Nashville might be known worldwide as Music City, but the local culinary scene is hitting just as many high notes as the honky-tonks on Broadway. Over the last decade, the city has evolved into a legitimate food destination, with barbecue standing out as one of its most beloved staples. From whole-hog traditions to dry-rubbed ribs, the variety of smoked meat here reflects the diverse influences of the people who call Middle Tennessee home.
While Tennessee is often associated with the sweet, tomato-based sauces of Memphis, Nashville’s barbecue scene has carved out its own unique identity. Here, you are just as likely to find Alabama-style white sauce, Texas-inspired brisket, or a fiery hot chicken crossover as you are a classic pulled pork sandwich. This culinary melting pot means that both locals and visitors have an incredible range of options to explore, whether they are looking for a quick lunch or a late-night feast after a show.
Finding the best barbecue in Nashville, however, requires knowing where to look beyond the neon lights of Lower Broadway. The true pitmasters of this city are often found in unassuming strip malls, repurposed gas stations, and historic neighborhoods where the smell of hickory smoke fills the air. These are the spots where technique is passed down through generations, and where the meat is treated with the reverence it deserves.
We have spent countless hours standing in line, wiping sauce from our fingers, and comparing bark textures to bring you this definitive guide. This list focuses not just on the quality of the meat, but on the entire experience—the atmosphere, the sides, the service, and the consistency that keeps regulars coming back. Whether you prefer your ribs falling off the bone or with a bit of chew, there is a pit in Davidson County with your name on it.
In this guide, we are highlighting the establishments that define Nashville’s smoke-filled landscape. We prioritize places that use real wood, maintain quality control, and offer sides that stand up to the main event. You won’t find boiled ribs or liquid smoke here; you will find bark, smoke rings, and the kind of soul food that makes you want to unbutton your pants and order seconds.
Before you fire up your GPS, remember that Nashville barbecue is a marathon, not a sprint. Some of these spots sell out early, and many are closed on Sundays or Mondays to give the pitmasters a rest. Plan your route, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover why Nashville is quickly becoming the South’s most underrated barbecue town.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
| Address | 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 288-0880 |
AMAZING!!!! A must do whilst visiting Nashville for the first time!
You order before you sit down which is quite overwhelming as there’s so much choice! But the servers are super helpful and welcoming. You are then given a number to put on your table whilst waiting for your food. There were five of us with a variety of orders and it came very quickly.
I had the smoked turkey with chips and broccoli salad which was delicious. A bit salty but that’s the style and I ate all of it. The BBQ trays are probably the best value, around $22 and incredibly filling. The entire order came to around $140 including tip with five meals (three sandwiches, two BBQ trays) and five drinks (two alcoholic) which we thought was great value for a good classic meal.
This place is MUCH bigger than it looks from the outside. We arrived for lunch just after they opened & the staff members were fresh & friendly, and there was plenty of seating. It was recommended that we go upstairs, and we were thankful for the recommendation, as it is bright and open. You order & pay, and then the food is brought to your table. The food was quite good, we had sandwiches including the pulled pork, brisket, fried chicken, and paddy (how they spell it) melt. The best side was by far the hush puppies-so crispy and good! The fries and the mac and cheese were good, but nothing special. The only disappointments were the pies, as they were just meh. As with most places in the area, it will be quite loud once it is full and the live music is going, but it was pleasant when we were there for an early lunch.
We recently visited Nashville and had to stop by our favorite BBQ spot! This was our third visit, and every single time the experience has been amazing. We ordered the pulled pork sandwiches with fries and potato salad, along with the smoked wings. Everything was perfectly cooked and packed with flavor.
You order at the register, grab a number, and seat yourself, which makes the process quick and easy. The portions are generous, and the food comes out fast. If you’re in Nashville and craving great BBQ, this is definitely the place to go!
I should have known when the cashier said they do not sell brisket by the pound that I'd be in for a mediocre brisket experience. I was not wrong. If you're looking for quality brisket I would definitely go someplace else. Everything else was great. There's also a bottle of barbecue sauce on each table that has the consistency of water.... What is that? Also know free street parking anywhere downtown.
Walked in and placed order at the counter and found a table for a group of 5. Process was pretty smooth and easy. I would recommend look at the menu before coming up to make the ordering process easier for you. Food was delivered pretty quickly after ordering. We order a platter with Ribs,Brisket, Pork and Turkey. Everything was tasty and all highly recommended. Ribs were good but I thought they had way too much fat on them. We also had an order of the Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage which also was great. sides we had was baked beans, Mac and cheese and Broccoli Salad all highly recommended. Great spot for bbq and portion size.
Peg Leg Porker BBQ
| Address | 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 829-6023 |
I did some research before coming to Nashville as to where to get BBQ and hit on this place. I'm so glad that I did. I got the pulled pork sandwich with a couple sides. The pork was amazing! If I've had better, I honestly don't recall where. Tender, super flavorful and moist. The baked beans were delicious while the Mac and cheese was good as well. The staff was friendly and helpful while I navigated the menu. Seating was plentiful with both indoor and outdoor areas, although I got take out. Parking can be found across the street in a lot. Highly recommended if you are in Nashville!
