We Tried BBQ in East Tennessee—These Spots Are the Real Deal

East Tennessee knows how to do barbecue right, and we set out to find the best spots where the smoke is real and the flavors hit home. From family-run joints that have been around for decades to newer spots making serious waves, this region serves up some unforgettable smoked meat.

Whether you’re craving fall-off-the-bone ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, or tangy pulled pork, these restaurants deliver the kind of BBQ that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

1. Phil’s Dream Pit (Kingsport)

Locals in the Tri-Cities area have been flocking to this spot for years, and once you taste the brisket, you’ll understand why. Phil’s Dream Pit has built a reputation on quality meats that are smoked low and slow until they reach that perfect tender texture.

The ribs here are equally impressive, with a beautiful bark on the outside and juicy meat that pulls away cleanly from the bone. Both the brisket and ribs consistently earn rave reviews from customers who know good BBQ when they taste it.

This is the kind of classic barbecue joint where the focus stays on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than overwhelming you with options.

2. Delauder’s BBQ (Sevierville)

Tucked away in Sevierville, this barbecue gem has been serving up authentic smoked goodness that stands out even in a town filled with tourist traps. The folks running Delauder’s understand that great BBQ starts with patience and ends with flavor that speaks for itself.

What makes this place special is the care they put into every plate that leaves the kitchen. You can taste the difference in meats that have been properly seasoned and given the time they need in the smoker.

The portions are generous and the atmosphere feels genuinely welcoming.

3. Southern Craft BBQ (Johnson City)

Johnson City’s barbecue scene got a serious upgrade when this modern spot opened its doors and started putting out consistently excellent smoked meats. Southern Craft BBQ combines traditional smoking techniques with a contemporary approach that appeals to both BBQ purists and adventurous eaters.

The brisket here deserves special attention—it’s smoky, tender, and sliced thick enough to showcase that perfect pink smoke ring. Their burnt ends-style offerings give you those caramelized, flavor-packed bites that BBQ lovers dream about.

With hundreds of positive reviews backing them up, this place has earned its reputation.

4. Ridgewood Barbecue (Bluff City)

Some restaurants become institutions because they’ve been around forever, but Ridgewood Barbecue has stayed relevant by never compromising on quality. This Northeast Tennessee landmark has been serving generations of families who return for that familiar taste they can’t find anywhere else.

The sliced and shaved BBQ plates here are legendary, offering tender meat with just the right amount of smoke and seasoning. Pair that with their classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that feels like home.

5. Project BBQ JC (Johnson City)

Bold flavors and creative touches define the experience at this Johnson City favorite that’s not afraid to put its own spin on barbecue traditions. Project BBQ JC has quickly built a following among people who appreciate smoked meats done with both skill and imagination.

Their brisket and pulled pork showcase classic smoking techniques, delivering the tender, flavorful results you expect from serious pitmasters. But what really sets this spot apart is their willingness to have fun with the menu.

The “nanner puddin” has become almost as famous as the meats themselves. It’s the kind of Southern dessert that provides the perfect sweet finish after a plate of savory, smoky goodness.

6. Dead End BBQ (Knoxville)

Knoxville residents know that when you’re feeding a crowd, this is the place that delivers both quantity and quality without making you choose between the two. Dead End BBQ has earned its staple status by consistently putting out plates that satisfy everyone at the table.

The menu here is built with groups in mind, offering family-style portions and combo platters that let you sample multiple meats without committing to just one. That variety matters when you’re trying to please different tastes and appetites.

The big fanbase this restaurant has cultivated doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of reliable food, generous portions, and an atmosphere that makes gathering with friends and family feel effortless. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just hungry for good BBQ, this spot handles it all.

7. Buddy’s Bar-b-q (Knoxville)

Sometimes you want incredible barbecue without the wait or the fuss, and that’s exactly what this Knoxville favorite delivers every single time. Buddy’s Bar-b-q has mastered the art of serving quality smoked meats quickly, making it perfect for lunch breaks or busy weeknights.

The consistency here is remarkable—you know what you’re getting, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. That reliability has made Buddy’s a beloved part of the East Tennessee BBQ landscape for people who appreciate straightforward, delicious food.

This is no-fuss barbecue at its finest, where the focus stays on good meat, classic sides, and service that keeps the line moving.

8. Nooga Q Smokehouse Grill (Chattanooga)

Chattanooga’s barbecue reputation gets a major boost from this smokehouse that encourages customers to explore the full range of what a smoker can do. Nooga Q Smokehouse Grill has built strong ratings by offering a menu where nearly everything is worth ordering.

The brisket sandwich here is a standout, piled high with tender, smoky meat that’s been treated with respect and patience. Their loaded baked potato takes a simple side and transforms it into something substantial enough to satisfy on its own.

Save room for the banana pudding, which provides that sweet Southern finish that barbecue meals seem to demand.

9. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que (Pigeon Forge)

Finding authentic food in tourist towns can be challenging, but this Pigeon Forge establishment has managed to attract real fans alongside the vacation crowds. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que pulls impressive volume without sacrificing the quality that keeps people coming back year after year.

The ribs here are fall-apart tender with a beautiful glaze, while the brisket platter showcases meat that’s been given proper smoking time. Their smoked wings offer something a little different from standard barbecue fare, and they’ve quickly become a customer favorite.

Don’t leave without trying their signature sauces, which range from sweet and tangy to bold and spicy. Even in a town filled with dining options competing for tourist dollars, Bennett’s has proven that quality and authenticity still win out when done right.