Delauder’s BBQ: They’ve Got the Meats

Ranking your best options when choosing from Delauder’s smoked meat options

It’s not just the content creators. Ranking things is part of the human condition. For years, decades, generations, centuries, heck, maybe even eons, ranking stuff has been the default conversation starter.

Running out of things to talk about? Who are your favorite bands? What are your favorite movies? TVs. Works of art. You name something, anything in this world, and you can bet that someone somewhere is out there – just ranking the heck out of it. 

Heck, Rolling Stone used to write interesting feature stories about ’70s bands on the brink of stardom. But now we have the internet. And YouTube. And probably TikTok – I don’t know – do they rank stuff on TikTok? In today’s society, ranking things is just big business. 

Ranking things at TheSmokies.com

But I want you to know that here at TheSmokies.com, we aren’t just in it for those sweet, sweet ranking clicks. We are in it for the love of the game. Before the blog, we were out here ranking stuff since the early ’80s. Today, if you have something you need ranked, let us know on our private line. Don’t care how big, how small. We will rank it. That’s our promise to you.

Why are we talking so much about rankings? Well, friends, the other day, while sitting in Delauder’s BBQ located at 1305 Dolly Parton Parkway and just adjacent to heaven, we faced a conundrum that would have left Solomon bumfuzzled. Amongst the variety of delicious smoked meats on the menu at Delauder’s, we had to make a decision. Which of Delauder’s bevy of perfectly smoked meats were we going to choose for our combo platter? We had an easier time deciding on names for our three children.

What is Delauder’s?

It’s a classic East Tennessee BBQ joint. Maybe the best East Tennessee BBQ. Born in Gatlinburg, Delauders recently moved to Sevierville after some issues with a landlord. It is one of America’s great BBQ cathedrals. It was Yelp!’s #10 BBQ restaurant in the United States and had previously been ranked No. 7 for Brisket. It’s also been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the Top 25 BBQ destinations in the U.S. Delauder’s is currently open Thursday through Sunday, and it should be destination dining if you want a true taste of East Tennessee. 

Ranking the meats

This is a pure ranking of meat in its meat form. Delauder’s has a lot of delicious sandwiches and a slaw dog, most of which prominently feature pulled pork, but we won’t factor that in. This is essentially “I’m ordering a single meat platter, a two or three-meat combo platter, and I need help making this important life decision.” By the way, if you’re ordering the five-meat sampler, your meat selection is predetermined. Just sit back and savor. 

1. Pulled pork

No shocker here, but it’s important to me that you know just how good the pulled pork at Delauder’s is. Yes, it’s been nationally recognized, but that doesn’t go far enough. Every time I have the pulled pork at Delauder’s, I silently curse myself for all the meals that I’ve had in my life that did not involve Delauder’s pulled pork. I curse myself for the fool that I’ve been.

It’s smoky pulled-pork BBQ that doesn’t need bread, sauce, or anything else. Every bit is wonderful. That being said, I learned the ways of BBQ in East Tennessee, and I do like a little slaw – Delauder’s is bright, tangy, and crispy, a perfect accompaniment to the pork, and a slight dose of the regular BBQ sauce with the pork. I also wouldn’t say no to a little heat. But honestly, much more than that, and it is like repainting a Van Gogh. With a meal as good as the pulled pork at Delauder’s, you want to be judicious in your adjustments. 

2. Smoked pork belly

Now, we are averting expectations here, but the smoked pork belly would be No. 1 at any other place in the world, but at Delauder’s it’s a firm second place. The pork belly captures the flavor of the smoke so well and pairs nicely with its fatty part. Goes well with the Cherry Jalapeno BBQ sauce, but it’s just as good on its own. If I were to order a three-meat platter, I would give serious thought to doubling down on the pork belly with one order of pulled pork, like a member of Monty Python ordering Spam. Can I have pork belly, pork belly, pulled pork, and pork belly?

3. Brisket

I suspect that on most people’s list, the brisket would be No. 1 – or 2 at the worst. After all, it has been nationally recognized. And I’ve got no lie to tell you, I think it’s absolutely excellent. However, I didn’t grow up with Texas BBQ and don’t have much experience with world-class brisket. I can’t tell you if this is top 10 in the country or top 10 outside of Texas, but I can tell you it’s fantastic. 

4. Smoked chicken

Look, I’m surprised, too. I generally think of smoked chicken as a BBQ place’s cheat code. A way to fill up your plate with tasty, smoky chicken – but a little like when they bring a big plate of bread at an Italian place. They want you to fill up on this and leave more of the good stuff for the other patrons. But this chicken is no ordinary yard bird. It’s good stuff. 

5. Ribs

We’re getting to a place where I feel the need to offer a caveat. You see No. 5 and think I’m not excited about the ribs. But I am, these are some of the most flavorful ribs I’ve ever had. It’s only ranked here because I like the ones above it better. However, if I sat down at Delauder’s with nothing but a plate of ribs, I would be a happy man. 

6. Smoked sausage

Smoked sausage is like pizza. Even the bad stuff is tasty. At Delauder’s, the Smoked Sausage is very good. But I think Smoked Sausage is a high-floor, low-ceiling BBQ experience. I don’t know that there’s going to be a massive difference between a good and great BBQ place. It’s a fantastic option, but you’re not getting nationally ranked for your sausage, you know? If you come to Delauder’s, there are several higher-value options, so to speak. 

7. Pulled chicken

At most BBQ places, I would not bother with the pulled chicken. If I’m getting chicken, I’d rather have the breast. However, my daughter likes the pulled chicken, and I’ve tried it here. Even in last place, it’s excellent. It has a surprisingly smoky flavor and is enhanced by the cherry jalapeño sauce. It’s really good. 

Do you have a favorite at Delauder’s? Let us know what you think in the comments and on the socials!