Get Fired Up For Spring With Some Smoky Mountain Barbecue
Posted by Leif Palmer in Things to Do
Some foods and drinks just go with certain seasons. Hot cider and eggnog are winter beverages, and nothing says fall like a holiday turkey. So what's the quintessential food of summertime? If you've ever spent much time in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll know that the answer is barbecue, and next time you come to the Smokies for a visit, you definitely need to make a point of sampling some for yourself.
If you're not from the South, you may think that barbecue is barbecue. However, not all barbecue is created equal or made the same. First of all, there's not just smoked pork but also smoked brisket, ribs, chicken and more. You can even barbecue vegetables. And once it's cooked, are you going to drown that shredded meat in a ketchup-based sauce or a vinegar-based sauce?
The good news is that we've got some great barbecue places that collectively will cover most of those bases. So maybe just visiting one won't be enough. Maybe after we introduce you to some of the big barbecue names around here, you'll want to create your own barbecue tour of the Smokies. Or take some back to enjoy while staying in a rental cabin.
Delauder's Smoky Mountain BBQ
Located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, this highly rated barbecue stand was rated by voters on Yelp as one of the top 100 places you need to eat in THE COUNTRY in 2017. If that's not enough to entice you, we're not sure what is.
Tony Gore's Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill
You might notice this barbecue set-up just off Tenn. Hwy. 66 (Winfield Dunn Pkwy.) when you're traveling from Interstate 40 toward Sevierville. We've eaten there before and can attest to the fact that the products that come off Tony's smoker are the real deal, from pulled pork to beef brisket. Also look for catfish plates, fried chicken and loaded tater chips.
Hungry Bear BBQ
This Gatlinburg eatery's two locations are small, but the flavors are big, with a menu that includes sandwiches, dinners, sides and more. It's a relaxed setting but also a good place to grab some 'cue to go on your way to a picnic in the national park.
Boss Hoggs BBQ Shack
You'll find this eatery on Wears Valley Rd. in Pigeon Forge, and it's a good place to score barbecue plates featuring ribs, chicken, pork, brisket and smoked sausage. Sides include cole slaw, green beans, baked beans and potato salad.
Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que
This local product has been around about as long as any barbecue joint in town. Located in downtown Gatlinburg, it offers a full menu that has a reputation for pleasing palates.
Also look for national chains like Corky's Ribs & BBQ, which is a full-service eatery, and Buddy's Bar-B-Q, which is a popular fast-food stop.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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