Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive

4.4 ( 2575 reviews )
$10–20
410 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
+1 865-281-1738
Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive, nestled in the vibrant heart of Knoxville, TN, is a true gem for barbecue lovers. Customers rave about the smoky, tender brisket, which is so flavorful it often requires no sauce. The unique twist on traditional sides, including collard greens mingled with black-eyed peas and butter beans, captures the essence of soulful Southern cuisine. Each dish is crafted with care, as noted in reviews highlighting the cheesy mac and cheese and phenomenal banana pudding, both of which add comfort to the dining experience. The eclectic ambiance, decorated with memorabilia from the 1982 World’s Fair, further enhances the charm of this establishment. Patrons appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff, whose attentiveness makes for a welcoming atmosphere. Whether enjoying a half rack of dry-rubbed ribs in the shaded beer garden or trying an inventive barbecue burrito, diners leave satisfied and eager to return. With its focus on authentic flavors and a community-friendly vibe, Sweet P's promises a delightful culinary escape for anyone visiting Knoxville. This dive stands out not just for its food, but for evoking a sense of belonging.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Has no-contact delivery
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves happy-hour food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Paid parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive

Johnny “El Dreddog” Gato
Jun 29,2025
5 The Brisket is so smoky and moist it doesn't need any sauce! Their take on the collard greens with Black eyed peas and butter beans mixed in is fantastic. The banana pudding, some of the best. Mac and cheese, also good! All in all, a very authentic soulful meal. Let's not forget the very eclectic ambience also the cleanliness of the bathrooms and kitchen.
Jeff Morrow
Jun 5,2025
Great BBQ joint. Stopped here on a road trip based on a friend’s recommendation. We had our dog with us and it was great to have him with us out back in the shaded beer garden. It was a Tuesday and we ordered their burrito special and nacho special in addition to a platter for the 3 of us. Food was really good. The dry rubbed ribs were good. I’m glad we upgraded to a half rack since we were sharing the entrees. Never had a BBQ burrito before but it works. If we still did not have to drive 3 more hours, a beer in the beer garden would have been nice. The place is decorated in lots of stuff from the 1982 World’s Fair which makes it very unique. I would definitely come back here.
katie Elder
May 12,2025
Amazing food, my fiance got the brisket plate with Mac n cheese and greens. The Mac was very cheesy and the seasoning in/on it was very good. I got the bbq chicken burrito with beans and cheese with their hot bbq sauce. The flavors combined so well!! The staff were amazing, attentive and knowledgeable! The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly!
Critical Chris
Apr 26,2025
Moist and tender brisket, dusted with a bit of sugary seasoning after it’s cooked. A ‘tater salad to match some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The tomato salad was refreshing on a warm fall day. The service was prompt and attentive. The atmosphere was decent with brick walls, untreated ceilings and an open floor plan. I wish I had some corn bread to go with the meal, but perhaps I missed it on the menu board. I would happily return on my next visit to Knoxville.
Ang
Apr 19,2025
It was good. It's very juicy meat I got the nachos but found out i didn't like the type of cheese they had. The nachos was amazing great. Of couse the meat was amazing. My husband food was good too which i ate some. It is a good area to walk and see the beautiful down town . Will be back and brings some friends. I almost forgot this is a good place to too if u are the caveman diet like my husband is. He has lost 40 ilbs
Ron Plasencia
Apr 8,2025
The brisket was just amazing! So tender, easily cut with a plastic knife... The Cole Slaw and pork n beans were good as well. For me, it's a bit more than I usually spend for lunch, but no complaints here. Go check it out!
Eric Plourde
Mar 31,2025
Well worth the visit. Had the sampler and upgraded to a half rack over a 14 rack. Split it and each had plenty. Ribs were tender, pork was a little dry but the sandwich was stuffed and the sauce at the table in thick and thin handled the situation. Brisket was great. Went basic with the sides but they have all the southern options. Mac and cheese was killer. A great cheese blend. Potato salad and cole slaw were both good but I didn't pick up anything unique or special, but they did appear to be made in house so props for that. Cool atmosphere just on the edge of the gentrified downtown. I would return. The whole package is well done and well cooked.
LaShea Swain
Mar 21,2025
The BBQ sauce was the best ever!! The brisket was tender and the Mac and cheese was on point. The wings were perfectly seasoned. The taste of the ribs were very good but I prefer my meat to be "fall off the bone" meat. Overall impressed!

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