I found this award-winning bbq place via Google and decided to give it a try. I arrived at the place and it looked like they might be closeD. The light sign was still on but the atmosphere really made me think they were not opened. Anyhow, I checked and found out they indeed opened. There is a bar session and a restaurant session and it’s quite spacious in there. We placed the order at the counter and the servers were super helpful. I got the meat combo plater, jalapeño cheddar sausage, soul potato, and banana pudding. The jalapeño sausage was very good. The pull pork was probably the best pull pork I ever had. I was kinda surprised they don’t have brisket though. The ribs were easy to pull off the bone and not too fatty but slightly too dry for my liking. The yardbird chicken is also good. What I didn’t like is the sausage that came in the combo—it was dry and salty. The soul potato was great too! The banana pudding was also good. All of our sides were good but not very memorable except the potato salad. Overall, I like this place but please have a clearer open sign please.
Had an awesome experience at Peg Leg Porker. The ribs were absolutely top tier, perfectly cooked with incredible flavor. The green beans and mac and cheese were just as impressive and easily some of the best sides we had in Nashville.
Service was fast and efficient, which made the whole experience even better. Also have to mention the Old Fashioned made with local whiskey, it was excellent and a perfect pairing with the meal.
Highly recommend if you’re in Nashville and craving great BBQ.
I feel like this place doesn't even need reviews at the rate they're moving, but it was delicious and served well. It's a very large serving (We could have shared a rack). The leftovers tasted great the next day too. Simple layout, lots to look at, you can pick out a souvenir while you go through the line. Family owned and operated with friendly service and seating indoors and outdoors. Shady, breezy and a great view.
Fun BBQ if you like a good dry rub this is the place for you. The mild sauce blends perfectly with the dry rub.
My hat's off to whoever came up with the 🔥 Hot 🔥 BBQ 🔥 Sauce recipe. It is perfect! You can taste the hot without the burn overshadowing the flavor of the sauce itself!
Generous portions. Through sides might look small next to your ribs but that's only because the ribs are large.
Edley's Bar-B-Que
| Address | 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 953-2951 |
Our food was so good! First meet & greet the guy who took our order suppa friendly, funny and informative about the menu.... I personally ordered the avacado salad which was thee biggest best tasting avacado ive ever eaten.... had bites of everyones food and from the hot chicken to the brisket everything was FIRRRRRRRRE!!!
This was some damn good BBQ. The brisket was bangin, the burnt ends super flavorful and — don’t sleep on the TURKEY. It was my favorite. My wife got the Nashville Hot Chicken tacos and loved ‘em.
For sides we had the green beans (8/10), the coleslaw (9/10) and the star of the show is definitely the banana pudding (10/10).
Great big space, indoor and outdoor seating available. I recommend for anyone looking for some good Tennessee BBQ.
At the risk of sounding holier than thou, this place was not at all what the reviews said. Huge disappointment.
Positives: paid parking and friendly counter staff.
Negatives: you order at the counter, get your own drink, someone drops your food off and then you’re responsible for dropping your plates in a bus bin. Shockingly enough, they have 20%tip automatically selected when you sign the screen. Thankfully Mike noticed and dropped it to 18%. After all, we did everything except bring our food to the table. We are very generous tippers, but we tip for service and counter service and bringing my food to the table doesn’t merit 20%%
We ordered the rib and brisket combo and for an additional charge added pulled pork. Our sides were the baked beans and mac & cheese. Mike also got a basket of fries.
When she brought the food, it was sausage rather than the ribs. We explained that we did not order the sausage and she was kind enough to leave the plate and bring the ribs separately. Each of us did try the sausage and it was nothing to write home about. The ribs were an end piece so they were a bit chewy. Neither of us enjoyed the flavor of the ribs. I told my husband they reminded me of bologna.
The baked beans had an odd taste. It was a sour taste that reminded me of something that is spoiled. I’ve never seen barbecue baked beans that had giant red kidney beans in them. The french fries tasted like old grease. I did like the mac & cheese, but it was not a usual southern mac & cheese. It was topped with breadcrumbs and my husband wasn’t crazy about it. The cornbread is probably good when it’s fresh, but it seemed dry. The brisket was moist and delicious and the pulled pork was also moist and delicious. Both the brisket pulled pork had great flavor. Those were the onky two things that were enjoyable in my opinion.
Such a big disappointment, considering that I did research and read so many reviews and ratings on barbecue places in Nashville.
Visited Edleys on the weekend while exploring 12 South. First BBQ in Nashville and it hit the spot. The brisket is super tender and loved the sausage with jalapeño and cheese. Tons of seating both indoor and outdoor. Casual spot for lunch. Dogs were welcome as well.
Food was delicious. What I like a lot was the hospitality, the staff made us feel welcomed.
Parking available in the back, which is key because this area gets packed.
The brisket is delicious so was the banana pudding. The ribs were really good.
