9 Of The Best Barbecue Spots In East Tennessee That Locals Swear By
One barbecue joint on this list serves ribs in a building that answered fire calls until 1976. A vintage 1925 Seagrave fire engine is displayed inside the restaurant, adding another piece of history to the dining experience.
I have to admit, that detail hooked me fast. Then I learned another spot sells homemade jams, honey, and peaches right next to its smoked brisket.
Another one smokes its meat in limited daily batches, so arriving late can mean missing out.
East Tennessee barbecue keeps surprising me. Smoked bologna, oversized loaded potatoes, and frozen fruit ices all show up on these menus.
Even the sides get smoked sometimes.
So I went looking for the Tennessee spots worth planning a whole day around. Hungry yet? I definitely am, and these nine stops make a strong case.
1. Phil’s Dream Pit
A restaurant named after a dream had better deliver, and this Kingsport counter-serve joint takes that job seriously. The setting leans old-school, with homey touches that suit a plate of ribs.
Start with the half rack of baby back ribs if you want the headliner. They come off the bone easily and pair with a sweet fire sauce that brings a little heat.
Brisket fans get their turn too, thanks to tender, juicy slices and a spicy sweet sauce. The pulled pork platter meal is another solid pick when you can’t decide.
Now, about those sides. The baked beans come with pulled pork mixed right in, so even your side dish brings meat to the party.
Coleslaw and potato salad round out the classics, and banana pudding waits at the finish line. Save room, because skipping dessert here feels like leaving a ballgame early.
Service moves fast, which makes this a smart lunch stop on a busy day. The small-town, family feel makes it easy to bring the kids, and there’s a kids’ menu.
Love the sauce a little too much? You can grab BBQ sauce to go and keep the party going at home.
Plan ahead, since the doors stay closed Sundays and Mondays. Friday and Saturday afternoons into evening tend to be the busiest stretch, so a weekday visit may feel calmer.
Address: 534 Eastern Star Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663
2. HardWood BBQ
You might smell this Knoxville spot before you see the sign, since the smokers sit right out front. That’s a pretty honest form of advertising.
HardWood BBQ is locally owned, and the name tells you the plan. Meats get smoked over hardwood, then join homemade sides on your tray.
Feeling hungry in a big way? The Whole Lotta Meat and Big Meat Treat sound like they were named by someone who skipped breakfast.
Smoked bologna deserves a shout, too, because it’s a true East Tennessee favorite. Here it sits on the menu next to pulled pork and chopped brisket.
Those last two are sold by the pound, which helps if you’re feeding a crowd. Add baked beans and a sweet tea, and the meal practically plans itself.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service tends to be quick. You can eat inside or grab a seat outdoors, where dogs are welcome.
Sports fans will like that it’s a good place to catch a game. There’s also a private dining room for bigger get-togethers, plus catering for events.
Don’t skip dessert, since the sweets get high marks. A little something sweet after smoky meat is just good manners.
Delivery isn’t offered, so plan on dine-in or takeout. Honestly, the smell out front makes the trip part of the fun.
Check the calendar before you go, because the restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays. Friday evenings bring the biggest rush, so Tuesday lunch is a calmer bet.
Address: 2014 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
3. HWY 58 BBQ
A baked potato can be a side dish, or it can be a full meal with an attitude. At this family-owned Chattanooga joint, the potatoes go big.
The oversized loaded potatoes come stuffed with cheese, sour cream, and sauce. Then you pick your meat, such as BBQ chicken, beef, or pork.
Ribs are another headliner, well seasoned and tender enough to fall off the bone. Portions run generous, so you may leave with a to-go box.
Pulled pork and smoked chicken also hold their own on the menu. Corn nuggets make a fun crunchy side if you want something different.
Finish with banana pudding, which is homemade. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you scrape the bowl twice.
The place itself is small and casual, a true hole-in-the-wall. Friendly service and amazing smells set the mood the moment you open the door.
Short on time? Calling your order in ahead can speed things up.
Families fit right in, with high chairs and a kids’ menu available. Catering is also an option if you want to feed a group.
