
Calhoun's in Gatlinburg
A Gatlinburg institution serving the 'Taste of Tennessee,' Calhoun's is renowned for its award-winning ribs and authentic Southern BBQ.

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Calhoun's in Gatlinburg

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Gatlinburg institution serving the 'Taste of Tennessee,' Calhoun's is renowned for its award-winning ribs and authentic Southern BBQ.
"Claiming the 'Best Ribs in America,' this Gatlinburg spot offers hearty BBQ and a welcoming atmosphere."
Minimize Wait Times
Use Google Maps' reserve feature or visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try Daily Specials
Ask about daily specials like prime rib or the Family Pack for a satisfying meal.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Best Ribs in America
Claiming the title of 'Best Ribs in America,' Calhoun's serves up tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a signature BBQ sauce.

Authentic Tennessee BBQ
Experience the taste of Tennessee with their smoky pulled pork, brisket, and other classic BBQ dishes.

Hearty Homestyle Sides
Complement your meal with delicious, scratch-made sides like corn pudding and spinach maria.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Minimize Wait Times
Use Google Maps' reserve feature or visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try Daily Specials
Ask about daily specials like prime rib or the Family Pack for a satisfying meal.
Gluten-Free Options
Calhoun's offers a dedicated gluten-free menu and is highly accommodating for celiac diners.
Tips
from all over the internet
Minimize Wait Times
Use Google Maps' reserve feature or visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try Daily Specials
Ask about daily specials like prime rib or the Family Pack for a satisfying meal.
Gluten-Free Options
Calhoun's offers a dedicated gluten-free menu and is highly accommodating for celiac diners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Calhoun's in Gatlinburg is celebrated for its acclaimed ribs and authentic Tennessee BBQ, with many diners praising the tender meat and flavorful sauces. The restaurant also offers a welcoming atmosphere and is noted for its accommodating approach to dietary needs, particularly for gluten-free diners. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies with food temperature and seasoning, suggesting a need for more consistent execution.
"The building is spacious and clean. Right off the main strip. The food was good. Brisket chili as good and had big chunks of brisket in it. Fried green tomatoes were ok. Not seasoned very well but floured right. Comes with a mustard but would be better with ranch. Service was very good and was attentive."
Michael Stephens
"Calhoun's in Gatlinburg is located on the parkway and has parking available on site. The parking is validated for up to 3 hours of parking, so there is plenty of time to eat. The food was great, and the server was friendly. They had a daily special, and on the day we visited was prime rib. The prime rib was cooked perfectly and would definitely order it again. The Calhoun's Trio was huge and had ribs, chicken fingers, and pulled pork with a side. We were not able to finish the trio. Recommended for a great lunch."
Michael Silas
"Worth the trip! I was a little leery about coming here due to past reviews, but I’m so happy I did. Grace was our server and she was outstanding!! She gave great recommendations and was on top of everything. The food itself was absolutely amazing. They make the Caesar dressing in house and it’s the best Caesar salad I ever had. The fried green tomatoes are good, thick with crunchy breading. The bacon wrapped burnt ends were probably my favorite. The ribs were delicious as well, very tender and a great flavor. My family enjoyed everything, if we lived closer we’d be going here often."
Lyssa J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Calhoun's is most famous for its "Best Ribs in America," tender pulled pork, and other authentic Tennessee BBQ dishes.
Yes, Calhoun's has a dedicated gluten-free menu and is known for being very accommodating to diners with celiac disease.
Yes, the restaurant is conveniently located on the parkway and offers validated parking for up to 3 hours.
You can use Google Maps' reserve feature to potentially minimize wait times, especially during busy periods.
Popular sides include their famous spinach maria, Tennessee corn pudding, mac & cheese, and loaded baked potatoes.
Yes, they offer a Family Pack for a satisfying meal, and holiday packs are available for special occasions like Thanksgiving.
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Southern Cooking At It's Best In The Great Smoky Mountains
Calhoun’s will give you an authentic Tennessee barbecue pork experience, served with traditional Southern sides, like “Smoky Mountain Baked Beans” and “Tennessee Corn Puddin’.” Freshly baked soft pretzels, with a side of signature beer cheese dip, make the perfect snack. It is even better washed down with a pint of “Appalachian Pale Ale,” or one of Calhoun’s many other all-natural beers made in their microbrewery. They also offer a fantastic family barbecue picnic to go, complete with the napkins and plates.
Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg | Top Dining Spots to Visit
Experience the best of Southern cuisine at Calhoun's in Gatlinburg, renowned for its mouthwatering BBQ and hearty portions. This beloved local restaurant offers a warm atmosphere and a menu filled with comfort food classics, from tender ribs to juicy steaks. Enjoy an authentic taste of Tennessee barbecue in the heart of Gatlinburg, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking rich flavors and a welcoming dining experience.
