Smokey Bear's BBQ & Grill

There is absolutely no better place for BBQ, burgers, salads, catfish, and gluten free, even catering for large events! Gluten free sauces, rubs, buns, toast, brownies, hoagie buns. Their fried pickles, cheese curds, and catfish are gluten free breading, but a shared fryer. The GF menu is clearly marked with GF and gluten sensitive both.

I saw one bad review for this place, bashing them. Bashing the only place in the area that goes above and beyond for us. I don't believe a word she typed.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Delicious BBQ with a gf menu. Get the ribs and wings! GF bread, GF hoe cakes, super friendly service.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Delicious and lots of options!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We were so glad to have a celiac-safe meal after a long day of driving. The sauces, gluten free bun and homemade potato salad were quite good. We had pulled pork sandwiches and the meat was large, fatty chunks and not warm, which was not what we were expecting. Small dining area with several TVs , which was a nice surprise that we could catch part of a March madness basketball game while we ate. Overall good experience and felt safe eating here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Maybe it’s because I’m extra sensitive today, but this place almost brought a tear to my eye.

The statement at the bottom of their menu is what did it for me. “One of the owners of Smokey Bear’s has celiacs himself, and understands the importance of offering a safe place for people with a gluten intolerance to enjoy dining out again.”

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Really really good. Separate GF menu describing gluten free vs gluten sensitive options. I had pulled pork sandwich which was delicious. They have gluten free brownie which was extra special because I rarely can have dessert with everyone else. I have a gluten allergy and did not react.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Delicious and Safe! Those 2 words are golden for a person with celiacs! I had a BBQ pork sandwich with gluten free bun. Fabulous in-house made sauces - all of which are gluten free. As others have mentioned, one of the owners is celiac. Everyone was very knowledgeable and took precautions for me. I can’t wait to eat there again…I think I will go back tomorrow!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

This BBQ is amazing! Ask for the allergy menu. They seemed to know what they were doing and I get sick really easy (celiac) and I did not get sick. I got the gluten free pulled pork sandwich with a GF bun, pickles and slaw. They gave me a side of BBQ and all of their sauces are gluten free. My husband and son had their regular food and we all thought is was really good. We were driving through with our dogs and it was really great to be able to eat outside with them.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great GF pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw. No dedicated fryer, but they do have a gf menu that explains a lot. I can get by without fried pickles when the sandwich is this good. Friendly and helpful staff.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

One of the owners has Celiac’s, so they are really great at making sure food is safe. My husband and I shared the Smokey’s sampler with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. We had gluten free toast, baked beans, and Cole slaw. It all was delicious and their BBQ sauce was so yummy! They had a complete, thorough gluten free menu, too.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

My son has celiac disease. We did not meet with the owner. When my son ordered from the gluten free menu he was asked if he wanted the gluten free toast. That should have been a giant red flag. Of course he wanted gluten free bread!!! The brisket was super fatty and my husband and I shared the sampler which was super dry. Needless to say my son spent the night in the bathroom with diarrhea. Anyone with celiac disease knows that gastrointestinal issues has been glutened. Do not not eat here. I do not recommend this restaurant. Ate there in August of 2023. Never again.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Ate there for the first time about 2 weeks ago it was wonderful. I even got a brownie first time in forever.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Love this local place. Awesome experience. Spoke with the owner himself who is Celiac. All sauces are gluten free. A friendly local Celiac recommended the pulled pork and toast and it was to die for. I'm extremely sensitive Celiac and had no reaction. Already planning my next road trip even if it's 7 hours away!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We got the sampler platter with brisket and pulled pork but unfortunately they were out of ribs. It was only an hour from closing time on a Sunday so it wasn’t a huge surprise, but I wish we were able to go earlier to try their ribs. The food was decent and I didn’t have any reaction. Only thing was the gf bread was touching a non gf bun on the tray as the waitress brought it all out which was a little concerning but other than that it seems like they are careful

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

We had such an amazing experience eating here! The food was AMAZING and we even met the owner who has Celiac! He shared his favorites off the menu and talked to me about all my allergies, we also chatted about our other favorite gluten free things to eat! Over all great experience and the food was great! We can’t wait to go back!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I love eating here! They have a separate gluten free menu with lots of options, and are very clear about what is gluten-sensitive vs. Celiac-safe. One of the owners has Celiac, so they get it. I feel very safe eating here, and the food is amazing! Friendly, helpful service too. We love stopping here for lunch on our long drive back to Chicago and always look forward to it.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

