Where to Find the Best BBQ in Gatlinburg

Posted

May 31, 2024

When trying to decide which places to eat in the Smoky Mountains, sweet and spicy barbeque is probably high on everyone’s list! From ribs, pulled pork, and brisket to burnt ends, smoked sausage, and all the delicious sides, Gatlinburg has no shortage of fantastic BBQ restaurants. Take a look at some of our top recommendations so you can enjoy the best BBQ in Gatlinburg the next time you’re in town!

Delauder’s BBQ

Delauder’s BBQ smokes their own meats, makes their own award-winning sauces (the sweet habanero is fantastic!), and serves old-fashioned sides with a down-home atmosphere and the epitome of Southern hospitality. Not only did they make Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Barbeque Spots in the U.S. list, but they claimed the #10 spot – so you know their BBQ is really that good! Their secret blend of 24 spices creates the perfect dry rub that took the owner several years to get just right. Now, this no-fuss BBQ restaurant frequently sells out of their delicious barbeque, so it might take you a couple of tries to get in, but make no mistake, it’s well worth it!

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que

bennetts best bbq in gatlinburg Of course, we couldn’t forget to include Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que in this list of where to find the best BBQ in Gatlinburg! The hickory wings and deep-fried deviled eggs are two of their popular starters, and then you can choose from a nearly endless selection of meats, from hog legs to baby back ribs. If you want to try something different, order the Spicy Brisket Philly sandwich or The Boss Hog, which is smoked jalapeno sausage crisped up on the grill, topped with grilled peppers and onions, then smothered in a homemade mustard BBQ sauce, and served on a toasted ciabatta bun.

Hungry Bear BBQ

Hungry Bear BBQ is another of the best Gatlinburg restaurants off the beaten path you must try for authentic barbeque done right. You can see their smoker slow-cooking the meat to melt-in-your-mouth perfection in the parking lot, and they have both indoor and outdoor seating.

Calhoun’s

Calhoun's Gatlinburg restaurant Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg is a popular restaurant in the Smokies known for top-notch barbeque. You have to try their bacon-wrapped beef brisket burnt ends, which they serve with a Tennessee whiskey barbeque sauce; it’s the ideal starter to share with the table! You can also get one of the best steaks in town– the Calhoun Bar-B-Que steak. Make sure to stop by on Fridays or Saturdays to get their hickory smoked prime rib or sandwich special!

Smokehouse

If you’re planning to visit Anakeesta during your trip to the Smokies, then you should check out Smokehouse! It is one of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg with a view and serves some of the best BBQ in Gatlinburg. Their house-smoked pork and brisket are incredible, and the fresh salad with burnt ends is the perfect option for a lighter lunch.

Smith & Son Corner Kitchen

smith and son corner kitchen Smith & Son Corner Kitchen is right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg, steps from the Space Needle. They serve a variety of unique Smoky Mountain dishes, from dried chicken to smoked meatloaf, but they are also well-known for their amazing barbeque! We recommend their fried wings with your choice of sauce (buffalo, smoky BBQ, sweet teriyaki, mango habanero, buffalo dry rub, and Korean BBQ)or their nacho appetizer, which is house potato chips covered in smoked pulled pork and beef brisket, as well as jalapeños, red onion, tomatoes, fried onions, cilantro, spicy pickles, melted cheddar cheese, and sour cream sauce. For your entree, choose from pulled pork topped creamy mac and cheese, the “Q” pulled pork sandwich, a BBQ bacon burger or the Pit Master Burger with pulled pork, and the slow-cooked pork ribs or beef brisket.