Close Enjoy The Best BBQ In Knoxville At These 3 Eateries
Located in the northeastern corner of Tennessee, Knoxville is right in the heart of barbecue country. Drawing their influence from the wet and dry pork ribs of Memphis to the vinegar-based sauces and pork shoulder options of North Carolina, barbecue joints in K-Town employ a variety of culinary practices to deliver some of the best barbecue you’ve ever tasted. The next time you’re in the mood for some delicious smoked meats and unbeatable sides, hop on over to these Knoxville restaurants.
Sweet P’s BBQ
With a modern twist on traditional barbecue and soul food, Sweet P’s BBQ is more than just your average barbecue joint. They have some of the same offerings such as pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, but their sauces, sides, and even the barbecue burrito make each trip an adventure.
Once you’ve chosen your meat, tack on classic sides such as green beans, cole slaw, potato salad, or mac and cheese to complete your culinary journey. Add a domestic, import, or local craft beer to wash down every savory bite, and remember to save room for the banana pudding which is truly out of this world.
Sweet P’s BBQ has two locations in the greater Knoxville area. The Soul House is 15 minutes south of downtown Knoxville and Downtown Dive is right in the heart of the city. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Sweet P’s is closed on Mondays.
Dead End BBQ
Dead End BBQ is one of the more interesting barbecue establishments in the area because of its origins. At the end of a dead-end street, friends gathered to enjoy each other’s takes on Tennessee barbecue, entering themselves in competitions around the country. After a decade, the friends finally decided to open a restaurant of their own, and the rest is history.
Brisket is king at Dead End BBQ, made with 100 percent certified Black Angus beef. Choose from the middle of the brisket or the burned tips for a flavor sensation that will blow your mind. Other entrees include pulled pork, ribs, and chicken wings. Grab some fried okra, seasoned fries, or potato salad to make it a meal.
Visit Dead End BBQ at 5621 Sutherland Ave. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m Sunday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Archers BBQ
With four Knoxville-area locations, Archers BBQ is a local institution. Everything here from the pulled pork to the chicken to the ribs is made fresh each day from scratch. Pulled pork and pulled chicken are the two favorites at Archers, but the barbecue sundae might be the most intriguing. A bowl of barbecue beans comes covered with pulled meat and topped with potato salad for one awesome meal.
Archers is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Whether you have a hankering for mac and cheese and pulled pork or collard greens and brisket, Knoxville has the spot. Just make sure to plan ahead for the sluggish and lethargic aftermath of your delicious culinary journey.
“barbecue ribs, pork” via Flickr by David McSpadden. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original