Where to Find the Best Barbecue in Knoxville

If you’re buying a home among Knoxville real estate or just planning a visit, you’ll have a wide range of dining choices as this eastern Tennessee city has more restaurants per capita than any other in the U.S. Barbecue lovers in particular will be happy to know that many of them include some of the BBQ eateries on the planet.

Calhoun’s On The River

The famous Calhoun’s On the River located on the city’s historic waterfront is one of the best for dining on BBQ with a panoramic river view, although there are nine locations throughout Knoxville and the surrounding area.

There’s an outside deck for enjoying the picturesque setting on a pleasant day while the menu features tasty favorites like brisket and all sorts of sandwiches, including the Hickory Smoked BBQ Pork.

Sweet P’s Downtown Dive

A popular spot among the locals in the Old City, Sweet P’s is known for its decor that highlights the World’s Fair. There are almost always some great daily specials but one of the most beloved mouthwatering dishes here is the dry-rubbed St. Louis half-rack plate. If you want to try a little bit of everything, the sampler platter is perfect.

For sides, think traditional BBQ favorites like slaw, potato salad, collard greens, or mac ‘n cheese, the latter of which is really not-to-be-missed. There is also an excellent selection of craft beers as well as an eclectic wine list to complement it.

BrickYard Bar and Grill

This neighborhood pub is renowned for its BBQ as well as its live music. Depending on the day, the atmosphere varies but the food remains a constant with plenty of delicious offerings.

The tender smoked wings that are fall-off-the-bone heavenly, rubbed and slow smoked, tossed in your choice of sauce like blueberry jerk, mango habanero, and many others, including BBQ, are practically a must. The pulled pork sliders with smoked pork butt tossed in BBQ sauce are a big hit too.

Love That BBQ

Located in South Knoxville, this place is aptly named as many fall in love at first bite. Everything you try here is going to be good, from the half-slab of ribs to the pulled pork sandwich. Plus the portions are extremely generous and the service is exceptional.

Side dishes include the sweet potato salad with just the right amount of sweetness and the baked beans enhanced by green chile. If you can, come on a Tuesday or Thursday when they serve a special banana pudding that has the perfect ratio of filling to bananas with ground-up peanut butter cookies on top.

Full Service BBQ

This place was so good the original had to expand so now Full Service BBQ has two locations in Knoxville, one in Farragut and the other in Maryville.

While it’s hard to choose which dish is the best, the chicken, pork, and brisket sandwiches, or the half-rack of ribs, are some of the most often ordered. Pulled pork sandwiches are very tasty too, and you can enjoy sides like mac ‘n cheese, potato salad, and iron skillet baked beans.