Saucy, Smoky, and Savory: Chattanooga’s BBQ Trailblazers

Barbecue in Chattanooga isn’t just food; it’s an experience. It’s messy, smoky, and ridiculously good. Whether you like your ribs slathered in sauce, your brisket so tender it barely holds together, or your pulled pork piled high with slaw, this city has a BBQ joint for you.

But Chattanooga’s BBQ scene isn’t like Memphis or Texas. It’s a mash-up of flavors and techniques brought together by a city that’s always been a crossroads of cultures. From old-school pitmasters who’ve been smoking meat for decades to new spots adding a modern twist, the Scenic City’s BBQ game is next level.

Grab some napkins – you’re going to need them.

A Brief History of BBQ in Chattanooga

Before we get into the must-visit spots, let’s take a step back in time. 

BBQ in East Tennessee doesn’t have one set style like Memphis or Texas; it’s more of a fusion of flavors.

Davy Crockett himself wrote about BBQ in Tennessee back in the 1800s. In his book, A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, of the State of Tennessee, he described wild feasts that included everything from hogs to bear meat. Over time, settlers adapted their cooking techniques, blending Indigenous fire-roasting methods, African American pit-smoking traditions, and European curing techniques.

By the late 1800s, Chattanooga became a hub of BBQ culture, thanks to its location as a river and railroad town. People from all over brought their own BBQ styles, making the local scene a blend of sweet sauces, smoked pork, ribs with a little spice, and yes – even smoked chicken, thanks to Georgia’s poultry industry just next door.

Now that you have a better idea of the history of BBQ in Chattanooga, let’s dive into some of the best spots in town, starting with the famous Edley’s Bar-B-Que.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que: Low and Slow, Just How We Like It

Edley’s bar-b-que doesn’t mess around. They smoke their meats low and slow over Southern white oak, their sides are made from scratch daily, and the whole vibe is about good food, good people, and good times.

What to Order at Edley’s Bar-B-Que

• Brisket – Smoked for 10+ hours and melts in your mouth
• Burnt Ends – Crispy, caramelized, and ridiculously good
• BBQ Nachos – Because nachos and BBQ belong together
• The Bushwacker – A boozy, frozen milkshake that’s dangerously addictive

Address: 205 Manufacturers Rd Suite 110, Chattanooga, TN

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM – 9 PM | Fri-Sat 11 AM – 10 PM | Sun 11 AM – 9 PM

Chatt Smokehouse: No-Frills, All Flavor

Chatt Smokehouse is where the locals go, and for good reason. The portions are massive, the flavors are bold, and the pitmaster, James Massengill, has been serving up charcoal and hickory wood-smoked meats for over seven years.

What to Order at Chatt Smokehouse

• Chop Wiener Plate – A local favorite packed with smoky, meaty goodness
• Pulled Pork Sandwich – Served with homemade slaw for the perfect bite
• Grilled Hot Dogs – Not your average hot dog—these come with James’ famous chili

Address: 416 E. MLK, Chattanooga, TN

Hours: Tues-Thurs 11 AM – 8 PM | Fri-Sat 11 AM – 10 PM | Closed Sun-Mon

Off The Grill by Chef Q: BBQ With a Twist

Chef Q has been perfecting his craft all over the country, from Colorado to Louisiana and Kansas. Now, he’s back in Chattanooga, bringing his signature smoked meats and fresh sides to the scene. His focus? Big flavor with a heart-healthy twist.

What to Order at Off The Grill

• Smoked Brisket – Classic, tender, and packed with smoky goodness
• Pulled Pork – Slow-smoked and piled high
• Mac & Cheese – Because no BBQ meal is complete without it

Address: 4848 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN

Address: Tues-Thurs 11 AM – 6 PM | Fri-Sat 11 AM – 7 PM | Closed Sun-Mon

Sticky Fingers Rib House: Get Messy, No Apologies

Sticky Fingers Rib House embraces the saucy, smoky, fall-off-the-bone BBQ experience. If you judge BBQ by how many napkins you go through, this place is for you.

What to Order at Sticky Fingers Rib House

• Brisket Nachos – A pile of brisket, cheese, and BBQ sauce on crispy nachos
• Pulled Pork Platter – Slow-smoked and packed with flavor
• BBQ Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and topped with smoked meat

Address: 420 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Address: Sun-Thurs 11 AM – 9 PM | Fri-Sat 11 AM – 10 PM

The Great Chattanooga BBQ Road Trip

Chattanooga’s BBQ scene has a little bit of everything, which means the best way to experience it is to go all in. Plan a BBQ road trip, hitting up different spots to taste it all; from sticky ribs to smoky brisket to pulled pork sandwiches piled high.

And when you’re ready to kick back, put on your stretchy pants, and recover from the Chattanooga BBQ coma, Timberroot’s cozy cabins and glamping stays are waiting for you.

Stay with Timberroot & Eat Your Way Through Chattanooga

Great BBQ and the great outdoors go hand in hand. Whether you’re here for hiking, exploring, or just eating your weight in smoked meats, Timberroot’s cozy cabins and glamping stays offer the perfect place to unwind.

Book your stay today and turn your Chattanooga BBQ tour into a full Tennessee adventure.