Gatlinburg is home to several top-quality options for everyone’s favorite hearty, crave-solving all-American dish: barbeque! We’ve put together this list of the best barbeque restaurants in the Smokies to help you choose your evening spot the next time you find yourself hungry in the Smokies.
Delauder’s
For a family-owned barbeque joint serving up great taste, look no further than Delauder’s! The restaurant has won numerous awards, from Top 25 BBQs in the Country to Best in Tennessee by Time Magazine. One bite of their barbeque, and it’s easy to see why—the flavorful ribs, brisket, and pulled pork will have you coming back for more. Delauder’s has limited seating, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you have a larger party to make sure they can seat you. The wait is worth it, though, as Delauder’s has earned every bit of their impressive reputation with mouthwatering barbeque and great service!
Calhoun’s
Calhoun’s is known for its juicy and flavorful ribs, which earned it “Best Ribs in America” at the Cleveland National Rib Cookoff back in 1983, their first year in business. Since then, they’ve stuck to the same recipe while expanding and opening more restaurants in the local area. Calhoun’s offers a fun and relaxing dining experience for everyone in your family! When you visit the Gatlinburg location, be sure to try the restaurant’s signature ribs, paired with a delectable side like cinnamon apples or Tennessee Corn Puddin’. You’re sure to leave full and happy after a long and hard day of hiking in the mountains!
Bennett’s Pit Barbeque
For flavorful hickory-smoked barbeque, look no further than Bennett’s. A locally owned restaurant known for its special barbeque sauce and slow smoking process, Bennett’s offers smoked pork shoulder, beef brisket, chicken, and more. The restaurant smokes their meat for 14 hours to ensure flavor and tenderness, and they slather each cut with their secret recipe barbeque sauce for the perfect meaty dish. Each meal comes with mouthwatering warm barbeque sauce served on the side. Once you’ve finished your meal off with some cobbler or chocolate cake, you’re sure to agree with the many travelers that have given Bennett’s top marks on Tripadvisor. The restaurant also offers catering, so if you want to enjoy their flavorful dishes offsite, you’re in luck!
Buddy’s Barbeque
Just a short drive away in nearby Sevierville, Buddy’s Barbeque traces its flavorful roots back to the vision of Buddy Smothers and his wife Lamuriel in 1966. The restaurant’s signature barbeque takes its cue from the Alabama flavors Buddy and Lamuriel loved, and after a few bites, you’re sure to agree with them! Try one of their famous barbeque sandwiches, and don’t forget to order a side of delicious hushpuppies.
A vacation to the Smoky Mountains wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Tennessee barbeque. Don’t leave hungry—grab a plate at any one of Gatlinburg’s best barbeque restaurants, and you’re sure to leave full! No matter which one you choose, we’re confident that you’ll have better pork, ribs, and brisket than anywhere else in the country.
