Quick answer
Nashville's BBQ scene is more eclectic than you'd expect — Texas-style brisket, West Tennessee whole-hog, Memphis dry rub, and Nashville's own cayenne-forward style all compete. Shotgun Willie's is the most recommended overall, but the best spot depends on your preferred style. This list, curated from hundreds of Reddit posts across r/nashville, r/VisitingNashville, and r/BBQ, covers the 12 smokehouses that locals and food critics actually endorse.
- Best overall
- Shotgun Willie's BBQ — 4.7★ (819 reviews)
- Best downtown
- Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint — whole-hog tradition
- Most unique
- Curry Boys BBQ — 4.8★ Thai-Texas fusion
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Shotgun Willie's: The unanimous #1 pick across Reddit, Eater, and The Infatuation. Worth the drive to Madison.
- Martin's: The West Tennessee whole-hog standard-bearer with the most convenient downtown location.
- Curry Boys: The highest-rated at 4.8★ — come early, the brisket sells out.
Nashville's BBQ scene offers a diverse range of styles for $14-$22 a plate, with Shotgun Willie's being the most recommended spot according to Reddit. While Nashville lacks a single defining BBQ style, its variety, from Texas brisket to whole-hog, is its strength.
Nashville might play second fiddle to Memphis when it comes to Tennessee BBQ, but Music City's smoked meat scene has exploded in recent years. From Texas-transplant brisket masters to whole-hog traditionalists and creative fusion joints, there's more diversity here than in most Southern BBQ cities.
A BBQ plate with two sides runs $14-$22, and the best spots are spread across the metro area — from Madison to Bellevue. We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts across r/nashville, r/VisitingNashville, and r/BBQ, cross-referenced with Eater Nashville and The Infatuation, to find the 12 smokehouses that locals and critics actually recommend.
Unlike Memphis (dry-rub ribs) or Texas (low-and-slow brisket), Nashville doesn't have one defining BBQ style. That's actually its strength — you can get world-class brisket, whole-hog pulled pork, competition ribs, and Thai-spiced hot links all within a 30-minute drive.
BBQ Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 300+ Reddit posts and 1,500+ comments across r/nashville, r/VisitingNashville, r/NashvilleGoodEats, and r/BBQ spanning 2020 to 2026. Restaurants were ranked by frequency of independent recommendations. Every spot was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different users. We cross-referenced with Eater Nashville and The Infatuation's editorial picks, then verified all details via Google Places API.
All 12 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Shotgun Willie's BBQ | Texas-Style BBQ | $15-$28 | 4.7★ | 1500 Gallatin Pike S Suite 104 |
| #2 | Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint | Whole-Hog BBQ | $12-$22 | 4.5★ | 410 4th Ave S |
| #3 | Edley's Bar-B-Que | Nashville-Style BBQ | $12-$22 | 4.6★ | 2706 12th Ave S |
| #4 | Peg Leg Porker BBQ | Dry-Rub BBQ | $12-$24 | 4.5★ | 903 Gleaves St |
| #5 | Curry Boys BBQ | Thai-Texas Fusion BBQ | $14-$26 | 4.8★ | 1304 McGavock Pk |
| #6 | Bringle's Smoking Oasis | West Texas BBQ | $14-$28 | 4.3★ | 4901 Centennial Blvd |
| #7 | The Ridge | Competition BBQ | $12-$24 | 4.7★ | 333 54th Ave N |
| #8 | HoneyFire BBQ | Southern BBQ | $12-$22 | 4.6★ | 8127 Sawyer Brown Rd #304 |
| #9 | Central BBQ | Memphis-Style BBQ | $12-$22 | 4.4★ | 408 11th Ave N |
| #10 | Jack's Bar-B-Que | Multi-Style BBQ | $10-$20 | 4.5★ | 334 W Trinity Ln |
| #11 | Mary's Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que | Pit BBQ | $8-$16 | 3.9★ | 1106 Jefferson St |
| #12 | Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ | Whole-Hog Carolina BBQ | $14-$26 | 3.8★ | 200 Broadway |
Quick Picks by Budget
Best Picks by Occasion
Best for a True Nashville Local Experience
For an authentic taste of Nashville's BBQ scene, head to Edley's Bar-B-Que, known for pioneering Nashville-style BBQ with its cayenne dry rub and being a local favorite. Alternatively, immerse yourself in history at Mary's Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que, a landmark since 1962 in the historic Black business district.
Best for Exploring Unique Flavors
If you're looking beyond traditional styles, Curry Boys BBQ offers an incredible Thai-Texas fusion, earning the highest customer ratings in the city. For a different twist, Bringle's Smoking Oasis specializes in West Texas BBQ, with their pastrami being a must-try unique item.
