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BEST RATED KNOXVILLE, TN BARBECUE RESTAURANTS

3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Knoxville, TN

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Calhoun's On The River - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Calhoun's On The River - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Calhoun's On The River - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Knoxville TN - Calhoun's On The River video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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CALHOUN'S ON THE RIVER

(5.0 Score)
400 Neyland Drive,
Knoxville, TN 37902 Directions

Since 1988

Specialty:

✓ Smoked Sausage and Cheese Plate ✓ White Chicken Chili ✓ Smoked Beef Brisket Chili ✓ Fried Pickles ✓ Southern Fried Green Tomatoes ✓ Spinach Artichoke Dip ✓ Fresh Baked Soft Pretzels ✓ Pulled Pork Nachos ✓ Rocky Top Potato Skins ✓ Char-Grilled Shrimp ✓ Bacon Wrapped Beef Brisket Burnt Ends ✓ Original WET Wings ✓ Boneless Wings ✓ Naked Wings ✓ Hamburger ✓ Cheeseburger ✓ Kick-Back Burger ✓ Hickory Burger ✓ California Chicken Burger ✓ Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Sandwich ✓ Chicken Salad Club ✓ Bar-B-Que Chicken Sandwich ✓ Hickory Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich ✓ Awesome Avocado Jack Burger

"Calhoun's On The River is known for their slow-smoked BBQ, cooked with hickory logs for great flavor. Their menu includes BBQ, burgers, sandwiches, homestyle sides, and craft beers. Garrick Cole Butler is the Manager of this restaurant. They focus on great service and have plenty of seating, with space for 250 guests upstairs and 25 downstairs. They also host events at all their locations, making them a great choice for special occasions. Gift cards are the perfect gift for any occasion, whether for family or friends. They serve vegetarian dishes and happy hour food. They also serve at Lenoir City, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Maryville, and Oak Ridge.

2026 Update: Calhoun's On The River offers online ordering for delivery and pickup. They also have a private dining room, and reservations are required for parties of more than eight."

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Price:

First Tastes:
Smoked Sausage And Cheese Plate $14
White Chicken Chili Cup $5.5
White Chicken Chili Bowl $8.5
Smoked Beef Brisket Chili Cup $6
Smoked Beef Brisket Chili Bowl $9
Fried Pickles $12.85
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes $12.85
Spinach Artichoke Dip $12.85
Fresh Baked Soft Pretzels $12.75
Pulled Pork Nachos $13
Rocky Top Potato Skins $13
Char-Grilled Shrimp $13
Wings! Single $13.25
Wings! Double $25
Fresh-Ground Burgers & Sandwiches:
Hamburger $12.75
Cheeseburger $13.5
Kick-Back Burger $14.75
Hickory Burger $13.85
California Chicken Burger $14
Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Sandwich $12.5
Chicken Salad Club $13.25
Bar-B-Que Chicken Sandwich $13.95
Hickory Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich $15
Awesome Avocado Jack Burger $14.5
Garden Salads:
House Or Caesar $8
Oriental Chicken $14.5
Turkey Creek $14.5
Smokehouse $14.5
Southern $14.5

Contact:

(865) 673-3355

Mon-Thu & Sun: 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
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FAMOUS DAVE'S BAR-B-QUE

(4.9 Score)
208 Advantage Drive,
Knoxville, TN 37922 Directions

Since 1994

Specialty:

✓ Cheese Curds ✓ Burnt Ends ✓ Southside Rib Tips ✓ Fried Pickles ✓ Onion Strings ✓ Hand-Breaded Chicken Strips ✓ Smoked Brisket Egg Rolls ✓ Wing Basket Traditional ✓ Double Winger ✓ All-American BBQ Feast ✓ Feast for 2 ✓ Texas Beef Brisket ✓ Georgia Chopped Pork ✓ Sweetwater Catfish Fingers ✓ Traditional Wings ✓ Smoked Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage ✓ Country-Roasted Chicken ✓ BBQ Chicken ✓ St. Louis-Style Spareribs ✓ Baby Back Ribs ✓ Dave's Favorite Burger ✓ Ultimate Burger ✓ Smokehouse Grilled Cheese ✓ BBQ Pulled Chicken ✓ Hickory Chicken Sandwich ✓ Iris' Comeback Chicken Sandwich ✓ Cajun Chicken Sandwich ✓ Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich

"Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que serves wood-smoked meats and sides in an American West-themed setting. The restaurant is an award-winning BBQ restaurant located near the intersection of I-40 and Cedar Bluff Road. Famous Dave Anderson is the pitmaster of this restaurant. He has won over 700 awards and is a recognized expert in the BBQ world. They learned the secret to the best ribs from street vendors using 55-gallon smokers, following the deep South tradition. Enjoy house-smoked meats, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Dine in, order to-go, or let them cater your event with authentic pit-smoked BBQ, made-from-scratch sides, and handcrafted desserts. They also offer gift cards for birthdays, holidays, thank-yous, or any occasion.

2026 Update: Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que has over 31 years of experience serving authentic BBQ and operates in 33 states. They also offer curbside pick-up and gift cards."

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Price:

New! Ragin' Cajun:
Shrimp Po' Boy $13.50
Southern Fried Shrimp Appetizer $11.50
Southern Fried Shrimp Platter $17.00
Sweetwater Catfish Platter $15.00
King Cake Bread Pudding $7.50
Easter:
Whole Double Smoked Ham Feast $175.00
Whole Double Smoked Glazed Ham $95.00
Sliced Double Smoked Ham (Per Lb) $14.00
Brown Sugar Ham Glaze $3.00
Pie Duo: Country Apple And French Silk Pie $30.00
Pie Trio: Country Apple, French Silk, And Lemon Supreme Pie $45.00
Famous Feasts:
All-American Bbq Feast® $82.00
Feast For 2 $51.00
Que Combos:
Pick 2 Combo $22.25
Pick 3 Combo $24.25
St. Louis Rib N' Meat $26.00
St. Louis Rib N' 2 Meats $30.00
Baby & 1 Meat Combo $26.00
Baby & 2 Meats Combo $30.00
Pitmaster Favorites:
Georgia Chopped Pork $14.00
Texas Beef Brisket $20.00
Southside Rib Tips $14.50
Country-Roasted Chicken $14.50
Bbq Roasted Chicken $14.50
Hand Breaded

Discount:

$5 Off by signing up

Earn $10 Off for every $100 spent

Contact:

(865) 694-9990 (615) 696-6869

Mon-Thu & Sun: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Dead End BBQ - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Dead End BBQ - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Dead End BBQ - Knoxville, TN Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Knoxville TN - Dead End BBQ video
10+ YEARS IN TBR
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DEAD END BBQ

(4.8 Score)
3621 Sutherland Avenue,
Knoxville, TN 37919 Directions

Since 2009

Specialty:

✓ Pulled Pork ✓ Sliced Brisket ✓ Pulled Chicken ✓ Smoked Sausage ✓ Burnt Ends ✓ Smoked Bologna ✓ St. Louis Cut Ribs ✓ George’s Competition Chicken ✓ Knoxville Smoked Bologna ✓ Brick Top Chicken ✓ Rebel Yell Burger ✓ Dead End Mac-Attack ✓ Tennessee Grilled Beef and Cheddar ✓ Dr. H’s Chick’n Cheddar ✓ BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf ✓ BBQ Quesadilla ✓ Pulled Pork Sandwich ✓ Beef Brisket Sandwich ✓ Pulled Smoked Chicken Sandwich ✓ House Smoked Sausage Sandwich ✓ Tender Slider ✓ Brisket Horseradish Slider ✓ Dead End Cuban Slider ✓ BBLT Slider ✓ Classic Slider ✓ BBQ Nachos ✓ Tot-Chos ✓ Tailgate Nachos.

