Welcome to HardWood BBQ, where every meal is a soulful experience. Located in SoKno, this locally owned BBQ joint combines the rich flavors of hardwood-smoked meats with the timeless sound of blues music.
Our homemade sides, sauces and rubs are crafted from scratch, ensuring that every bite is packed with unique, robust flavor. Enjoy juicy pulled pork, tender brisket, and other classics that reflect the backbone heritage of BBQ. At HardWood BBQ, each meal is more than just food – it’s a taste of home.
Marci Wright
This place has personality from the moment you pull up. Housed in a retro gas station, it’s got that perfect blend of laid back charm and serious flavor. The barbecue is top notch. The pulled pork was tender and smoky, the ribs were fall-off-the-bone good, and the cheddar jalapeño sausage was packed with flavor and just the right kick. Every side dish hit the mark and they won my heart by throwing in a side of pickled & onions.
Definitely don’t skip the dessert, even if you get it to take home for later. Their banana pudding came topped with whipped cream, banana slices, and wafer cookies, all tucked under a lid with the cutest little monkey doodled on top. That kind of attention to detail made me smile before I even took a bite.
The outdoor picnic tables, neon signs, and the Vols on tv gave it a backyard vibe. You can tell they don’t just care about the food, they care about the experience. It was the perfect setting for a casual date night and we will certainly be back.
The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience feel like a visit with neighbors. If you’re anywhere near it, Hard Wood BBQ is worth the stop. It’s a true Tennessee treasure with big flavor and even bigger heart.
… moreJustin G
Oh man oh mannn this is some real Tennessee heart and soul bbq!! The owner came around and checked in on us with how everything is! We got the whole lotta meat sampler plate, and everything was just done right! The ribs were cooked perfectly. The chicken quarter was just perfect, and nicely seasoned. The brisket was very good, and tender. That jalapeño smoked sausage was just killer! Perfect time for Halloween for a place like them to just kill ya with how good everything is! Everything on a bone just easily fell off, and the meats retained that amazing Smokey flavor. Gotta have that Smokey meat being by the Great Smokey mountains. The sides were really good. The roasted corn was very good. Baked beans were done so right, and the Mac and cheese was also good. You get a few choices of sauces at your table to pick from to put on the meats. What a great affordable bbq place with amazing food, owners, and staff!! Will definitely be coming back from Ohio!!
… moreWilliam Bennett
First time eating here and we will be back for sure. The food is incredible. I had the chopped Brisket with potato salad and coleslaw and everything was incredible. The quaint dining area was a pleasant surprise as well.
My favorite part about the aesthetic is near the coffee pot is a wall of what looks like collector coffee cups all with different images and sayings on them.
Awesome place.
-Turner
… moreKendl Wong
Hardwood BBQ gained lifelong patrons today. Not only is the BBQ phenomenal but it’s owned by one of the nicest families I have ever met. LOVED the brisket, chicken, ribs, smoked bologna, beans, and mac. You can tell this place is a labor of love. Cannot wait for my next meal there.
… moreRonald Finnegan
This is an excellent barbecue restaurant. Their food is so good that you do not need sauce. They’re about 20 minutes outside of Pigeon Forge, but I didn’t mind because most of the barbecue places in Pigeon Forge are terrible. Brandon and Kelly are the owners and you can tell that they get great pride in their restaurant and their food. I highly recommend this even though it’s 20 minutes outside of Pigeon Forge, it’s well worth the drive.
… moreSteven Briggs
Guys and gals, let me tell you the food was amazing. The best bologna I have ever had. Actually got to meet the owner and he is a great down to earth man and spent some time talking with him. Did I mention I heard about this place and drove 4:30 hours to try it out. My rating is best bbq I have ever eaten. Ive been to South Carolina North Carolina, Texas and this is the shh!
… moreGav Hoon
Oh my Goodness! 5 stars across for everything! The atmosphere is inviting as you’re walking up to, outside seating, and inside the restaurant. If you’d like you can add a pin where you’re from to their map they have. The staff are so wonderful and so accommodating! I’m allergic to a specific seasoning and they kept asking other employees till they knew for certain weather or not it was in their foods. Now the food, oh my goodness, absolutely delicious, my husband and I both had the brisket plate, he went in and bought an additional .5 lb because it was so delicious!
… moreChris Gribanow
We stopped in last night to get the Big Meat Treat to try it all so we knew what we would get next time.
The service on the phone and at the counter was amazing.
Well… everything was amazing. Now its harder to choose what to get next time. The roasted corn, green beans, potato salad and Mac n cheese sides were also perfect.
We cant forget the banana pudding…
Will definitely be back!
… moreAlex Vest
Hardwood BBQ is the real deal. The meat is smoked perfectly — tender, flavorful, and done right every time. You can taste the time and care they put into their process.
What really stands out to me are their homemade sauces. Each one has its own distinct flavor profile, from sweet and tangy to bold with just the right amount of heat. You can tell they’re made from scratch and thoughtfully crafted to complement the smoke, not overpower it.
As an Area Manager for Performance Food Group, I’m around food operations every day and I know quality when I see (and taste) it. Hardwood BBQ delivers on flavor, consistency, and execution. Great atmosphere, great people, and seriously good BBQ. I’ll definitely be back.
… moreSarah Hinchey
My husband and I got the whole Lotta meat sampler. We loved every bite! And we are taking home delicious leftovers. It’s always nice when the folks running the show stop by your table to make sure everything is on point and to share their expertise of food/sauce combos. As a customer, it means something to leave an establishment after a first visit and feel like your business was appreciated. Truly, the best BBQ i have found! And a great staff to boot! We will definitely be back!!
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