Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que

Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que has been smoking barbecue on the Pigeon Forge Parkway for more than 30 years. Ribs, pork shoulder, brisket and chicken are basted in the house sauce and slow-smoked over hickory wood, and the restaurant is a go-to for a hearty, casual lunch or dinner.

Bennett's is locally owned and operated by the Johnson Family of Restaurants, which got its start right here in Pigeon Forge in 1991 with Bennett's. The family also runs Alamo Steakhouse and several other local restaurants, and there's a second Bennett's in Gatlinburg on River Road.

Hickory-smoked barbecue

At Bennett's, the meats are basted in the house barbecue sauce, set over smoldering hickory wood and smoked for up to 14 hours. The long, slow smoke keeps the meat moist and tender, and the sauce is served warm on the side so you can add as much as you like.

The platters

Barbecue platters cover the classics: pulled pork shoulder, beef brisket, burnt ends, barbecue chicken and jumbo baby back ribs, along with a honey-barbecue jalapeño sausage. Can't decide? Combo and sampler platters let you try a little of everything.

Sandwiches and burgers

For something lighter, choose from barbecue sandwiches, a brisket Philly, fried chicken sandwiches and chargrilled burgers, including a brisket burger.

Starters, chili and the salad bar

Start with hickory-smoked wings, fried pickle chips or barbecue nachos. Bennett's also has chili, a soup of the day and a salad bar for anyone who wants something fresh alongside their barbecue.

Southern sides

Platters and sandwiches come with Southern sides, including coleslaw, mac and cheese, barbecue beans, green beans, collard greens, fried corn, potato salad and fries. Save room for dessert, too.

Good for families and groups

Bennett's is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with a kids menu, so it's an easy pick when you're feeding a crew with different appetites. Fried fish and chicken tenders are on the menu for anyone who isn't in the mood for barbecue.

Family meals to go

Staying in a cabin? Bennett's offers family-size feasts to go and online ordering, which makes it easy to bring dinner back to the cabin after a long day. Grab a barbecue spread, eat on the deck, and spend the evening in the hot tub instead of waiting for a table.

Skip the wait

Bennett's is busy on summer evenings, fall weekends and holidays. You can join the waitlist online from your phone before you leave, so your table is closer to ready when you arrive. Coming a little before or after the dinner rush helps too.

Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

There are two Bennett's in the Smokies. The Pigeon Forge restaurant is on the Parkway at 2910 Parkway, convenient to Dollywood, The Island and most Pigeon Forge cabins. The Gatlinburg Bennett's is on River Road in Gatlinburg. Both use the same hickory-smoked recipes, so choose the one closest to where you're spending the day.

Make a day of it

Bennett's sits right on the Parkway, so it's easy to pair lunch or dinner with the rest of a Pigeon Forge day. Head to The Island for the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and the fountain show, or browse more Pigeon Forge attractions.

More places to eat

For a steak dinner, try Bennett's sister restaurant, Alamo Steakhouse. For a Southern breakfast, visit The Old Mill Restaurant, and browse our full list of Pigeon Forge restaurants.

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bennett's BBQ in Pigeon Forge?

At 2910 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. There's also a Bennett's on River Road in Gatlinburg.

How is Bennett's barbecue cooked?

The meats are basted in the house sauce and smoked over hickory wood for up to 14 hours.

How long has Bennett's been open?

More than 30 years. The family opened Bennett's in Pigeon Forge in 1991.

Does Bennett's have a salad bar?

Yes, along with chili and a soup of the day.

Can I order Bennett's to go?

Yes. Bennett's offers online ordering and family-size meals to go.

Is Bennett's good for kids?

Yes. It's a casual, family-friendly restaurant with a kids menu.