The Galax Smokehouse

The Galax Smokehouse has been serving pit-style BBQ since February 28, 2003, earning rave reviews from locals and vacationers.

Located in the heart of downtown Galax, this beloved establishment is known for its mouth-watering smoked meats and welcoming atmosphere. 

The secret to top-quality barbecue is slow-cooking over hickory wood. This is exactly what The Galax Smokehouse does! They use this time-honored technique to smoke St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, Texas Beef Brisket, smoked chicken, and even burgers.

Another necessity for authentic Southern BBQ is the sauces, and The Galax Smokehouse offers five house-made "secret sauces." Choose from Sweet BBQ, House BBQ, Mustard BBQ, Mountain BBQ (a unique sweet-n-spicy), or Lexington-style BBQ. 

While many Southern BBQ joints are roadside shanties, this eatery sits on a downtown corner. But don't let the location fool you into thinking it doesn't serve authentic barbecue, because it does! 

A perk of being in the city is that it's close to other Galax attractions like the Rex Theater, which allows you to plan a dinner before or after a music concert.

Vibe

When you venture into this BBQ joint, you'll be impressed by the roadhouse vibe, the sweet scent of hickory-smoked meats, and the friendly atmosphere.

Unlike many BBQ spots, this eatery has plenty of room for diners, whether you choose any of the tables or sit at the small bar. This much space makes it perfect for families or even large groups needing to pull tables together. 

The fire-engine-red painted walls are covered with photos of local and national music stars. There are also images of Galax buildings, local sports teams, and much more. Part of the joy of dining here is examining the pictures that tell a tale of Galax and the people who call it home. 

The ceiling sports an industrial look with gun-metal gray tiles, duct work, and ceiling fans. But instead of making the room feel cold, it contrasts the vibrancy of the walls, focusing the eye on what's most important: food and companionship.  

Whether you're having a family dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a quick bite, The Galax Smokehouse's ambiance creates a satisfying and soulful dining experience.

The Galax Smokehouse: Menu & Drinks

While ambiance and history are essential to a restaurant, the litmus test is the food. The Galax Smokehouse passes this with flying colors.

One standout Southern BBQ classic dish is the Pulled Pork Plate. The meat is slow-cooked for hours over hickory wood, which makes it tender, juicy, and packed with smoky goodness. It's served with a generous heap of homemade coleslaw and baked beans, giving you the perfect combination of flavors and textures. 

Another must-try is the Beef Brisket, a quintessential Texas delicacy. The beef is smoked to a melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This meal comes with creamy mac and cheese and tangy pickles. 

For a unique taste, try the St. Louis-style Ribs, slow-cooked until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. They are glazed with the signature barbecue sauce and served with crispy French fries and cornbread. It's the perfect meal to get you ready for toe-tapping fun at the Blue Ridge Music Center. 

The drink selection is equally impressive, with teas, soft drinks, and draft beers, proving there's something for everyone at this BBQ joint.

When your Blue Ridge Parkway vacation calls for authentic Southern BBQ, visit The Galax Smokehouse.