White Swan BBQ is a barbecue restaurant in Smithfield. Open: Mon–Wed 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM; Thu–Sat 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Sun 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Phone: (919) 934-8913. Average rating is 4.5 stars from 971 reviews. Website: http://www.whiteswanbarbeque.com/.
White Swan BBQ
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Cozy interior of White Swan BBQ restaurant with wooden decor.
4.5 971 reviews Today 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Real Pit BBQ That Stops Traffic on 301

Smithfield's legendary smoke house serving authentic Eastern Carolina barbecue to thousands, seven days a week.

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About Us

Exterior view of White Swan BBQ restaurant.
Exterior view of White Swan BBQ restaurant.

Pull off US-301 in Smithfield and follow your nose. That low, sweet smoke curling off the pit is the same smell that has drawn road-trippers, locals, and catering crews to White Swan BBQ for decades. With a 4.5-star rating built on nearly a thousand reviews, this is not a place that coasts on reputation. It earns it plate by plate.

The proof is in the numbers. One event coordinator trusted White Swan to feed 3,000 guests at a single catering job, and the crew showed up days early to scout the venue, then delivered on game day without a hitch. That kind of reliability is baked into the culture here, not bolted on as an afterthought. When Cricket Grill closed early one afternoon, a hungry traveler drove another stretch of highway and arrived at 4:45 to find White Swan still open, still cooking, and still welcoming.

This is Eastern Carolina barbecue done the way Johnston County expects it: whole-hog tradition, vinegar-forward sauce, sides that could anchor a meal on their own. It is the kind of stop that turns a road trip into a story worth telling.

What We Offer

The menu at White Swan is built around the pit. Slow-smoked pork barbecue is the anchor, pulled and chopped to order with that sharp, tangy Eastern Carolina vinegar sauce that cuts right through the richness. Plates come loaded with classic sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, and Brunswick stew, the kind of supporting cast that earns its own fan base.

Beyond the dining room, the catering operation is a serious business. White Swan has handled events from backyard cookouts to corporate gatherings of thousands, bringing the same pit-smoked quality off-site with a logistics team that scouts venues in advance and shows up ready. If you are planning a wedding reception, company picnic, or community fundraiser in the Smithfield area, this crew has done it at scale and done it right.

Dine in Monday through Sunday starting at 10:30 AM. The kitchen runs until 7:30 PM Sunday through Wednesday, 8:00 PM Thursday through Saturday, giving you a generous window to make it in after work or off the interstate.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

“Amazing down home authentic barbecue just off 95 in Smithfield - a must stop if you’re in the area!!”

— Gail DeSanto

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"I hired White Swan to do catering for 3000 people!! and they showed up and showed out! They were amazing. They came out a few days before the event, got a lay of the land and showed up day of ready to hit the ground running. They showed up with a handful of trucks and a full crew ready to serve. They brought 3 whole fresh hogs on the cookers and were serving fresh BBQ, fried chicken, sides and fresh fried hushpuppies to the masses. Linwood was great to work with, and I can't wait to have them back out to serve us again. Reach out to them for all your eastern BBQ catering needs."
— cailtin kalet
⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Will preface by saying I drove about 30 miles to go to Cricket Grill and arrived at 4:15p; supposed to close at 4:45, but Cricket's was closed. Decided to go to White Swann. Got there at 4:45p they were sold out of fish. On a Friday. They had a take out special, but wouldn't allow you to switch out the sides. Ordered the barbecue plate with two sides. Barbecue was just okay. Hushpuppies were really good. Boiled potatoes look like a big potato cut into thirds. This is not the White Swann I remember."
— Don Ware
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 months ago
"Amazing down home authentic barbecue just off 95 in Smithfield - a must stop if you’re in the area!!"
— Gail DeSanto
⭐⭐⭐
a year ago
"We found the Barbecue and fish to be adequate to quell hunger, but not outstanding. The meat is not smoked, so the flavor of the pork is not competitive with those restaurants who do smoke the meat. The flounder was edible, but the fish flesh appeared to be old. The skin did not peel freely from the meat as it does when the fish is fresh. The hush puppies were the best item we sampled from the menu- fried to crispness outside with a comforting blend of savory/sweet bread inside. The Cole slaw contained way too much mustard. The Brunswick stew was way too sweet. The French fries are standard frozen ripple cut used by many institutions. The staff members were very friendly, and the owner happened to be on site. He was very hospitable, and he made a point to make us feel welcome. We understand that the business is a long-standing favorite in the area, and we wish them the best. But the price points are a bit stout for the food quality provided."
— Lydia Powell
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Came at the end of the day and they kind of rushed us out. This is a charming local place, food is solid, well made and large portioned. Dinner plates comes with hush puppies that were a real treat for us Yankees. We looked for local good chicken, we found it here. Can't really blame them for wanting to shut down on time, but they shouldn't of let us seat if they cant accommodate. It was awkward. Food was good though, hence the five stars, and all is forgiven and forgotten. Will return if in the area."
— Yaron Hahami

Frequently Asked Questions

What are White Swan BBQ's hours?

White Swan is open seven days a week. Monday through Wednesday, doors are open 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Thursday through Saturday the kitchen stays open until 8:00 PM. On Sunday hours are 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Does White Swan BBQ offer catering for large events?

Yes, and at serious scale. White Swan has catered events with over 3,000 guests. The catering team visits the venue ahead of the event to plan logistics, then arrives on the day fully prepared. Contact the restaurant directly through whiteswanbarbeque.com to discuss your event size and menu.

What style of barbecue does White Swan serve?

White Swan specializes in Eastern Carolina barbecue, which means whole-hog smoked pork with a vinegar-based sauce. It is the traditional Johnston County style that has defined North Carolina barbecue for generations.

Where exactly is White Swan BBQ located?

White Swan BBQ is at 3198 S Brightleaf Blvd on US-301 in Smithfield, NC 27577. It sits close to I-95, making it an easy and popular stop for travelers moving along the East Coast.

Is White Swan BBQ good for a quick stop off the interstate?

It is one of the most recommended quick stops in the area. Reviewers specifically call it out as a must-stop just off I-95 in Smithfield. The location on US-301 makes it easy to get in and out without a long detour.

What sides and extras does White Swan serve alongside the barbecue?

Classic Eastern Carolina sides are the standard here: coleslaw, hush puppies, Brunswick stew, and other traditional accompaniments. The sides are house-made and considered a major part of the experience by regulars.

How do I reach White Swan BBQ to place a catering order or ask questions?

Visit whiteswanbarbeque.com to find contact information and catering inquiry details. The restaurant is located at 3198 S Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577 for walk-in visits during business hours.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 8:00 PM
Monday 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday Today 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
92° Partly cloudy Smithfield
Sat 95° 73°
Sun 91° 74°
Mon 77° 69°
Tue 86° 66°
Wed 96° 71°
Thu 104° 74°
Fri 103° 76°

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Map showing White Swan BBQ Open in Maps
Open Now Closes at 8:00 PM
Call Us (919) 934-8913
Visit Website www.whiteswanbarbeque.com
Get Directions 3181-2981 US-301, 3198 S Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577, USA
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