Grumpa Bear BBQ

Discover delicious smoked barbecue at Grumpa Bear BBQ in Rocky Top, TN. Enjoy pulled pork, tri tip, homemade sauces, outdoor seating, games, and sweet banana pudding. Call +1 423-223-9325 today!

Welcome to Grumpa Bear BBQ

Taste the Difference.

Grumpa Bear BBQ
Grumpa Bear BBQ
Grumpa Bear BBQ
Grumpa Bear BBQ

Located at 211 Main St, Rocky Top, TN, Grumpa Bear BBQ Restaurant is a hidden gem that fulfills every barbecue craving. Famous for its pulled pork and homemade sauces, this eatery offers a variety of classic Southern dishes that keep guests coming back. The outdoor seating creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying food with family and friends. Smoked mac and cheese and banana pudding are just the beginning of a mouthwatering experience.

With friendly owners dedicated to creating comfort food, every meal feels like a visit to a beloved family kitchen. The mix of flavors will surprise your palate while keeping the essence of traditional BBQ alive. Grumpa Bear BBQ isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a community gathering spot where every bite tells a story.

Directions & Reservations

Plan Your Visit

Address

211 Main St, Rocky Top, TN 37769, United States

Phone

+1 423-223-9325

Social Media

About

The Culinary Story

Grumpa Bear BBQ
Grumpa Bear BBQ
Grumpa Bear BBQ
Grumpa Bear BBQ

Grumpa Bear BBQ stands out in Rocky Top, TN, not just for its food but also for its inviting atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on serving classic Southern BBQ, made with care and attention to detail. The pulled pork is the star attraction, slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth, complemented by a selection of homemade sauces that offers a personalized touch. Tri-tip is another crowd favorite, renowned for its rich flavor and tenderness. Each plate is crafted with passion, using recipes that harken back to traditional barbecue roots.

For those looking to share a meal with a larger group, the bulk order option is a game-changer.

Whether hosting a family reunion or a casual get-together, ordering in bulk ensures everyone tastes the BBQ magic. Sides like smoked mac and cheese and baked beans bring balance to the meal, showcasing the flavorful comfort food vibe that Grumpa Bear BBQ embodies. The banana pudding provides a sweet finish, capturing the essence of southern hospitality.

Community involvement plays a significant role at Grumpa Bear BBQ. The owners often host events that invite neighbors and local artists, fostering a sense of belonging among patrons. Engaging the community enhances the dining experience, making each visit feel like a celebration.

The restaurant's philosophy is straightforward: serve delicious food and create a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home. With live music events and outdoor seating options, it's clear that Grumpa Bear BBQ is dedicated to not just filling bellies, but also nurturing relationships within the community.

Work Hours

Availability and Service Times

  • SundayClosed
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday11 AM-7 PM
  • Thursday11 AM-7 PM
  • Friday11 AM-7 PM
  • Saturday11 AM-7 PM

Grumpa Bear BBQ boasts a vibrant menu with 39 different platters, ensuring something for everyone. From tender tri-tip and smoked ribs to delicious BBQ egg rolls, the variety offers options that cater to diverse tastes and appetites. The restaurant specializes in bulk orders for family gatherings or parties, with pulled pork, sliced chicken, and tri-tip ready to be served. For kids, there are fun meal options like chicken nuggets and hot dogs, making it a delightful stop for families. Additionally, outdoor games create a fun and lively atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger longer while enjoying their barbecue feast. To wash it all down, choose from a selection of local beers, sodas, and water for a refreshing finish. Grumpa Bear BBQ emphasizes quality and community in every dish.

Grumpa Bear BBQ

The exterior of Grumpa Bear BBQ exudes rustic charm, with a warm facade that invites passersby to stop in. The outdoor seating area captures the essence of Southern hospitality, perfect for sunny afternoons. Guests can enjoy their meals surrounded by greenery, making it an appealing spot for gatherings. The vibe is laid-back; you often hear laughter and friendly chatter, enhancing the communal atmosphere. Children play outdoor games, adding to the cheerful energy while families bond over hearty meals. It’s a welcoming environment that encourages guests to relax and savor every moment.

Guestbook & Reviews

Experience Through Their Eyes

Ended up here on a roadtrip and so glad we stopped in! Delicious BBQ run by a lovely family. BBQ Egg Rolls are everything, and great to get some Tri Tip in TN!

S
Sam B.

Grumpa Bear BBQ isn't just serving up mouthwatering BBQ--it's serving up community, gratitude, and a whole lot of heart. This family-owned gem is quaint and cute, with rustic decor and warm, friendly service that reflects the love and care the owners put into every detail. Their tri-tip mac and cheese is a must try. It's rich & loaded with tender, smoky tri-tip that takes this comfort classic to a whole new level with the right amount of mac & cheese. Another standout is their pulled pork sandwich. It's everything you want in a BBQ sandwich--juicy, slow-cooked pork piled high on a soft bun. What also sets this family-owned restaurant apart is its welcoming outdoor seating area. Whether you're enjoying a sunny afternoon lunch or a relaxed evening meal, the patio is the perfect spot to kick back with some delicious food and good company. It's comfortable, casual, full of small-town charm, including outdoor games for adults and the kiddos. There's also plenty of room for small groups or bigger parties. And there's decent parking. Even more impressive is the way Grumpa Bear BBQ gives back. They proudly support those who serve our communities--military members, correctional officers, nurses, EMS personnel, firefighters, dispatchers, and police. I highly recommend supporting this local treasure--you'll leave full and happy.

B
Bev

Wow, stopped by here for lunch on road trip down I-75. Wanted something locally owned and unique. Got tri-tip and giant tater with pulled pork. Both awesome, sauces were remarkable and clearly homemade! I'm picky about my pulled pork and happily it was perfect. Evenly pulled, no icky gristle or hunks of fat. Bought a bottle of sauce it was so good. Plenty of flags on the street to call out the location, actually in a house behind the street front building. Would definitely make a point of stopping here again.

C
Chris '.

So good and totally worth the 1mi off the exit drive. Great place for the toddler to get out and run around a bit. Really really good food and nice people.

N
Nicole A.

OK people I don't know what's wrong with everybody around here other than the fact that you're either stingy or your just afraid to pay the price for something delicious! I want to say that you get what you pay for so if you want cheap barbecue from buddies go get it But you will not have the flavor that you will get from this place so I don't care if it's twice the price or more the flavor of barbecue needs to be correct and these guys have got it down to the science! My first visit very nice people family owned and operated. I got pulled pork. I got chicken and tri-tips bourbon, barbecue sauce, potato salad, and baked beans dead on absolutely delicious and I don't know what to make that bourbon sauce but it's in the house sauce that they have four different options and it's freaking awesome!

R
Richard F.

This place is recommended by locals and visitors alike. This is the BBQ place for YOU! The kind, friendly vibe was evident thoughout. We were checked in multiple times by multiple people. They were extra nice to our 4 legged fur babies, too. The meal was delicious, and they give a discount to veterans and first responders. Support LOCAL and have a fabulous time! The owner even spent time with us, telling us his story and how they got started. My husband enjoyed discussing the specifics of grilling the meat with some of the guys, too. They treated us like FAMILY. Thank you!!

C
Clarissa M.