7 Best BBQ Joints in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN

Whether smoked, slathered or dry rubbed, barbecue is a traditional American food favorite. The South is famous for flavorful meats, so it’s no surprise there are great BBQ joints in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Whether for lunch or dinner, visitors should try these barbecue spots and come hungry.

Top BBQ Joints in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN

Bennett’s Pit Bar-b-que

A top TripAdvisor favorite, Bennett’s Pit Bar-b-que has won Reader’s Choice Awards for Best BBQ and Best Ribs. What’s the secret? They baste chicken, ribs, pork and beef in their own special sauce, then smoke them over Hickory Wood up to 14 hours. Open for all meals, from-the-smoker options include pork shoulder, beef brisket, smoked sausage, barbecue chicken and burnt ends. Bennett’s also sells its sauce and seasonings.

Calhoun’s

This chain, with two locations in the area, is a top  restaurant and microbrewery. They have propriety sauces and dressings – customers can also buy – and award-winning barbecue sauce. Calhoun’s slow smokes their meats over hickory as well, and diners can pick from catfish, chicken and ribs. The house trio features ribs, tenders and smoked pork.

Corky’s Ribs and BBQ

The popular Corky’s Ribs and BBQ serves Memphis-style smoked ribs, pork, chicken, turkey and more. The ribs and BBQ are either hand rubbed with a special dry shake or basted in their famous sauce. The smokehouse menu offers full racks of ribs, chicken halves, 1 lb. pulled pork and sides. The Memphis sampler let’s diners pick four favorites, including bee brisket, smoked turkey, catfish fillets and more.

Delauder’s Smoky Mountain BBQ

This sandwich shop and barbecue favorite uses their award-winning rub to make sandwiches, barbecue and wings. The small purple building and friendly staff welcome barbecue lovers from all over. The trolley stops outside the door, and outside dining is available. Or visitors can order to-go.

Hungry Bear BBQ

The name says it all. Two locations in Gatlinburg serve smoked meats and lots of sauces to top the dish. Highly raved about by online reviewers, customers love the barbecue pork, ribs, brisket, and many claim it’s some of the best in the Smokies. Grab a plate and sit indoors or outside to enjoy the mountain scenery.

Texas Roadhouse

Known for award-winning ribs, Texas Roadhouse uses their own seasonings and serves full and half-slabs. Turn the meal into a Texas-size combo by adding pulled pork, grilled barbecue chicken or barbecue roasted ribeye. Don’t forget to munch on peanuts while waiting for the main course. The place can get pretty packed, so call ahead and cut down on the wait time.

Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ and Grill

Located in nearby Sevierville, Tony Gore’s serves mouth-watering baby-back and St. Louis-style BBQ ribs. Also praised by online reviewers as a Best in the Smokies, this restaurant focuses on food as well as Southern culture. Entree options range from pork and beef brisket plates to fried chicken. Those extra hungry can double the meat for five bucks.

Find more family-friendly restaurants in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.