Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ among USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year

Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ at 135 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood has been named one of USA TODAY’s 2026 Restaurants of the Year, one of 39 restaurants selected by USA TODAY Network food writers. The recognition highlights the restaurant’s food and community role and is likely to raise its profile among visitors and locals.

The restaurant is known for slow-cooked meats and its signature stuffed Bear’s Balls. “Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ’s slow-cooked meats and stuffed Bear Balls make the restaurant worth the trip to downtown Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood,” the profile notes. The Bear’s Balls are described in detail: “pulled pork, mac-and-cheese, and cornbread, battered and deep-fried,” a preparation the reviewer calls “a don't miss.” Dining options include a dining room, an adjacent bar, and a dog-friendly patio. Contact details listed are 135 Coxe Ave.; 828-505-7088; bearsbbq.com/asheville.

Beyond the menu, Bear’s recognition reflects the restaurant’s recent community work. “When Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina in fall 2024, Bear’s, in collaboration with other local restaurants, became a hub for food preparation and distribution operations for the global food relief organization World Central Kitchen,” the review notes, adding that “more than 1 million meals were distributed across the region in the months following the historic storm.” The reviewer also said they “admires the all-out effort the restaurant gave to its community after Tropical Storm Helene.” That combination of culinary appeal and disaster-response leadership distinguishes Bear’s in the national gallery.

USA TODAY’s gallery included a photo of Bear’s barbecue ribs tray dated Nov. 7, 2025, taken at the Coxe Avenue location. The Restaurants of the Year gallery spans the country, with other entries and images tied to late 2025 dates and several different cities, underscoring the national spotlight now on Asheville-area operators.

Locally, the recognition arrives as part of a broader trend of national attention on Western North Carolina barbecue and dining. Nearby Iron & Oak Brisket Co. in Woodfin ranked No. 1 for Best Texas-Style BBQ in the 2025 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, and other Asheville spots such as Luminosa have drawn attention for inventive dishes and named chefs. That clustering of accolades can amplify tourism and food-service demand for the South Slope and adjacent blocks.

For residents and local business owners, the award is likely to mean increased foot traffic and heightened interest from visitors seeking notable dining experiences. Bear’s combination of recognizable menu items, indoor and outdoor capacity, and documented community service strengthens its brand value and the South Slope neighborhood’s appeal. Practical details for visits are 135 Coxe Ave., phone 828-505-7088, and bearsbbq.com/asheville. As the full effects of national recognition play out, Buncombe County can expect a renewed spotlight on its restaurant scene and the community resilience that helped earn this honor.