Monk: I’ve previously reviewed Old Hampton Store & Barbeque in early 2024 but if you need a refresher its a true ‘cue joint located in Linville, NC. The mountains aren’t typically a place where you find wood smoked barbecue, but Old Hampton Store is one of the standard bearers.
On a recent November 2025 trip to the NC mountains to get our Christmas tree, we once again stopped for lunch at Old Hampton afterwards and were treated to a side of bluegrass music with our barbecue. First, some photos:
Name: Old Hampton Store & Barbeque Date: 12/3/23 Location: 77 Ruffin Street, Linville, NC 28646 Order: Pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw Pricing: $$
Monk: Old Hampton Store & Barbeque (plus a grist mill!) is an old-time mountain country store in Linville in Avery County which is the middle of Christmas tree farm country in NC. After having tried some unique but delicious barbecue at Ridgewood Barbecue, could I possibly get lucky again with another mountain barbecue joint? For those unaware, while there is no true “mountain-style” barbecue in NC, restaurants tend to over sauce their (at many times) gas-assisted pork.
Thankfully, I arrived to find that is not the case with Old Hampton Store, and neat stacks of hickory wood are strewn about the property which also includes an art gallery on the property. Inside the main building with the restaurant, an old-time general store (think a non-corporate Cracker Barrel) is flanked by a small bar and a barbecue counter with a seating area. In that seating area is a small stage, since Old Hampton Store regularly hosts live music; unfortunately nothing on this Sunday afternoon.
My order was simple with a barbecue sandwich with a side of coleslaw. The hickory-smoked pork had a nice smokiness to it, and the bun was of a higher quality than a grocery store bread. A very tasty sandwich, indeed. Now that I’m confident in the quality, next time through I’ll be more adventurous and get some of the smoked wings or homemade pork skins with pimento cheese.
The Monk family had actually tried to visit Old Hampton Store & Barbeque a few years back after hiking nearby Grandfather Mountain, but this family-owned business does close at some point in December until late January or February. So be sure to check ahead if you are planning a visit. I hope to be back, and maybe even catch some live bluegrass.
Monk: The Friday’s Forever YouTube channel explores the Old Hampton Store & Barbeque as well as the art gallery on the property in this first person video. The barbecue portion of the video starts at 9:05.
Description: IN THIS EPISODE → Join us on this journey through the Old Hampton Store & BBQ and discover why it’s such a special place. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a music lover, the Old Hampton Store & BBQ has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the delicious food, historic charm, and lively entertainment of this unique destination in Linville NC!
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