Knoxville's Best Ribs [Updated 2024]

Having personally reviewed 12 different rib joints in Knoxville, I have gone to great lengths to find the most succulent, finger-licking good ribs in the city. Throughout my extensive culinary journey, I have sampled ribs of all varieties, from sticky-sweet barbecue to smoky and tender.

With each bite, my taste buds were transported to a carnivorous heaven, leaving me craving for more. My mission is simple: to help you uncover the hidden gems and savor the unmatched flavors that Knoxville has to offer.

So sit back, relax, and let me be your trusted guide to the best ribs in Knoxville.

Buddy's Bar-B-Q

Highlights
Fantastic pulled pork
Hot and flavorful
Nice atmosphere
Great value
Hardworking staff

Let me tell you, folks, Buddy's Bar-B-Q is a rib-ticklin' good time. As soon as I walked through the door, the mouth-watering aroma of fantastic pulled pork grabbed hold of my senses and invited me to indulge in some barbecue goodness.

I wasted no time in ordering their famed ribs, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Every bite was a burst of flavor that danced on my taste buds. The ribs were hot and flavorful, with a perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness. It was clear that the pitmasters at Buddy's knew their way around the grill.

Not only was the food top-notch, but the atmosphere was just right. The rustic decor and cozy seating made me feel right at home. The friendly and hardworking staff added to the pleasant experience, ensuring that I had everything I needed to enjoy my meal.

Now, let's talk about value. Buddy's Bar-B-Q offers great value for your money. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are affordable, making it a perfect spot for those looking to fill their bellies without emptying their wallets.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best ribs in Knoxville, you can't go wrong with Buddy's Bar-B-Q. Their fantastic pulled pork and delicious ribs, combined with a nice atmosphere and hardworking staff, make it a must-visit barbecue joint in town. So grab your napkins, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to dig into some finger-lickin' goodness at Buddy's!

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Buddy's Bar-B-Q South

Highlights
Fresh food
All you can eat ribs
Friendly staff
Cleanliness
Ample car parking

As soon as I stepped into Buddy's Bar-B-Q South, I was greeted with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly cooked ribs. The smell alone was enough to ignite my hunger and anticipation. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a cozy rustic feel that transported me to a classic barbecue joint.

I wasted no time and ordered their famous all-you-can-eat ribs. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The meat was incredibly tender and juicy, falling off the bone with each bite. The smoky flavor was perfectly balanced, creating a taste sensation that left me craving more.

What really stood out at Buddy's Bar-B-Q South was the attention to detail and commitment to delivering fresh, high-quality food. The ribs were prepared to order, ensuring that each bite was as delectable as the last. The staff was friendly and accommodating, always ready to refill my plate or answer any questions I had.

One thing I appreciated was the cleanliness of the restaurant. Despite being a busy barbecue joint, the dining area and restrooms were well-maintained and spotless. Additionally, there was ample car parking available, making it convenient for diners to visit.

Buddy's Bar-B-Q South truly impressed me with their outstanding ribs, friendly staff, and commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a rib connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious meal, I highly recommend giving Buddy's Bar-B-Q South a visit. You won't be disappointed!

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Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

Highlights
Fabulous service
Amazing brisket
Perfect ribs
Well-seasoned sides
Stepped up their game

From the moment I walked through the doors of Famous Dave's, I was greeted with a smile by the friendly staff. The service was fabulous, as they swiftly seated me in a cozy booth and provided prompt and attentive service throughout my visit.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the ribs! Famous Dave's did not disappoint. The ribs were tender, succulent, and cooked to perfection. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor, with a smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce that complemented the meat perfectly. It's safe to say that these ribs are a must-try for any BBQ lover in Knoxville.

Aside from the exemplary ribs, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their brisket. It was so tender and juicy that it practically melted in my mouth. The brisket alone is reason enough to pay a visit to Famous Dave's.

To accompany these glorious meats, Famous Dave's offers a range of well-seasoned sides. Whether it was the tangy coleslaw or the perfectly spiced mac and cheese, each side dish was a delightful companion to the main event.

One thing that impressed me about Famous Dave's was that they have stepped up their game in terms of consistency and overall quality. The experience I had at Famous Dave's was exceptional, and it's evident that they are committed to providing their customers with top-notch BBQ.

Overall, Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que in Knoxville exceeded my expectations. With their fabulous service, amazing brisket, perfect ribs, and well-seasoned sides, it's no wonder they have become a go-to spot for BBQ enthusiasts in Knoxville. Don't miss out on this mouthwatering experience!

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Dead End BBQ

Dead End BBQ in Knoxville is a pit-stop you don't want to miss on your rib adventure! The moment you step inside, the tantalizing aroma of smoky goodness hits you like a tender rib slaps you across the face. Their ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. It's finger-licking great!

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Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive

Located in the heart of Knoxville, Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive is a hidden gem for rib lovers. The smoky aroma that fills the air is an instant invitation to indulge. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. The tangy-sweet barbecue sauce perfectly complements the savory meat. Don't even get me started on the sides – the creamy mac and cheese and the collard greens are to die for. Plus, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff make for an enjoyable dining experience. Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive is a must-visit for any rib aficionado in Knoxville.

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Love That BBQ

Love That BBQ in Knoxville is a hidden gem for rib enthusiasts like myself. The perfectly smoked ribs had a sweet and tangy glaze that made my taste buds dance. The juicy and tender meat was fall-off-the-bone delicious. The friendly staff and nostalgic ambiance made the experience even better. It's a must-try for anyone craving finger-licking ribs!

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Calhoun's

Prepare your taste buds for an outstanding ribs experience at Calhoun's in Knoxville! Their succulent and tender ribs are marinated in a top-secret sauce that will make you weak in the knees. With a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and finger-licking good ribs, Calhoun's is a must-visit for all the barbecue enthusiasts out there.

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Calhoun's On The River

Wow, Calhoun's On The River in Knoxville is a rib oasis! The moment I sank my teeth into their lip-smacking ribs, it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. The tender meat practically fell off the bone, and the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce was the icing on the cake. The riverfront view was just the cherry on top. Calhoun's On The River definitely deserves a spot on the list of the best ribs in Knoxville!

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Buddy's Bar-B-Q West

In a playful yet professional style, I can confidently say that Buddy's Bar-B-Q West brings the heat when it comes to ribs. Their succulent ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Trust me, the ribs at Buddy's are finger-licking good and definitely worth a visit!

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Sweet P's Uptown Corner

Sweet P's Uptown Corner in Knoxville is a rib-lovers paradise. The melt-in-your-mouth ribs at this joint are so tender and juicy, they practically fall off the bone. The smoky flavors are perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece. Trust me, these ribs are finger-lickin' good.

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Taste and See BBQ and Catering

Taste and See BBQ and Catering in Knoxville delivers ribs from heaven. Their tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is juicy and bursting with flavor. The smoky aroma that seduces your senses from their smoker is simply irresistible. If you're searching for the best ribs in Knoxville, look no further than Taste and See BBQ and Catering.

Texas Roadhouse

I must admit, the ribs at Texas Roadhouse in Knoxville left me licking my fingers and wanting more! The flavor was incredible, with a perfect balance of smokiness and tanginess. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, making every bite a true delight. Plus, the atmosphere was vibrant and lively, adding an extra dash of fun to my dining experience. If you're in the mood for some unforgettable ribs, head on over to Texas Roadhouse in Knoxville!