Luella's Barbecue

Luella's has moved and now they're horrible! When they were in South Asheville, their food was wonderful. But in the new location on Merrimon, the menu is different and so is the food. How different? We thought surely they had changed hands, that's how different! The best thing they had before was beef ribs; not on the menu now. (But don't worry, they do still have the pork ribs, which were horrible before!) Brisket used to be REALLY good, now it's prepared with chilis. But the waitress assured us, GUARANTEED us, it wouldn't be spicy. WRONG! We asked her if we could get the fries crispy. "They always are" she said. WRONG, they were soft and limp. "The more fat, the better, on that brisket" I said. It was all lean, just like my wife's sandwich. Speaking of the sandwiches, they were on half-toasted bread, instead of a bun, which just does NOT work with a saucy sandwich.
Luella's has gone from a great barbecue joint to just another restaurant with so-so food. We won't go back.

Posted 10/03/09 | Report Abuse

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First trip to Luella's on Merrimon. I won't return. I had the pulled pork sandwich, fries and hushpuppies. The pork was nearly flavorless. Sauce provided on the tables was separated and in a clogged container. Fries were pale and cold. Hushpuppies too mild and greasy. It's in my neighborhood and I was hoping for some good bbq. The prices were reasonable but the food was disappointing.

Posted 07/20/09 | Report Abuse

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BBQ? Not, roast pork! Sauces were, YUK! Beans were edible but something a teenager might throw together. Hushpuppies did not resemble HP's, more like pancake batter with some corn meal thrown in, no onion, no flavor, just deep fried pancake globs! Won't be on my "return" list!

Posted 07/18/09 | Report Abuse

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Heard about Luella's, so stopped in for lunch before heading home to Florida. Must say everything we tried was scrumptious! Courteous help, manager gracious and BBQ was wonderful!

Posted 05/17/09 | Report Abuse

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No doubt about it you will go back time and again to this barbecue diner. Service is friendly and reliable. The barbecue is just perfect and the sides are better than good. Sticky fingers are your reward for trying this barbecue

Posted 12/22/08 | Report Abuse

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I walked in for take out and it smelled soo good!! The taste matched the smell and I was so glad I had stopped there! Ribs are good and we also loved the mac and cheese!

Posted 12/09/08 | Report Abuse

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We are from Kansas City and we take our Q seriously. Luella's is absolutely favorite BBQ in town. We tried 12 Bones the other day after Obama chose to eat there and it was a real disappointment!! We went straight back to Luella's the next day! Try the smoked beef brisket, or the smoked dry-rubbed ribs, or their amazing cobb salad with chunks of smoked brisket and turkey and smoked tomato vinigrette! Also.. Their lightly breaded fried okra is amazing. Can't say enough...Luella's deserves twice the line 12 Bones has. I guess it is still a hidden gem!!

Posted 10/11/08 | Report Abuse

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Luella's is the absolute best barbecue restaurant in Asheville. I cannot say enough good things about their food and service. It's top notch. Their beef brisket is amazing...always tender...always delicious. I crave their Cobb salad...it's just something you have to see to believe. It is AMAZING! I find that Luella's is much better than any other barbecue restaurant in town - even the more popular 12 Bones. Luella's is more consistent and I love the fact that they're locally owned and operated. If you get a chance to order the squash casserole, don't pass it up. You can't go wrong with any of their sides. The only downside for me is that I wish they were closer to Candler so I could eat there more often. Go to Luella's! You won't be sorry!

Posted 06/24/08 | Report Abuse

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I love Luella's. Fast, delicious, affordable...and they have the best item possible on a BBQ menu: a stuffed baked potato. Try it loaded with pork...YUM! I haven't had this since I lived in AL and it is heaven. My kids love it too. Locally owned and operated, a must try.

Posted 06/15/08 | Report Abuse

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