5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Knoxville to Try

In Eastern Tennessee, nestled at the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville’s barbecue scene is a soulful blend of old-school pit wisdom, Appalachian comfort, and youthful reinvention fueled by its college-town spirit.

From hickory-smoked ribs to “piggy chips” and inventive takes on pulled pork, the city’s smokehouses thrive on down-home hospitality and bold flavors.

For visitors, it’s a must to taste both the classic and the creative—so grab a seat, roll up your sleeves, and try these local legends.

Sweet P’s Barbeque & Downtown Dive

Sweet P’s is a Knoxville BBQ institution, with one riverside “Barbeque & Soul House” and a hipper downtown “Dive.”

House-smoked meats—barbecue chicken, moist brisket, and killer ribs—come piled high with house-made sauces that nail the tangy-sweet balance.

Their mac and cheese is legendary, as are the smoked wings (with a blue cheese jalapeño dip).

Don’t leave without trying the banana pudding, a nostalgic, creamy dream.

Dead End BBQ

With a name nodding to its humble beginnings on a literal dead-end street, this local favorite has racked up national accolades.

The ribs are classic Memphis-style with a citrusy rub, but their “Burnt Ends” sandwich—brisket trimmings caramelized with house sauce—is the stuff dreams are made of.

Paired with unique sides like smoked corn salad or spicy collard greens, Dead End is as much about comfort as it is about craft.

Archer’s BBQ

With several neighborhood locations, Archer’s is fast, affordable, and the definition of “everyone’s favorite.”

Their pork shoulder is smoked slow and low for 16 hours and pairs perfectly with their signature Carolina gold mustard sauce.

Sides are homemade and soulful—think loaded potato salad, crisp hush puppies, and tangy red slaw.

Don’t skip the house-made banana pudding or the sweet tea, both Knoxville institutions in their own right.

Sweet Pepper’s Deli (BBQ Branch)

A deli with a barbecue obsession, Sweet Pepper’s has carved out a niche for smoky sandwiches and creative combos built around barbecue pork and chicken.

Try the BBQ Club (with bacon and cheddar) or the smoky BBQ salad—a hit with the lunchtime crowd.

Quirky, quick, and satisfying, this spot is great for takeout or a laid-back work lunch.

Dixson’s BBQ

If you love no-frills, old-school barbecue, Dixson’s is where the locals go.

The interior is simple, but the flavors are deep and soulful—fall-off-the-bone ribs, chopped pork doused with house vinegar sauce, and collard greens seasoned just right. Side tip: grab a slice of homemade pie if it’s available.