Doors open at 10:30 AM Monday through Saturday, and the restaurant closes Sundays. Weekday mornings are usually quiet, while evenings get busier.
You’ll find it right along Highway 58, which makes the name pretty easy to remember. Tennessee barbecue doesn’t need fancy branding when the food does the talking.
Address: 4921 TN-58, Chattanooga, TN 37416
4. Bustin’ Butts BBQ/210 Produce
Where else can you grab a brisket platter and a jar of homemade jam in one stop? This roadside spot near Sevierville pairs smoked meat with a produce stand.
The family story began with a produce stand in Brevard, North Carolina. Barbecue came later, and the two ideas now share space here.
Meats are smoked low and slow over hardwood. Pulled pork, ribs, brisket, smoked chicken, and turkey legs fill the lineup.
Sides are made from scratch, and many get some time in the smoker too. Smoked mac and cheese, smoked baked beans, and smoked green beans with pulled pork all show up.
Prefer something creamy? The coleslaw and mashed potatoes cover that base, and the Smackin Mackin Tater sounds like pure fun.
Before you leave, browse the produce side. Depending on the season, you might find peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, okra, honey, molasses, and homemade pork skins.
Seating is picnic style, with a covered outdoor area. Dogs are allowed, both inside and out, so your pup can tag along.
In a hurry? A drive-through keeps things moving when you’re heading to the mountains.
Sunday hours run shorter, closing at 6 PM. Weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest, so an earlier lunch is a smart move.
Tennessee road trips need fuel, and this stop covers both smoke and snacks for later. Grab a jar of jelly on the way out and breakfast is handled too.
Address: 1698 Newport State Rte, Sevierville, TN 37876
5. The Firehouse
Few barbecue joints can say their building once answered emergency calls. This Johnson City favorite served as the city’s Station No. 2 until 1976.
The restaurant opened inside the converted station in January 1981. A 1925 Seagrave fire engine is displayed inside the restaurant, offering visitors a memorable photo opportunity.
Inside, firehouse memorabilia fills the walls, including axes, hoses, hats, and the station’s original plaque. Part museum, part dining room.
Now for the smoke. Meats are hickory smoked in-house, and you may spot a pink smoke ring on your plate.
Pick from Carolina pulled pork, thin-sliced pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket, or a half rack of ribs. Sauces, sides, and desserts are made from scratch daily.
Want a lighter choice? The pulled pork salad comes big and fresh, and broccoli salad makes a crunchy side.
Burgers get their moment too, like The Chief with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. Carolina Tater Skins, topped with pulled pork and melted cheese, make a fun starter.
Table service keeps things relaxed, and the staff are known for being friendly. There’s also a private dining room and full catering.
Watch for seasonal desserts such as Pumpkin Crunch. The restaurant closes Sundays and Mondays, so plan your craving around that.
East Tennessee has plenty of barbecue, but few spots come with this much history. Plus, where else can you eat ribs near a vintage fire truck?
Address: 627 W Walnut St, Johnson City, TN 37604
6. Chatt Smoke House
Barbecue and frozen fruit ices on the same menu? This no-frills Chattanooga spot makes that combo feel completely natural.
The look is simple and a little dated, and that’s part of its charm. The focus stays on classic smoked meats and sides.
Ribs are the big draw, tender and smoked with a clear smoke ring. The meat comes well seasoned, so sauce becomes more of a bonus.
Chicken fans should try the smoked chopped chicken breast plate. It’s a nice break if you’ve had your fill of pork this week.
Craving something different? The menu also covers a fish sandwich, chili dogs, and chili-cheese fries.
Then cool off with a frozen fruit ice. On a hot Tennessee afternoon, that might be the smartest order of the day.
You’ll find it on East M.L. King Boulevard, close to downtown.
That makes it handy for a quick bite between errands or sightseeing.
Service runs fast, with both counter and table options. The mood stays relaxed and easygoing, and dogs are allowed outside.
Night owls, take note. Friday and Saturday hours stretch until 10 PM, later than many barbecue spots around town.
Sunday and Monday are off days, so plan around them. Weekend afternoons into evenings draw the biggest crowds.
Bring a friend and split ribs and chili-cheese fries. Sharing is caring, especially when fries are involved.
