Good BBQ or Let Down? Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que Review

Even though I was born and raised in Southwest Florida, I still firmly believe that the south knows its bar-b-que. I am always game whenever I can try a new bar-b-que place near me. This is how we ended up at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que in Gatlinburg. 

About Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que Gatlinburg

Bennett’s Pit BBQ opened its first location in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in 1991. Since then, the Johnson Family of Restaurants has 11 locations in Southern Tennessee, serving guests with their bar-b-que. They seek out the best and freshest ingredients and prepare them in their own unique way.

Science Behind the Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que Food

According to Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que website, they serve moist, tender, and flavorful meals. All meats cooked here are coated in Bennett’s special sauce. Then, they are cooked for 14 hours over hickory wood.

Their website states that since everyone likes different amounts of mouth-watering sauce, you can get their bar-b-que sauce served on your food or the side. 

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que Online Product Store

Did you know that Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que goes beyond eating their food? Yes, that is right! You can get shirts, hats, bar-b-que sauce, hot sauce, and salt scrub. Yes, you can purchase your Bennett’s t-shirts and products in their dining locations.

However, if you are traveling from out of state and need more room in your luggage to carry your goodie, you can always order them online at their online product store.

How Was the Food?

I had the pleasure of dining at Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que in 2019 during a sister’s trip. I’ve seen their place while driving around and visiting different local attractions. I finally decided to try them as our last meal in Tennessee. 

I went when they opened, so it was not busy, which was nice. I ordered the BBQ Combo. I choose the chicken, ribs, and brisket with mac and cheese in that combo. When the food came out, I was disappointed.

Why? 

Well, because it didn’t look that great. It looked like the chicken was baked, and they hurriedly put some BBQ sauce on top of it and served it.

Instead of forming my opinion by the looks of it, I decided I’ll try it and see how it ranked up to my standards.  Sadly, it was one of the worst bar-b-que meals I’ve eaten in a long time. The flavor was not there; the food was lukewarm at best. It didn’t bring me the savory flavor you typically get at other bar-b-que-places. 

My sister even agreed with me. Our total was around $50 for this meal that neither of us liked, which left our trip on a not-so-good note!

Need Attractions in Southern Tennessee?

If you plan a trip to the Smoky Mountain area, there is much to see, do, and eat. I’ve made a great pocket guide that will steer you into hidden gems and fun things to do while you are in the area.