Barbecue restaurants

Calhoun's Lenoir City

4.2 2,501 reviews 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM 4550 City Park Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772, United States

Discover this place

Calhoun's is a barbecue restaurant located in Lenoir City, Tennessee, known for its Southern-style smoked and grilled dishes. The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including hickory smoked half chicken, barbecue steak basted with house sauce, and baby back ribs. Alongside the barbecue offerings, guests can find appetizers like pulled pork nachos, fried pickles, and char-grilled shrimp. The dining experience is casual and welcoming, with a focus on hearty, classic American barbecue flavors. Sides such as cheese spinach, Southern salad, and baked beans complement the main dishes. Beverages at Calhoun's include fresh-squeezed lemonades, milkshakes, and local craft beers. Family-friendly options are available, including kid-sized BBQ chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders. The atmosphere is relaxed, catering to both regular dinners and small group gatherings. Calhoun's combines traditional barbecue techniques with a diverse menu to serve a broad range of tastes in a straightforward setting.

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Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Live music
Serves local specialty
Sports

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd

College students
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Calhoun's Lenoir City before visiting.

Reviews for Calhoun's Lenoir City

4.2

2,501 reviews

100%

34%

14%

11%

Review highlights

Based on 2,501 reviews

Calhoun's barbecue restaurant in Lenoir City consistently receives positive feedback for its inviting atmosphere and scenic lakeside dining experience. Reviewers commonly highlight the cozy, laid-back environment, especially appreciating the outdoor seating that offers picturesque views and occasional wildlife sightings. The food quality is frequently praised, with many noting well-prepared dishes such as steaks, chicken tenders, and fresh salads. Service is another strong aspect of the experience, with staff described as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, often enhancing the overall visit. Overall, Calhoun's maintains a reputation for delivering dependable, flavorful meals in a welcoming setting, making it a favored destination for family outings and casual dining alike.

Dana Koogler (Cumberland Gal)

Jun 19, 2025

Our 4 year old granddaughter asked to go out to lunch at Calhoun's! We were happy to oblige her. Great lunch in a cozy atmosphere on a Winter day. It's our favorite place.

Kyle Cyr

Jun 18, 2025

Solid river side dining experience! The staff is super friendly, the atmosphere is laid back, and the food is good. What more can you ask for? Sit outside, its the best view and you might some wildlife.

Deanna Sanutelli

Jun 07, 2025

I went with a party of 4. The food is always good. I had the 10 oz sirloin and spinach Maria best side on the menu in my opinion. Steak was perfectly cooked. Beautiful day on the back deck outside.

Christina Jett

Apr 18, 2025

Waitress was: Peyton. She was FANTASTIC!!!! My Fiance got fish and chips and then ge wasnt in the mood for fish. He said he would order something else next time. No fault of Calhouns’. Me: Chicken Tender Salad—-it. Was. Amazing. Probably the best CTS ive ever had. Four hand breaded chicken tenders, hand breaded onion rings, fresh salad with tomatoes, boiled eggs, BACON....with a side of garlic rolls. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK! Thank you Calhouns’ for a great dinner date.

John Wilson

Apr 05, 2025

Always LOVE the lakeside dining experience here at Calhoun's. The decor with all the windows and outdoor sitting areas where you may enjoy the lakeside views and dining makes one of the best dining atmospheres you may experience anywhere. The staff is always friendly and helpful about making suggestions from the wide variety of options on the menu. The food is delicious and my favorite like today is the BBQ chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. I've eaten at a lot of restaurants throughout eastern Tennessee. The sweet potato fries with cinnamon sauce is the best here. I live in Athens but stop by Calhoun's about once a month for lunch while work keeps me on the road in east Tennessee. I highly recommend Calhoun's for great tasting food, high quality service and a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere.

Ben Satterfield

Apr 02, 2025

Great local bbq, ribs, salads, chicken and steaks. Can’t beat the waterfront location and the service is always good.

Tommy Andrew

Mar 20, 2025

Our first time in to Calhoun’s, and I have to say we were impressed. My Salmon with rice was beyond good. My wife’s steak with fried cabbage was fantastic as well. While we ate dinner we had a nice view of the water too. The place is pretty big and has plenty of seating.

Cody Leonard

Mar 13, 2025

Everything I've had here has been delicious. All the way down to the sides, the beans had bits of brisket. Some of the veggies had some special cheese on them. BBQ is the way to go, but there are so many ways to have it since it's all over the menu. The atmosphere is really nice and sets this location apart from the others. Sitting on the deck on a cool evening makes for a great atmosphere. Will go out of my way to visit here again in my future travels.