Tennessee’s most visited mountain town hides a serious smoke‑ring obsession.
From roadside shacks where pitmasters greet you by name to polished log‑cabin dining rooms pouring local whiskey, Gatlinburg’s barbecue scene is as layered as the ridgelines that cradle it.
Use this guide to navigate the five essential stops—plus a couple of honorable mentions—so you can focus on finger‑licking instead of Google‑mapping.
Why Trust This Guide?
Every restaurant here smokes its meat on‑site, offers at least one standout regional side, and sits within ten miles of downtown Gatlinburg. Whether you’re here for the Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede or a romantic getaway, this guide lists our top picks, opening hours, phone numbers, and pro tips woven throughout, but call ahead—mountain weather and holiday traffic can cause sudden schedule shifts.
Gatlinburg BBQ at a Glance
| Joint | Vibe | Must‑Try Meats | Signature Side | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delauder’s Smokehouse | No‑frills picnic tables | Five‑Meat Plate | Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese | 1875 East Parkway |
| Bennett’s Pit Bar‑B‑Que | Family log‑cabin | Burnt Ends | Deep‑Fried Corn | 714 River Road |
| Hungry Bear BBQ (1 & 2) | Roadside shacks | Pulled Pork | Vinegar Slaw | 490 & 2263 East Parkway |
| Tennessee Jed’s | Quick‑serve deli | Pulled Pork Cuban | Smoked Potato Salad | 631 Parkway |
| Calhoun’s Gatlinburg | Polished lodge | Baby Back Ribs | Spinach Maria | 1004 Parkway |
What Makes Gatlinburg’s Barbecue Unique?
• Apple‑wood and Hickory Smoke. Local pitmasters mix hardwoods for a flavor that balances sweet fruitiness with classic Southern char.
• Mountain‑Sized Portions. Many plates easily feed two; share to stretch both dollars and appetites.
• Side‑Dish Showdowns. From fried okra to green‑chile cheese grits, the accompaniments are half the fun.
Delauder’s Smokehouse: The Five‑Meat Pilgrimage
Address: 1875 East Parkway | Phone: (865) 325‑8682
Tucked behind an unassuming grocery, Delauder’s looks more garden shed than restaurant, yet it tops many national “best‑of” lists. The secret? Pitmaster Marcus Delauder refuses to rush—pork shoulders lounge for 14 hours in a hickory‑apple blend before meeting plates.
Order Like a Pro
- Five‑Meat Plate. Baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, grilled chicken breast, and a smoky link—ideal for first‑timers.
- Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Panko‑crusted cubes ooze sharp cheddar at first bite.
Quick Tip: Arrive when doors open. Once the chalkboard reads sold out, you’re out of luck until tomorrow.
Bennett’s Pit Bar‑B‑Que: Family‑Friendly Smoke & Sauce
Address: 714 River Road | Phone: (865) 436‑2400 | Website: bennetts‑bbq.com
A stone fireplace and knotty‑pine beams set an old‑school mood, but Bennett’s menu keeps expanding. Choose the BBQ Combo to mix three meats—burnt ends, barbecue chicken, jalapeño‑kicked sausage. Sauces run from mild molasses to tongue‑tingling “Hot & Smoky.”
Why We Love It
- Kids Eat Cheap. The Little Pig platter clocks in under ten dollars.
- Breakfast Buffet. Saturday and Sunday mornings feature smoke‑flavored bacon beside biscuits and sausage gravy.
Hungry Bear BBQ #1 & #2: Double‑Down Roadside Flavor
Addresses: 490 East Parkway & 2263 East Parkway | Phones: (865) 325‑1084 / (865) 325‑8048
Driving Highway 321 you’ll pass two metal smokers wafting sweet blue smoke: that’s your cue to pull over. Hungry Bear’s dine‑in space is minimal—order at the window, snag a picnic bench—but the pulled pork stacks high and the bark snaps with pepper.