The Ridge
| Address | 333 54th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (615) 385-7800 |
Really good BBQ with a friendly waitress. So I was wanting a little bit of everything so I ordered the 5 meat platter. I got the brisket, pork, sausage ribs and bologna. Everything was excellent except the brisket, it was very dry and didn't taste good, but everything else made up for it. The ribs were fall off the bone tender and seasoned just right. The sausage was sliced very uniquely and had great taste. The pork was very moist and favorable. Now the bologna stole the show! It was chared just right and had great flavor. If I'm back in the area will definitely eat here again.
Came in on the Friday after Christmas and they didn’t have any ribs ready. The BBQ pork plate spoke of their cooking skills. Not shredded or sliced, sort of chunky. I liked it. BBQ beans were great. (Not cowboy beans). Also tried their Gotcha Slaw which lives up to its name. Spicey. Also it’s not the slaw they put on their sandwich which is more traditional. Topped it with a banana pudding. Which thankfully had wafers and bananas, whipped cream and some nutmeg. Enjoy.
BBQ grading scale: B-. I hate to say it, but it’s the classic underwhelming Nashville BBQ scene. Nashville just needs to stick with Hot Chicken and music. HOWEVER… I will clarify that the meal was not horrible. I don’t know how to explain it outside of Nashville BbQ is more like oven cooked meat versus meat that’s been on a wood fired slow roast for hours. If they cook this over a wood pit, you really fooled me! Everything was OK… but I think if I went back I’d definitely try something else besides BBQ. And Parking - absolutely the worst. There is none. To me that’s their biggest problem, but maybe it’s more of a place for locals to walk or Uber to versus someone like me that comes from afar. Either way, give it a shot as everyone has different tastes… and it wasn’t bad.
We grabbed lunch from The Ridge during a meeting at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, and it was a great choice. It’s located just down the road, which made it incredibly convenient to pick up and bring back to the office without losing valuable meeting time.
I ordered the brisket quesadilla, and it was excellent. The brisket was tender, smoky, and packed with flavor—clearly slow-cooked the right way. The tortilla was crisp, the portion was generous, and it held together well even as takeout. It felt like authentic, well-prepared barbecue, not something rushed.
Everyone else at the meeting was raving about their meals too. There were strong reviews of the pulled pork and ribs, and the sides got plenty of compliments as well. It’s always a good sign when a group setting turns into a roundtable of positive food comments.
For a working lunch, The Ridge delivered on quality, flavor, and convenience. If you’re near the Tennessee Wildlife Federation or anywhere in that part of Nashville and need solid barbecue that travels well, this place is definitely worth it.
The service was great! Unfortunately the food was not. The brisket was dry and lacked flavor. We ordered the nachos on tater tots and it came out with chips. Not a big deal but they were not very good. Not a lot of toppings and cheap ingredients. My husband did like the ribs. Edlys is definitely way better.
Shotgun Willie's BBQ
| Address | 1500 Gallatin Pike S Ste 104, Madison, TN 37115 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 942-9188 |
Was in Nashville from North Alabama for a meeting. Stopped in and got a pound of sliced brisket. Absolutely the most amazing barbecue I have ever had! Juicy, tender, an amazing bark, and tremendous flavor! I will 100% be back with my family! You have got to stop in! The staff is equally amazing and friendly!
Writing this as a 6th generation Texan - where I say I love Texas BBQ, I mean it. This isn’t Texas BBQ, the brisket was mush without smokey flavor, the potato salad was awful/bitter & the sausage had so much cheese in it you couldnt even taste anything else. It was $33 for all this which honestly I will pay for good bbq because well its good bbq. This was highway robbery at the finest & feel like I should file a police report with how awful that was.
Update: All owner did was attack/mention previous reviews left by me which since when does needing a bondsman (yes they provide more types of bonds than bailing someone out of jail) have any relevance to the horrible food that is falsely called “TX BBQ”. If it was a true Texan - their response would have been 100% different. They would have acknowledged the awful food which the photos speak for themselves.
We got there right when the opened. Beef and pork were both great. Have some beer options. Desert was texas sheet cake and was good, but not like momma fixed em. Would recommend if you want to try some good BBQ for a pretty affordable price. Had plenty of seating when we were in.
Our family visited this barbecue spot yesterday and the food was absolutely delicious!!! Everything was flavorful and definitely hit the spot. The only downside was that it was pretty busy, so finding seating was a bit of a challenge at first. That said, there was an outdoor patio available, which is a great option if you don’t mind sitting outside.
Greeted with a smile as soon as we walked in. The host made sure to walk us through the menu and offer suggestions. I got the smoked chicken and it smelled so good I started eating before I remembered to take the photo! Great smoky flavor! White sauce was well seasoned and a great compliment to the chicken. Green beans and coleslaw were amazing as well! Two thumbs up! Definitely try the ooey gooey butter cake!
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
| Address | 7004 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 352-5777 |
Nice bbq place. The selections were amazing! It was hard to decide what to order because everything looked so good. I settled on the wings and a loaded potato. Both were really good. I had half the wings flavored with honey habanero and while the flavor was great, they lacked spice...literally no kick at all. But the smokey flavor was nice. The service was excellent and everyone was friendly. The restaurant was very clean and I enjoyed the atmosphere. The free cheesey muffins were good, but undercooked, however the flavor was on point.
