How long should I spend at Pop's Butts On The Creek?

Plan for 45-90 minutes total. The food prep can take 15-20 minutes on good days, longer when busy, plus you'll want time to enjoy the creekside atmosphere.

Is Pop's Butts On The Creek good for kids?

Absolutely! They have highchairs for toddlers and the outdoor seating gives kids space to move around. The creek views keep little ones entertained while waiting for food.

Is there parking at Pop's Butts On The Creek?

Yes, they have on-site parking that's walking distance from the entrance. We've never had trouble finding a spot, even during busy times.

Is Pop's Butts On The Creek dog-friendly?

Yes! They welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas, which makes sense given the creekside location. Just keep your pup leashed and well-behaved.

What's the best BBQ item at Pop's Butts On The Creek?

The burnt ends are absolutely incredible - tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned. The brisket runs a close second, and don't sleep on that deep-fried corn on the cob.

Pop's Butts On The Creek LLC

Duration

1-2 hours (longer during busy periods due to slower service)

Best For

BBQ lovers seeking authentic smoked meats • Couples wanting scenic creekside dining • Families with kids who love outdoor seating

Pro Tip

Grab a table on the screened porch or request a booth by the creek-view windows - the sound of rushing water makes the meal twice as enjoyable, and ask for warmer BBQ sauce since the cold sauce can cool down your hot meats.

About Pop's Butts On The Creek LLC

Pop's Butts On The Creek LLC brings authentic smokehouse BBQ to a prime spot along Jonathan Creek in Maggie Valley. The restaurant's screened porch lets you savor slow-smoked meats while the mountain stream provides natural ambiance just feet away.

The kitchen specializes in traditional Carolina-style BBQ, with their burnt ends and brisket standing out as local favorites. Don't skip the unconventional deep-fried corn on the cob - the cooking method creates a satisfying crunch while keeping the kernels sweet and juicy inside. The banana pudding, made from scratch with old-fashioned boiled custard, offers a fitting finale to any meal.

Located in a casual, rustic cabin setting, Pop's occasionally features live music on the porch during summer evenings. The attached gift shop sells local crafts and house-made sauces. While prices run slightly higher than typical Maggie Valley restaurants, especially for side dishes, the generous portions of quality smoked meats justify the cost.

Be prepared for a leisurely dining experience, particularly during peak tourist seasons when wait times can stretch beyond an hour. This isn't fast food - each meat is smoked low and slow, and the kitchen can get backed up during busy periods. Locals know to avoid prime dinner hours or call ahead for takeout.

The combination of creek-side dining, properly smoked meats, and mountain atmosphere makes Pop's Butts On The Creek a standout among Maggie Valley restaurants. Just remember to bring your patience along with your appetite.

Last updated: February 21, 2026 • Based on 2,052 reviews

Amenities & Features

Exceptional BBQ, especially the ribs, brisket, and signature smokey wingsBeautiful creekside views from the dog-friendly porchLive glass sculpture artist working in the lobbyAllergy-aware staff willing to remake dishes when needed

Don't Miss

Creekside Screened Porch

The screened porch overlooking Jonathan Creek is pure magic. You'll hear rushing water while eating some of the best BBQ in the valley. Request a table here if possible - it's what makes this place special.

Burnt Ends

These little cubes of smoky heaven are what BBQ dreams are made of. Perfectly tender with a slight char and deep smoke flavor that'll have you ordering seconds. This is what we drive here for.

Deep-Fried Corn on the Cob

Sounds crazy but trust us on this one. The corn gets a crunchy exterior while staying sweet and tender inside. Drizzle some BBQ sauce on it and prepare to be amazed.

Smoked Brisket

Slow-smoked to perfection with a beautiful smoke ring and tender texture. The two-meat plates with brisket and ribs are popular for good reason. Just ask for warmer sauce to keep it hot.

Homemade Banana Pudding

Old-school boiled custard style that tastes like grandma made it. Rich, creamy, and the perfect ending to a heavy BBQ meal. Save room because you'll regret skipping this.

Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating

Bring your four-legged family members along for the creekside dining experience. The outdoor atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for the whole pack.

Know Before You Go

Arrive during weekday afternoons around 3 PM for the best service and shortest waits
Bring cash as backup though they do accept credit cards
Dress casually - this is outdoor creekside dining, not fine dining
Be patient during busy times as they sometimes run with minimal staff
Wheelchair accessible with level parking and entrance

Opening Hours

Monday11 AM to 8 PM

Tuesday11 AM to 8 PM

Wednesday11 AM to 8 PM

Thursday11 AM to 8 PM

Friday11 AM to 8 PM

Saturday11 AM to 8 PM

Sunday11 AM to 8 PM

Best Times to Visit Pop's Butts On The Creek LLC

For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.

🔥Buzzing

Fridays & Saturdays 6PM - 9PM

☀️Relaxed

Weekday lunches 11AM - 2PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Pop's Butts On The Creek?

They're open Sunday and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Monday is their day off, so plan accordingly if you're craving BBQ early in the week.

How much does Pop's Butts On The Creek cost?

Expect to spend $15-25 per person for a full meal. Two-meat plates run on the higher side, and sides are pricey, but portions are generous and the quality justifies the cost.

Do I need reservations for Pop's Butts On The Creek?

No reservations needed - it's first come, first served. However, we'd recommend calling ahead during busy weekends since they sometimes get overwhelmed and wait times can stretch over an hour.