Corky's Ribs & BBQ — Restaurant in Pigeon Forge

When my two now adult kids were younger we took a trip to Memphis. At the time we had never heard of Corky’s. But we decided to stop and it was so good. So good it has been a great memory now for 15+ years. We’ve been back to Memphis once since that first time. Well, this year for Thanksgiving, but most importantly our niece’s , we were in Gatlinburg. I found out that there was a Corky’s a few miles down the road. Well, it was a no brainer. We had to go. As we walked in we greeted my the woman at the front and she took us to our table. The very friendly server came by and took our drink order. We told her what we wanted. We also told her we were ready to order our meal as well. I, like many have always loved Corky’s dry rub on the ribs. But this time I wanted to change it up just a little and get them muddy. As one would expect, they were AWESOME. Two of my kids got the stuffed potatoes and my youngest got the kids pulled pork. And topped it off with a Moon Pie banana pudding. Which was very delicious. But we were surprised they didn’t use the classic banana moon pie instead of the chocolate one. But regardless, wonderful. We pay our check and wanted to get some sauce to take home. We got to the lobby and pick a couple bottles out. The last time we’re were here there was only the puritans apple bbq sauces. We go to pay for it and the hostess was no where to be found. Ok, I’ll just look at the shirts. Found one I liked, but didn’t have my size. So when I paid for the sauce I was going to ask about different sizes. A family got in line while I was looking for her. Then another and another. Buy the time someone came up front, the line was out the door. So I ended up putting the sauces back and not worry about the tshirt. Sure you can buy the sauces online, but there’s something about getting things from the place and time of your visit....

Had never been here before, so decoded to give it a shot. It was very slow. I ordered the Memphis Mountain nachos with pulled pork and chicken. The service was great first of all. My server was Harriet according to my receipt. She did an amazing job. The food came rather quickly, and I knew when it came out that I wasn't going to be satisfied. It was nacho chips with cheese, pulled pork and chicken on top, a side of jalapeños and sour cream. It also jad bbq sauce on it. I first have to say it didn't look appetizing at all. The pulled pork was the driest I have ever had, and the cheese was the most disappointing part of it all. It tasted clearly like canned cheese and ruined the entire meal. All I could taste in every bite was canned cheese. The jalapeños and the chips were the best part of the meal, which is bad for a $15 meal. A friend had pulled pork mac and cheese, and the complaint again was the cheese and the box macaroni. The pulled pork was dry and stringy. I ordered a side of sausage, and it was sausage cut and grilled. It was supposed to be "smoked" sausage, and all we tasted was the grill, and it also had grill makes on it.. Everything else was completely disappointing. I can't say I would ever go here again. It's not real bbq as expected. No smoke, no...

After reading the mixed reviews we were hesitant to try, especially after our horrible experience, at a place I won't name, down the street last night. I'm glad we gave it a chance! Though we weren't greeted when we came in, we were sat quickly. Our server, I didn't get her name, was phenomenal. She is exactly what you want for a server- quick, personable & upbeat, knowledgeable, observant.. everything that's hard to find lately! The restaurant is clean and the decor is fun. We had the pork rind app- it was the perfect size appetizer for us- fresh, hot (still crackling) & delicious. There were 0 issues with our food, didn't wait long either! The food was hot, not luke warm which seems to be a new norm for other establishments, full of flavor, and barely any leftovers to go home. I saw another review that mentioned the meat being uncooked because it was pink- I found it funny they have a disclaimer on the menu..Most people know smoked meat is pink🤭 Drinks were refilled without asking! All in all very impressed and happy after a couple let downs while on vacation here. I definitely give our server a 10/10. Will be back if we visit Pigeon...