Stopped here during a road trip thinking it was a local spot. The food is so good I was shocked to find out it’s a chain. The first time, we went two days in a row because we didn’t feel like exploring. Now we stop here every time we slide through this area. Those lil muffins, tender meat, perfect mac and cheese. Every bite hits. Have sat at bar and dining section. Friendly employees, nice atmosphere. Good portion sizes, always a to-go box.
The food & service was absolutely amazing. The pulled pork was perfectly cooked and super yummy, however the baked beans were by far my favorite. Definitely a meal I look forward to coming back for.
We went cus a guy at our hotel had the 🥔 so I did . Hand down great time wveey1 was so polite and good me food was awesome the lil cheese muffin. Are to die for i tell no lies.we got 2 baked and a brisket Mac an cheese balls with was home-made not some frozen thing the sauce was fabulous idk wat to say I dont ever have tine wen everything is deferent I bbq snob this was 100% worth the trip thankfully for great experience
Bomb Dot Com. It was a very pleasant surprise. Spent the day fishing and we wanted some BBQ and found them driving to Nashville and man it's worth a stop. Food was on point and drinks were cold and good. Friendly service fast to boot.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
| Address | 3108 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 200-1181 |
Probably one of the best overall BBQ plates I've ever had.
I really enjoyed the Memphis style ribs, the dry rub had a perfect salty/peppery ratio and had a great texture.
I was concerned at first about the brisket, because it looked a bit dry, but it was awesome. Super tender, and amazing smokey flavor. It paired perfectly with the zesty vinegary sauce. The sides were also really good, especially the beans.
The portion size was very generous.
I ordered online in advance and my order was ready when I showed up.
I'm going to be dreaming about this plate for a while 😍
I was really looking forward to Nashville style bbq. Got the combo plater. The ribs is just okay good and sweet also not fall off the bone. The brisket was very dry and lack flavors. Sides was okay. Get the broccoli. Sauce option was decent. Probably not coming back again.
We wanted to avoid the line so we stopped by this place instead of the 4th Ave location.
Brisket- we forgot to order extra moist so it was dried.
Ribs - flavorful but on the salty side, and on the dried side.
Pulled pork - was alright. soft and tender
Sides:
Mac N cheese- not bad
Baked beans - ok
Green beans - it was good so I thought it was homemade. Then I noticed the cans at the front entrance on our way out.
Desserts:
Pecan pie - delicious. Not overly sweet like all other Pecan pies I have tried.
Brownie cake - dried and chewy. Not recommended.
I was excited to try Martins BBQ, and I even brought my family from out of town who were visiting from Texas. Unfortunately, we should’ve gone to Jack’s BBQ like I initially thought..
The brisket was dry with no flavor and hardly warm, fries were cold as if they had been sitting there for a while, the Mac-n- cheese was cold and tasteless. I don’t know if it’s because we’re from Texas and used to a certain standard or if they ran out of seasoning in the kitchen. We didn’t even bother taking leftovers home.
The ribs were good though along with the pecan pie.
My mom did enjoy the baked potato
We ordered a tray of brisket and a patty burger with the farmer’s salad. The food was delicious. I really enjoyed the flavor, though my son thought it was a bit too flavorful. We both agreed the cheese was outstanding—surprisingly unique and far better than typical store-bought varieties.
As for the brisket, while it was good, I’ve had much better in Chicago.
We dined at one of their locations that had ample parking and a peaceful atmosphere. The interior isn’t fancy—more of an old-school setup with simple wood and metal tables and chairs.
The staff were friendly and welcoming. Overall, highly recommended.
Edley's Bar-B-Que
| Address | 1004 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 873-4085 |
We decided to try this place for lunch before leaving Nashville. Overall we were not impressed and have had much better bbq elsewhere. Having tried a lot of bbq around the US this one was below average.
We tried the combo platter with brisket and ribs. For sides we got Mac and cheese and banana pudding.
The cornbread was too dry in our opinion. And the brisket was not tender. The sauce on it was pretty good but the meat itself was almost tough and chewy. The ribs were slightly better and more tender but still were not fall off the bone tender. The Mac and cheese was somehow bland and too peppery at the same time. And the banana pudding tasted like the artificial banana laffy taffy.
Overall it was not worth the price and we have had better elsewhere. The atmosphere was fine though.
Best BBQ chicken sandwich I’ve had in years! I was worried about their portion sizes from looking at their menu online and yelp images but they are pretty decent as you can see from my photo. We sat at the bar and the bartender was amazing. Atmosphere was chill and relaxed. Plenty of tv screens for sports if you’re into that. Highly recommend going here!
Service was friendly and welcoming.
Order first and they will bring your order to your table. Drinks are self served. Portions are huge for the price point. Every meats were moist and flavorful. Sides were okay. Had to ask for to go box’s and bag at the front.
We were in Tennessee visiting for a family trip, and out of the many options we chose this spot because we heard they had many gluten free options. They certainly did, and the entire table of 5 were in agreement that everything we were brought was delicious. It's not often we have sat in open air restaurants, and being in one was a nice change of pace on a nice warm day in Tennessee. Though we ordered a lot of food, there wasn't much left on anyone's plates when we were done. Definitely worth the visit!
