The Most Delicious Tennessee Road Trip Takes You To 5 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants

Here in Tennessee, there's really nothing like a fantastic meal to end a long day at work, especially if that meal is full of meat and veggies and perhaps even a thick slab of cornbread, what do you say? We put together a fantastic road trip that will take you to the best bbq restaurants in East Tennessee, each of them better than the last. If you're looking to enjoy a meal off-the-beaten path, then we can't recommend this trek through pretty Tennessee more. Feeling hungry? Let's go!

You can follow our trip to the best BBQ in Tennessee for yourself on our interactive map. Enjoy, friends!

Our road trip will take you mainly through the eastern side of the state to keep the experience succinct, but keep an eye out for our western Tennessee focus! There are too many incredible eateries to count here in the Volunteer State.

1. Ridgewood BBQ - Bluff City

You'll find Ridgewood BBQ tucked away in Bluff City, Tennessee, quite literally off the beaten path in Bullocks Hollow. It has been open, serving locals and tourists in kind, since 1948. The pork and beef on the menu are smoked for 8 to 10 hours, and the flavor is so incredible that Ridgewood has taken home a number of awards. The eatery is open every day of the week except for Sundays. Get an overview of Ridgewood and its scrumptious food:

2. Dead End BBQ - Knoxville

Dead End BBQ is the most established eatery on our list, and it may seem a little mainstream until you realize that the eatery was born from a few neighbors who used to get together to barbecue on their dead-end street. Humble beginnings beget a phenomenal eatery where folks gather to enjoy platters of meat and sandwiches with a side of draft beer. Dead End BBQ is open every day of the week beginning at 11 a.m. Take a closer look at some of the best BBQ in Tennessee:

3. Sons of Smoke - Loudon

Sons of Smoke is a BBQ restaurant that's open in Loudon, Tennessee, and serves a full menu of barbecue favorites both in-house and from its food truck that's available for special events. Enjoy starters of fried pickles and pork rinds, and sandwiches of chopped brisket and shredded chicken really hit the spot.

4. Lefty's Barbecue - Crossville

Lefty's Barbecue in Crossville is situated in a charmingly rustic space that boasts American flags and seasonal décor. Expect to be greeted with a smile and a wave and treated like a local while you enjoy a platter of chicken, pork, or maybe even brisket! The eatery is open beginning at 11 AM during the workweek and closed on the weekends.

5. County's BBQ - Oneida

Oneida, Tennessee really lucked out when County's BBQ opened its doors. Over the last decade, the eatery has only grown in popularity for offerings like a pulled pork burrito and smoked bologna sandwiches. Expect a bit of a twist on your classic barbecue restaurant when you visit County's, open beginning at 11 a.m. every day of the week.

How many of these hole-in-the-wall BBQ eateries have you been to? What are your personal picks for the best BBQ in Tennessee? Let us know in the comments! Here's another gem with some of the best Tennessee BBQ.