Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg

  • Address: 1004 Parkway #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone: (865) 436-4100
  • Website: calhouns.com
  • Type: Barbeque
  • Alcohol: Yes
  • Family-Friendly: Yes
  • Pricing: $$
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Take-Out: Yes
  • Hours:
    • Sunday to Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Friday to Sunday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Overview

Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg is a popular Parkway restaurant known for its hickory-smoked barbeque, generous portions, and relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, it’s an easy stop for visitors looking to enjoy classic Southern BBQ after exploring nearby attractions or Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

With warm wood interiors and a welcoming, casual vibe, Calhoun’s blends Smoky Mountain charm with dependable American comfort food. It’s a longtime favorite for families, groups, and travelers who want a sit-down meal without anything too formal.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Calhoun’s focuses on slow-smoked meats and hearty Southern favorites made with fresh ingredients. Popular offerings include:

  • Hickory-smoked baby back ribs
  • Pulled pork platters and BBQ plates
  • Ale-marinated steaks
  • Burgers, sandwiches, and comfort-food classics
  • Traditional sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, and fresh vegetables

Portion sizes are often noted as generous, making it a good value compared to many Gatlinburg restaurants in the busy tourist district.

What to Order at Calhoun’s

Not sure where to start? These dishes are among the most commonly recommended by repeat visitors:

  • Baby Back Ribs: Slow-smoked and tender, with a smoky flavor that keeps guests coming back.
  • Pulled Pork Plate: A classic choice that highlights Calhoun’s hickory-smoking process.
  • Ale-Marinated Steak: A popular alternative for diners looking beyond traditional BBQ.
  • BBQ Sandwiches: Great for a lighter meal that still delivers bold flavor.
  • Mac & Cheese: A favorite side that pairs well with ribs or pulled pork.

Family-Friendly Dining

Calhoun’s is a family-friendly restaurant in Gatlinburg, making it a convenient option for travelers with kids. The children’s menu includes:

  • Mini burgers
  • Chicken tenders
  • Kid-sized ribs

The laid-back atmosphere and familiar menu options make it easy for families to enjoy a relaxed meal together.

Drinks & Atmosphere

In addition to its food menu, Calhoun’s offers a full bar with:

  • Domestic and local beers
  • Wine
  • Mixed drinks and cocktails

It’s a comfortable place to unwind in the evening or grab a drink with dinner after a day of hiking, shopping, or sightseeing in Gatlinburg.

Insider Tip

Calhoun’s can get busy during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends and during the summer and fall travel seasons. For a shorter wait, consider visiting for an early lunch or dining slightly before the evening rush. If you’re traveling with a larger group, calling ahead is a smart move, the restaurant can accommodate groups of up to about 40 guests with advance notice.

Final Thoughts

Calhoun’s continues to be a reliable choice for barbeque in Gatlinburg, offering classic Southern flavors, generous portions, and a casual Smoky Mountain setting. Whether you’re craving ribs, pulled pork, or a family-friendly meal right on the Parkway, it’s a solid option in the heart of downtown.

  • Address: 1004 Parkway #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
  • Phone: (865) 436-4100
  • Website: calhouns.com
  • Type: Barbeque
  • Alcohol: Yes
  • Family-Friendly: Yes
  • Pricing: $$
  • Delivery: Yes
  • Take-Out: Yes
  • Hours:
    • Sunday to Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Friday to Sunday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Overview

Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg is a popular Parkway restaurant known for its hickory-smoked barbeque, generous portions, and relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere.

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, it’s an easy stop for visitors looking to enjoy classic Southern BBQ after exploring nearby attractions or Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

With warm wood interiors and a welcoming, casual vibe, Calhoun’s blends Smoky Mountain charm with dependable American comfort food.

It’s a longtime favorite for families, groups, and travelers who want a sit-down meal without anything too formal.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Calhoun’s focuses on slow-smoked meats and hearty Southern favorites made with fresh ingredients.

Popular offerings include:

  • Hickory-smoked baby back ribs
  • Pulled pork platters and BBQ plates
  • Ale-marinated steaks
  • Burgers, sandwiches, and comfort-food classics
  • Traditional sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, and fresh vegetables

Portion sizes are often noted as generous, making it a good value compared to many Gatlinburg restaurants in the busy tourist district.

What to Order at Calhoun’s

Not sure where to start? These dishes are among the most commonly recommended by repeat visitors:

  • Baby Back Ribs: Slow-smoked and tender, with a smoky flavor that keeps guests coming back.
  • Pulled Pork Plate: A classic choice that highlights Calhoun’s hickory-smoking process.
  • Ale-Marinated Steak: A popular alternative for diners looking beyond traditional BBQ.
  • BBQ Sandwiches: Great for a lighter meal that still delivers bold flavor.
  • Mac & Cheese: A favorite side that pairs well with ribs or pulled pork.

Family-Friendly Dining

Calhoun’s is a family-friendly restaurant in Gatlinburg, making it a convenient option for travelers with kids.

The children’s menu includes:

  • Mini burgers
  • Chicken tenders
  • Kid-sized ribs

The laid-back atmosphere and familiar menu options make it easy for families to enjoy a relaxed meal together.

Drinks & Atmosphere

In addition to its food menu, Calhoun’s offers a full bar with:

  • Domestic and local beers
  • Wine
  • Mixed drinks and cocktails

It’s a comfortable place to unwind in the evening or grab a drink with dinner after a day of hiking, shopping, or sightseeing in Gatlinburg.

Insider Tip

Calhoun’s can get busy during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends and during the summer and fall travel seasons.

For a shorter wait, consider visiting for an early lunch or dining slightly before the evening rush.

If you’re traveling with a larger group, calling ahead is a smart move, the restaurant can accommodate groups of up to about 40 guests with advance notice.

Final Thoughts

Calhoun’s continues to be a reliable choice for barbeque in Gatlinburg, offering classic Southern flavors, generous portions, and a casual Smoky Mountain setting.

Whether you’re craving ribs, pulled pork, or a family-friendly meal right on the Parkway, it’s a solid option in the heart of downtown.

Disclaimer

My Smoky Mountain Guide aims to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, using reputable sources. However, details about events, attractions, trails, or businesses may change without notice due to factors like weather or park policies. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of our content. Visitors should verify details with official sources, such as the National Park Service or local businesses, before planning. My Smoky Mountain Guide is not liable for inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences from using this information. You are responsible for your own decisions based on our content. For feedback or corrections, please contact us.