Where to Find the Best BBQ in Knoxville

If you’re buying a home for sale in Knoxville, you’ll be glad to know that some of the best BBQ restaurants in the world are located here. Check out this list of our local favorites so you can plan your next few dinners out!

Where to Find the Best BBQ in Knoxville

Some of the best restaurants are those you don’t know much about, so we’ve chosen only locally owned spots to feature here. We definitely have major chain restaurants that can serve some amazing BBQ, but we love supporting local businesses!

Here’s a quick list of our favorites:

Sweet P’s Barbecue and Downtown Dive
Dead End BBQ
Archers BBQ
Calhoun’s on the River
Love That BBQ
Full Service BBQ
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q
Clanton’s BBQ

Here’s a closer look at each.

Sweet P’s Barbecue and Downtown Dive

Sweet P’s Barbecue and Downtown Dive
410 West Jackson Avenue
865-281-1738

Sweet P’s Barbecue and Downtown Dive is anything but a dive – it’s one of the best BBQ places in Knoxville. Located in the Arts District, this fabulous place offers daily specials (like red beans and rice or smoked meatloaf) and has one of the most varied menus of all. You can choose between plates, burritos, sandwiches, salads and entrees, making this one of our favorite spots in the city.

Dead End BBQ

Dead End BBQ
3621 Sutherland Avenue
865-212-5655

Dead End BBQ is a low-key, relaxed environment where you’ll have some of the best BBQ of your life. We recommend the pulled pork, sliced brisket or burnt ends – but if you’re not into BBQ (or someone you’re dining with isn’t), don’t worry. There are plenty of other menu options to choose from!

Archers BBQ

Archers BBQ
10205 Kingston Pike
865-771-2601

and

5200 Rutledge Pike
865-722-1989

Archers BBQ is a local chain – there are five locations with two in Knoxville, and it’s easy to see why. The food is fabulous. The sandwiches come on fresh, locally baked buns, and you can choose between pork and chicken (and even add slaw on top if you want to). The rib sandwich and brisket sandwich are both excellent choices, too.

Calhoun’s on the River

Calhoun’s on the River
400 Neyland Drive
865-673-3355

Calhoun’s on the River has fast, friendly service – and like some of the other spots on this list, it’s a local chain. The “First Tastes” appetizer menu is amazing (we’re saying that thanks to the fresh-baked soft pretzels and Rocky Top potato skins). The fresh-ground burgers and sandwiches are delectable, but our favorite is the hickory smoked beef brisket sandwich.

Love That BBQ

Love That BBQ
1901 Maryville Pike
865-748-1741

Love That BBQ is some of the best BBQ we’ve ever had. The portions are big, so bring your appetite – and be prepared for fast, friendly service. We recommend visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday; that’s when they have their special banana pudding, and we don’t want you to miss out on the perfect dessert!

Full Service BBQ

Full Service BBQ
10248 Kingston Pike
865-888-6990

Full Service BBQ has two locations (one is in Maryville and the other is in Farragut). If we had to pick fravorites off the menu, we’d have to include Yo’ Mama’s Mac & Cheese, the barbacoa beef sandwich (or maybe the brisket sandwich – we can’t decide), the full rack of ribs or chicken nachos. (Help us out on the sandwiches, please; we’d love to hear which one you like best.)

Are You Buying a Home in Knoxville?

If you’re ready to buy a home in Knoxville, I’ll help you find one that’s perfect for your needs. Call me at 865-368-5150 now and let’s talk.

While you’re here, use this Knoxville home search – you can see listings instantly! You can also look at:

Where to Find the Best BBQ in Knoxville