Best for Families & Groups
When dining with family or a larger group, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is an excellent choice with multiple locations, a lively atmosphere, and crowd-pleasing whole-hog BBQ. Jack's Bar-B-Que also offers a range of BBQ styles at three convenient locations, making it easy to satisfy everyone's preferences.
Best for Serious BBQ Aficionados
For those who take their BBQ seriously, Shotgun Willie's BBQ is consistently hailed as Nashville's #1 spot by critics. Don't miss The Ridge, where a competition pitmaster with over 20 years of wins serves up his award-winning 'cue.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Shotgun Willie's BBQ vs Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
When it comes to Nashville's top BBQ, Shotgun Willie's BBQ (Texas-Style) offers a craft, destination-worthy experience, favored by critics for its brisket. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, on the other hand, is a local empire perfecting the West Tennessee whole-hog tradition, providing a more bustling, family-friendly atmosphere across its many locations. Choose Shotgun Willie's for a connoisseur's brisket quest, or Martin's for an authentic, crowd-pleasing whole-hog feast.
Edley's Bar-B-Que vs Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Edley's Bar-B-Que defines Nashville-style BBQ with its signature cayenne dry rub and serves as a beloved local haunt with several vibrant spots. Peg Leg Porker BBQ, situated in the Gulch, is an award-winning dry-rub specialist, particularly renowned for its legendary smoked wings and a slightly more upscale-casual vibe. While both offer fantastic dry-rub 'cue, Edley's leans into local tradition, while Peg Leg Porker boasts a distinct, championship-winning flavor profile.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint vs Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ
For whole-hog enthusiasts, Nashville offers two distinct champions. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint represents the West Tennessee whole-hog tradition, known for its consistent quality and lively multiple locations. Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ, from the James Beard Award-winning pitmaster, brings classic Carolina whole-hog to Broadway, offering a taste of authentic Eastern Carolina style. Martin's provides a classic Nashville staple, while Rodney Scott's offers a taste of acclaimed regional heritage.
1Shotgun Willie's BBQ
Texas-Style BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- The best Texas-style brisket and ribs in the Nashville area
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 819 reviews. American wagyu brisket. White oak and pecan smoke
- Limitations
- In Madison (15 min from downtown). Sells out early. Closed Mon-Tue
- Price / value
- $15-$28 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Wagyu brisket, salt-and-pepper ribs, dill potato salad, baked beans.
🕐 Mon-Tue: Closed · Wed-Sun: 11 AM – 3 PM
2Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Whole-Hog BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic whole-hog pulled pork in the West Tennessee tradition
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 11,282 reviews. Multiple locations. Convenient downtown spot
- Limitations
- Can feel chain-like. Quality varies by location
- Price / value
- $12-$22 · 4.5★
- What to order
- Pulled pork sandwich, Redneck Tacos on cornbread hoecakes, wings.
🕐 Mon-Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM · Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM · Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
3Edley's Bar-B-Que
Nashville-Style BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Nashville-style BBQ with cayenne and habanero dry rub — a local original
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 4,025 reviews. Multiple locations. Great patio at 12 South
- Limitations
- Can get crowded. Some say quality has dipped with expansion
- Price / value
- $12-$22 · 4.6★
- What to order
- The Tuck Special (brisket, egg, pimento cheese), hot chicken nachos, banana pudding.
🕐 Mon-Thu: 11 AM – 9 PM · Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM · Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
4Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Dry-Rub BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Award-winning dry-rub ribs and smoked wings in the walkable Gulch area
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 3,845 reviews. In the Gulch (walkable). Award-winning pitmaster
- Limitations
- Can be touristy. Sunday closes early at 4 PM
- Price / value
- $12-$24 · 4.5★
- What to order
- Smoked wings (the must-order), dry-rub ribs, pulled pork plate.
🕐 Mon-Tue: 11 AM – 9 PM · Wed-Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM · Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM
5Curry Boys BBQ
Thai-Texas Fusion BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Adventurous eaters wanting Texas BBQ with Thai curry flavors
- Strengths
- 4.8★ highest rating on the list. Unique curry queso. Snappy hot links
- Limitations
- Brisket sells out. East Nashville location. Newer, less established
- Price / value
- $14-$26 · 4.8★
- What to order
- Brisket, hot links, curry queso. Come early for the brisket.
🕐 Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
6Bringle's Smoking Oasis
West Texas BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Show-stealing smoked pastrami and West Texas-style brisket in the Nations
- Strengths
- Smoked pastrami (not on Peg Leg's menu). Great football-watching spot
- Limitations
- Closed Mon-Tue. In the Nations (west side). Lower rating than peers
- Price / value
- $14-$28 · 4.3★
- What to order
- Smoked pastrami (the standout), West Texas brisket, smoked prime rib.
