5 Tennessee Smokehouses Locals Only Share With Friends

Some smokehouses feel like open secrets, tucked behind backroads or hidden in the heart of small towns. Tennessee’s barbecue scene runs deep, with pitmasters who keep their recipes, and their loyal fans, close.

I’ve spent years exploring the state’s lesser-known smokehouses, the kinds of places locals talk about in low tones and visitors return to again and again. Here are five that truly capture the spirit of Tennessee barbecue.

1. Shuford’s Smokehouse (Chattanooga)

Shuford’s sits quietly in a converted gas station on the outskirts of Chattanooga, the kind of place you might miss if you’re not looking. Inside, Jeff Shuford has built a reputation for slow, careful cooking that doesn’t rely on flash or gimmicks.

His smoked chicken wings are often the first thing locals recommend, juicy, deeply smoky, and crisped just enough to keep you reaching for another. Ribs and pulled pork also hold their own, but the wings have become a signature that sets this spot apart.

The sauces are made in-house, each one crafted to balance the smoke rather than cover it up. The Carolina gold mustard in particular gets plenty of praise for its tangy-sweet bite. Seating is casual, with picnic tables and an atmosphere that makes you feel welcome whether you’re a first-timer or a regular. For me, Shuford’s is proof that some of the best smokehouses keep things simple, letting the food speak louder than the sign out front.

2. Navarro’s Smokehouse (Etowah/Englewood)

Navarro’s Smokehouse sits along the road between Etowah and Englewood, the kind of stop you might hear about from a neighbor rather than find in a glossy guide. It’s a small-town spot with a loyal following, known first and foremost for ribs that come off the pit tender and smoky, with just enough sauce to enhance rather than overwhelm.

Pulled pork sandwiches arrive piled high, served with sides that feel homemade and hearty. Wings are another staple, crisped on the outside, juicy inside, and often paired with slaw or baked beans. The atmosphere leans laid-back and welcoming, more about comfort than polish.

Families gather here after games, and travelers passing through often end up swapping stories with locals at nearby tables. Regulars speak of Navarro’s with the kind of fondness usually reserved for a family kitchen, recommending it as if they’re letting you in on a secret. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the sense of belonging that comes with every plate.

3. Preacher’s Smokehouse (Sevierville area, Smokies)

You’ll miss Preacher’s Smokehouse if you don’t keep an eye out. It sits quietly in the foothills outside Sevierville, looking more like a mountain cabin than a restaurant. The menu sticks to the basics, pulled pork, ribs, and baked beans, done with a kind of effortless confidence.

Every meal here feels like a family picnic, from the friendly staff to the steady stream of regulars. People driving through the Smokies will often nod to each other, knowing they share a local secret. It’s the sort of place where you’re just as likely to chat with a neighbor as a tourist who found the place by chance.

There’s genuine hospitality at Preacher’s, not the kind that’s forced or scripted. Generous portions and honest cooking make it a standout, even among stiff competition in the region. For me, it captures the heart of Tennessee mountain barbecue, welcoming, unfussy, and always memorable.

4. Jim Oliver’s Smoke House (Monteagle, South Cumberland region)

Jim Oliver’s Smoke House finds a way to feel both lively and nostalgic. Part smokehouse, part roadside lodge, it’s been family-owned since the early 1960s. After a fire in 2021, the place bounced back with a new patio grill and even more local music on weekends.

Here, barbecue is hearty, with thick slices of brisket, smoked chicken, and all the fixings you could want. I’ve watched families make a day out of visiting, lingering over meals, listening to a band, and swapping stories. The staff treats regulars and newcomers with the same easy warmth.

Locals return for the welcoming vibe just as much as the food. There’s a sense that Jim Oliver’s isn’t just a restaurant, but part of the region’s social fabric. That’s what keeps people coming back, year after year, for a taste of tradition and a dose of Tennessee hospitality.

5. Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams (Madisonville)

Benton’s may not look like much from the outside, but inside its small smokehouse in Madisonville, history lingers in the air. Since 1947, this family-run shop has specialized in dry-cured hams and bacon, smoked slowly over hickory until the flavor becomes deep, rich, and unmistakable. The process hasn’t changed much over the decades, salt rubs, time, and smoke remain the guiding principles.

Step inside and you’ll notice the aroma first. Behind the counter, country hams hang quietly, their surfaces darkened from weeks of smoke. The bacon, another favorite, has developed a reputation well beyond Tennessee kitchens. Chefs across the country, from small-town diners to Michelin-starred restaurants, seek it out for its intensity and character.

What makes Benton’s remarkable is its devotion to tradition. There are no shortcuts, no rush. Just the steady craft of turning simple pork into something unforgettable, one smoke-filled day at a time.