Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Knoxville area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Knoxville area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Knoxville based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Knoxville were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#23. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 2.7/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7559 Conner Road Powell, Tennessee
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Buddy's bar-b-q
- Rating: 2.8/5 (24 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4401 Chapman Hwy Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 2.9/5 (108 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7740 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 120 Morrell Road Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Buddy's bar-b-q
- Rating: 3.1/5 (68 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8402 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Buddy's bar-b-q
- Rating: 3.2/5 (30 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4500 North Broadway Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Buddy's Bar-B-Que Emory Rd
- Rating: 3.2/5 (22 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 404 East Emory Road Powell, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#16. The Pint House
- Rating: 3.3/5 (30 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 815 Merchant Drive Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Bars, Burgers, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.3/5 (171 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 208 Advantage Place Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food, American
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Buddy's bar-b-q
- Rating: 3.5/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5806 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Calhoun's
- Rating: 3.5/5 (581 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 400 Neyland Drive Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Calhoun's
- Rating: 3.5/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10020 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Dead End BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (389 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3621 Sutherland Ave. Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Calhoun's
- Rating: 3.6/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6515 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Sweet P's Uptown Corner
- Rating: 3.6/5 (34 reviews)
- Address: 3029 Tazewell Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Buddy's bar-b-q
- Rating: 3.6/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3700 Magnolia Ave. Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Smash Mouth BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (23 reviews)
- Address: 6659 Oak Ridge Highway Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. M & M
- Rating: 4.1/5 (66 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1039 Summerwood Road Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Sweet P's BBQ Downtown Dive
- Rating: 4.2/5 (630 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 410 West Jackson Ave. Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: New American, Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Jim 'N Nick's
- Rating: 4.3/5 (21 reviews)
- Address: 7727 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#3. The Humble Hog
- Rating: 4.4/5 (47 reviews)
- Address: 312 South Gay St. Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Tapas/Small Plates
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Barrelhouse By Gypsy Circus
- Rating: 4.5/5 (96 reviews)
- Address: 621 Lamar St. Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Breweries, Cideries, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Love That BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (99 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1901 Maryville Pike Knoxville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