They provided us with a gluten free menu, and explained how all of their sauces (made by the restaurant) were also 100% gluten free. They also differentiated between the sauces they made and the potentially wheat containing hot sauces by other vendors they sold.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Super friendly and lots of gluten free options. Food was delicious and even the gluten free bun was good!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Super good BBQ and the prices aren't to high

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Stopped here on our drive home from the Smoky Mountains . Very very good bbq! We have 3 celiacs and multiple gluten sensitive people. Everyone ordered from the gluten-free menu. Everything was wonderful! So nice to be able to eat out at a restaurant and stay safe!! Really wish we would have purchased some bbq sauce to take home!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Amazing food and service, would definitely recommend, even for celiacs! (3 in the family loved this place)

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We had a great experience at Smokey bear’s tonight. The server was knowledgeable and helpful, and all of our food was great! I would highly recommend coming.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Followed previous reviewers' suggestions and stopped here on our travels. I can't say enough good about this place! Owner has celiac, so there are very specific protocols in place to keep us safe. I had a pulled pork SANDWICH! WITH a bun!!! What a rare treat! Also got a side salad without cheese or croutons. Everything was very good. The pork is so often dry and you have to drown it in sauce to be able to eat it...not the case at Smokey Bear's! Can't wait for our next trip down I-75 so we can stop here again!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Owner knows his stuff and came to check on us peraonally. Felt super safe here. Everything was excellent - especially the ribs. Great find.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Wow! Owner has celiac so they get it. Food was fantastic!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fantastic barbecue! Ribs were so tender and flavorful. Special treat to have garlic GF toast with it.Yum!! And GF dessert. Fantastic!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I am one happy momma. After reading reviews decided to try this place out while driving through. The owner has Celiac so the staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. They even have gf brownies!!! The only downside is, there aren’t dedicated fryers. But plenty of safe sides to choose from.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Full GF menu with specifications for those who have Celiac Disease and those who are gluten sensitive. Staff is amazing and very knowledgeable. Great food!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Went to Smokey Bears BBQ based on the reviews from this website; it was excellent! Great GF food options, knowledgable and friendly staff. Celiac kids and adults are all happy and full! Highly recommend!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Holy cow! Wonderful barbeque. Grilled buns that made me second guess the gf factor. Celiac's are told to avoid the fryer. Best gf menu and desserts available. All for a reasonable cost. Very impressed, and no tummy trouble at all!

The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable! As soon as I said I was celiac she told me the owner would want to chat with me. He too is celiac! They have dedicated space and very thorough kitchen procedures. I had bbq, grilled corn and Cole slaw. It was all wonderful!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent BBQ with GF buns and bread. The manager says that they are looking to get a second fryer soon so they can have a dedicated GF fryer. Asked my opinion on two versions of a GF menu. Stop and support this business!

Owner knows all about Celiac! Menu items were noted as either gluten sensitive or gluten free. Very friendly staff and great food!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The food was fabulous. The best barbecue we’ve eaten!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I ate here a few times while visiting a college with my son. On one visit I ate the pulled pork with the sweet barbeque sauce on the table with a gluten free bun and it was awesome! The next time I had a half slab of the baby back ribs and more of the pulled pork. I loved the ribs. The owner has celiacs and does a great job of making tasty and safe food. Thank you!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We just had one of the best meals ever at Smokey Bears BBQ in Corbin, KY. I have Celiac and the owner (what a great guy) personally talked to me at our table before I ordered and made sure my meal was to my liking. I can't wait to return! I ordered the pulled pork, which was so good, that I didn't even need bbq sauce. The gluten free garlic toast was incredibly DELICIOUS! I made my pork sandwich with the garlic toast. I added the grilled corn on the cob (buttered and salted) to my meal. Prices are good. Service with a smile. And the owner is just great! We don't live in the area, but will definitely be back!! Darn good food. Hidden Gem. 5 stars! Husband had regular meal & he thoroughly enjoyed his as well.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fantastic find on a road trip! I have Celiac Disease and eating while traveling is so hard. I had pulled pork, beans, coleslaw & a double chocolate gf brownie! I was in heaven!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The owner has celiac disease and has trained staff well to avoid cross contamination. The burgers with gluten free buns are amazing. There are even gluten free hoagies for cheese steak sandwiches. Fries are not in a dedicated fryer but there are chips and side salads with gluten free croutons for sides. Awesome sweet tea too!

Celiac friendly?

Yes