You’re driving down East Parkway, past the glitzy aquarium and the pancake houses that look like log cabins on steroids. The air starts to smell less like funnel cakes and more like hickory. That’s when you see it—or rather, you used to see it—a former gas station with mismatched chairs and plastic tablecloths that held the title of some of the best barbecue in the United States. Delauders BBQ Gatlinburg TN has always been a bit of a riddle wrapped in a rib.
It’s the kind of place where the "open" sign is more of a suggestion than a promise. If they run out of meat at 2:00 PM, they go home. Simple as that. No reheating yesterday’s brisket. No corporate mandates. Just a family-run "dive" that somehow clawed its way into the Yelp Top 100 and Travel & Leisure’s national rankings.
But things are changing.
The Big Move: Where is Delauders Now?
Honestly, if you show up at the old gas station at 1875 East Parkway expecting a "Sneaky Pig" sandwich today, you might find a locked door. In late 2025, the Delauder family announced they were packing up the smokers. The news hit the local Facebook groups like a ton of bricks. People were genuinely panicked.
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They haven't vanished into the ether, though. The operation has shifted its primary focus to 1305 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville.
Why the move? It’s the classic Gatlinburg story. High rents, limited space, and the sheer exhaustion of running a tiny shop that attracts national crowds. Moving toward Sevierville gives them a bit more breathing room, though the soul of the food remains exactly the same. It’s still a "when it’s gone, it’s gone" situation. You’ve got to be early. If you aren't standing there when the doors creak open around 12:30 PM, you’re playing a dangerous game with your lunch plans.
What Actually Makes the Food Different?
Most BBQ in the Smokies is... fine. It's tourist BBQ. It’s mass-produced to feed the millions of people who flow through the National Park. Delauder's is the antithesis of that. They don't fry anything. They don't use liquid smoke.
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The Holy Bologna
Let's talk about the Holy Bologna Sandwich. On paper, it sounds like a dare from a hungover college student. It’s thick-cut grilled bologna topped with pulled pork, onions, pickles, nacho cheese, lettuce, and their signature sweet jalapeño mustard.
It shouldn't work. It’s messy. It’s arguably too much food for one human. But the way the saltiness of the bologna cuts through the rich, fatty pork is basically a religious experience for meat lovers. It is the distilled essence of Appalachian comfort food.
The Sneaky Pig
If you want something slightly more "refined" (and I use that term loosely), the Sneaky Pig is the go-to. It’s pulled pork slathered in an award-winning sweet habanero sauce. It’s got a kick, but it won’t ruin your day. The heat creeps up on you—hence the name—but it’s balanced by the sweetness of the sauce and the crunch of fresh lettuce and onion.
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Survival Tips for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. People who wing it at Delauder's end up eating a granola bar in their car because the ribs sold out thirty minutes ago.
- Bring Cash. They’ve traditionally been a cash-only joint. They have an ATM on-site, but why pay the fee? Be the person who comes prepared.
- Check the Days. They are notorious for being closed Monday through Wednesday. Sometimes Thursday too. Always check their latest social media posts or call (865) 325-8682 before you make the drive.
- The "Three Meat" Strategy. If you’re with a partner, don't both get sandwiches. Get the Three Meat Platter. It comes with pulled pork, ribs, and sausage. This is the only way to truly sample the range of their smoker without slipping into a permanent food coma.
- The Sides Matter. Their mac and cheese bites and fried green beans are legendary, but the collard greens are the real sleeper hit. They’re savory, salty, and have just enough vinegary bite to cleanse the palate between bites of heavy pork.
The Verdict on the Hype
Is it actually the best in the country? Rankings are subjective. If you want white tablecloths and a waiter named Jasper who tells you about the "notes of oak" in the sauce, you will hate it here.
Delauder's is gritty. It’s authentic. It’s run by people who are clearly tired but incredibly proud of what they put on the plate. They treat customers like family, which sometimes means a bit of "tough love" if you show up five minutes before closing.
The move to Sevierville might change the scenery, but as long as that sweet jalapeño mustard is on the table, it remains the gold standard for BBQ in East Tennessee.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify the Schedule: Before driving to the new Sevierville location or the remaining Gatlinburg footprint, call (865) 325-8682 or check their official Facebook page for that day's specific meat availability.
- Arrive by 12:00 PM: Even if they open at 12:30 PM, a line often forms early for the ribs.
- Check the Sevierville Address: Update your GPS to 1305 Dolly Parton Parkway to avoid the "closed" sign at the old gas station location.