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With locations all over Knoxville, one in Gatlinburg and one in Pigeon Forge, there is almost always a Calhoun’s nearby to make sure you have a full and satisfying meal. In Pigeon Forge, Calhoun’s is locate din the Walden’s Landing shopping complex. If you are driving through town, headed toward Gatlinburg, you will see Walden’s Landing on the right hand side of the road between traffic lights 2 and 3, but much closer to 3.
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Our next door neighbor just to the north sits another of the great restaurants in Gatlinburg for steaks. Calhoun’s has numerous popular locations around Knoxville, and while they’re known mainly for their ribs, we recommend you give their steaks a try as well. There’s no such thing as a dry steak here with their famous BBQ sauce and other ingredients adding a burst of flavor to any type of steak you decide to order.
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You will find a mountain of good eating waiting for you at Calhoun’s, which is themed as a handsome mountain lodge!. The original Calhoun’s opened in 1983 in Knoxville TN and has expanded to multiple locations throughout Tennessee, including the popular location in Gatlinburg!. The growth is simply attributed to perfectly smoked meat, delectable sauces and scratch-made sides, not to mention the best ribs in America!
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Calhoun’s bills itself as “the taste of Tennessee,” and they may just be right about that. Sure, there are other places around the country that can lay claim to good barbecue – Texas, Kansas City, etc. – but Tennessee is really where the barbecue is made – especially pork barbecue. Within the boundaries of Tennessee, stretching from Memphis to the North Carolina border, you will find the world’s best barbecue shops.
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If you want to try a local chain that has fantastic steak and barbeque options, you need to go to Calhoun’s for dinner. They are well known in the area for their baby back ribs slathered in house made sauce, and your dinner is complete when you pair it with one of the delicious sides, like french fries or spinach maria. You also can’t go wrong with the smoky pulled pork, barbeque steak Calhoun, or filet mignon.
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Boasting arguably the best ribs in America, Calhoun’s Restaurant is a fan favorite and Gatlinburg staple that offers everything Southern, from wings to fried green tomatoes to catfish. Calhoun’s has a wide variety of appetizer and menu options, from fresh-ground burgers to Tennessee bar-b-que to surf n’ turf combos. They even have a gluten-free menu for guests with allergies or food sensitivities.
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Another one of the great restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg is Calhoun’s. This Gatlinburg restaurant is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, which means you can enjoy a delicious meal at Calhoun’s for lunch or dinner. If you want to eat a Thanksgiving feast at the place where you’re staying, you can order one of their Holiday Packs to feed your family for the holiday.
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Calhoun’s is a local chain that serves Smoky Mountains BBQ. You should try the pulled pork nachos or fried green tomatoes. For something casual, you should get the pulled pork sandwich, brisket sandwich, or pulled pork plate. If you can’t decide what you want, there’s a Calhoun’s Trio that includes chicken tenders, half a slab of ribs, and pulled pork with your choice of sides.
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Start with a visit to Calhoun’s, one of the hotspots family restaurants Gatlinburg known for its mouth-watering BBQ plates and mock Smoky Mountain ambiance. With meals rich in flavor yet easy on the wallet, Calhoun’s is a top pick for those wanting a taste of local cuisine. Another local gem located at 714 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 is Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que.
Best Barbecue in the Smokies
Calhoun’s is known for its juicy and flavorful ribs, which earned it “Best Ribs in America” at the Cleveland National Rib Cookoff back in 1983, their first year in business. Since then, they’ve stuck to the same recipe while expanding and opening more restaurants in the local area. Calhoun’s offers a fun and relaxing dining experience for everyone in your family!
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Calhoun’s, Gatlinburg – FYI, the probably wildly wealthy folks who own most of the property on the Gatlinburg strip also own several downtown restaurants. My guess is Calhoun’s is one of those six. (mind you it’s the word on the street that one family owns so much property and we really don’t care either way) We sat at the bar because this place is always packed.
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If you want to eat at a restaurant that has a little bit of everything your family enjoys, Calhoun’s is a great option!. This is a local chain restaurant that specializes in barbeque and steakhouse cuisine. You can’t go wrong with the Ale Steak marinated in Cherokee Red Ale and topped with herbed butter, or the baby back ribs tossed in their housemade sauce.
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If you are looking for southern cuisine, particularly barbecue, head on over to Calhoun’s. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this popular spot is a perfect dining option for visitors exploring the area. You will find Southern favorites such as ribs, pulled pork, brisket, homestyle sides, and craft beers.
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Since 1983 Calhoun’s prided themselves on having and delivering the best ribs in America. After all, they won the grand prize at the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, with the same eagerness and love for sharing and delivering only the best food, Calhoun’s serves perfectly smoked meat, delectable sauces, and scratch-made sides.
