In addition to July 4th being America’s Independence Day, it is also National Barbecue Day. Or National BBQ Day depending on what calendar you find. (Wondering when to use barbecue and when to use barbeque (BBQ)? Read the difference here.) But enough semantics, we want the ‘cue - and frankly we're not waiting around for July 4th for it!
We’re here to give you a round-up of top BBQ restaurants in Knoxville (in no particular order). Grab a fistful of wet wipes, tuck that napkin in your collar, and read on:
A well-loved spot in Fountain City where you can enjoy your meal with décor highlighting the World’s Fair. Try their dry-rubbed St. Louis cut half-rack plate or try some of everything and get a sampler platter. The mac & cheese is a must, and the lima beans are the bomb dot com. We know you're here for the 'cue, but they also do brunch!
In 1983, the original Calhoun’s opened for business in West Knoxville on Kingston Pike, just past Pellissippi Parkway. After winning the grand prize ribbon at The National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio, Calhoun’s claims theirs as the “Best Ribs in America.” Sample for yourself at any of their four Knoxville locations including the original, Bearden, Turkey Creek, and on the Tennessee River downtown at Volunteer Landing.
This tucked-away spot on Sutherland Avenue claims that with their BBQ, “The Search is Over”. Dead End BBQ was born at the end of a dead-end street where neighbors gathered to barbeque. For more than a decade the Dead End Society honed their barbequing skills in the dead end, and in professional barbeque competitions where they achieved national recognition. My personal fave is the beef brisket nachos!
What started as a tailgate turned into catering and a restaurant! This south Knoxville option includes smoked sausage and hush puppies in their offerings, which can be hard to find in some places. They do a lot of family specials too, so you can grab and go and fill up the whole crew.
A Knoxville staple since 1972. Visit their original location in Bearden or one of their 19 area locations that stretch from Morristown to Chattanooga. If you’re local, Bearden Banquet Hall is catered by Buddy’s!
Don’t let the ‘catering’ in the name fool you – M&M is a small family business in west Knoxville whose offerings include individual carry-out and family packs. They also do a fish fry on the weekends, so walk up and try some o’ this and some o’ that!
If your mouth isn’t watering, we don’t know what to tell you. Whether you’re looking for dine-in or to-go for a picnic, we hope this list helps you find some good ‘cue in Knoxville!
Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.
