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Calhoun's in Pigeon Forge

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A beloved Tennessee BBQ institution known for its award-winning ribs, unique ALE Steak, and a warm, upscale mountain lodge ambiance.

Highlights

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Wed/Fri 18-21h

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BBQ

Calhoun's in Pigeon Forge

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Tennessee BBQ institution known for its award-winning ribs, unique ALE Steak, and a warm, upscale mountain lodge ambiance.

"Consistently excellent food and service make Calhoun's a must-visit for authentic East Tennessee BBQ."

TIP

Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours or on weekdays to avoid long waits and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Don't Miss the Bread!

Savor the complimentary basket of amazing biscuits, cornbread, and seasoned rolls – a highlight for many diners.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10:30PM

Cuisine

Barbecue, American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(865) 868-1500

Address

2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Ribs

Award-Winning Ribs

Sink your teeth into award-winning baby back ribs, a signature dish praised for perfect smoking and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Upscale Mountain Lodge Ambiance

Upscale Mountain Lodge Ambiance

Dine in a comfortable, lodge-like atmosphere with a grand fireplace, perfect for a cozy meal after a day of exploring.

ALE Steak

ALE Steak

A must-try unique steak, marinated in olive oil, mustard, garlic, and Cherokee Red Ale for a distinct flavor.

6 Steaks You Should Try in Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountains
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours or on weekdays to avoid long waits and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Don't Miss the Bread!

Savor the complimentary basket of amazing biscuits, cornbread, and seasoned rolls – a highlight for many diners.

Ask for Recommendations

Your server can offer great insights into the menu; ask for their favorites like the Ale Steak or brisket.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours or on weekdays to avoid long waits and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Don't Miss the Bread!

Savor the complimentary basket of amazing biscuits, cornbread, and seasoned rolls – a highlight for many diners.

Ask for Recommendations

Your server can offer great insights into the menu; ask for their favorites like the Ale Steak or brisket.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Calhoun's in Pigeon Forge is lauded for its consistent, high-quality BBQ, particularly its award-winning ribs and flavorful ALE Steak. Diners rave about the attentive service and the welcoming, lodge-like atmosphere. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention occasional dryness in brisket or pork, and one reviewer had a negative experience with a pretzel and argumentative staff.

"We had heard good things about Calhoun's and we were not disappointed. The inside is very comfortable with roomy booths. There is a huge open fireplace that was not lit but it's a beautiful centerpiece. The waitress was friendly and polite. She brought us fresh rolls and biscuits and took our drink order while we browsed the menu. First let me say the biscuits are AMAZING!! My wife ordered the bacon cheeseburger and I ordered the half rack of ribs. The food came out quickly and was seasoned perfectly. The ribs were smoked just right and the meat pulled right off the bone. The wife said the burger was really good. If you're looking for great service and great barbeque try this establishment out."

Bryon Hart

"Excellent! Our food was excellent as was our service. Lauren was our waitress and she provided us a textbook example of what high level service is all about. I could not have been more pleased.
The bread that was served before the meal was a variety of types and flavors and I would have been hard pressed to pick one over the other. I could have easily made a meal of one of the different breads. The BBQ I had was delicious and the salad my wife had was just as good but also ridiculously large. I would have been more than willing to eat here again the next day but on vacation we try to eat somewhere different for every meal."

Ken

"The 4 of us came in on a weekday for dinner. The place wasn’t busy at all, plenty of parking available out front. They give a complimentary basket of bread to start- containing biscuits, cornbread, garlic seasoned rolls. Our waiter was so nice and gave recommendations as we ordered. He was very attentive. Our food came out quickly and it was delicious- pictures included! The only slight complaint was that the one plate of brisket was on the dry side. Side note; I got sweet potato fries that come with a cinnamon glaze that is absolutely fantastic! Definitely recommend this place!! They also sell boxes of their biscuit mix and seasoning."

B G

What People Like

Award-winning ribs and BBQ
Attentive and friendly service
Comfortable lodge atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional dry brisket/pork
Isolated negative service interactions

Frequently Asked Questions

Calhoun's is famous for its award-winning baby back ribs and the unique ALE Steak, marinated in olive oil, mustard, garlic, and Cherokee Red Ale.

6 Steaks You Should Try in Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountains

Yes, Calhoun's offers family packs for groups of five or 10 and banquet accommodations, making it suitable for larger parties.

Restaurants in Pigeon Forge TN

While known for BBQ, they offer salads and sides like baked potato, sweet potato fries, and mac & cheese. Check for their gluten-free menu for specific accommodations.

Best Large-Group Restaurants in the Smokies

Absolutely! Diners rave about the amazing basket of biscuits, cornbread, and garlic seasoned rolls, often calling them a meal in themselves.

Google Review+3

Yes, Calhoun's has a bar area with TVs that serves the same craft beer brewed at the Smoky Mountain Brewery, making it a good spot for game day.

The Best Place to Watch Football in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Yes, Calhoun's offers a comfortable patio that welcomes dogs, making it a great option for pet owners.

Top 3 Dog Friendly Restaurants in Pigeon Forge

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It’s a barbecue joint, but my general philosophy in Calhoun’s – an East Tennessee culinary icon – is that they know how to handle their meat. It’s one of the best places to eat in the entire region. I traditionally take a stand against gimmick steaks – steaks covered in a bunch of unnecessary stuff but I make an exception for Calhoun’s “Ale” Steak, a 7 or 10-ounce sirloin marinated in olive oil, mustard, garlic and Cherokee Red Ale.

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With an upscale mountain lodge atmosphere and a convenient location near all the entertainment and attractions in Pigeon Forge, Calhoun’s is a great place for dinner in the Smoky Mountains. While Calhoun’s is famous for their award-winning baby back ribs, they also offer some delicious steak options. Sticking with the BBQ theme, try their outstanding Bar-B-Que Steak Calhoun, basted in their famous sauce.

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A local favorite, Calhoun’s features classic Bar-B-Que plates, steaks, chops, prime rib, burgers, sandwiches, and fresh-squeezed lemonades. Pair your meat with a selection of Southern sides and top it all off with a homemade dessert – macadamia nut banana pudding, key lime pie, cheesecake, or triple fudge cake!. They also offer family packs for groups of five or 10 and banquet accommodations.

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If you want to test out a larger chain that has proven success with BBQ in Pigeon Forge, Calhoun’s is the place to go!. Starting in 1983, the original Calhoun’s restaurant opened in Knoxville. Since then, they have been awarded with the best ribs in America at the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, and have now expanded to 9 restaurant locations all across East Tennessee.

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With locations in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Calhoun’s is a must-stop for anyone looking for barbecue in the Smokies. Calhoun’s slow cooks their meat over split hickory logs until their famous ‘Smoke Ring’ appears on the meat. They also have an impressive list of sides, including homemade mashed potatoes, Tennessee Corn Puddin’, macaroni and cheese, and fresh veggies.

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Calhoun's specializes in ribs covered in their house BBQ sauce but they're more than happy to provide other favorites like pulled pork, steak, pork chops, and more. Pair the meat dishes with several side options that include but aren't limited to:. In addition to the food, Calhoun's offers signature cocktails, beer, and wine, the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

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The award winning Calhoun's Restaurant in Pigeon Forge officially holds a title for "Best Ribs in America". .4 miles from Music Road Resort

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