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In operation for over 30 years, Calhoun’s opened its first restaurant in Knoxville in 1983. The following year, Calhoun’s traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, and took home “Best Ribs in America” after winning the 1984 National Rib Cook-Off. Known for its famous hickory smoked BBQ and Ribs, Calhoun’s offers an authentic taste of Tennessee.
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Calhoun's is famous for their Tennessee BBQ. If you’re in the mood for the best BBQ, ribs or steak you’ve ever had, Calhoun’s is the place to go. From chicken wings, to salads, to char-grilled shrimp, to hickory smoked prime rib, Calhoun’s has it all. The whole family will be able to find something they enjoy at this restaurant!
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In 1983, they took home the grand prize at the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio. Come taste for yourself and try the “Best Ribs in America.” If you plan on eating ribs, make sure you don’t wear a white shirt as this great meal could get messy. The restaurant also has other classic options such as steak and juicy burgers!
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Calhoun’s is another one of our favorite places to have dinner in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Boasting locations in both cities, this local chain is famous for its mouthwatering BBQ, steaks, and sandwiches. Calhoun’s is especially proud of its ribs, which have placed first in the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Calhoun’s is a great place to get delicious food in Gatlinburg TN. They are known for their barbecue and steak options. Most of their barbecue options are slow roasted for maximum flavor and then covered in their house sauce. Calhoun’s has a trio plate where you can get pulled pork, baby back ribs, and chicken tenders.
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They specialize in southern barbecue, so you can get pulled pork, baby back ribs covered in sauce, and more. You’ll also find all kinds of delicious steaks on the menu, whether they’re covered in barbecue sauce or marinated in Cherokee Ale. There’s even a sampler platter where you can try a little bit of everything.
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It’s not a true Smoky Mountain vacation without a little BBQ!. Whether you want some baby back ribs or a traditional pulled pork sandwich, Calhoun’s is one of the best BBQ restaurants in Gatlinburg. Since their first restaurant opened in 1983, Calhoun’s has been quickly spreading throughout all of East Tennessee.
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Perfect for a lunch or dinner, Calhoun’s serves smoky BBQ favorites including ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and catfish. With award-winning meats and made from scratch sides, it’s a cozy lodge-style experience . Portions are hearty and ideal for sharing, plus there's banana pudding and fudge cake if you saved room!
What’s The Best BBQ Place In Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Calhoun’s– With locations in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Calhoun’s is perfect for either a casual lunch or dinner and has something for everyone. We recommend starting with the bacon-wrapped burnt ends dipped in Tennessee whiskey BBQ sauce and then getting the hickory-smoked baby-back ribs for your entree!
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Calhoun’s is another great local chain restaurant that serves Tennessee barbecue. They have chicken wings and boneless wings for appetizers that you can get tossed in whatever sauce of your choice. If you want something casual, grab one of their burgers or the pulled pork sandwich with their signature sauce.
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When you’re ready to venture out of your spacious Gatlinburg cabin rental for some food, consider some of the best barbecue in Tennessee!. You’ve got to head to Calhoun’s. Here, you can watch the big game with your friends or relax with your family as you sample your favorite BBQ classics with a twist.
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East Tennessee’s most famous and celebrated barbecue artists, Calhoun’s slow cook method is world-renowned. Additionally, the Family Feed Packs are great for mountain picnics or to take back to your cabin. I’m a fan of the sausage and cheese plate as an app as well as the Southern fried green tomatoes.
The Best BBQ in Gatlinburg
Calhoun’s is a Tennessee tradition with nine locations scattered throughout East Tennessee. In the heart of Gatlinburg at 1004 Parkway, everyone knows Calhoun’s!. With award-winning “Taste of Tennessee” BBQ, its Southern roots run deep, since the 80s, when they opened their first location in Knoxville.
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They started from their Pellissippi location and now they have several in Knoxville, one near Fort Loudon, one in Pigeon Forge and of course, one in Gatlinburg. The one in Gatlinburg is tucked right up next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is in a beautiful location, right on the parkway.
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Located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Calhoun’s is a very popular restaurant. You’ll love the massive Pulled Pork Sandwich topped with their signature BBQ sauce and piled high with coleslaw – Yes,please!. Their menu includes salads, burgers, wings, BBQ, sandwiches, steaks, and port chops.
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Soon after they opened in 1983, the owners headed to Ohio for a championship, bringing home the title of “Best Ribs in America.” The recipe is just as amazing today, with slow-smoked meat on season split hickory logs. Heading out for a hiking trip or back to your cabin?. Try the “Family Pack.
