When you think of a Southern food that encompasses the Smoky Mountain feeling, BBQ is one of the first things that normally comes to mind. Whether it is pulled pork or ribs, BBQ is a specialty of the area. When you’re in the mood for this Southern staple, you can find the best BBQ in Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is home to some of the top places to fulfill your craving for delicious BBQ dishes. Here are 4 restaurants in Pigeon Forge with the best BBQ:
1. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Voted as having the best BBQ in Pigeon Forge in 2020, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que takes pride in serving the best quality food. All of their meat is basted in a homemade sauce before being smoked on hickory wood for up to 14 hours! One of the unique features of Bennett’s is they serve all of their signature sauce on the side for BBQ entrees. This is handy because everyone likes a different amount of sauce. Bennett’s has been locally owned for over 30 years and is part of the Johnson Family of Restaurants that has different establishments spread out throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, including Alamo Steakhouse.
2. Boss Hogg’s BBQ Shack
With over 35 years of experience in the business, Boss Hogg’s has the art of smoking BBQ down to perfection. The mix of good food and a great family atmosphere makes it one of the best barbecue restaurants in Pigeon Forge. One unique feature of this particular restaurant is the option to buy meat entrees without having to get sides to go with it. This is a great option if you want to get some buns at the store and take some delicious BBQ with you on a picnic or to enjoy outside your cabin. Just be sure to save room for some of Boss Hogg’s famous banana pudding, which goes perfectly with all BBQ entrees.
3. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
When you think of famous BBQ cities in the United States, Memphis is always one that comes to mind. Well, that is where Corky’s Rib & BBQ got their start in the business over 30 years ago! Luckily, now you can mix Memphis BBQ with the beauty of the Smoky Mountains to create a fantastic dining experience. Corky’s serves up some of the best BBQ in Pigeon Forge and takes pride in the fact they trim and pull all of their meats by hand instead of using automation technology like other restaurants. They believe in cooking everything the old fashioned way to ensure the process is being done right. If you want to get the feeling of Beale Street while in Pigeon Forge, check out Corky’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge.
4. Calhoun’s
If you want to test out a larger chain that has proven success with BBQ in Pigeon Forge, Calhoun’s is the place to go! Starting in 1983, the original Calhoun’s restaurant opened in Knoxville. Since then, they have been awarded with the best ribs in America at the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, and have now expanded to 9 restaurant locations all across East Tennessee. All of the BBQ items on their menu are marked by their signature Smoke Ring. When fully cooked, authentic BBQ has a pinkish tint on the outer edge of the meat, which is called “The Smoke Ring.” You can notice it best on Calhoun’s Hickory Smoked Chicken and award-winning baby back ribs. The reputation of good food and friendly service makes Calhoun’s one of the best BBQ restaurants in the area.
Where to Stay
If you need a place to stay that is close to all the great BBQ restaurants in Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out our Pigeon Forge cabins. Our cabins make it easy to access all the best dining options in the area. When you are on vacation you do not want to have to worry about traveling long distances to find good food. However, when you choose to stay with us, that will not be a problem you will have to stress over.
Not only will you be close to all the fantastic dining options that offer the best BBQ in Pigeon Forge, our cabins are also centrally located to make sure you can enjoy all the best area activities. To see a full list of all there is to do while you stay with us, explore the Pigeon Forge attractions that are near our cabins. We hope you enjoy your vacation in the Smoky Mountains!