The food and service was the best we’ve had in Nashville! We’ll definitely be back. Cara behind the bar and our server, Bill were great!!
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
| Address | 2400 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 747-2473 |
I really like the overall theme of the restaurant. Even though the pictures all seem messy, the place is actually very clean. I really enjoyed the flavor of bbq after putting it on my brisket burgers. The brisket burger was out of this world! Fries were perfectly seasoned and fried beautifully. Lemonade is the drink I would persuade you to get. Ordering was very simple. I was surprised on how good the chicken fingers were. The crunchiness and the chicken itself really caught my attention.
We saw lots of good things online about Martin’s BBQ. It was our first time here and ordered their big brother sampler with a side of baked beans and corn bread. We really enjoyed their ribs. It has a great sauce and super tender. Their brisket was decent. It was a little dry the time we went. But from reading other reviews, this seems to be an anomaly. The beans and corn bread were very good. The bbq sauce at the table was also pretty good.
They had lots of seating and we didn’t have to wait too long to get our food.
The pulled pork sandwich, jalapeño sausage, and catfish sandwich were amazing.
We weren't big on the Hoecake, sadly. It was kind of dry. But we're used to the jalapeño honey cornbread we get in Texas.
The macaroni was creamy and delicious.
The beans were savory and sweet.
The nachos tasted fantastic! They were loaded with brisket, cheese, and coleslaw.
The broccoli salad was great! A good mix of ingredients and the sauce is a bit sweet but world great with the broccoli.
The hushpuppies are crunchy in the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
For the price, it was well worth it
If we didn't live in Texas We'd be back frequently!
First ever southern barbecue and gotta say it wasn't everything I was hoping for. Don't get me wrong, it was still delicious but lacking a little bit in flavour over all. I got the brisket sandwhich with a side of mac n cheese and split it with my sister. In hindsight this was definitely not enough food and we each should've gotten one for ourselves. Not sure if I'd come here again but the service was great, atmosphere was fine and the little gift shop area they have by the checkout is intriguing.
Tender smoked goodness. Great mac n cheese. Hoe cake was light and grease less. Pork and beef were delicious. Best Brisket I've ever had. Green beans were spicy but manageable.
Edley's Bar-B-Que
| Address | 2719 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 331-3986 |
One of the best bbq places possibly ever! Customer service is fantastic, very friendly people taking orders & working the bar. They have individual menus to look at before you order so you’re more prepared, and they have a gigantic one on the wall that also shows what they’re out of at the moment.
I love a restaurant that has everything thought of to make everything run easily/smooth! Highly, HIGHLY recommend the burnt ends!! The pork sandwich was a little on the dryer side (there are bottles of bbq sauce on the tables to utilize so that helped); I recommend the tacos more. Great beer options, too!
Mouthwateringly delicious! We're visiting from Dallas and had to try some Nashville style BBQ. The brisket sandwich was tender, sliced like butter when I cut some of the meat. Such good flavor! The baked beans were a 2 bean medley and were wonderful as well. The staff were friendly, informative and hardworking. There's ample parking here too. Only thing I didn't like was the wait to order at the counter during the Friday night rush but now I understand why - it's some of the best BBQ ever!
Bias alert: I live in the Dallas area and I'm used to Texas style BBQ. This is my first BBQ I've had in Tennessee. I chose this place due to the reviews.
Brisket and Rib platter:
Brisket had great smoke flavor. Although it was pretty dry. I'm used to thick cuts of juicy brisket (maybe it's a Texas thing) which I was surprised at how thinly sliced the brisket was. Definitely needed BBQ sauce. I view brisket like I do a good steak. A good steak shines by itself without steak sauce. A bad steak needs lots of A1 sauce. This brisket needed lots of BBQ sauce.
Ribs were cool upon arrival and seemed to have been sitting out for a while. Good flavor overall. I just wished they were juicy.
Coleslaw was tangy and sweet. Very unique coleslaw. I actually found it to be refreshing to the palate.
Potato salad was average.
Nachos with Brisket. When I ordered this I was envisioning lots of chopped brisket on top of the nachos. There was so little brisket on top (see photo). Maybe I should have requested extra brisket. Overall nachos were pretty good.
Unlike other reviews of the cornbread mine was very dry. I took a bite chewed and had to sip water to moisten my throat so I could swallow it. I was so looking forward to warm moist cornbread based on previous reviews. Unfortunately, the cornbread made my mouth into the Sahara desert.
Solid three stars based on my preference for brisket. Maybe for those who prefer ribs this would be a very good BBQ restaurant.
I went to Edley’s with my family after I had gotten to Nashville late. The restaurant was super nice outside and inside with lots of decorations and music playing.
It was Busy and kinda packed when I went.
The food was amazing along with the banana pudding by my family member had.
My buffalo wings were good, even tho the sauce was a bit sweet.
(NOTE: If u haven’t been here before ordering food is different. When u walk in, you’re in a line to go to the cash register, and there’s a menu around u to order and you tell the cashier.)
The staff was also nice👍
I’d recommend this place.
3/13/2026 stopped here for dinner and was blown away by how delicious the food was!!!! I ordered the 8 smoked wings with dry rub on it, side of mac and cheese, side of collard greens, banana pudding. I ordered the jalapeño sausage and Pimento Cheese appetizer.
