Best BBQ in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
East Tennessee BBQ is hickory-smoked simplicity—pork-forward, light tomato-based sauce, and sides that matter as much as the meat. Gatlinburg sits right in the heart of it, with pitmasters who’ve been smoking since before the tourist boom. These aren’t chains. They’re the real thing.
Best Overall
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que — Downtown, $-$$. The pulled pork is the standard every other joint measures against. Ribs have a slight char, sauce doesn’t overpower the smoke. Get the baked beans if you want to understand what they’re doing right. Family-run, consistent, worth the wait.
Delauder’s BBQ — Parkway area, $. Whole hog traditions meet modern technique. Their brisket slices clean, and the burnt ends are legit. Smaller operation, which means they run out. Get there for lunch if you want choices.
Calhoun’s on the River — Riverside location, $$. Bigger spot but doesn’t coast on it. Their ribs have good smoke penetration, pulled pork is tender without falling apart. Views don’t hurt either, but the food stands alone.
Hungry Bear BBQ — East side, $. No frills, honest portions. Brisket is straightforward, sides are fresh. This is where locals go when they’re not trying to impress anyone.
Best Brisket
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que — Consistent bark, pink smoke ring, slices without shredding. It’s not Texas-thick, but it’s honest.
Delauder’s BBQ — Leaner cut, better char. They don’t oversaucer it. Sauce on the side.
Calhoun’s on the River — Slices thick, smoke-tender. Pairs well with their cornbread.
Best Ribs
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que — Slight bend to them, meat pulls clean from the bone. They’re doing the 3-2-1 right.
Lil’ Smokies BBQ — Small spot with big technique. Baby backs have good color and a gentle smoke. Consistent, rarely a dud.
Calhoun’s on the River — Their spare ribs are meatier than the baby backs. Sauce adheres without drowning them.
Best Pulled Pork
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que — The gold standard. Shred texture is perfect—not mushy, holds together. Slight smoke ring all the way through. This is what you order.
Delauder’s BBQ — Leaner, more textured. Works great on a sandwich. Their burnt ends hit different too.
Hungry Bear BBQ — Straightforward, no tricks. Tender, peppery rub, lets the smoke show. Good sandwich base.
Tips
Arrive early. Delauder’s runs out by early afternoon on weekends. Bennett’s has longer hours but lunch lines form by 11:45 a.m.
Baked beans are not filler. Try them—East Tennessee joints take sides seriously. You’ll find whole beans, not mush.
Sauce on the side. These pitmasters aren’t hiding weak meat under sauce. Taste the meat first.
Expect it casual. Most spots are counter-order, pick-your-sides, maybe a few picnic tables. That’s the point.