Best BBQ in Gatlinburg TN: 8 Spots That Are Smoky, Saucy & Worth the Mess

Let’s settle this once and for all: the best BBQ in Gatlinburg isn’t just about the sauce or the smoke ring (though those matter). It’s also about the vibe.

From roadside shacks that feel like a Southern fever dream to sit-down spots with mountain-lodge energy, Gatlinburg’s BBQ scene serves slow-cooked glory with a side of small-town charm.

Whether you’re after smoked meat, pulled pork, or ribs so tender they ghost the bone, this guide is your golden ticket to meat sweats and mouthwatering joy.

And yes, we included the lesser-known legends hiding just off the main drag (because secrets taste better).

Consider this your unofficial napkin-required, sauce-on-your-sleeve BBQ tour through the Smokies, tied up in a smoky bow with all the flavor and none of the “wait, where do we go?” stress.

Delauder’s BBQ – Sevierville

Delauder’s is the kind of place where the napkins are paper towels, the ribs are award-winning, and the sides are actually homemade (no store-bought anything here, thank you very much).

Nestled just outside the Gatlinburg bustle, this family-run gem delivers bold, smoky flavor in a no-frills setting that screams “worth the detour.”

Standouts include the pulled pork platter with collard greens and baked beans, fried mac and cheese, and brisket so tender it practically melts on contact.

Add a pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, or their epic pulled pork and ribs combo, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth canceling all afternoon plans for.

Just a heads-up: they’re closed Monday through Wednesday. You can catch them Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 8 PM.

Small space, limited hours—plan ahead and come hungry.

Tennessee Jed’s BBQ & Catering – Downtown Gatlinburg (But Make It Chill)

Tennessee Jed’s is the casual, counter-service BBQ spot that sneaks up and steals your heart (and your appetite).

The menu reads like a deli fell in love with a smokehouse: smoked chicken salad, carved smoked turkey, slow-roasted corned beef, and hearty BBQ plates with classic sides like baked beans, cole slaw, and potato salad.

Local faves include the turkey bacon sandwich, classic Reuben, and a kid’s menu that doesn’t phone it in: choose from a kid’s BBQ sandwich, plate, or grilled cheese—all with meat, sauce, and toasted buns.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the peanut butter pie. This dessert deserves its own slow clap.

Hungry Bear BBQ – Humble with a Serious Flavor Punch

This might look like a humble roadside shack, but Hungry Bear BBQ in Gatlinburg packs a serious punch in the flavor department.

You show up ravenous, and leave in a blissful meat coma—and honestly, zero regrets.

Fan favorites include the Hungry Bear Rib Dinner, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and beef brisket, all served with hearty sides like mac & cheese and baked beans.

There’s even a rib sandwich platter for the truly ambitious.

Got little ones in tow? The kids’ pulled pork sandwich keeps things easy and delicious. Fast, unfussy, and finger-lickin’ good.

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que – Classic Cabin Vibes

Step into Bennett’s and you’re met with cabin-core comfort: wood-paneled walls, antique-style chairs, and the heavenly scent of hickory and mesquite.

This down-home BBQ joint pulls zero punches with its smoked meats and Southern sides, and they’ve got a full bar to round things out.

The menu’s stacked: think deep-fried deviled eggs, BBQ nachos, a bar-b-que combo special, and mains like the pulled chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and spicy sausage links.

Don’t sleep on dessert; home-baked cobbler and chocolate cake are here to make sure your food coma has a sweet ending!

Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg – Big Groups, Big Flavor

Calhoun’s is where you roll deep—with your family, your friend group, or your appetite.

This Tennessee BBQ chain has perfected the big-portion, big-flavor experience with a lodge-style setting and a Southern-accented menu that goes beyond barbecue.

Signature dishes include their award-winning baby back ribs, boneless wings with sweet & spicy sauce, and combo platters like the ribs + chicken fingers + pulled pork trio.

You’ll also find fresh-ground burgers, fillet mignon, hickory-smoked chicken, and indulgent sides like fried green tomatoes and strawberry shortcake. Craft beers and a cozy-but-bustling vibe seal the deal.

Myron Mixon’s Barbecue Co. – World Champ Energy

When a five-time world champion pitmaster puts his name on a place, you show up ready to eat like royalty.

At Myron Mixon’s Barbecue Co., everything is smoked low and slow with cherry and hickory wood, creating BBQ that’s both brag-worthy and belt-loosening.

The menu flexes hard: smoked wings, BBQ potato skins, baby back mac bites, pork belly burnt ends, and quarter chicken platters.

For the full experience, go with the pork & belly burnt ends platter, the prime beef brisket, or the bone-in beef short rib; massive, meaty, and melt-in-your-mouth.

Sleek interior, championship flavor.

Jimmy’s Smokehouse & Pizza Joint – Because Barbecue and Pizza = Yes

Barbecue or pizza? At Jimmy’s Smokehouse, the answer is “both, obviously.” This family-owned hybrid serves up house-smoked meats and legit pies under one cozy roof.

Whether you’re in the mood for a 1/2 lb sliced brisket, 1/2 rack of ribs, or a sampling platter stacked with brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sausage, and ribs—Jimmy’s doesn’t skimp.

Not feeling BBQ? Go rogue with the maple bourbon chicken, chicken pot pie, brimstone chicken, or crispy favorites like fried mushrooms and deep-fried jalapeños.

Sides like smoked gouda mac & cheese and rotating desserts (hi, classic Reuben and roast beef sandwich) keep the variety coming. Something for everyone, no compromises necessary.

Smoky Mountain Brewery – Beer, Burgers, and Bonus Ribs

Come for the house-brewed beer, stay for the sleeper-hit BBQ. Smoky Mountain Brewery has all the laid-back energy of a sports bar, with elevated eats that go way beyond basic pub grub.

On the menu: boneless wings, ribeye steak, filet mignon, steak & chicken combos, and smoked ribs that surprise you in the best way.

Pair it with a beer sampler, a specialty pizza, or pretzels with beer cheese, and you’ve got a solid pre-hike meal, or a great excuse to skip the hike entirely.

TVs, live music, and chill vibes make this a great choice when your group can’t agree on anything…except good food and beer.

Stick a Rib in It—You’re Done!

So, what’s the real secret to finding the best BBQ in Gatlinburg? Trust your nose, follow the smoke, and never underestimate a tiny shack with a handwritten menu.

From downtown legends to Sevierville side quests, this meat tour delivers on flavor, fun, and full-belly satisfaction.

Whether you’re chasing the best BBQ in Gatlinburg TN for a solo bite, a messy family dinner, or a girls’ trip feast, these spots serve the kind of ‘cue that creates core memories.

And when you’re ready to burn off the brisket (or walk it off slowly with a view), make time for local faves like Anakeesta, where you can zipline, treetop stroll, or just vibe with a cider slushie in hand.

Or perhaps Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, one of the top-rated aquariums in the U.S., with walk-through shark tunnels and penguins that somehow always steal the show.

Tripster has you covered with the best deals on attractions, shows, hotels, and vacation packages to round out your Smoky Mountain getaway.

Need more help with your itinerary? Our Gatlinburg Travel Guide has everything you need. Come hungry. Leave happy. Repeat as necessary!

Best BBQ in Gatlinburg FAQs