The wings were so damn good!! The Mac and cheese was good but needs a tad bit more flavor. The collards had a nice spicy note that made them delicious. They aren't sweet like some places. I do prefer a little sweet and spicy collards though.
The jalapeño sausage and Pimento Cheese appetizer was phenomenal!!!
Full of flavor and the sausage is locally made! I almost forgot the CORNBREAD!!
It was delicious as well! That good cornbread I remember!!!
For dessert I had to try the banana pudding!! Homemade and absolutely delicious!!! This place got 4.7 which should be a 4.8! The service was wonderful as well! This made up for the bullshit bbq I had at Martin's!
I HIGHLY Recommend this place!!!
Jack Cawthon's Bar-B-Que
| Address | 1601 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 341-0157 |
While visiting our daughter in Nashville, we spotted Jack Cawthon's Bar-B-Que nearby and decided to give it a try. Mind you, we have been smoking meats on our own for many years, so, going to a BBQ restaurant can be a gamble!
Before I get in to the review, we understand that there are a lot of so-called barbeque restaurants around that, in my mind, have no business calling themselves that. If we walk/drive by and don't smell the smoke, I just keep on moving. Jack's, however...
One final note, before I move on, any restaurant that covers their meat in sauce by default, is hiding something. Period.
We both ordered the brisket. Me, I love both the flat and point, my wife, however, prefers the flat, and, when asked, the gentleman with the knife scraped off the excess fat from the flat for her and asked me if I wanted it. Folks, that's how it's done at a real barbecue/smokehouse restaurant!
Our brisket was perfectly smoked and the side choice were plentiful! She got the cornbread, I got the Texas toast. Except for the bread and the veggie sides, it all looked an tasted like it was made in-house, and it was good!
This is a great find! They have an option to order ahead for take out. They have dedicated parking for this. You do have to go inside to get it though. There seems to be plenty of FREE parking if you want to dine in. There is also a drive thru lane. The restaurant was very clean. The staff were very friendly. And most importantly... The food was amazing! I would definitely recommend!
Ive had a lot of bbq. This was so good! The pork was good, the baked beans were incredible, but the banana pudding was the winner of the night! My boyfriend got the brisket. He said best brisket ever!
Great food and seems to be a popular place for local folk. Very please with the brisket. Tried all of the sauces and I liked the KC style best.
My first meal in Nashville was truly unforgettable and worth remembering. The ribs and brisket were incredibly tasty — the brisket literally melted in my mouth. We ordered a three-meat combo, but because my throat wasn’t feeling well and my voice was low, I accidentally mixed up the order and didn’t get the ribs I wanted. After explaining this to the waiter, he generously gave me a whole box of ribs! Huge shoutout to his kindness.
Besides the meats, the Californian-style dip sauce was a delight to my taste buds. The chicken and pork were a bit dry but still flavorful. The beans and greens on the side complemented the meal perfectly. The price was reasonable, and on a Monday early evening, the whole restaurant was super quiet.
10/10 would recommend!
MISSION BBQ
| Address | 161 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 933-5225 |
Don’t underestimate this BBQ spot just because it’s inside the mall. The restaurant proudly honors public servants and military heroes with badges, flags, and memorabilia throughout the space.
You order at the register, grab your own seat, and they call your name when the food is ready. We went on a Wednesday evening and had no wait. The employee at the register was very nice, friendly and helpful. I really appreciate the great customer service!
We ordered the pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, peach cobbler, and a two-meat sampler with ribs and brisket. The brisket was especially impressive—tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked without being overly fatty. I also loved the variety of BBQ sauces at the table, especially the Nashville hot sauce. We’ll definitely be back for the brisket.
I’ve been waiting sooo long to get to this Mission BBQ as the last one I ate at was in Baltimore about five years ago. My dear friend moved here so this was the first place I just had to come to. The place is beautiful, staff was awesome and it is so wonderfully decorated with all our Heroes. Our food was beyond delicious! We are planning a girls trip to Tennessee next March and this is absolutely the first restaurant we are going to visit. Thanks for serving us today! God bless!
This BBQ place is decorated with military/veteran memorabilia, but doesn't provide a military discount. I found this very odd. Otherwise, the food was good and was quick to prepare. They had plenty of sauces to customize your meal. The prices can get steep, if you're not careful.
My family stopped in here and overall had a good experience. The food was very good, everything was flavorful, and one of the highlights was the wide variety of barbecue sauces they offered. It was fun being able to try different flavors, and each one added something unique to the meal.
The restaurant itself has a strong military-themed decor throughout, which definitely stands out and gives it a distinct atmosphere. However, one thing that was disappointing was that they didn’t offer a military discount. Given how heavily the military-theme is emphasized, it came across as a bit gimmicky and felt like a missed opportunity to genuinely support the community they represent
That said, the food quality was solid and worth trying if you’re in the are. Just don’t go in expecting the theme to extend beyond the decor.
If you’re heading to a show at the Grand Ole Opry, do yourself a favor and stop by Mission BBQ beforehand—it was the perfect spot for our group of eight. The location couldn’t have been more convenient, and they handled our group smoothly even with the pre-concert rush.
