Food & Drink

Smokin’ Hot: 14 Must-Try BBQ Restaurants in Nashville!

Are you a fan of smoky, juicy, and tender barbeque? Do you live in Nashville or plan to visit soon? If so, you are in for a treat!

Nashville is known for its exceptional barbeque restaurants that offer a wide range of flavors and styles.

Whether you prefer dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or chicken, Nashville's barbeque scene has something for everyone.

From traditional southern-style barbeque to modern twists, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

But with so many barbeque restaurants to choose from, how do you know where to go? That's where we come in.

As locals who enjoy good food, we have done the research and tasted the barbeque at some of Nashville's best restaurants.

In this blog post, we will share our top picks for the best barbeque restaurants in Nashville.

We will highlight the unique flavors and styles of each restaurant, along with our favorite dishes. So, get ready to dig in and discover the best barbeque joints in Music City!

1. MISSION BBQ

Mission Bbq
161 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214 (Google Maps)

MISSION BBQ is a patriotic-themed chain restaurant that serves up delicious BBQ dishes.

The restaurant features a variety of homemade sauces to choose from and offers gluten-free options. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a quick and efficient service.

The decor is interesting, with memorabilia honoring soldiers and first responders. The portions are fair and reasonably priced, making it a great option for a casual meal.

If you are a fan of BBQ and want to try something different, MISSION BBQ is definitely worth a visit.

2. Peg Leg Porker BBQ

Peg Leg Porker Bbq
903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203 (Google Maps)

Peg Leg Porker BBQ is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious BBQ in a relaxed setting. With indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant offers quick turn-around times and friendly staff.

The dry rub ribs and jumbo wings are phenomenal, and the Mac and cheese has a hint of spice that makes it stand out.

The slaw is fresh, and the meat falls off the bone. The BBQ sauce is delicious, and the seasonings used on the food are amazing.

With pulled pork, ribs, fried pies, and buckets of beer, Peg Leg Porker BBQ is a great spot to enjoy authentic BBQ and a cool atmosphere.

3. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 (Google Maps)

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious, authentic BBQ. This order-at-the-counter style restaurant offers fast service and mouth-watering food.

The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and the brisket melts in your mouth. Don't miss out on the hush puppies and broccoli salad, which are equally as delicious.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint has a cool beer garden setting with ping pong and darts, making it a great spot for groups.

The only downside is that there are no BBQ sauces at the table, but the sauce that comes with the ribs is so good, you won't even miss it.

4. Edley's Bar-B-Que

Edley's Bar-B-Que
2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (Google Maps)

Edley's Bar-B-Que is a must-visit spot for anyone craving delicious BBQ in town. The slow-smoked meats are incredibly flavorful and tender, making for a satisfying meal.

The traditional Southern sides are a standout and the fried pickles are a must-try appetizer.

The quick walk-up service and reasonable prices add to the overall experience. The ranch-style interior and the lively atmosphere make for a fun dining experience.

Don't forget to try the Edley's BBQ sauce provided on each table for an extra kick of flavor.

5. Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ

Redneck Riviera Bar & Bbq
208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 (Google Maps)

Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ is a lively spot that offers great food, live music, and a fun atmosphere.

This multi-level bar has a rooftop bar, a first-floor stage, and other entertainment options upstairs. The menu features BBQ meals and bar food, and there are plenty of beers on tap.

The staff is friendly and efficient, and the service is prompt. The decor honors America's heroes, and the bar supports Folds of Honor.

Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ is a great place to catch an act, grab a beer, and have a good time.

6. The Ridge

The Ridge
333 54th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209 (Google Maps)

The Ridge is a hidden gem for BBQ lovers. The food is amazing and reasonably priced. The staff is friendly and the service is quick.

The portions are generous and the flavors are on point. The brisket and ribs are must-try items.

The restaurant has a low-key atmosphere and is kid-friendly. The bar upstairs is a nice addition to the overall experience.

The Ridge is a great spot to catch some delicious BBQ without breaking the bank.

