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  • July 21, 2025

Best BBQ in the Smokies: Top Picks & Star‑Rated Smokehouses

Where to Find the Best BBQ in the Smokies 🍖

If you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains and craving mouthwatering, slow-smoked meats, you’re in for a treat. From Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, this region is packed with pitmaster-approved BBQ joints serving up tender brisket, juicy ribs, and smoky pulled pork. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best BBQ in the Smokies, using real reviews from locals and visitors alike—plus Yelp star ratings and price insights—so you can skip the guessing and go straight to the good stuff.

Best BBQ in the Smokies

⭐️ Buddy’s BBQ (Sevierville)

  • Yelp Rating: 4.0/5
  • 💰 Price: $10–15 per person

“Good grief. I always get 2 meals out of my dinner … pretty good value”
Why you’ll love it: A long‑standing local gem (since 1972) with hickory‑smoked pork, brisket, wings, and family meal deals perfect for a mountain picnic .

⭐️ Preacher’s Smokehouse (Pigeon Forge / Sevierville)

  • Yelp Rating: 4.8/5 (200+ reviews)
  • 💰 Price: $12–20 per person

“Preacher’s Smokehouse best BBQ… Needs NO sauce”
Why it stands out: Award-winning, perfectly smoked ribs, brisket & pulled pork with exceptional meats you can savor without sauce. Highly praised for both flavor and vibe .

⭐️ Delauder’s BBQ (Gatlinburg)

  • Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 (779 reviews)
  • 💰 Price: $10–18 per person

“Delauder’s BBQ is always our go‑to. Best we have found… in our opinion.”
Why it’s a favorite: Cozy, family‑run, and known for brisket, ribs, and Southern sides. Voted #9 on TripAdvisor Gatlinburg with a 4.7 rating .

⭐️ Myron Mixon’s BBQ (Gatlinburg)

  • Yelp Rating: ~4.0 (limited reviews)
  • 💰 Price: $15–25 per person

“We had family in town… featured on local news.”
Why it’s special: From the 5‑time world champion “Winningest Man in BBQ,” expect top-tier meats cooked over real wood. Located in downtown Gatlinburg with signature sauces .

⭐️ Bustin’ Butts BBQ (Sevierville)

  • Yelp Rating: ~4.2 (based on Yelp listings)
  • 💰 Price: $10–15 per person

“Bustin’ Butts … best hole in the wall type of BBQ joint ever; food amazing & staff are friendly.” (FB comment)
Why it shines: A local “hole-in-the-wall” favorite offering classic smoked meats in a laid-back atmosphere.

⭐️ Bennett’s BBQ (Gatlinburg)

  • Yelp Rating: ~4.0
  • 💰 Price: $10–15 per person

Multiple guests mentioned “Bennett’s BBQ” as a go-to Gatlinburg spot
Why give it a go: A solid BBQ sandwich joint loved for quick service, good portions, and homemade flavor.

⭐️ Tony Gore’s BBQ (Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge)

  • Yelp Rating: ~4.2
  • 💰 Price: $10–15 per person

“Tony Gore’s on 66.” (FB)
Why try it: A local classic, smoked to perfection with smoky flavors that locals can’t stop recommending.

Finding the Best BBQ in the Smokies

If you’re searching for the best BBQ in the Smokies, these top picks balance char‑kissed ribs, seasoned brisket, and real-deal smoked flavor—with local charm to match. From iconic champions to family-run smokehouses, you won’t go wrong.

🏡 Cozy Cabin Stays Near the Smoke

After a delicious BBQ day, retreat to one of our cozy cabins:

  • 14 compact cabins (from $100/night) – perfect for couples or small families
  • 6‑person Rivers Edge cabin – serene stream views
  • 12‑person creekside cabin with swimming hole – splash-ready fun
  • 12‑person pool cabin – private pool for relaxation
  • 12‑person mountain‑view cabin – breathtaking Smoky Mountain vistas

Stay close to the action and come home to comfort!

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Treehouse Cabin Unit 2 | Hot Tub & Mountain View

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Treehouse Cabin Unit 3 | Hot Tub & Mountain View

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By the second week of September, the open fields on the North Carolina side of the park start making a sound you will not hear

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Cades Cove is the part of the Smokies almost everybody has seen a photo of — the wide green valley ringed by mountains, split-rail fences,

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There is a stretch of late summer when Cades Cove stops being a traffic jam and turns back into a valley. It happens every Wednesday,

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