I ordered the lean brisket, jalapeño & cheese sausage, mac & cheese, spicy beans, and cornbread—and every single item delivered. The brisket was tender and flavorful, the sausage had just the right kick, and the sides were classic comfort food done right. The lean brisket spicy beans especially stood out.
Best of all, it wasn’t just me—my aunts, uncles, and mom all agreed the food was excellent across the board. Great atmosphere, great service, and seriously good BBQ. We’ll absolutely be back next time we’re in Nashville!
Drifters Tennessee Barbeque (BBQ) Joint
| Address | Woodland St 1008 B, Nashville, TN 37206 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 262-2776 |
Excellent Tennese BBQ joint, about 2 miles from downtown Nashville. Started with Nachos and the home made salsa and questioned dips. So, so good.
The meats were tender and moist and full of smoky flavour. Sauces were well balanced, punchy and peppery whilst the sides were also excellent (baked beans a little sweet for me).
Dessert was an Apple Cobbler that I couldn't finish, which demonstrates quite how full-up I was. As someone likes their crumble to have a sharpness to the fruit, it was sweeter than I'd prefer, but it nevertheless delicious.
Pro tip: if anyone suggests that it would be nice to walk from central Nashville to the restaurant, in order to "discover" and get "under the skin" of the city, then don't. Nothing redeeming about the walk at all.
We ordered some brisket for delivery and loved it so much that we went to the restaurant the next evening to eat again! Food is amazing, staff was so kind and accommodating. Special pet friendly menu with a little yard for your dog to play. We enjoyed cornhole while waiting for our food, and it came out so fast! Will definitely visit next time we are in town!
Hush puppies were amazing.
Brisket was good but a bit dry.
Molly was so sweet and a wonderful server.
We ate lunch here on a drive down to Florida for a baseball tournament. We were the only people in the restaurant. The waitress/bartender was super friendly, made great suggestions and made the stop worthwhile. The food was great!
We stopped here for lunch before heading to the airport. Food was really good and priced well for all we got. The hush puppies were a little crispy but still good. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for good bbq for a good price
Curry Boys BBQ
| Address | 1304 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37216 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 649-8461 |
Have you ever eaten a fusion of something and wondered, "Why have I never eaten this before? It makes so much sense?"
That is exactly what you get at Curry Boys.
This is an amazing little place that is fun, vibrant and delicious. The atmosphere is fun and the patio is beautiful but the food truly shines.
I had the Chicken lenograss dumplings and they were cooked perfectly and settled into a wonderful yellow curry, velvetly without being overpowering.
Then I had the Brisket smoke show as the main and the combination of the smoked brisket in the green curry was accented by the chili oil to elevate the dish to a whole nother level. I added a side of the cucumber to bring some acid which allowed each bite to regenerate that first unctuous knockout punch.
The service was super helpful and nice and I am already looking to see when I can come back and try more!!
10/10 recommend. Everything we had was phenomenal. The pulled pork that was on the nachos as well as in the Tony Porker was some of the best we’ve had in recent memory. The portions were very good sized. We are eaters but couldn’t finish everything. The curry queso on the nachos was very flavorful, even my husband that doesn’t like cheese (I know, he’s weird) liked it. Can’t wait to come back and try more!
4+4=8 ATE! This was my first time here and when I tell you this brisket green curry with rice and carrots was everything, it was everythinggg! The curry was so good with the perfect amount of spice and flavor. The brisket was tender and had such a great flavor, they give you a nice size portion of meat complimented the dish so well.
I also had a side of the cold spicy noodles and if you’re not a spicy person this is not for you. Thankfully, I am and it was so good!!
Overall I’ll give this place a 9/10 only because the parking was not friendly. Shoutout to Austin who was so nice to explain the menu and took his time to answer my questions.
I’ll be back soon to dine in. This was my to go order!
Food was unique and delicious; a good fusion style. The staff was friendly / helpful. Tried the Tony porker (good Panang style dish), curry creamed corn, and cucumber slaw. To drink the Thai lemonade cocktail was refreshing and well made.
Thai + BBQ is a perfect marriage 🤤
Brisket with curry is the star, smoky tender meat swimming in rich flavorful curry with just the right kick of heat. Bold deeply satisfying fusion that somehow feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. You don’t just finish it, you think about it long after you leave.
Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ
| Address | 3979 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (615) 866-8850 |
We were in town for a basketball camp and wanted some good BBQ while we were here. This is one of the few highly rated BBQ joints that was open for dinner, as a lot of the competitors close at 2:30.
Tucked back away from any other businesses, Papa Turney's is located right off of the marina with a great view of the water.
We made our way in and were greeted by a smaller dining area, but they had live music going, which was awesome. We asked for menus and a staff member gave us a rundown of the items and went over their specials. She was super friendly and courteous and was able to answer any questions we had as well as suggesting some of her favorite items. We ended up ordering the 2 and the 3 meat platters, mac and cheese, and a pulled pork sandwich with fries. We also had the sweet tea, which was on point!
