8 Places In Tennessee To Get A Delicious BBQ Steak For Under $40
What if the best steak on a barbecue menu got smoked first and grilled second? That two-step trick shows up at one mountain spot in Tennessee, and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Another restaurant family brushes its steak with barbecue sauce and gives the dish its own family name. One more serves steak in a dining room packed with memorabilia from the King of Rock and Roll.
I love that kind of personality on a plate.
A great steak dinner here doesn’t need white tablecloths or a scary bill. Smoke, sauce, and a little Southern swagger do the heavy lifting.
The stops on this list sit in mountain towns, on a riverbank, and on a famous blues street near the Mississippi. Each one keeps the check friendly and the plate serious.
Which one would you hit first?
1. Calhoun’s | Gatlinburg
A steak named after the restaurant itself sounds like a bold move. Here, the Bar-B-Que Steak Calhoun earns that family name by sitting right at the center of the menu.
The Gatlinburg location sits on the busy Parkway, close to the action of this mountain town. Calhoun’s serves Tennessee BBQ, fresh-ground burgers, sandwiches, and homestyle sides, so the whole table can find something.
Steak fans have more than one path to happiness. The menu also lists a Filet Mignon and a Steak and Shrimp Combo for anyone who wants a little surf with their turf.
Ribeye lovers get a nice bonus, too. The ribeye here comes with loaded mashed potatoes, which feels like a smart reward after a long day in the mountains.
Not in a steak mood? The smoked prime rib and BBQ ribs make strong backup plans, and the Rocky Top Potato Skins are a fun starter to share.
A fireplace adds some mountain-lodge charm to the dining room. Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs, and the place takes reservations if you like to plan ahead.
Saturday evening tends to be the busiest stretch. You can slip in earlier in the day for a calmer lunch, since the doors open at 11 AM.
Prices land in a comfortable range for a sit-down steak dinner in Tennessee. That leaves more room in your budget for fudge and souvenirs down the street.
Address: 1004 Parkway #101, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
2. Jimmy’s Smokehouse & Pizza Joint
Smoke first, then grill. That one-two punch is how the kitchen treats its steaks, and it gives the ribeye a flavor boost you won’t find at a regular grill house.
Yes, the name says pizza joint. Don’t let that distract you, because the smoked ribeye here is the real headliner.
Jimmy’s sits on East Parkway in Gatlinburg, a little away from the busiest part of downtown. The setting is down-home and laid-back, with a covered patio for eating outside.
Live music shows up regularly, which makes dinner feel like a small event. Sports fans can also catch a game while they eat.
The ribs deserve their own shout-out. They come with a good rub, solid smoke flavor, and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Want to wander the menu a bit? Look for the Blackberry Pig, Brimstone Chicken, Maple Glazed options, and Garlic Knots to snack on while you wait.
Here’s the best part for budget watchers. This is the most wallet-friendly stop on the list, with typical meals landing well below the thirty-buck mark.
Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area, so your four-legged travel buddy can tag along. The free parking lot usually has plenty of room, too.
Friday and Saturday evenings get the biggest crowds. Weekday lunches tend to be easier if you like a quieter table.
Address: 1359 East Pkwy #F, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
3. Calhoun’s in Pigeon Forge
Free rolls, biscuits, and cornbread before the main event? Pigeon Forge knows how to start a meal on the right foot.
This Calhoun’s sits right on the Parkway, the main drag lined with attractions and shows. It makes an easy stop between rides, mini golf, and whatever else your crew has planned.
Steaks share the spotlight with ribs and brisket here. You can also grab the Steak and Shrimp Combo when one protein just isn’t enough.
Sides are a big deal at this location. Baked beans and corn pudding sit on the lineup, and they make a classic Southern partner for a sauced steak.
Pulled Pork Nachos and Rocky Top Potato Skins work well as shareable starters. Order one for the table and let the steak take its time.
Parents will be glad to know about the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. A fireplace and outdoor seating give you choices depending on the weather.
Prefer to eat back at the cabin? Takeout and delivery are both available, so the steak can come to you.
Friday and Saturday evenings pull in the biggest crowds in this tourist-heavy Tennessee town. Reservations are accepted, which is handy during peak vacation weeks.
Address: 2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
4. Calhoun’s On The River
A steak with a river view sounds fancy. At this Knoxville spot, you get the view without the fancy price tag.
Calhoun’s On The River sits on Neyland Drive, right along the Tennessee River. The deck offers a great view of the water, which makes any meal feel a bit like a mini vacation.
The kitchen leans into Tennessee BBQ traditions and its barbecue steak. Pork chops are another popular pick if someone at the table wants a different cut.
Thirsty? The pomegranate lemonade is a tasty, kid-friendly sip that pairs nicely with smoky food.
Starters cover a lot of ground. Fresh Baked Soft Pretzels, Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, and Pulled Pork Nachos are good ways to warm up the appetite.
