A Surprising Comparison of the Two Best BBQ Places in the Smoky Mountains

Local declares winner between two best BBQ spots in the Smokies

As a travel blog writer, there are times when I find myself facing an impossible task. I’m often asked to choose the best in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. The best what? Best restaurant or best attraction? The best go kart track, pancake house or mountain coaster? And so, I sit down and weigh experiences, talk to others and try to create the best-informed opinion I can. For you, dear readers. But then sometimes, the task is too tall. The asking is too great. The request is too much – an affront to taste and goodwill.

But we are bound by the sacred covenants of blogging. An opinion must be formed. A decision must be made. And so here we are, on the precipice, staring into the abyss. What is the best mom-and-pop barbecue place in Sevier County? Is it Delauder’s or Preacher’s? Readers, buckle up, I’m about to flirt with the edge of a blogging black hole. I’m about to go face-to-face with the third rail of BBQ hot takes. 

Preacher’s pros and cons

Located on Pittman Center Road in Sevierville – this BBQ spot is run by a real-life preacher, who I fear might not appreciate my slightly religious references to barbecue. It is expertly smoked meat served just as you’d like it. Options – laid out on a chalkboard menu – include chicken, pork, burnt ends, brisket or smoked sausage.

Ribs are sold in four-bone or seven-bone slabs, and you can get a three-bone slab added to the three-meat combo for an incredibly reasonable $5 extra. The sides include mac and cheese, slaw and white chili. However, the Brunswick stew is a real must-try. The sampler is pork, chicken, brisket, burnt ends and sausage with two large sides and two drinks. There are a variety of sodas, but unless you have a sugar issue, you should get the sweet tea. Preachers Smokehouse is located at 2933 Pittman Center Road in Sevierville.

Pros – Preachers is an institution. Everything is run at an expert level. Everything feels homemade, fresh and delicious. The banana pudding – a BBQ restaurant staple – is great. Jimmy Fallon ate here when he was in town filming at Dollywood.

Cons – Jimmy Fallon ate here when he was in town filming at Dollywood. Also, some guy from Brentwood gave it a 1-star review on Yelp. Hours can also be limited.

Delauder’s pros and cons

A self-described family-run dive that has moved from a tiny former hemp store to an old house, and now to a former gas station, Delauder’s has been serving fantastic BBQ in Gatlinburg for nearly a decade. Ranked by Yelp as the 10th-best BBQ spot in the nation, Delauder’s has also been recognized nationally for its brisket.

The menu – as befitting of a restaurant in a former gas station – is unpretentious. It has a variety of BBQ sandwiches and platters that are both mouth-watering and excellent. The Sneaky Pig – pulled pork with a sweet habanera sauce – is probably the consensus best. But I am a sucker for a good Slaw Dog. Also, don’t sleep on the Holy Bologna Sandwich – grilled bologna with pulled pork, onions, pickles, nacho cheese, lettuce, sweet jalapeno mustard and BBQ sauce. If you’re tucking into a platter, the sampler is the best option. Delauder’s is located at 1305 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville.

Pros – Did you not read about the smoked bologna sandwich? Do you require more pros? Also, Jimmy Fallon didn’t eat here.

Cons – They can run out because it’s a mom-and-pop operation and you can’t just whip up a fresh batch of smoked BBQ. Their Facebook page is a good place to check in if you’re making a long trip just for the BBQ. I do kind of wish they had a website, but that’s a minor inconvenience. Also, one lady from Modesto, California had a “bad” experience and declared her disappointment with the entire community of Gatlinburg. Finally, Jimmy Fallon did not eat here. Again, the hours are limited.

Which is better?

My goodness, y’all ask the hard-hitting questions. I love them both and find myself going back and forth. Therefore, I turned to the internet for help. Both had twin 4.8 ratings on Google and Yelp, so I don’t think you can go wrong with either. But I have to admit that some of the rankings sway my thinking. So, if I must pick – and I must because this is the internet – Delauder’s comes in for the win. But remember, you absolutely can’t go wrong with Preacher’s.

There are two classic, family-run BBQ joints in the Smoky Mountains – well there are more than two but these two are probably the most popular. A meal at either place is a treat, but if I have to pick the best spot in the county, the title is going to Delauders at least for now. I look forward to continuing to taste the work of these culinary artists in the years to come as they continue to vie for the top spot.

Do you agree with our BBQ competition? Let us know in the comments and on the socials!