We chose to sit outside so we could talk about bit and be able to see the water. Our food came out pretty quickly and exactly as ordered. The flavors of each item were great and the meats were smoked to perfection. All of the sides we had were really good, too! The ribs and the fried catfish were my favorites and my wife loved her bologna sandwich.
We wouldn't hesitate to stop back in if we're ever in the area again. I highly suggest to visit if you have a chance.
Military Discount: Yex
We had our son's graduation party here. The owner Mr. Turney was so kind. He was a great host and our family really enjoyed celebrating our graduate and the food. The fish and fries, pulled pork sandwiches and baked beans, bologna bbq sandwiches were just of few of the entrees we enjoyed. There are several options on the menu to try, sorry I didn't take any pics of the food. This place is on the Marina next to Nashville Shores and they have blues artist and jam sessions happening often. Just check the schedule. Great food, music and people. We will be back again. Thank you for hosting us.
Would never go here again. The only thing that was good was their barbecue sauce. I got a pulled pork plate with Mac and cheese and potato salad. The Mac and cheese was so dry and the noodles were soggy. The potato salad was the worst I’ve ever had potatoes were undercooked and it was lacking actually flavor. The pulled pork sandwich was dry and chewy. My wife got the 2 meat plate with ribs, Mac and cheese and baked beans her ribs had absolutely no flavor and were very tough almost like jerky. The baked beans tasted like they were just dumped out of a can with absolutely nothing added. The chess pie was alright. It’s kind of disappointing especially after tasting their barbecue sauce had I not picked it up from the restaurant I wouldn’t have known that sauce came from that restaurant.
The food here is amazing! And they typically have love music playing as well. The outdoor seating has a nice view of the water. And then staff is so kind!
Awesome spot RIGHT ON Percy Priest Lake in Nashville. They recently took care of us with a catering package for our office.
All the food was delicious and carefully packed for us. The Brisket, Pulled Pork, and hot links, sides and sauces were all wonderful!
The order was ready on time and we were greeted upon pick up in a very friendly manner.
One last think I will mention, if the food and location aren't enough - they also are a Blues bar/restaurant - with authentic decor inside the restaurant and live music several nights per week. Great place, great food, great people! It's a must go in Nashville if you like good BBQ!
How to Choose the Right BBQ Spot in Nashville
With so many incredible options, narrowing down where to eat can feel overwhelming. The best choice often depends on what you are craving, the time of day, and how far you are willing to drive. To help you navigate the smoke, here are a few insider tips that will ensure you get the best possible plate of food during your visit.
Check the Hours and Sell-Out Times
True craft barbecue is a finite resource. Many of Nashville’s top pitmasters cook a specific amount of meat each morning and close the doors when it is gone. If you have your heart set on a specific brisket or rib, do not wait until 7:00 PM to show up. Call ahead or check their social media pages to see if they have announced a "sold out" status. Arriving early for lunch is the safest way to guarantee you get the full menu.
Prioritize Wood-Fired Pits
It is easy to call yourself a barbecue joint, but the proof is in the smoke. When researching where to eat, look for language that indicates real wood or charcoal is being used, such as "oak-fired," "hickory-smoked," or "live fire." While electric or gas smokers can produce tender meat, they lack the complex flavor profile and the beautiful pink smoke ring that comes from a traditional wood fire. The best spots in Nashville are proud of their wood stacks and often let you see the pit.
Don’t Sleep on the Sides
A barbecue plate is only as good as its supporting cast. In Nashville, sides are not an afterthought; they are a point of pride. Look for places that make their sides from scratch daily. Creamy mac and cheese, tangy vinegar slaw, and slow-cooked collard greens can elevate a good meat tray into a great one. If a restaurant puts as much effort into their banana pudding as they do their pork shoulder, you know you are in the right place.
Understand the Regional Styles
Nashville sits at a crossroads of barbecue culture, so don’t expect every menu to look the same. If you are a purist looking for Carolina-style whole hog with a vinegar sauce, you can find it. If you prefer the peppery bark of Central Texas brisket, that exists here too. Pay attention to the menu descriptions before you order. Asking for "the specialty" is often the best way to taste what that specific pitmaster does better than anyone else in the city.
Consider the Vibe
Are you looking for a quick, casual lunch where you eat off butcher paper, or a sit-down experience with a full bar and live music? Nashville offers both. Some of the best meat in the city is served at counter-service joints with limited seating, while other spots offer a full-service atmosphere perfect for a family dinner or a date. Match the restaurant’s atmosphere to the occasion to ensure you have the best possible time.
Nashville’s barbecue scene is dynamic, constantly evolving, and fiercely competitive, which is excellent news for anyone holding a fork. The standards for what constitutes "good" barbecue have risen dramatically in recent years, forcing every pitmaster in town to bring their A-game. Whether you are a local looking to break out of your usual rotation or a tourist seeking an authentic taste of Tennessee, the options listed above represent the pinnacle of the craft.
Remember that barbecue is deeply personal. What one person considers the perfect rib might be too spicy or too tender for someone else. Use this guide as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to explore the neighborhoods and discover your own hidden gem. In Nashville, the next great plate of brisket is often just around the corner, waiting in a cloud of hickory smoke.