Save room for the Macadamia Nut Banana Pudding. It’s a Southern classic with a nutty twist.
The location draws college students, tourists, and big groups, and there’s often a wait. Reservations can save you from standing around too long.
Live music adds some fun to the evening. Weekend afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Brunch is on the schedule, too, if you’d rather enjoy the river in daylight. Curbside pickup and delivery are available for nights when you just want to stay in.
Address: 400 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902
5. Calhoun’s in Maryville
Birthday dinner, date night, or just a Tuesday? Maryville’s Calhoun’s handles each one with a mix of polish and easygoing charm.
The restaurant sits on Watkins Road, close to the foothills of the Smokies. It strikes a nice balance between a little swanky and totally relaxed.
Your steak target here is the Bar-B-Que Steak Calhoun. The Steak and Shrimp Combo is also on the menu for anyone who wants extra variety.
Now let’s talk sides, because this location takes them seriously. The mac n cheese gets big praise, and the baked garlic bread makes a strong case for itself.
Sweet tea fans are in luck. The tea selection is a highlight, and a tall glass fits right in with a barbecue steak.
Looking for something lighter to start? White Chicken Chili and Tater Tots are both on the lineup, along with Fresh Baked Soft Pretzels.
The Macadamia Nut Banana Pudding makes a sweet finish. Sharing is allowed, though nobody will blame you for keeping it.
To-go service runs smoothly here, which helps on busy weeknights. Delivery is available as well.
A private dining room makes this a solid choice for family gatherings. Friday evening is the busiest time, so plan ahead if your crew is large.
Address: 751 Watkins Rd, Maryville, TN 37801
6. Calhoun’s
Live bands on the weekend and steak on the plate make a pretty great combo. Lenoir City’s Calhoun’s turns dinner into a night out without much effort.
The restaurant sits on City Park Drive, and it has a covered deck for outdoor eating. More live music plays next door, so the fun keeps rolling.
Steak is the reason you’re here. Diners often describe it as juicy, tender, and cooked just right.
The Bar-B-Que Steak Calhoun shows up on the menu, just like at the sister locations. One tip, though: be clear about how you want it cooked, since steaks can vary from plate to plate.
This location also lists the Ale Steak among its menu highlights. Burger lovers can grab a classic Hamburger instead.
Sides and starters cover the basics well. Sweet Potato Fries, Fried Pickles, and a Caesar Salad all appear, and there’s even a salad bar.
Vegetarians get a full menu of their own. That makes this a friendly pick for mixed groups.
Brunch is available, and a fireplace adds charm on chilly East Tennessee nights. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. Weekday mornings and early lunches tend to be calmer, and reservations are accepted.
Address: 4550 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772
7. Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant
Elvis Presley Boulevard is home to more than one famous address. Marlowe’s adds steak and smoke to the street’s rock and roll legacy.
Wood-paneled walls hold Elvis memorabilia from top to bottom. A gift shop sits on site, so you can grab a souvenir with your dinner.
The kitchen focuses on slow-smoked meats, and steak earns a spot next to ribs and brisket. Plates come with Southern sides like sauteed mushrooms, okra, and fries.
Curious about the oddball dishes? BBQ Spaghetti is a Memphis classic, and BBQ Shrimp offers a different spin on the smoker.
Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Gouda make fun starters. Neither one is shy about flavor.
Dessert gets playful with a Crispy Creme Banana Foster Sundae. A Fudge Brownie Sundae is there for chocolate fans.
A third-generation owner runs the show, and that family pride comes through in the hospitality. The vibe is fun, historic, and welcoming to families.
Timing matters here, since Marlowe’s opens at 4 PM. It stays open late, with weekend hours stretching to midnight.
Evenings get busy, especially toward the end of the week. Free parking makes the trip easier when you’re visiting this corner of Tennessee.
Address: 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
8. Blues City Cafe
Steak at 2 AM on Beale Street? On weekends, Blues City Cafe stays open until 3 AM, so late-night cravings have a home.
This old-school juke joint specializes in Delta blues and soul food. Live music fills the air, which suits its spot on one of the most famous streets in the South.
Steak shows up big here, with giant cuts and juicy, tender steak strips. Ribs make a strong partner if you want to try both.
Hushpuppies are a must on the side. They’re crispy, Southern, and easy to snack on between bites of steak.
Bringing a crew? The chili cheese fries can feed four to six people, so one order goes a long way.
Fans of bold flavors can also try the Gumbo Cheese Fries or Seafood Gumbo. Turnip Greens add a classic soul food touch.
Finish with the Apple Dumpling with Ice Cream. It’s the kind of dessert that makes a late night feel even better.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so plan to show up and wait if it’s busy. Saturday evening into the night is the peak time.
Paid parking is the norm downtown, with garages, lots, and street spots nearby. Families are welcome, and kids get their own menu.
Address: 138 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103