Memphis-Style BBQ in the Smoky Mountains: You’ll Swear Beale Street is Around the Corner
Dining at a BBQ restaurant is a tradition in the Smoky Mountains. With so many amazing attractions and places to shop in Pigeon Forge, TN, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Naturally, you’re going to want a delicious and wholesome meal. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Pigeon Forge has exactly what you need to satisfy your cravings and fuel your adventures, all while conveniently fitting into your jam-packed itinerary. Corky’s can meet the dining needs of Pigeon Forge vacationers. The restaurant even offers delivery and event catering in the Smoky Mountain area.
BBQ is a favorite food among the travelers who visit Pigeon Forge, and Corky’s is serving up the best smoked meats this side of Memphis! The restaurant has a fantastic array of appetizers, salads, sides, and other offerings too. Whether you’re dreaming of a BBQ platter, or you prefer a salad or burger, the menu has something for everyone.
Guests in Pigeon Forge have been enjoying this authentic Memphis-style BBQ for over 30 years. While in Pigeon Forge, don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in delectable BBQ from Corky’s! Let’s look at this unique Pigeon Forge restaurant and why you need to include it during your next Smoky Mountain vacation.
What is Memphis-Style BBQ?
There are many types of BBQ in America. The variations range from the types of meats that are used, the methods in which they are cooked, and how they are flavored. Carolina-style BBQ is prepared with a vinegar-based sauce. The sauce used in Kansas City-style BBQ is rich in brown sugar. Memphis-style BBQ sauce contains both vinegar and brown sugar, among other ingredients, which places it quite literally somewhere between the Carolinas and Kansas City.
The Menu: Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Pigeon Forge
Corky’s meats are slowly cooked on-site over hickory and charcoal. Each slab of ribs is hand-trimmed, and every pork shoulder is hand pulled. The folks at Corky’s Ribs & BBQ might convince you that Beale Street is around the corner. Luckily for you, you’re right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll be high on the hog with these dishes! View the full menu here.
Appetizers
As you arrive at Corky’s from a day at Dollywood or other attractions in Pigeon Forge, you’ll be hungry. Starting your meal off with an appetizer or two is a great idea. It will be hard to decide because all the appetizers are incredible. A few of our favorites are the Fried Dill Pickles and the Memphis Mountain Nachos.
We also love Pig Out, which is an appetizer platter that includes smoked wings, fried pickles, pork rinds, and cheese bites. This platter is shareable and will allow you to try a variety of appetizers. Additionally, the Smoked Sausage and Cheese Plate is a charcuterie-style plate of meat, cheese, pickles, and peppers.
We also suggest pairing Corky’s appetizers with a cold beverage. For adults, Corky’s has an excellent beer menu. For the kids, how about an ice cream float or strawberry lemonade? While we’re talking about beverages, we should note that Corky’s has some of the best iced tea in the Smoky Mountains! Tea lovers know how important this is; iced tea is also available at the drive-thru.
Ribs
The menu at Corky’s has an entire section devoted to ribs. Ribs are a Southern favorite and Corky’s has decades of experience perfecting them. As you order ribs, your server will ask if you want them wet, dry, or muddy. Wet ribs are slathered with Corky’s original BBQ sauce. Dry ribs are just as moist and tender although they’re seasoned with Corky’s proprietary dry rub. This secret blend of spices will wow your senses! Choose muddy and get the best of both worlds.
Ribs can be added to any entrée, so consider adding a “paddle” of each style to get a taste of this Memphis-inspired favorite. Each “paddle” contains three bones of ribs.
BBQ Dinners
First-timers will have trouble choosing just one entrée from Corky’s large selection of smoked meats. Luckily, Corky’s offers a customizable entrée that includes a choice of two or three smoked meats. Other entrée selections include fried catfish, chicken tenders, and BBQ Mac & Cheese. In case someone in your party doesn’t want BBQ, they’ll still have some great entrees to choose from.
Want it all? Order the Smokehouse Feast. This epic platter includes a full rack of ribs, an entire pound of pulled pork, and a whole smoked chicken. The feast is served with corn on the cob, a heap of seasoned French fries, and BBQ baked beans. As if that weren’t enough, choose between coleslaw or the unbelievable twice-baked potato salad to complete your meal. This feast will feed five to six guests, and it will be the talk of your trip!
