Delauder’s BBQ

Why go: Delauder’s BBQ is a family-run operation that hickory-smokes its meats fresh every day in limited batches, so the brisket, ribs, and signature pulled pork sandwiches are as good as barbecue gets in the Smokies and worth arriving early to claim.

About Delauder’s BBQ

Denny and Kelli Delauder have been smoking barbecue since 2015, building their reputation at a hard-to-find spot on the outskirts of Gatlinburg before word spread wide enough to earn a top-ten ranking among barbecue restaurants across North America on Yelp. That recognition brought visitors from across the country, and a move to a larger kitchen in Sevierville gave the operation room to grow without changing what made it great.

Everything is hickory-smoked fresh each day in limited quantities. The pulled pork is cooked low and slow until it shreds without effort. The brisket comes out with a full smoke ring and a deep, timber-driven flavor that holds its own without sauce. The ribs develop a bark with real texture and pull-from-the-bone tenderness underneath. The sandwich menu goes well beyond the expected: the Sneaky Pig layers pulled pork with a sweet habanero sauce that balances heat and sweetness in a way most sauces never manage, and the Holy Bologna stacks thick-cut grilled bologna with pulled pork, pickles, nacho cheese, and sweet jalapeño mustard in a combination that sounds audacious and delivers completely.

The dining room is small and intentionally unpretentious. A handful of tables inside and a few outdoor seats make up the space. Denny is frequently on the floor, checking on tables and walking first-timers through what to order. Here, ownership and hospitality are the same thing.

Getting to Delauder’s BBQ

Delauder’s BBQ sits on Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville, between the main tourist corridor and the heart of town. Coming from Pigeon Forge, continue along the Parkway into Sevierville and watch for the restaurant on your right past the Mills Park area. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. Dolly Parton Parkway sees heavy traffic during peak vacation seasons, so building a few extra minutes into the drive is a smart habit.

Why Choose Delauder’s BBQ

Delauder’s earns repeat visits because the food is consistently excellent and the experience is genuinely personal. A few things set it apart from the rest of the Smokies BBQ scene:

• Fresh-smoked daily in limited batches. Nothing sits under a heat lamp. When the day’s supply runs out, the kitchen closes, which means what you get is always at its best.
• Sandwiches worth the trip on their own. The Sneaky Pig and the Holy Bologna are not afterthoughts. They are the reason some regulars make the drive specifically for them.
• Brisket with a real smoke ring. Hickory-smoked to the point where the smoke ring is visible and the interior is fork-tender. Many diners skip sauce entirely and they are not wrong.
• Owner-level hospitality. Denny Delauder is frequently on the floor, making sure every table is taken care of and every first-timer knows what to order.
• Gluten-aware kitchen. Mention any gluten needs when you order. The staff is well-versed on the topic and can guide your choices.

Menu Favorites

The menu at Delauder’s is focused and well-executed. Meats anchor every plate, supported by Southern sides that are worth the space they take.

• Sneaky Pig Sandwich. Pulled pork topped with a house-made sweet habanero sauce. The balance of heat and sweetness is what keeps people coming back to it.
• Holy Bologna Sandwich. Thick-sliced grilled bologna with pulled pork, pickles, nacho cheese, and sweet jalapeño mustard. A combination that sounds unlikely and delivers on every level.
• Smoked Brisket. Hickory-smoked with a pronounced smoke ring and a tender, juicy interior. Worth ordering as the centerpiece of any platter.
• Full Rack of Ribs. Slow-smoked with bark that has real texture. The meat pulls from the bone with exactly the right amount of resistance.
• Loaded Baked Potato. A generous potato topped with pulled pork, nacho cheese, and sour cream. A consistent crowd favorite that works as a complete meal on its own.
• Sampler Platter. The best way to work through multiple meats in one sitting, with sides that hold their own.
• Banana Pudding. A classic Southern dessert done right. Save room for it.

What to Expect

Delauder’s runs as a true no-frills dive, which is part of the appeal. A few things worth knowing before you go:

• Cash only. An ATM is available on-site, but bringing cash is the smoother option.
• Arrive early. A set quantity of meat is smoked each day. When it sells out, the kitchen closes. Weekend afternoons during peak season can get competitive.
• Limited seating. The dining room holds about four tables, and the kitchen does not accommodate parties larger than seven. A small number of outdoor seats are also available.
• Hours can vary. The Thursday through Sunday schedule is a reliable starting point, but checking the Facebook page before making the drive is a smart move, especially on weekdays or outside of peak season.
• Military and local discounts available. Ask at the counter when you order.

Nearby Restaurants in Sevierville

• Chubby’s Restaurant. A family-friendly homestyle kitchen just up the road serving hearty Southern plates in a casual, welcoming setting.
• Andy’s Frozen Custard. A quick-serve stop for fresh-made frozen custard cones, concrete mixers, and sundaes on Dolly Parton Parkway.
• Aubrey’s. A full-service American restaurant with a broad menu of steaks, pasta, and Southern comfort plates for the whole table.
• Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. A breakfast and brunch mainstay with towering pancake stacks and classic Southern morning plates served in a rustic cabin setting.
• Big Daddy’s Pizzeria. Hand-tossed pies with creative topping combinations in a casual, family-friendly spot on the Parkway.

Explore More

My Smoky Mountain Guide Sevierville is a great resource for finding things to do and places to eat.

• Sevierville Food and Beverage Guide. Browse restaurants, coffee shops, distilleries, and dessert stops in Sevierville, organized by category.
• Sevierville Attractions. From outlet shopping to attractions and entertainment venues, find out what else is happening along the Parkway and beyond.
• Sevierville Outdoor Adventure. Hiking, paddling, ziplines, and more outdoor options in Sevierville.