Can’t‑Miss Bites
- Pulled‑Pork Sandwich. Piled four inches tall, served with a tangy vinegar slaw.
- Banana‑Pudding Cake. A mash‑up of two Southern icons, best shared on‑site before the icing melts.
Tennessee Jed’s: Sandwich Wizardry on the Parkway
Address: 631 Parkway, Suite A8 | Phone: (865) 412‑1131 | Website: tennesseejeds.net
Tennessee Jed’s looks like a coffee shop but smells like a smokehouse. Order at the counter, grab a stool, and watch staff carve meat to order.
Star of the Menu
- Pulled‑Pork Cuban. Slow‑smoked pork meets ham, Swiss, pickles, and yellow mustard on pressed Cuban bread. The smoky‑acidic balance is addictive.
Pair it with house‑made smoked potato salad and a Cheerwine soda for a quick lunch that powers an afternoon at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Calhoun’s Gatlinburg: Smoky Mountain Supper Club
Address: 1004 Parkway, Suite 101 | Phone: (865) 436‑4100
Part of a respected East Tennessee mini‑chain, Calhoun’s delivers the most polished dining room on this list—think stacked‑stone fireplace, craft‑beer taps, and views of the Parkway bustle.
Table Talk
- Baby Back Ribs. Slow‑cooked until the bone simply slides free.
- Spinach Maria. A casserole of creamed spinach, jalapeños, and sharp cheddar that locals order by the pint.
- Family Feed Pack. Ribs, chicken tenders, and smoked pork shoulder packaged for cabin takeout.
How Do You Choose the Right BBQ Joint?
- Time Budget. Got thirty minutes? Tennessee Jed’s or Hungry Bear. A leisurely evening? Calhoun’s or Bennett’s.
- Meat Mood. Craving variety? Delauder’s Five‑Meat Plate. Focused on ribs? Calhoun’s or Bennett’s.
- Group Size. Large family? Calhoun’s Feed Pack or Bennett’s combo platters stretch far.
Honorable Mentions Worth the Detour
While not within Gatlinburg city limits, these spots merit a scenic drive if you’re extending your Smoky Mountain stay.
| Joint | Distance | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Preacher’s Smokehouse | 14 mi (TN‑416) | Mesquite‑kissed brisket and house pickles |
| Boss Hogg’s BBQ | 18 mi (Wears Valley) | Pit‑smoked wings beloved by locals |
Planning Your Smoky Mountain BBQ Crawl
- Peak Hours: Lines spike between 6 pm – 8 pm. Early dinners at 5 pm mean shorter waits.
- Parking: Downtown lots fill quickly; Bennett’s and Calhoun’s validate if you dine in.
- Dietary Notes: Most joints offer smoked turkey or chicken for lean alternatives; vegetarian options are limited to sides.
- Cash vs Card: All featured establishments accept credit cards, but smaller roadside spots sometimes offer cash‑discount pricing.
Quick Tips for a Perfect BBQ Day
- Start East, Drive West. Begin at Delauder’s for lunch, hop to Hungry Bear for a mid‑afternoon snack, then glide into downtown for a twilight feast at Calhoun’s.
- Pair With Adventure. Combine a Bennetts breakfast buffet with an early hike to Alum Cave, or book Tennessee Jed’s sandwiches to‑go before an Anakeesta gondola ride.
- Sauce Sampling. Many joints keep bottles tableside. Taste each style on white bread first—your palate will thank you later.
Ready to Taste the Smokies?
Barbecue is more than a meal; it’s a sensory gateway to Appalachian culture, no matter when you visit Gatlinburg —slow, smoky, and steeped in hospitality. Use this guide, bring an empty stomach, and let Lake.com’s hosts handle the rest.
Hungry yet? Browse cabins within five minutes of downtown smokehouses on Lake.com. Reserve now and we’ll throw in our printable BBQ Passport—stamp every joint and earn a free sauce sampler on your next visit.
See you under the smoke plume.
