Good ol’ East Tennessee! With the Great Smoky Mountains, scenic byways, and beautiful yearround foliage, East Tennessee is always appealing to the eyes, but we’re also known for something that appeals to your appetite — mouthwatering BBQ. Our location gives us a unique perspective on BBQ as well since area pitmasters pull influence from Memphis, North Carolina, and even Texas – all of which are known for their own styles of fall off the bone deliciousness. In Jefferson County, we have a flavorful trail of BBQ joints from rustic sit-down restaurants to family-run food trucks. Here’s your guide to BBQ spots across Jefferson County, Tennessee.
Featured East Tennessee BBQ Spots
Whether your a seasoned pitmaster or just enjoy a good rack of ribs, you’ll find something you love at one of these top BBQ restaurants in Jefferson County.
Taste of Dandridge in Dandridge, TN
A local favorite, Taste of Dandridge combines hearty steakhouse classics with award-winning BBQ. Known for hickory-smoked pulled pork, baby back ribs, and their famous BBQ potato skins, it’s the perfect mix of Southern comfort and smoky goodness. This family-friendly spot has even been recognized with multiple Reader’s Choice awards for “Best BBQ” and “Best Ribs.”
GrillBilly Smoke in Jefferson City, TN
This mobile BBQ truck is known for bold flavors and creative menu items like the “NOD” sandwich. With rotating weekly stops, GrillBilly Smoke is a great way to grab BBQ on the go. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updated locations and specials.
Sweet Swine BBQ & Catering in Jefferson City, TN
Sweet Swine consistently gets rave reviews for its pulled pork, ribs, and flavorful wraps. This spot blends generations of Southern BBQ know-how into every bite, making it a dependable stop whether you’re dining in or catering an event.
Smokey Q in Dandridge, TN
Set in the heart of historic Dandridge, The Smokey Q offers a cozy, rustic vibe paired with tender smoked meats. Known for its traditional BBQ and dog-friendly outdoor seating, it’s a great place to relax with friends, family, or even your pup.
Circle S Butcher Block and Farm Kitchen in Jefferson City, TN
This farm-to-table gem takes BBQ up a notch with locally raised beef, house-smoked meats, and hearty sandwiches. Beyond dining, Circle S Butcher Block and Farm Kitchen also offers retail cuts of fresh meat, making it a one-stop shop for both a delicious meal and farm-fresh ingredients.
Suggested Route for the Perfect BBQ Day
- Start in Jefferson City with Sweet Swine BBQ for pulled pork or a wrap.
- Swing by GrillBilly Smoke if their food truck is rolling nearby.
- Head to Circle S Butcher Block for a hearty lunch and maybe pick up some fresh cuts to take home.
- Continue to Taste of Dandridge for an award-winning sit-down dinner of ribs or pulled pork.
- Wrap up your evening with a relaxed stop at The Smokey Q for traditional BBQ and outdoor seating.
Insider Tips
- Check hours before you go – Some spots (like food trucks) have rotating schedules.
- Mix it up – Try both sit-down restaurants and mobile trucks for the full Jefferson County BBQ experience.
- Bring your pup – The Smokey Q offers dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- Plan to linger – Dandridge and Jefferson City both have charming historic districts, making this BBQ trail as scenic as it is delicious.
Enjoy Delicious East TN BBQ Spots in Jefferson County
Jefferson County’s BBQ scene blends tradition, creativity, and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Whether you follow the whole trail in a day or savor each stop one weekend at a time, you’re sure to discover flavors worth coming back for.