Cash's Smoke House BBQ, Franklin, NC

Cash's Smoke House BBQ, Franklin, NC.  "Where the Locals Go!"  Franklin is a beautiful small town in the southern part of the North Carolina.  It is only about 15 minutes or so north of the Georgia border, and it really has something of the feel of "older" North Carolina.  Franklin really got added to my "go to" list a couple of years ago when one of my old Cochran friends, Ben Dykes, shared that he and Sammy Haupt frequently drove up there searching for bargains.  Knowing Ben and Sammy, there had to be good bargains there to get their endorsement!!!  With a couple of really good antique malls and a few good antique stores, we've found some good deals over the past several years.  Franklin is certainly less "touristy" than Highlands and some other towns, and while it has its share of franchise type dining establishments, it has at least one bbq joint worth checking out.  On the south side of Franklin is the Whistle Stop Antique Mall.  Right behind the mall you'll find Cash's. 

This is truly a mom and pop operation.  On this particular Saturday, we found Michael and Amy Cash running the joint.  Ms. Cash was taking orders at the window while Michael was tending to fixing the plates and keeping his eye on the bbq that was in the small, commercial type smoker.  Debbie had been wanting a bbq sandwich with slaw on it for some reason, and that is an entree that is available at Cash's.  I ordered the bbq sandwich and Brunswick stew which most of my readers will know is my typical first visit order.  The food was up and out to us in a quick minute.  There's no real dining in available at Cash's, but there is an "enclosed" room that you can sit in if you want.  This particular January day, though, the weather permitted us to eat outside at one of their tables.

Both Debbie and I loved our sandwiches.  The meat was tender, moist, and sufficient in quantity.  The Brunswick stew was also better than average stew.  The color of the stew was attractive, its taste was rich with sufficient pork in the stew, and it consistency was excellent.  There was just enough meat in the stew to add both flavor and texture.  We tried out Cash's various sauces..only three if my memory serves me correctly.  The "hot and sweet" sauce ended up being our favorite.  Though I'll always try the typical NC vinegar sauce, it still isn't one of my favorites.

All in all, this place is winner.  Friendly service by two seemingly very nice people.  The food is excellent, and the prices are fair.  While I might could go higher, this little joint certainly gets at least a 4 and the 5 point scale.  We'll do Cash's again, but meanwhile, if you know of any other bbq joints we have to hit in NC, drop me a line!!!  So, if you are on the Georgia side of the border, Oinkers in Clayton is a recommended stop.  If you miss that stop and really want barbecue, ride on up through Dillard and into Franklin, NC.  There are a couple of potential options for barbecue in Franklin that will keep you satisfied while the misses has you walking row after row of antique booths!!!