Missing Archer's BBQ? It might be time to try these Knoxville favorites

Liz Kellar, Knoxville News Sentinel
·3 min read

The news that Archer's BBQ abruptly closed all of its locations Oct. 23 sent local barbecue fans diving into a search for the best replacement.

Some aficionados insist that you can't get good 'cue here in Knoxville. But while it certainly is true that Eastern Tennessee is not known for barbecue in the way that Memphis is, there are plenty of barbecue establishments to check out here.

To help local foodies out, Know News offers this roundup of some of Knoxville's favorite barbecue restaurants, in no particular order. Who knows? You might discover your new go-to. And if there is a hidden gem we missed, send your recommendations our way via liz.kellar@knoxnews.com.

Brick-and-mortar restaurants:

  • Pit Stop BBQ: Gann's Pit Stop is a little out of the way on Asheville Highway, but has many fans. The unassuming storefront might qualify as a true hidden gem, with one reviewer saying, "It’s what real, true, how-your-grandmother-made-it, Southern-style home cooking is supposed to be."

  • Last Days of Autumn: This brewpub on East Magnolia Avenue in East Knoxville is not a true barbecue restaurant but features delicious smoked meats on its menu.

  • Love That BBQ: Another unassuming BBQ restaurant is in what appears to be a former gas station on Maryville Pike. Fans highlight the brisket and the ribs, with one commenting, "Great ma and pa style restaurant. Real down home cooking, awesome service, and very low prices."

  • Sweet P's: Sweet P's has been a barbecue mainstay in Knoxville since 2005 and has two locations: the Downtown Dive on West Jackson Avenue and Uptown Corner in Fountain City. As one reviewer noted, "Really everything you want in a BBQ place."

  • Dead End BBQ: This restaurant on Sutherland Avenue claims "a commitment to competition-style quality" and "BBQ that feels like grandma’s Sunday cooking with a kick!" Dead End started as a pig roast at a block party and started entering competitions, eventually representing Tennessee at a national championship in 2008.

Food trucks

  • Oakwood BBQ: Many folks think this might be the best barbecue in town; the loaded fries are a particular favorite. Oakwood BBQ trucks can be found at Merchants of Beer downtown, as well as (currently) Alliance Brewing Company and Creekside; check Oakwood's Facebook page for locations.

  • Smoked Pickle: Smoked Pickle Barbecue has been making Texas-style barbecue since 2020. Its trailer can be found at Creekside and Yee-Haw Brewing; check the Facebook page for updates on how to find what one reviewer called "absolutely killer brisket."

  • Wells Station: Pitmaster Marcus Stokely has worked at Blackberry Farm and J.C. Holdway and now does popups at local breweries. Check his Facebook page for events including a pop-up Dec. 16 at Hi-Wire Brewing.

  • Food, Fire & Ferment: This food truck features an interesting blend of food items highlighting beer and smoked meat, including a blackberry and smoked cream cheese cinnamon roll. Go to the Facebook page for the mobile smokehouse' locations every week.

Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Missing Archer's BBQ? Try these Knoxville restaurant favorites