The 21 Best BBQ in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, the music city, is home to America’s best country music. It is an incredible place for sightseeing, music, their famous hot chicken and so much more.

But the main question is, is their barbecue any good?

Is it good enough to tantalize a foodie’s taste buds? Well, lucky you because we have got you covered. Let us take you through a delicious ride to Nashville’s amazing barbecue.

Best BBQ in Nashville

Caney Fork River Valley Grille

Delicious Southern food and wild game meld perfectly at Caney Fork River Valley Grille. A lively restaurant with fun décor (like a pond waterfall!), it serves up some of the best slow-cooled ribs in Nashville slathered in their special sauce.

You can also walk on the wild side and test dishes like Venison Strip Loin Steak, juicy Bison Burgers, and Wild Elk Sliders. Come here on an empty stomach – portions are generous!

2400 Music Valley Drive, Nashville, TN 37209
Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 10 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM
+1 615-724-1200

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

From juicy briskets to saucy wings, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is the true definition of a classic Nashville barbecue.

All of the food they have to offer is made with care and love, and the best part, their meats are smoked for a whopping 20 hours giving it its signature taste.

Needless to say, it is a top-tier restaurant for a great barbeque and an even greater experience.

410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, United States
+1 615 2880880
11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Thursday – Sunday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are closed.

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Been to Nashville and never been to Edley’s Bar-B-Que? Well, then you are missing out on some scrumptious Bar-B-Que.

Edley’s does not disappoint with a brick-styled wooden interior, chilled fruity drinks, and all and any type of succulent charred meat.

The main highlight of this place? Well, they serve the most tempting and juicy barbecued catfish with tartar sauce.

If it were up to us, we’d head down to Edley’s as quickly as possible.

2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, United States
+1 6159532951
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday – Thursday. 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday – Saturday.

Mission BBQ

As the name suggests, MISSION BBQ is on a mission to serve Nashville’s people the best barbecue ever. In reality, though, MISSION was created to honor American soldiers.

Apart from their oak-smoked brisket and fall of the bone tender ribs, their main specialty is the amount of fundraising they have done.

In our opinion, that is what makes MISSION BBQ special, amazing food and an even more amazing sense of community.

161 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States
+1 6159335225
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Monday – Thursday. 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday – Saturday. 11:30 am – 8 pm, Sunday.

Bar-B-Cutie

Another superb restaurant, Bar-B-Cutie, not only serves the most classic barbecue but also cares about the environment by using less wood to smoke their meat, the best part the wood is all local.

Other than that, they have barbecued sandwiches, a large list of sides, a southern barbecue with delicious gravy, and so much more.

Don’t wait on this, the name should be more than satisfying enough to head over there!

5221 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211, United States
+1 615 8346556
11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Monday – Saturday. Sundays are closed.

Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que

If you are looking for the best, juiciest, and moist pork shoulder, then look no further. Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que will leave you satisfied.

Their interior has an old west saloon-like feel, which makes the food taste even better.

Plain and simple, awesome food with an awesome ambiance is a heavenly match that is only possible at Jack Cawthon’s.

1601 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
+1 615 3410157
10:30 am – 8:00 pm, Monday – Thursday. 10:30 am – 9:00 pm, Friday – Saturday. 11:00 am- 7:00 pm, Sunday

Honeyfire BBQ

A more modern twist on the barbecue, HoneyFireBBQ, as the name suggests, has a unique tasting barbecue.

Their special honey sauce and honey dry rub are what make them stand out in Nashville.

Apart from their special spices, they slow-smoke their meats to make your barbecue experience one of a kind. Mark this on your list of places to visit. You don’t want to miss out on this.

8127 Sawyer Brown Rd #304, Nashville, TN 37221, United States
+1 6157396121
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday – Saturday. Sundays are closed.

Peg Leg Porker BBQ

Southern hospitality and delectable barbecue are what Peg LegPorker BBQ is all about.

Ribs that slide right off the bone and a unique twist on barbecued ‘sushi.’ Peg leg Porker does not disappoint. The main highlight?

Well, their meats are smoked by a well-known pitmaster in Nashville, making the eating experience magical.

Their Southern hospitality with some of the best ribs makes this porker BBQ a must-visit establishment.

903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
+1 615-829-6023
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday – Tuesday. 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Wednesday – Saturday. Sundays are closed.

Central BBQ

From carnivores to vegetarians, Central BBQ has something for everyone. Their meat is special only because of a mixture of hickory and pecan.

Plus, they smoke their meats for over a day! This spot has to be one of the best in all of Nashville.

For non-meat eaters, they have ‘No Meat BBQ Nachos’ that truly sing harmony on the taste buds.

408 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
+1 615 6103444
11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday – Thursday. 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday – Saturday.

Tex’s World Famous Bar B Q

When you enter Tex’s World Famous Bar B Q, you will feel like going back in time.

The interior is that of a western saloon. Apart from the amazing old west interior, its barbecue is one of a kind.

At fairly reasonable prices, they have the juiciest briskets Nashville has to offer.

1013 Foster Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, United States
+1 615 254 8715
11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are closed.

Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q

Last but not least, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q has been tantalizing taste buds from 1985, and they keep on doing so with their succulent meats.

Their winning item is cheesy mac and cheese. Instead of the basic mac and cheese, they have garnished it with scallions and charred, smoky pork.

This should indeed be the next spot on your barbecue radar.

7004 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209, United States
+1 6153525777
11:00 am – 8:30 pm, Sunday – Thursday. 11:00 am- 9:30 pm, Friday – Saturday.

