Nestled in the heart of southern hospitality, Natchez Trace Smokehouse offers a culinary journey that celebrates authentic smoked flavors and traditional Southern cuisine. The menu is a vibrant showcase of rich, smoky meats, savory sides, and handcrafted dishes that reflect the deep-rooted barbecue culture of the region.
Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue aficionado or a casual diner eager to explore robust flavors, Natchez Trace Smokehouse promises a dining experience steeped in both heritage and innovation.
From tender briskets to slow-smoked ribs, every item on the menu is thoughtfully prepared using time-honored techniques combined with the freshest ingredients. The smokehouse prides itself on balancing bold, smoky profiles with complementary spices and sauces that enhance rather than overpower.
Beyond the main barbecue offerings, the menu features an array of sides and desserts that round out a satisfying meal, inviting guests to savor every bite.
What sets Natchez Trace Smokehouse apart is not just its dedication to quality, but its commitment to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where every dish tells a story. The menu is a testament to the craft of smoking and the passion behind Southern barbecue culture, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking genuine, mouthwatering barbecue fare.
Signature Smoked Meats
The centerpiece of Natchez Trace Smokehouse’s menu is its carefully curated selection of smoked meats. Each cut is slow-cooked over hardwood to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and smoky flavor.
This section highlights the house specialties, designed to showcase the mastery of traditional barbecue techniques.
Brisket is a standout, smoked for hours until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Rich and juicy, the brisket features a smoky bark that enhances its deep, beefy flavor.
It pairs beautifully with the house-made barbecue sauce, which is tangy with a hint of sweetness.
Another crowd favorite is the St. Louis-style ribs, known for their meaty texture and smoky aroma.
These ribs are carefully trimmed and seasoned with a proprietary dry rub before smoking, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. The ribs are served with a choice of sauces, allowing guests to customize their experience.
For those seeking variety, the smoked chicken offers a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Marinated and smoked to perfection, the chicken is tender and infused with a subtle smoky essence that complements its natural juiciness.
Popular Meat Options
- Beef Brisket: Slow-smoked, tender, with a rich bark
- St. Louis Ribs: Meaty, flavorful, expertly seasoned
- Smoked Chicken: Juicy, marinated, with delicate smoke infusion
- Pulled Pork: Shredded, smoky, served with tangy sauce
“Our smoked meats are crafted with patience and precision, honoring the tradition of Southern barbecue while delighting the modern palate.”
Appetizers and Starters
Complementing the main smoked meats, the appetizer section at Natchez Trace Smokehouse is designed to whet the appetite with bold, savory flavors. These starters provide a glimpse into the kitchen’s approach to combining classic Southern ingredients with innovative twists.
One of the most beloved starters is the smoked sausage platter, featuring a selection of locally sourced sausages smoked in-house. Each sausage variety offers a unique blend of spices and textures, perfect for sharing or sampling diverse flavors.
The smoked wings are another highlight, available with a variety of house-made sauces ranging from sweet and tangy to fiery hot. These wings are smoked before being tossed in sauce, which locks in the smoky flavor while adding an irresistible glaze.
For guests who enjoy a touch of crunch, the fried pickles are a must-try. Lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, they’re served with a creamy dipping sauce that balances the tanginess of the pickles.
Appetizer Favorites
- Smoked Sausage Platter: Variety of local smoked sausages
- Smoked Wings: Tossed in house-made sauces
- Fried Pickles: Crispy and tangy with creamy dip
- BBQ Nachos: Loaded with smoked meats and cheese
| Appetizer | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Smoked Sausage Platter | Savory, smoky, mildly spiced | Local craft beer or sweet tea |
| Smoked Wings | Smoky with sweet, spicy, or tangy sauce | Spicy Bloody Mary or citrus soda |
| Fried Pickles | Crispy, tangy, creamy dip | Classic lemonade or light lager |
Hearty Sandwiches and Burgers
The sandwich and burger options at Natchez Trace Smokehouse are crafted to deliver robust, smoky flavors wrapped in freshly baked bread. These items are designed for those who prefer handheld meals without compromising on taste or quality.
The BBQ brisket sandwich features thick slices of tender brisket piled high on a toasted bun, topped with coleslaw and pickles for a perfect balance of textures. It’s a hearty choice that captures the essence of Southern barbecue in every bite.
The pulled pork sandwich is another menu staple. The pork is slow-smoked until tender, then shredded and mixed with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Served with a side of house-made chips or fries, this sandwich offers a satisfying, classic flavor profile.
For burger lovers, the smokehouse burger combines a juicy beef patty with smoked bacon, melted cheese, and smoky barbecue sauce. The fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion add brightness, making it a well-rounded and indulgent option.
Sandwich and Burger Highlights
- BBQ Brisket Sandwich: Thick brisket, coleslaw, pickles
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Tender pork, tangy sauce
- Smokehouse Burger: Beef patty, smoked bacon, cheese
- Chicken Sandwich: Smoked chicken breast, house sauce
“Our sandwiches and burgers are crafted to combine the smoky essence of our meats with fresh, complementary toppings for a perfect handheld experience.”
Classic Southern Sides
The sides at Natchez Trace Smokehouse bring balance and tradition to the table, rounding out the meal with familiar Southern favorites. Each side is prepared with care, ensuring that the flavors enhance the smoked meats rather than compete with them.
