I have some rules when we travel, and chief amongst the rules is to try to avoid chain restaurants. I like to find unique local restaurants to visit for our meal, even when we are just stopping for a lunch during a long drive. On my recent trip to North Carolina for a ladies weekend we stopped in Rocky Top, Tennessee for some BBQ at the Coal Creek Smokehouse and I can’t stop thinking about that food. I’m pretty sure that this is going to be our lunch stop from here on out when we are travelling anywhere south on Interstate 75. Rocky Top is not too far past the Kentucky – Tennessee border, and the restaurant is right off the exit, so it’s quite convenient to stop here and stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
Coal Creek Smokehouse is a family owned BBQ joint that offers both indoor and outdoor dining as well as carry out (they have a cool window you can walk up to and order food). The meat is all smoked out back, and the sides and pies are all made in house. Speaking of “in house”…when you eat inside at Coal Creek Smokehouse it feels a lot like going to someone’s house for lunch. We sat in what seemed to be a former living room and were served by one of the owners of Coal Creek Smokehouse. It was seriously like visiting a long lost uncle who lives out of town and makes amazing BBQ. The servings were huge and tasty, the brews were served in cold mason jars, the service was super friendly and the prices were just right. After lunch the owner took us to the backyard to see the smokers in action, like a proud papa of BBQ. If you find yourself travelling through Tennessee on I75 I highly recommend you make a stop at the Coal Creek Smokehouse in Rocky Top for some BBQ to fill your belly.
Coal Creek Smokehouse:
Can’t decide which sauce to add to your meat? Just ask…they’ll give you a good suggestion!
Great beer selection:
Candied Bacon:
The patio…
Homemade Pecan Pies (save room for dessert…that was my one mistake):
The Walk-Up window:
Coal Creek Smokehouse is located at 211 S Main Street in Rocky Top, Tennessee. Thanks so much to my cousin Nicole who was navigating on this trip and found the perfect place for us to stop for lunch!