Burgers & Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a staple in the South. A Corky’s BBQ sandwich and seasoned fries is quite simply a perfect meal. Choose the classic pulled pork, or venture out with beef brisket, smoked turkey, or another smoked-meat selection. Want a sandwich and ribs too? Try the Pig and a Paddle selection. This popular combo includes a pulled pork sandwich and a paddle of ribs. Guests can also choose from a large list of other sandwiches like a Philly cheesesteak, catfish sandwich, or their signature Beale Street Burger, which is topped with pulled pork.
Salads & Spuds
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you’ll see that Corky’s offers a phenomenal salad. The salad by itself is delicious enough although it gets even better when topped with your choice of pulled pork, pulled chicken, or chicken tenders. This is a light option that still allows you to enjoy Corky’s delicious smoked meats. It’s also a great option for those on a low-carb or Keto diet.
For those who don’t care about carbs, consider a BBQ spud. Corky’s upgrades a basic baked potato with cheddar cheese, bacon, a choice of meat, and BBQ sauce. This is a fan favorite and is great when paired with a paddle of ribs.
Sides & More from Corky’s
With so many incredible entrée options, don’t forget your veggies. Fried okra, sweet potato fries, twice-baked potato salad, and onion rings are a yummy way to add variety to your plate. Lighter options include green beans and corn on the cob, but with all the hiking, walking, and other fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains, you’ve earned the right to indulge in a hearty and tasty meal.
Corky’s has a great kids’ menu. They offer children’s favorites like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and corn dogs, while also offering BBQ options like ribs and a pulled pork sandwich.
Speaking of hearty and tasty, now it’s time for dessert. We hope you’ll save room for fried Oreos, Moon Pie banana pudding, cobbler, or pecan pie! We think it’s the sweetest way to cap off your experience at Corky’s.
Drive-Thru, Catering, Delivery, and Take-Out
We’ve covered how incredible the menu is, but here’s what makes choosing Corky’s BBQ one of the best decisions of your Smoky Mountain vacation: Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Pigeon Forge gives you what you want, when you want it, and where you want it.
What
The very best Memphis-style BBQ, slow-smoked meats, delicious dishes, sides, and unforgettable Southern hospitality.
When
Do you want to dine inside Corky’s beautifully themed restaurant for lunch or dinner? We feel that Corky’s is a destination within itself, but if you’re short of time you can swing through the Corky’s Drive-Thru for a quick BBQ fix. Who knew you could get slow-smoked BBQ so fast?
Where
You can dine at Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, which is conveniently located on Parkway in Pigeon Forge, or you can visit the drive-thru. Corky’s offers bulk carryout, which includes boxed meals that feed five or ten people. Furthermore, you can order Corky’s via Grub Hub or Door Dash.
If you’re looking to feed a large group of people, Corky’s offers catering for weddings, family reunions, and other large events. The catering menu includes meal packages or a la carte options. BBQ is a fantastic choice for a Smoky Mountain wedding because it fits well into the theme of many weddings in the Smokies, and it is quick and easy to serve. The same is true for family reunions, retreats, and any setting where you need to feed many people.
When you’re too tired to get cleaned up and take the family out for dinner, opt for the Corky’s drive-thru on your way back to your Pigeon Forge hotel. If you’ve spent the day lounging around your Smoky Mountain cabin and you can’t tear yourself away from the view, order delivery and dine on your cabin’s porch. As you’re planning to bring a large group to the Smokies, pre-plan catering service to feed your group at the ballfield, park, or anywhere in the area. The fact is, Corky’s is as versatile as it is delicious.
More About Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Pigeon Forge, TN
In addition to the regular catering menu, Corky’s also offers holiday meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Those visiting during the holidays will enjoy the convenience of prepared holiday meals to enjoy in their cabin, condo, or hotel.
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ has been an institution in Pigeon Forge for over thirty years. No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without a meal of BBQ, and we recommend them to satisfy that need. Follow Corky’s on Facebook to stay updated.
When you’re searching for the best BBQ in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, you’ll see that Corky’s is a great option. There are many places to eat in Pigeon Forge, but none can offer this type of flexibility. You also won’t find another restaurant in Pigeon Forge with the lineup of smoked meats and other entrées that Corky’s offers, so be sure to visit them during your next visit to the Smoky Mountains.
Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
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