“Dead End BBQ has a team with over 25 years of experience in food and event management. They are the choice for those looking for an American neighborhood BBQ in East Tennessee. George Ewart and Robert Nutt are the owners of Dead End BBQ. They started as a neighborhood block party on Memorial Day 2000 with 40 locals. The next year, they became an annual event serving over 500 people. Their food is prepared with great care, promising enticing aromas, comforting sounds, and homemade tastes. Guests also try their delightful homemade banana pudding, peanut butter pie, and Pond Gap pie. They are selected to represent the state at the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition. Dead End BBQ is the go-to caterer in East Tennessee, offering affordable and tasty catering options for any event, from casual outdoor barbecues to elegant formal affairs. They offer online ordering, delivery, and takeout services for customers' convenience.”

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Price:

Appetizers:
Sweet Potato Fries + Dipping Sauce $9
Smoked Hummus $8
Smoked Sausage & Cheese $8
Bar-B-Queso $11
Queso & Chips Without Meat $9
Loaded Pigskin $3.50
Bacon Wrapped Bbq Shrimp $13
Cheese Bings $12
Pickle Fries $12
Smoked & Naked Wings $10
Smoked & Sauced Wings $11
Smoked Brisket & Dry Rub Wings $11
Boneless & Hand Breaded Wings $14
Specialty Sandwiches:
Knoxville Smoked Bologna $12
Brick Top Chicken $13
Rebel Yell Burger* $15
All American Burger $12
Dead End Mac-Attack $14
Tennessee Grilled Beef & Cheddar $16
Dr. H’S Chick’N Cheddar $13
Meats:
Pulled Pork 14 Lb $5.50
Sliced Brisket 14 Lb $8
Pulled Chicken 14 Lb $5.50
Smoked Sausage 14 Lb $5.50
Burnt Ends 14 Lb $10
Smoked Bologna 14 Lb $5
St. Louis Cut Ribs 2 Bones $6
George’S Competition Chicken 1 Bone $5
Sides:
Taste $2
Regular $4
Shareable $8
The Famil

Contact:

(865) 212-5655

Mon-Thu & Sun: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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CALHOUN'S ON THE RIVER REVIEWS

Stopped in for the first time on a rainy afternoon as we traveled through Knoxville. We were promptly seated, and although the weather outside was miserable, the welcome was very warm and hospitable. Service was excellent as was the food. We had brisket chili, white chicken chili, and a roast beef BLT that was very good. The rolls and cornbread offered before meal were delicious. We will be back again when we are in the area!

I would give this 10 stars, but it was available. Food was fantastic. Service was amazing in our server. LA was extremely fantastic. I’d come back for just to be served by her.

Absolutely amazing!!! Probably the best steak I've ever had! Wonderful views completely surrounded by downtown knoxville!

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FAMOUS DAVE'S BAR-B-QUE REVIEWS

We were so excited to see a famous Dave’s that we made sure to come before we left Knoxville. It did NOT disappoint. Our server greeted us with the best attitude and made our experience a great one. All of our food was absolutely delicious.Brandon gave us THE best service and made my daughter feel special for her birthday.

We always love going to Famous Dave’s to eat! I love the chopped pork and catfish fingers. My husband loves the jalapeno sausage and the Wilbur’s Revenge sauce. It’s always our go to place in Knoxville when we go together. Even our daughter is obsessed with the corn muffins!

Great food! We ordered the feast for 2-3. Joy is super friendly and helpful. Fast service as well. Highly recommend!

DEAD END BBQ REVIEWS

Good flavors. Brisket was a little tougher then I am used to. Sausage was very good, nice balance of flavors. Also enjoyed the mild bbq sauce. Had the The Mayor Beans, Pimento Mac and Cheese, and creamed corn(taster is perfect size). All sided were excellent.

Best bbq ever! Was passing through on the way to Pigeon Forge and I will forever stop here on our way back to our spot! Such great food and sauces! This is a must visit for anyone! PS. Try The Ribs! The Pulled Pork Was Great Too! Yuuuuummmm!.

The sandwich was 10/10. Brisket is well done. A great BBQ spot.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

CALHOUN'S ON THE RIVER Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Business Hours: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

FAMOUS DAVE'S BAR-B-QUE Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 9
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

DEAD END BBQ Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Acknowledgments: 8
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 3.4K: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10