Bennett’s Pit BBQ

Bennett's Pit BBQ – A Local Southern Favorite with A Full Bar
Written by: The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

This downtown Gatlinburg barbecue eatery has been in business for almost 25 years and is sure to please. While the prices aren’t cheap, the slow-smoked meats are absolutely succulent. The combination meals are huge and can easily feed two. Worthy of a visit!

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Bennett’s Pit BBQ in downtown Gatlinburg, which originally opened almost 25 years ago, is a local favorite that has stood the test of time. What’s their secret? Smoke. Each piece of brisket, chicken, and pork is slowly smoked over smoldering piles of hickory wood by a pitmaster who talks about the menu items like they are family. The result is exceptional barbecue that is tender, packed with flavor, and topped with homemade sauces.

A few of our favorite menu items at Bennett’s Pit BBQ include:

Deep-Fried Pickle Chips
If you are from the North, you may (incorrectly) believe that the best use for pickle chips is as a hamburger dressing. Nothing could be further from the truth! Grab an order of these piping hot deep-fried pickle chips with a side of ranch and you’ll be a fan for life. Guaranteed.

Brisket
The slow-smoked brisket is absolutely incredible! They smoke this slab of meat for up to 14 hours and then top it with a special sauce. If you prefer a fattier brisket, request the brisket tips. This is the top portion of the brisket, which has a little extra smoke (flavor!) and is overall a fattier cut of meat.

Pulled Pork
If you are a connoisseur of pulled pork, prepare to be pleased. The pitmaster does a great job of regulating the smoke flavor and delivers a smoky meat that is succulent. Bennett’s Pit BBQ pulled pork is tender and packed with flavor.

In addition to the barbecue staples, one would expect, you can also find steaks, grilled chicken, chicken tender, catfish, and an assortment of salads. The herbivores and dieters in your group are sure to appreciate the large 40-item soup and salad bar. In our opinion, the salad bar is an OK add-on to a meal, but not worth it as a stand-alone entree.

Insider Tip:
Instead of ordering two separate dinners, we recommend ordering one of the massive dinner combination plates (i.e. Big Daddy’s Ultimate Combo). This is PLENTY of food for two people and will allow you to try an assortment of meats. When the parking lot out back is full, try parking on the road in front of the restaurant. These spots are free and oftentimes available.