While Nashville is world-famous for its hot chicken and honky-tonks, this musical powerhouse is just as passionate about its low-and-slow barbecue.
The city’s ‘cue culture is an eclectic blend: you’ll find sticky Memphis-style ribs, Texas-worthy brisket, and soulful East Tennessee pork shoulder alongside spicy sauces that reflect Music City’s fiery spirit.
Whether you want a classic meat-and-three or a modern smokehouse with a live band, Nashville’s pitmasters hit all the right notes.
Peg Leg Porker
A legend in The Gulch, Peg Leg Porker brings an approachable vibe with nationally recognized barbecue.
Pitmaster Carey Bringle’s dry-rubbed ribs are a rite of passage, while the pulled pork sandwiches practically melt in your mouth.
Locals also rave about the smoked wings and creamy mac ‘n cheese.
Whether you dine in or grab a to-go platter, make sure to sample their signature white BBQ sauce—distinctly Southern, a little tangy, and truly crave-worthy.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
With several Nashville locations, Martin’s is a celebration of West Tennessee whole-hog barbecue.
The pitroom is an awe-inspiring show in itself, where entire hogs are slow-cooked over hickory.
Meats come moist and smoky, best paired with golden hush puppies and tangy “Redneck Tacos” (barbecue atop cornbread hoecakes). It’s casual, buzzy, and beloved by both locals and hungry visiting music stars.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
A staple of Nashville’s bustling 12 South neighborhood (with more locations in town), Edley’s is Southern barbecue with a dash of trendy flair.
Prepare for heaping platters of brisket, juicy chicken, and house-made sausage slathered in their addictive “Edley’s Gold” sauce. Sides are never an afterthought—from creamy banana pudding to spicy pimento mac salad.
The lively patio is perfect for people-watching or unwinding after a day of touring Music City.
The Gambling Stick
A food truck turned brick-and-mortar, The Gambling Stick is a bit of a cult favorite in East Nashville.
Their offerings rotate, but regulars make pilgrimages for the beef brisket, salt-and-pepper pork ribs, and their famed ‘cue sandwiches with house-pickled sides.
Everything is made from scratch, with locally sourced meats and plenty of creative touches, such as bourbon-barrel-smoked specialties.
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
For Texas-style brisket in Tennessee, Shotgun Willie’s is your spot.
This cozy and unpretentious joint is devoted to slow-smoked meats and classic Lone Star hospitality.
The brisket is silky with a textbook bark; the jalapeño cheddar sausage and perfectly rendered pork belly are standouts.
While seating is limited, the flavors are huge, and most folks come away absolutely raving about the burnt ends and the homemade pickles.
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