Tennessee barbecue is serious business; a big point of pride for the state. In Knoxville, family-owned Sweet P’s has been bringing old-school barbecue to its corner of Tennessee since 2005. Owner Chris Ford launched the catering business and now restaurant group with his wife and daughter, who is lovingly called Sweet P and inspired the restaurant’s name.

The menu is packed with Southern favorites like smoked beef brisket, dry-rub St. Louis spare ribs and pulled chicken.
Facebook / Sweet P's Barbeque & Downtown Dive
Sweet P's has two locations, The Downtown Dive on Jackson Avenue and Uptown Corner on Tazewell Pike in Fountain City.
Facebook / Sweet P's Barbeque & Downtown Dive
The Downtown Dive location is meant to merge the camaraderie of a dive bar with high quality BBQ. Guests can sip on local brews in the outdoor beer garden and oftentimes jam out to live, local music on site.
Facebook / Sweet P's Barbeque & Downtown Dive

Related Stories

Roll Up Your Sleeves And Feast On Succulent BBQ At Southern Craft BBQ In Tennessee

Roll Up Your Sleeves And Feast On Succulent BBQ At Southern Craft BBQ In Tennessee

 You Must Taste The BBQ Spaghetti At This Interesting BBQ Restaurant In Tennessee

You Must Taste The BBQ Spaghetti At This Interesting BBQ Restaurant In Tennessee

 The Entire Menu At Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous In Tennessee Is So Good, You'll Want To Order One Of Everything

The Entire Menu At Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous In Tennessee Is So Good, You'll Want To Order One Of Everything
Don't sleep on the sides at Sweet P's. The Mac and Cheese has been described by diners as "heaven sent." You can also choose pinto beans, coleslaw, green beans or banana pudding.
Facebook / Sweet P's Barbeque & Downtown Dive
The Sweet P’s staff motto is that the kitchen that’s having the most fun makes the best food. The company culture fosters creativity and enjoyment. If you’re loving the BBQ at a Sweet P’s location you can also emulate it at home by following the seasonal recipes they post on their blog.
Facebook / Sweet P's Barbeque & Downtown Dive
Locals aren’t the only ones who have noticed the high quality food and great atmosphere at this joint. “Cooking With Paula Deen” magazine recognized the restaurant as one of the best in the state of Tennessee.
Facebook / Sweet P's Barbeque & Downtown Dive

Whether you come for the hip ambience listening to live music in the trendy beer garden, or to eat a week’s worth of Mac and Cheese (no judgment), you’ll find everything you need here at Sweet P’s. When you dine at the restaurant you’re also supporting a local business run by a beloved Knoxville family. That makes the banana pudding at the end of the meal extra sweet.

What’s your pick for the best Tennessee barbecue? Share it with us in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Tennessee

Featured Addresses
Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive, 410 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA