Looking for barbecue and a balcony view in downtown Gatlinburg? You don’t have to go far. Just across the Parkway from the Historic Gatlinburg Inn sits Myron Mixon BBQ, a restaurant carrying the name of one of the most well-known figures in the world of competitive barbecue. Myron Mixon is a multi-time world champion, TV personality, and all-around barbecue heavyweight. And yes, he actually makes appearances at the restaurant from time to time. So you just might find yourself grabbing a selfie with the pitmaster himself.
We visited recently and grabbed a table on the balcony, which overlooks the Parkway with a direct line of sight to the Inn. If you enjoy a little people-watching while you eat, this is a prime spot. The restaurant’s atmosphere feels like a blend of laid-back Southern charm and big-stage barbecue branding.
I went with the Pit Master Platter, choosing pulled pork and smoked beef bologna for my meats. The barbecue itself was good – not exactly life-changing, but enjoyable. The restaurant also makes a variety of sauces available so you can sauce it up however you want (I liked the Sweet Heat). What really took the meal to the next level were the sides. The baked beans were rich and smoky, and the loaded potato salad was the kind of creamy, indulgent comfort food you hope to find at a place like this. It was all served with a piece of cornbread that was warm, golden, and honestly one of the highlights of the plate.
The person I was dining with ordered the pulled pork sandwich with crinkle-cut fries. The sandwich looked solid, and those fries? Crispy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. Definitely a hit.
One small word of caution – we were brought pork rinds at the beginning of the meal, which seemed like a complimentary snack, but they showed up on the bill. It’s probably not a big deal, but you may want to double-check your ticket before you pay. Also, keep in mind that prices are on the higher end, so plan accordingly if you’re bringing the whole crew.
In the end, this was a good meal in a great location. Between the balcony seating, the chance to see a barbecue celebrity in action, and those excellent sides, Myron Mixon BBQ adds another tasty option to the downtown Gatlinburg lineup. It’s especially convenient for guests of the Historic Gatlinburg Inn—just stroll across the street and dig in.
Myron Mixon’s is located at:
762 Parkway #5 Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Literally right across the street from the Historic Gatlinburg Inn!