Bringles Smoking Oasis

Bringle’s Smoking Oasis is another Nashville gem brought to you by the owner of Peg Leg Porker.

Rightfully named, this spot offers indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of entertainment.

Guests can play a round of corn hole, watch TV, grab a brew and chow down.

Crowd pleasers here include the brisket, smoked bologna, thin-cut glazed bacon, and pork belly burnt ends. Cool it off with a pint and their slaw and turnip greens for a change.

4901 Centennial Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209
Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM; Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
+1 615-583-8886

Shotgun Willie’s

Shotgun Willie’s is the place to go for finger-licking Texas BBQ in the heart of Nashville.

Get there early to get your hands on their locally sourced meats, slow-smoked over pecan wood.

Try out their popular Prime Angus brisket, sliced or chopped, or juicy Tennessee-style pulled pork shoulder.

Sides like dill pickle tater salad, poppyseed slaw, and 4-bean baked beans are made in-house daily.

Give their epic “Bournana Pudding” a try – bourbon meets bananas, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers.

4000 Gallatin Pike Suite B, Nashville, TN 37216
Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM
+1 615-942-9188

The Ridge

Tucked away in West Nashville, The Ridge serves up nothing but delicious meats and sides.

Whet your appetite with BBQ Totchos – tater tots with pork, brisket, or chicken smothered with all the fixings.

Follow up with their smokey pulled chicken, saucy ribs, or Southern-style fried Catfish for a change with their spicy sweet “Gotcha Slaw” or fried apples on the side.

When you’re all done, head upstairs to The Attic – a cozy bar perfect for a little post-BBQ getaway.

333 54^th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
Sunday – Thursday 11 AM – 8 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM
+1 615-385-7800

Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que

Founded by Ms. Mary in 1962, Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que keeps her legacy alive with delicious food.

Warm and welcoming, Mary’s is the spot for comforting dishes like BBQ on corn cakes, tender pork short rib sandwiches, or juicy chicken plates.

Spaghetti, slaw, corn cakes, and potato salad appear on the sides menu, and peach cobbler is the star dessert.

Their hot sauce reputation precedes them, available to slather on your meal in mild – or hot if you dare

1106 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN 37208
Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM
+1 615-256-7696

Rippy’s Honky Tonk

Smack in the middle of downtown, Rippy’s Honky Tonk is a well-known lively spot for BBQ and good times.

The menu here has loads of options, including their signature saucy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and smoked pulled pork, served with cornbread and two sides.

Bring some friends and share their Southern BBQ Nachos or Super Sampler Platter to get a taste of everything.

After you eat, grab a drink and a dance partner – the party continues into the morning with live music and great vibes.

429 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Sunday – Thursday 11 AM – 2:30 AM; Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 2:30 AM
+1 615-244-7477

Swett’s Restaurant

Serving up Southern-style food in a cafeteria setting, Swett’s is a top spot to grab some great BBQ.

You can get your fill of pulled pork, beef brisket, beef ribs, or smoked pork chop from their smokehouse.

Load up your plate with sides like fried apples, turnip greens, and their must-try candied yams.

You can kick back, relax, and dig into some classic soul food in a laid-back spot with great service.

2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Daily 11 AM – 8 PM
+1 615-329-4418

The Gambling Stick

Heavy on the local and seasonal ingredients, The Gambling Stick doesn’t play around with quality.

Smoked over Tennessee cherry wood, their dry-rubbed meats and house-made sides are worth a repeat visit.

Add their specialty to your bucket list: the “Pigsket,” a succulent pork version of a brisket.

Sides are seasonal, but you might find faves like creamy Buttermilk, Apple Slaw, or Burnt End Baked Beans.

Grab a whole wheel of cornbread while you’re at it – gluten-free and baked to order.

501 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Wednesday – Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
+1 615-521-9742

Fat Boy’s BBQ

Family-friendly joint Fat Boy’s BBQ whips up fresh dishes 6 days a week, with an extensive menu to sample from.

You’re bound to feel at home in this cozy mom and pop’s style restaurant with great counter service.

Try out their tended pulled pork sandwich or 2-meat plates with options like rib tips, smoked bologna, and of course, beef brisket.

Smoked over hickory, apple wood, and cherry, it’s the go-to for budget-friendly, mouthwatering BBQ in South Nashville.

2733 Murfreesboro Pike, Antioch, TN 37013
Tuesday – Thursday 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday & Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM
+1 615-360-9969

Drifters Tennessee BBQ Joint

Drifter’s Tennessee BBQ Joint is another great spot on the list for live music and great food.

Their Tennessee Hickory smoked BBQ is what draws a lot of folks in, with either a dinner or sandwich option.

Grab the dinner option and choose from pulled pork, pulled chicken, brisket, or smoked sausage with baked beans, fries, and coleslaw.

An extensive menu offers up something for everyone, from BBQ Brisket Nachos to Hushpuppies and even Veggie burgers.

1008 B, Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
Wednesday – Sunday 4 PM – 11 PM
+1 615-262-2776

Butchertown Hall

A little something different, Butchertown Hall is a sleek modern Texas-style BBQ and beer garden in Germantown.

Here you’ll find crafty twists on old faves, like Oak-smoked Brisket Tacos with pickled jalapeno and charred salsa, Carolina pulled pork, and the holy grail Texas Trinity.

Or stop in for brunch for their famous Brisket and Gravy or juicy Double Brisket-Grind Burger and a cold drink to wash it down like their killer Pineapple-Sage margarita.

1416 4^th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Monday – Thursday 3 PM – 9 PM; Friday 11 AM – 10 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 9 PM
+1 615-454-3634

You might also be interested in:

William Thomas

I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.