Baked beans are slow-cooked with bits of smoked meat, adding a hearty, smoky twist to this classic. The beans are rich and slightly sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser alongside any main dish.
The macaroni and cheese is creamy and indulgent, made with a blend of cheeses that melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, offering a comforting contrast to the smoky meats.
Collard greens are another staple, simmered slowly with smoked ham hocks to infuse them with a deep, savory flavor. This traditional side adds a nutritious and flavorful component to the meal.
Popular Side Dishes
- Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet, hearty
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, baked
- Collard Greens: Slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks
- Potato Salad: Classic, tangy, with a hint of smoke
| Side Dish | Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
| Baked Beans | Pinto beans, smoked pork, molasses, spices | Sweet, smoky, savory |
| Macaroni and Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, cream, butter, pasta | Creamy, rich, cheesy |
| Collard Greens | Collards, smoked ham hocks, onion, garlic | Earthy, smoky, savory |
Vegetarian and Lighter Options
Recognizing diverse dietary preferences, Natchez Trace Smokehouse offers a thoughtful selection of vegetarian and lighter fare. These options maintain the restaurant’s commitment to flavor while providing alternatives to smoked meats.
The smoked portobello sandwich is a popular vegetarian choice, featuring a marinated portobello mushroom cap smoked to perfection. Topped with fresh greens, roasted peppers, and a tangy aioli, it offers a satisfying umami-rich experience.
Salads are also a highlight, with options such as the house smoked veggie salad combining smoked corn, tomatoes, black beans, and mixed greens. The salad is dressed with a zesty vinaigrette that complements the smoky undertones.
For lighter dining, the grilled chicken salad uses smoked chicken breast atop fresh lettuce and seasonal vegetables, creating a balanced, protein-rich meal without the heaviness of traditional barbecue dishes.
Vegetarian and Light Menu Items
- Smoked Portobello Sandwich: Marinated mushroom, roasted peppers
- Smoked Veggie Salad: Smoked corn, black beans, mixed greens
- Grilled Chicken Salad: Smoked chicken, fresh vegetables
- Fresh Fruit Bowl: Seasonal fruits, light and refreshing
“Even without meat, our dishes are designed to capture the smoky essence and bold flavors that define our kitchen.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the meal, Natchez Trace Smokehouse offers a tempting array of desserts that blend Southern tradition with indulgent flavors. Each dessert is crafted to provide a sweet counterpoint to the savory, smoky main courses.
The pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, featuring a rich, buttery filling studded with crunchy pecans. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a comforting favorite among guests.
The banana pudding offers a creamy, nostalgic treat layered with fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and whipped cream. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a perfect finish.
For those who prefer chocolate, the smoked chocolate cake introduces a unique twist by incorporating subtle smoke flavors that complement the rich cocoa, creating a decadent and memorable dessert experience.
Sweet Highlights
- Pecan Pie: Warm, nutty, with vanilla ice cream
- Banana Pudding: Creamy, layered, classic Southern
- Smoked Chocolate Cake: Rich, smoky, indulgent
- Peach Cobbler: Seasonal, sweet, with a crumbly topping
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Pecan Pie | Pecans, corn syrup, butter, eggs | Nutty, sweet, buttery |
| Banana Pudding | Bananas, vanilla wafers, custard, cream | Creamy, sweet, nostalgic |
| Smoked Chocolate Cake | Cocoa, smoked wood chips, butter, sugar | Rich, smoky, chocolatey |
Beverages and Pairings
To complement the rich and smoky flavors of the food, Natchez Trace Smokehouse offers a carefully curated beverage menu. From craft beers to handcrafted cocktails, each drink is selected or created to enhance the dining experience.
The selection of local craft beers includes a range of styles such as pale ales, stouts, and lagers, each chosen to pair well with different meats and sides. Beers with hoppy, citrus notes often balance the smoky richness, while maltier brews complement the sweet barbecue sauces.
Signature cocktails incorporate Southern ingredients like bourbon, fresh citrus, and house-made syrups. The smoky bourbon old fashioned is a favorite, using a subtle smoke infusion to echo the flavors on the plate.
For non-alcoholic options, the house-made sweet tea and freshly squeezed lemonade provide refreshing contrasts to the hearty meal. These classics are perfect for cleansing the palate and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Beverage Pairing Suggestions
- Local Craft Beer: Pale ales and stouts for smoky meats
- Smoky Bourbon Old Fashioned: Bourbon with smoky infusion
- Sweet Tea: Traditional, refreshing, non-alcoholic
- Fresh Lemonade: Tart and sweet, palate cleanser
“Our beverages are thoughtfully paired to not only complement but elevate the flavors of our signature dishes.”
Conclusion
Natchez Trace Smokehouse’s menu is a celebration of authentic Southern barbecue, where every dish is a testament to the art of smoking and the richness of regional flavors. From the tender briskets to the smoky sides and indulgent desserts, the menu offers a comprehensive experience that honors tradition while embracing culinary creativity.
The careful selection of meats, sides, and beverages ensures that each meal is balanced and memorable. Whether indulging in hearty sandwiches or savoring lighter, vegetarian options, diners are invited to explore a spectrum of tastes that highlight the essence of Southern hospitality.
Ultimately, Natchez Trace Smokehouse provides more than just food; it delivers a connection to culture and community through its thoughtfully crafted menu. The dedication to quality, flavor, and experience makes it a destination for those seeking genuine, mouthwatering barbecue that lingers long after the last bite.
