It’s nearly impossible to determine which Smoky Mountain barbeque restaurant is the best. Why? There are so many incredible places in the Smokies serving up smoky, bold flavor! Each one of these listed below has the potential to become your place for the best BBQ in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, so take a look at a few favorites from the locals:
Best BBQ in Sevierville TN
Every year in May, the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival in Sevierville takes over the streets of downtown Sevierville and provides an incredible opportunity to sample incredible barbeque from all over the state–it’s a must-do event if you happen to be in the area! Otherwise, you can visit some of these Sevierville BBQ restaurants:
Buddy’s Bar-b-q– don’t be fooled by their quick-service drive-thru, Buddy’s is definitely not fast food! They smoke all of their meats in-house, serve homemade sides and desserts made from family recipes, and offer daily and weekly specials for an affordable price!
Preachers Smokehouse– this is a hidden gem and one of the best BBQ places in the Smokies! Expect a simple, straightforward menu, all kinds of smoked meats, and top-notch hospitality. Take note that they’re typically open Thursday through Saturday.
Best BBQ in Pigeon Forge TN
You can’t go wrong with any of these amazing BBQ restaurants in Pigeon Forge:
Calhoun’s– With locations in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Calhoun’s is perfect for either a casual lunch or dinner and has something for everyone. We recommend starting with the bacon-wrapped burnt ends dipped in Tennessee whiskey BBQ sauce and then getting the hickory-smoked baby-back ribs for your entree!
Puckett’s Restaurant– even though it isn’t technically just a barbeque restaurant, Puckett’s has some of the best options for Pigeon Forge BBQ! Our favorite is the Piggy Mac, cherry wood-smoked pulled pork in an iron skillet, topped with white cheddar mac and cheese and biscuit crumbs!
Hickory House BBQ– if you’re spending the day at Dollywood, then you’ll have several options for smoky barbeque, and this restaurant’s award-winning flavors are worth it! We recommend the Brisket Cheesesteak or their signature pulled pork over homemade twisted taters and topped with white cheddar cheese sauce!
Best BBQ in Gatlinburg TN
Some of the delicious BBQ restaurants in Gatlinburg include:
Bennett’s Pit-Bar-B-Q– Another of the most well-known places for barbeque in the Smokies, Bennett’s also has two locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Their mouthwatering hickory-smoked BBQ and variety of sauces pair perfectly with their Southern starters and sides, from deep-fried deviled eggs and pork rinds to baked beans, potato salad, and collard greens.
Myron Mixon BBQ– the newest place for BBQ in Gatlinburg, this restaurant is located where Crawdaddy’s used to be on the Parkway. We suggest ordering one of the Pit Master Platters, where you can get 2 or 3 meats + 2 sides + cornbread. Their sauces, rubs, and seasonings have won multiple awards, and you can even purchase some to take home!
Smokehouse at Anakeesta– if you plan to visit Anakeesta, make sure you enjoy a meal with a view at Smokehouse. From tri-tips and ribs to pork and chicken, you’ll love the classic Smoky Mountain BBQ flavors. The Smokehouse Nachos are also popular, with your choice of meat and all the toppings!
We hope you’ll try a few of these places for BBQ near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge the next time you’re in the Smokies! Have to finish your meal with something sweet? Check out the best places to get ice cream in Pigeon Forge!
