Summer is the quintessential season for barbeque. For many folks, the season is more active and casual than other times of year. 

Maybe you take a little time off from work, you play or work outdoors, gather with loved ones, and (at least here in Knoxville) find creative ways to beat the heat! And when it’s meal time, what could go better with those summertime vibes than some hearty southern comfort food and ice-cold drinks?

Even so, there’s BBQ, and then there’s next-level BBQ. Which is to say: summer barbeque favorites are great on their own, but truly memorable barbeque restaurants find ways to put their own spin on the classics. 

Here at Dead End BBQ, we’re known for taking familiar comfort foods and elevating them with unique ingredients, flavor combinations, and house specialties.

Knoxville’s Most Memorable BBQ Sides & Sweets

Since our roots at neighborhood block parties over 20 years ago, Dead End BBQ has set itself apart by serving competition-inspired barbeque and creative menu offerings. We’re all about bringing people together in our casual, unique neighborhood space to enjoy elevated BBQ with our own take on classic southern sides. 

So, when you’re deciding what to put on your next summer barbeque plate, try one of these menu items that put a unique twist on traditional BBQ sides and desserts:

Red, White, & Bleu Slaw at Dead End BBQ

Let’s face it: you hardly ever see barbeque served without the option of a classic coleslaw on the side. For many BBQ lovers, slaw is essential. But the same ol’ version of slaw can get a little… uninspiring. 

That’s why our Dead End take on coleslaw isn’t quite traditional. Our Red, White, & Bleu slaw livens up this BBQ staple with a combo of a few key ingredients: 

• Cabbage (of course!)
• Fresh tomatoes (what’s more summery than those?)
• Bleu cheese (for a creamy, tangy kick)
• Bacon bits (because, well… bacon, obviously!)

Pairing Tips: With its tangy, fresh crunch, our twist on traditional coleslaw pairs great with smoked meats like our sausage, wings, bologna (yep, smoked bologna), or Dr. H’s Chick’n Cheddar sandwich. 

Pimento Mac & Cheese at Dead End

Who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese? This next Dead End speciality side item is where southern influence meets a comfort food favorite. The creamy texture of our mac & cheese is the perfect complement to barbeque — and the pimentos and a blend of three cheeses make this dish richer and more complex than standard BBQ fare. It’s so good, we also integrated it directly into two of our entrees: our Dead End Mac Attack and our Burny Mac.

Don’t tell Grandma, but this mac & cheese is as good as hers! 

Just for Fun: Here’s a three-minute video where our co-founder George Ewart gives a behind-the-scenes look at how we make this Knoxville favorite. 

Dead End BBQ’s Homemade Banana Pudding

No BBQ meal feels complete without a sweet finish — and of course, summer is the best time to treat yourself to a cool sweet treat! 

One of our favorites is a classic southern dessert done right: our fun twist on traditional banana pudding. Instead of vanilla wafers, our homemade creamy pudding is topped with Pepperidge Farms Chessmen cookies and fresh-sliced bananas.

After a delicious summertime BBQ meal, you’re never too full for our banana pudding! 

Pro Tip: Looking for the perfect dessert to serve at your own backyard barbeque or a summer potluck? You can order ahead and pick up a large dish of our homemade banana pudding or our original peanut butter pie to serve your whole group! 

Dead End’s Beans & Smoked Sausage

Baked beans are another classic side typically offered with a summertime barbeque meal. But if you (like us) enjoy a twist on what’s traditional, our beans and smoked sausage may be for you. 

Beans are a great sidekick for whichever Dead End BBQ meat you pick to headline your meal… but you know what makes them a next-level pairing? Your favorite smoked meats added in. Yes, please!

Can’t get enough of smoked sausage & beans? If the combo of beans and sausage or a warm, hearty, smoky dish is your thing, make sure you visit us again this winter for our Smokehouse Stew or Hillbilly Chili.

Southern BBQ Traditions with a Twist

When you’re ready for a delicious BBQ meal this summer, you can count on Dead End BBQ to deliver the tender, flavorful meats you expect, plus our elevated versions of the classic sides and sweets you want.

At Dead End, we’re committed to quality ingredients and flavorful Southern traditions with a twist. Come visit us on Sutherland Avenue in Knoxville to find your next menu favorite!

And in the meantime, here’s what your fave BBQ side says about you…