Low and Slow Smokehouse

I was expecting so much more. Took my wife and three kids out there for a late lunch only to be disappointed with everything except the atmosphere. Service was terribly slow despite there being ample service staff and only one large group ordering prior to ours. The brisket was so dry it looked like it was microwaved three hours before we got there. The food on the buffet looked awful. 1 star on appearance. It was a fortunate surprise that it actually tasted halfway decent. The fried chicken seemed to have no seasoning or breading. The pork was juicy, the ribs were quite tasty, and the collards weren't bad after enough vinegar hot sauce, salt, and pepper. The hamburger steak and mashed potatoes looked like they'd seen better days. They actually tasted great, though. Cornbread was awful on the buffet. I had asked for vinegar bbq sauce, but the server said all they had was the northern style sauce on the table. I asked if the owners were from the South and she had no idea who the owners were, and neither did the other server that she asked. How do you now know the owner of the restaurant that you work at?

Will I go back? Maybe. Will I just order drinks and sit outside? Yes.

Kid-friendliness: No kids menu

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

Okay, so I went with my family later in the evening on Saturday the 28th. It was busy when we came in and thinned while we were there. It was 8 of us including a 5yr old, we waited for a solid 45 minutes, not horrible considering our party size. The problems started when we sat down. Our waitress was around very little, we had to wait and try hard to flag her down for the simplest thing. The brisket my brother had was way over-salted to an inedible degree. My mom and dad got the chops with two sides and both were cold. We asked our waitress to bring out what was ready when it was ready so my nephew, who was starving, could eat as fast as he could, however, My food, the baked potato with pulled pork, was dry and cold in the center and I had to wait for it for a little over 30 minutes while the entire rest of the table ate and finished. The next time I'm in town I will sample anywhere else. C+

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Fried Pickles

Restaurant Review: Low and Slow

Located next to an aviation school, Low and Slow offers not only great food but also a scenic backdrop that adds to the experience. Here’s what we tried:
• Pork Belly Burnt Ends: Absolutely the standout dish. Cooked to perfection with a balance of flavors that left us wanting more.
• Ribs: Tender and easy to pull apart—truly excellent!
• Pulled Pork: Flavorful and effortlessly enjoyable.
• Sausage: Unfortunately, this fell short. It tasted like something we could have picked up from a grocery store.
• Brisket: Disappointing. It was dry and lacked the rich, smoky flavor you’d expect.

Overall, Low and Slow delivers some hits and misses. It’s worth a visit for the burnt ends and ribs, but the brisket and sausage left room for improvement.

Dietary restrictions: Carnivores are welcome

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

This place has so much potential. Awesome spot overlooking the airport but the food seemed like it was just microwaved. $25 for buffet and $14 for half a BBQ plate was a little much. . Would go back for the atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

The food was just ok. The ribs smelled like canned cat food which made them inedible and tasted like old pork. The brisket was tender and juicy but a bit bland, could have used more smoke. The Mac n cheese was tasty but very greasy. Hushpuppies were ok. Corn bread was a bit sweet and crumbly, but good with butter on it.
Looking out over the airfields was nice with lots of activity. The deck would be great on a nice dry/ evening. Would be a great spot to watch a game and have some beers with friends. Could see going back for the environment and an ok meal.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Sausage

Wings and fries were good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: French Fries

I ordered the brisket w/ fries. It was delish! The huzman got cheeseburger/ fries, he said it was ok. This was our 1st time going and I would return. The buffet bar did not look appetizing AT ALL.The food wasn't rotated and looked dried out and there was a fly buzzing around it.. We sat there a bit b4 our waitress came( very apologetic). When the guy came out to change the food on the steam table, he used his shirt to handle the hot pan.Dining room area was pretty decent as it was decorated for Christmas. They really should upgrade the appearance of the buffet or just do away with it and just take orders from the menu.

Parking: Smithfield Nc at the Jetport

Kid-friendliness: There were kids there watching the planes take off/ land.

Wheelchair accessibility: Elevator as it is located on the 3rd floor.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Smoked Brisket Plate

Shorty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, Low and Slow is how the cook it….High and fast is how I eat it! 😂 The top of the airport view is awesome while tearing up the buffet!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Smoked Brisket Plate

Love the atmosphere of this place but the food is pretty mediocre. I’ve been here multiple times over the last couple years and my feelings remain the same. It’s super cool to sit outside and watch the airplanes but the fries are terrible (always soggy and taste like how a pet store smells). I’ve had much better BBQ in Johnston county for a much more reasonable price with a better range of flavor but what did it for me today was biting into a hush puppy and the inside still being raw batter.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 4

Nice place to eat southern food… all were fresh and flavored. I love the view

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Went here on Sunday for an early dinner. Nice outdoor seating area to watch the planes while you eat. Service was ok not great but not terrible. The food we got brisket and BBQ Chicken were both just ok. Could have used more flavor. Portion size was good but food was pricey. A lot better BBQ at another location not that fat away.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

Great place to eat. The food is amazing. Our waitress was very nice. We love the atmosphere.

Vegetarian options: That have a small salad bar.

Parking: If it's really busy, it can be a challenge to find a parking spot.

Kid-friendliness: I've seen kids there and they do have highchairs.

Wheelchair accessibility: There is a elevator since the restaurant is on the 3rd floor.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Nachos, Pudding, Nachos with Brisket, Cobbler

food was amazing. love that were so close so we can order for pickup on lazy nights

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great service and a good menu selection.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: French Fries

Big portions with lots of verity and a full bar. Eat inside (out of the pollen) or brave the yellow wave and overlook the flight School and runway. Staff was super friendly, a bit on the pricier side, but what isn't now a days.

Update- They have added an all day every day all you can eat buffet for $25. It has a nice salad bar, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, fried chicken, collards, baked beans, hush puppies etc. they have some type of cobbler as well. This day it was peach cobbler that was very good.

While it's a unique location overlooking the Smithfield regional airport, there is few planes coming or going. Nothing to do with the restaurant, just a heads up if you are a plane watcher.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5