and have been inside to eat a few times. Every time he orders from the ER, I have him order some to bring home. They also make amazing Brunswick Stew and Chicken & Dumplings, which have been a saving grace during extensive dental procedures, and I’m a big critic of Chicken & Dumplings… But dare I say that they are as good as my paternal grandmother’s were. Thanks to stumbling across this blog, I’ve decided what’s for dinner tonight 🙂 Can’t wait, as usual… And yes, I will be having the BBQ
Leigh, Thank you so much for adding to this story. Before I go on I wish you well with the issues you’re having or had. We did make another trip to Risin’ Smoke this weekend. People kept commenting on the pies so we had to go check them out. I’ll be updating my post soon. I know that I need to go back now for the Brunswick Stew after talking to the owner, Jeff. So now you add another piece to the story. Chicken & Dumplings are one of my all time favorite comfort foods. My grandmother’s of course and she’s no longer with us either. Seems that I’ll be making a few more trips to South Hill. I’m glad that I was able to spark your attention and get you to decide on dinner. I love to help out businesses like this one. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the rest of the site. There may be other places showing up that you’d like to try.
The smoked chicken (or turkey) is TOTALLY the best thing at Smoke Risin’ !! Especially when paired with the smoky beans, Mac n Cheese, and 2 hushpuppies. You definitely need to try it before saying the que is some of the best you’ve had…whoo- whee! Mmm…mmm.
Well Kelli I did go back to Risin’ Smoke and I did try the smoked chicken. And that’s all I’ll say about it right now. I’m going to update my post and you can see it then. Thanks for the comments. Come on back and check again after I update.
Me again… I also think that Smoke Risin’ still functions as a working gas station but I could be wrong.
Loved reading all the comments. We have lived here three years and did not know about this restaurant, sorry to say, until recently. We have visited it 2-3x now and LOVE their bbq, pies and especially those onion rings – the onion rings are the very best we have ever eaten! We did order a cheese steak once just to try something different – the meat was great, but it was served on ordinary sandwich bread which was disappointing (sorry to be a downer here) and it tended to fall apart. It would have been so much better served on a bun. I guess since it looks like a service station only, folks miss out on a HUGE GEM of a place. We are still trying some of the other food items but we enjoy the pulled pork so much it is difficult to not order that each time, lol. I daresay anyone will be disappointed by visiting this restaurant!
Thanks for all the extra comments. Try their brisket too, it’s great. I found them doing a Google search. I can see it being difficult to find. Thanks again and enjoy.