Catering is available too, if your next party needs ribs. Your guests will probably forgive you for skipping the salad.
Address: 416 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403
7. Delauder’s BBQ
Checkered tablecloths set the tone at this family-owned stop on Dolly Parton Parkway. It’s unfussy, and the barbecue does the heavy lifting.
Meats are hickory smoked fresh in limited daily batches. That means a sellout can happen, so earlier is better.
Pulled pork, brisket, and ribs anchor the menu, and the smoked sausages earn attention too. Sauces are homemade, served on the table or on the side.
Can’t choose? The sampler and the pulled pork and ribs combo help indecisive eaters.
Sides go beyond the basics with fried mac and cheese. Green beans, coleslaw, and potato salad keep the classics covered.
Potato lovers have options too, like the loaded baked potato and the Smoky Mountain Potato. Smoky Mountain Nachos make a fun shareable plate.
Wash it down with sweet tea, the unofficial drink of Tennessee barbecue. Coffee is available if you need a pick-me-up for the drive.
Live music and sports on TV add to the fun at times. Free wi-fi helps if you need to map your next stop.
Mind the schedule, because it’s closed Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Sunday, doors open around noon, with Saturday starting at 11:30 AM.
Weekend afternoons and Thursday evenings get busy. With limited batches, an early lunch is your best friend here.
Dogs can join you outside, which is nice for road trippers. Families will find high chairs ready for little ones.
Heading toward the Smokies? This makes a handy stop before or after the crowds in town.
Address: 1305 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862
8. Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que
Fried bologna, Brunswick stew, and hamburger steak share a menu with hickory-smoked meats here. This East Ridge spot covers old-school comfort from several angles.
The barbecue sticks to tradition, with chicken, beef, and pork all smoked over hickory. Chopped beef and pork come out tender and easy to love.
The BBQ chicken plate is a strong choice for poultry fans. So is the chicken BBQ sandwich, if you’d rather eat with your hands.
Fresh catfish shows up too, which is great for anyone wanting a break from pork. The ribs plate is there when you want something to gnaw on.
Brunswick stew deserves extra credit. It’s a Southern classic that pairs nicely with a sandwich.
For sides, potato salad is a standout, and Freedom Fries and curly fries add crunch. Sweet tea is close to mandatory.
Dessert keeps it simple with banana pudding and apple pie. Choosing between them may be the hardest decision you make all day.
The restaurant is family-owned and long-running, with a casual, easygoing feel. Service is friendly, and the prices are fair.
Need it fast? A drive-through and curbside pickup make it easy to grab dinner on the way home.
East Ridge sits just outside Chattanooga near the Georgia line. That makes this a handy stop if you’re coming up from the south.
It’s closed Mondays, and Sunday hours run noon to 7 PM. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times.
Address: B 5611 Ringgold Rd, East Ridge, TN 37412
9. Billie Rae’s BBQ Soul Food & Catering
Smoked mac and cheese sounds like something you’d invent at midnight, and this Knoxville spot actually serves it. Ribs share the spotlight, and both bring big flavor.
Billie Rae’s blends barbecue with soul food, right there in the name. That pairing shows up on the plate in tasty ways.
Look for cornbread, collard greens, and baked beans among the sides. They round out a rib dinner the way a good bassline rounds out a song.
The restaurant also serves several vegetable sides, including fried okra, coleslaw, and fried cabbage. That’s rare at a barbecue joint, so bring your meat-free friends along.
The setting is casual and relaxed, with counter service. You can dine in, order takeout, or use curbside pickup.
Delivery is available too, for nights when the couch wins. Catering makes it easy to bring this food to a party.
You’ll find it on East Magnolia Avenue. Parking can be a little tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Timing matters here more than most places. Doors open at 12:30 PM Wednesday through Sunday, and it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Weekday service runs until 6:30 PM, while weekends wrap up at 5:30 PM. Late dinner plans won’t work, so think early supper.
Kids are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs ready. Desserts are available if you have room left.
Knoxville has plenty of smoke, but soul food paired with ribs makes this one stand out. Grab a side of collards and see for yourself.
Address: 1920 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917