12 Bones BBQ in Asheville's River View Arts District

I am sure that locals have their favorite, out of the way, authentic BBQ and are sworn to secrecy so that no tourist will ever find it. I am also sure that a regular diet of BBQ gives one a more discriminating palate and the ability to ruthlessly judge BBQ joints. If you are traveling through, a foodie, and really want to try some local BBQ in a place with a cool vibe, you can’t go wrong at 12 Bones BBQ. 

The first thing you will notice when you arrive is that the River View Arts District is housed in a series of old metal warehouses along functioning train tracks. The next thing will be that these warehouses are deliberately and colorfully covered in graffiti. We arrived to a long line outside of 12 Bones, and discovered you don’t put your name in, you just stand in line until it is your turn to go inside. Everyone was very patient, and the line moved fairly quickly. You order at the counter, and your food is brought to your table. They had a great menu with options for sandwiches and plates, and great sides. Chris loves his pulled chicken sandwich and smoked potato salad. I chose a half rack of ribs with the traditional brown sugar rub, although there were 6 options to choose from. My sides were baked beans and “damn good corn pudding” , which as the name states was damn good. Each plate also comes with cornbread, but I donated that to Chris since I had the corn pudding.  We both sampled a local beer. Chris had the New Belgium White Zombie, and I enjoyed the Asheville Brewing Company’s Ninja Porter. Our total was $40 with the tip. 

The ribs were magnificent. No fat, just perfectly cooked meat that fell of the bone, and covered with a perfect glaze. The corn pudding was a perfect confection somewhere between cornbread stuffing and spoon bread. The next time, I must order the jalapeño cheese grits!