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Calhoun's in Gatlinburg is one of Gatlinburg's oldest restaurants to dine at. The barbecue restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and is within walking distance of many of the city's attractions. Calhoun's is best known for its fresh and sweet delicacies packed with flavor.
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A beloved spot with a diverse menu and cozy vibe, known for exceptional flavor and quick service that keeps visitors coming back for more. Came here for vacation and chose this place where it had many gluten free options. They were very knowledgeable and can even go over the menu with you.
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If you’re in the mood for southern barbeque, you should eat at Calhoun’s. You can get tender steak covered in their signature sauce or baby back ribs that have been slow roasted for hours and slathered in their barbeque sauce. Calhoun’s also has chicken, pork, burgers, and much more.
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The owners are known for winning the “Best Ribs in America” in 1983. This place has all kinds of savory meat options, such as burgers, pork, and even a bacon-wrapped beef brisket. Yet, if you’re looking for something lighter, they also have salads, sandwiches, and chicken tenders.
Best Barbecue in the Smokies
With locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Calhoun’s is a must-stop for many looking for barbecue in the Smokies. They have much more besides barbecue, but some barbecue favorites include hickory-smoked ribs, pork plates, and smoked chicken. How do they get their great taste?.
BEST BBQ IN THE SMOKIES
With locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Calhoun’s is a must-stop for many looking for barbecue in the Smokies. They have much more besides barbecue, but some barbecue favorites include hickory-smoked ribs, pork plates, and smoked chicken. How do they get their great taste?
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Recently, I went to Calhoun’s with my son, and I couldn’t decide if I even wanted food, so I decided to get their plain old House Salad. Mind you, I had actually never ordered this before. Normally, if I’m getting a salad, the Smokehouse is my choice for some serious meat sweats.
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Calhoun’s is a barbecue legend in East Tennessee with good reason. There are many Gatlinburg Tennessee restaurants that serve barbecue, but Calhoun’s stands out for its quality. Start your meal with some bacon-wrapped burnt ends or a sausage and cheese plate.
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Based on what I put stars by you might be wondering why I have three stars and not five. Our family has been coming to this restaurant for a very long time. Every year when we come up, we have to visit at least once and often times twice in a week.
A Southern Food Paradise
Calhoun’s– “The Taste of Tennessee.” Their mountain lodge atmosphere is nice and cozy with a big fireplace at the front. They are known for their ribs and offer a good Tennessee corn pudding too!. Be sure to check them out for lunch or dinner.
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Known best for their ribs, cooks at Calhoun’s slow cook their meat over split hickory logs until their famous ‘Smoke Ring’ appears on the meat. They have propriety sauces and dressings – you can also buy – and award-winning barbecue sauce.
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A lively, family-friendly restaurant combining authentic Tennessee barbecue with a fun, rustic atmosphere. Known for generous portions, excellent kids' menu, and the kind of relaxed vibe that makes family meals truly enjoyable.
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Want to eat a place that’s better than fast food but is still family friendly?. Calhoun’s is a great place to take the family or your group of friends!. This place has everything you love: barbeque, steak, and so much more!
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For a hassle-free backyard BBQ or picnic, order Family Packs from one of Calhoun’s several East Tennessee locations, or grab a curbside order from Corner16 for another option in west Knox. Plates and napkins included!
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Get the best views in town at the top of the 407-foot Gatlinburg Space Needle, or catch the views from the treetops on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. In the evenings, dine on scrumptious ribs at Calhoun’s!
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Other specialties at this Gatlinburg restaurant include steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, BBQ, catfish – salads and sandwiches. Most of all, there is glass enclosed seating on the Parkway, full service bar.
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Calhoun’s provides comfort food classics in a mountain lodge atmosphere. Stop in for creative takes on American favorites like wings, burgers, and potato skins– great for lunch or a casual dinner.
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Calhoun’s has been popular with people in the area for a long time. It features barbecue, salads, sides, and strong drinks. It is a great place to kick back and enjoy the local culture.
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This young man called Calhouns in Gatlinburg and told them he wanted to propose. They decided to put it in the dessert. I came at the end of their dinner and captured her reaction.
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Here are just a few hot spots: Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp, Delauders BBQ, Pancake Pantry, Cherokee Grill, The Park Grill, Calhoun’s, Hot Diggity Dawg, and El Sonador.
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Calhoun’s is known for their delicious ribs and barbecue in a family-friendly atmosphere. They offer a kids’ menu, generous portions, and classic Southern sides.
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Other specialties include steaks, prime rib, grilled chicken, BBQ, catfish – salads and sandwiches. Glass enclosed seating on the Parkway, full service bar.
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When you have BBQ on the brain, make your way to Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg and let the mouthwatering dishes listed on the menu do all the talking.
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Another great choice is Calhoun’s, famous for its tangy BBQ ribs and a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home.
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