7. Shotgun Willie's BBQ

Shotgun Willie's Bbq
4000 Gallatin Pike Suite B, Nashville, TN 37216 (Google Maps)

Shotgun Willie's BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who loves Texas-style BBQ. They offer brisket, pulled pork, and links that are juicy and flavorful.

The sides are also worth mentioning, with creamy queso mac and cheese and green beans that have bits of brisket in them.

The staff is friendly and helpful, even offering recommendations for local hangouts. The atmosphere is cool and the menu is based on what they have left for the day.

It's a small counter service joint, but the line moves fast. Don't miss out on this delicious no-frills BBQ spot.

8. HoneyFire BBQ

Honeyfire Bbq
8127 Sawyer Brown Rd #304, Nashville, TN 37221 (Google Maps)

HoneyFire BBQ serves up some of the best BBQ around. Their meats are tender and juicy, and the flavors are spot on.

The sides are just as good and offer the perfect complement to the main dishes.

The staff is friendly and the environment is clean and comfortable.

If you're in the mood for BBQ, this is the place to go.

9. Totos Bbq express

Totos Bbq Express
4150 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 (Google Maps)

Totos Bbq express is a must-visit for anyone who loves delicious, authentic BBQ.

The food is always fresh and cooked to order, with a nice variety of sauces to choose from. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious.

The muffins are also a must-try. The service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.

Totos Bbq express is a great option for anyone looking for a tasty, satisfying meal.

10. Jack's Bar-B-Que

Jack's Bar-B-Que
416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 (Google Maps)

Looking for delicious barbecue in town that won't break the bank, then Jack's Bar-B-Que is the place to be.

This casual BBQ shack serves a wide variety of pit-smoked meats and Southern-style vegetable side dishes. Their brisket and ribs are cooked to perfection, not dry but just right.

The hot BBQ sauce is a must-try, and their baked beans are really good. The restaurant is a quiet respite from the noisy city, perfect for a relaxing meal.

The staff is super friendly and kind, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Jack's Bar-B-Que is definitely worth checking out for a delicious and authentic Southern-style barbecue.

11. TJ's BarBQ And Fish

Tj's Barbq And Fish
1104 Ed Temple Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208 (Google Maps)

TJ's BarBQ And Fish is a hidden gem for anyone looking for delicious barbecue and seafood. The food is always fresh and hot, and the customer service is excellent.

They have won numerous awards for their fish, but their ribs, BBQ, chicken, turkey leg, Polish sausage, and sides are equally amazing.

They also offer chicken wings and two types of fish – catfish and Whiting. Although it's a drive-thru restaurant, the service is great and the food is always piping hot.

TJ's BarBQ And Fish is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for great food and friendly service.

12. House of Hickory BBQ

House Of Hickory Bbq
1107 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207 (Google Maps)

House of Hickory BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who loves barbecue. This restaurant serves up some of the best smoked pork in town, and their homemade sauce is the perfect complement to the meat.

The simple take-out digs may not be much to look at, but the food more than makes up for it.

The spiced-to-order smoked meats are always cooked to perfection, and the seasoning is just right. House of Hickory BBQ is also known for their catfish, which is just as delicious as their barbecue.

Whether you're in the mood for take-out or dining in, this barbecue restaurant is definitely worth trying.

13. Central BBQ

Central Bbq
1601 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 (Google Maps)

Central BBQ is a must-visit for BBQ lovers. The food is amazing and the service is great. The employees are friendly and helpful.

The portions are great for the price and everything tastes delicious. The self-serve sauces are a great touch.

The environment is chill and the restaurant is clean and well-kept. The BBQ nachos and baked beans are a must-try.

The dry rub ribs are also amazing. The brisket is so good it doesn't need BBQ sauce. Central BBQ is definitely worth a visit.

14. White's Fish & BBQ

White's Fish & Bbq
3801 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207 (Google Maps)

White's Fish & BBQ is a small, cash-only restaurant that serves up some of the best fish and barbecue in town.

The menu is limited, but the food is always fresh and cooked to perfection. The staff is friendly and the service is fast.

The fish sandwiches and plates are highly recommended, as are the ribs. The only downside is the long wait during peak hours.

If you're looking for a delicious and affordable meal, White's Fish & BBQ is definitely worth a visit.