🕐 Mon-Tue: Closed · Wed-Thu: 11 AM – 9 PM · Fri: 11 AM – 10 PM · Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM · Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
7The Ridge
Competition BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Competition-quality BBQ from a 20+ year regional champion
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 783 reviews. Competition pedigree. West Nashville locals' pick
- Limitations
- West Nashville location. Less well-known to tourists
- Price / value
- $12-$24 · 4.7★
- What to order
- Brisket plate, competition ribs, loaded baked potato.
🕐 Mon-Thu: 11 AM – 8:30 PM · Fri-Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM · Sun: 11 AM – 8:30 PM
8HoneyFire BBQ
Southern BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Creative Southern BBQ with decadent sandwiches and killer sides
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,315 reviews. Open 7 days. Great sides and desserts
- Limitations
- In Bellevue (25 min from downtown). Off the tourist trail
- Price / value
- $12-$22 · 4.6★
- What to order
- Southern Shine sandwich (pulled pork, fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese), white queso mac, PB banana pudding.
🕐 Mon-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
9Central BBQ
Memphis-Style BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Authentic Memphis-style dry-rub ribs and 24-hour smoked meats
- Strengths
- Memphis institution since 2002. Hickory and pecan wood. Multiple Nashville locations
- Limitations
- Chain from Memphis — purists may prefer Nashville-native spots
- Price / value
- $12-$22 · 4.4★
- What to order
- Memphis dry-rub ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey. 24-hour marinated meats.
🕐 Mon-Thu: 11 AM – 8 PM · Fri-Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
10Jack's Bar-B-Que
Multi-Style BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- A taste of every BBQ style — St. Louis, Texas, and Tennessee — since 1989
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2,780 reviews. Since 1989. Three locations. No-frills authentic
- Limitations
- Broadway location is tourist-heavy. Trinity Lane location is the best
- Price / value
- $10-$20 · 4.5★
- What to order
- Turkey sandwich (the sleeper hit), Texas-style brisket, St. Louis ribs.
🕐 Mon-Thu: 10:30 AM – 8 PM · Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM – 9 PM · Sun: 11 AM – 7 PM
11Mary's Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que
Pit BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- Historic pit BBQ with a legendary mustard-vinegar sauce since 1962
- Strengths
- Since 1962. Walk-up window. Iconic rib sandwich. Historic Jefferson St
- Limitations
- Cash preferred. Irregular hours. Lower Google rating
- Price / value
- $8-$16 · 3.9★
- What to order
- The rib sandwich (massive), hot sauce (dangerously hot). Bring cash.
🕐 Limited hours — call ahead
12Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ
Whole-Hog Carolina BbqQuick comparison
- Best for
- James Beard Award-winning whole-hog BBQ with Carolina vinegar tradition
- Strengths
- Rodney Scott — James Beard Award winner. Broadway location. Walk-up window
- Limitations
- Brand new (few reviews). Inside Chief's on Broadway (6-story bar). Pricey
- Price / value
- $14-$26 · 3.8★
- What to order
- Whole hog plate, pig skin nachos with Alabama white sauce, prime brisket sandwich.
🕐 Mon-Sun: 8 AM – 11 PM
Planning Your Nashville BBQ Visit
Reservations & Wait Times
Many popular Nashville BBQ spots, especially during peak dining hours or weekends, can have significant wait times. While most are casual and don't take reservations, checking Google Maps for 'Popular Times' can help. For places like Shotgun Willie's BBQ or Curry Boys BBQ, arriving earlier or later than traditional mealtimes is a smart strategy to avoid the biggest crowds.
Exploring Different BBQ Styles
Nashville's BBQ scene is a melting pot of regional styles. Don't limit yourself to one! Try the whole-hog tradition at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, experience 'Nashville-style' with cayenne at Edley's Bar-B-Que, or delve into Texas-style brisket at Shotgun Willie's BBQ. Experimentation is key to finding your favorite flavor.
Navigating Multiple Locations
Several top BBQ joints like Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint and Edley's Bar-B-Que have multiple locations across Nashville. While the menus are generally consistent, the vibe and crowd can vary significantly. Consider which neighborhood you're in and choose the most convenient spot, keeping in mind that the original or flagship locations often have a unique charm.
Parking & Accessibility
Parking can be tricky, especially in bustling areas like Downtown, the Gulch (near Peg Leg Porker BBQ), or 12 South (near Edley's Bar-B-Que). Some spots offer dedicated lots, while others rely on street parking or nearby garages. Always factor in extra time to find parking, or consider ride-sharing services, especially if you plan to enjoy some local brews with your 'cue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best BBQ in Nashville?
Shotgun Willie's is the most recommended BBQ spot in Nashville across Reddit. Their Texas-style brisket and salt-and-pepper ribs are legendary. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is a close second for whole-hog pulled pork.
Does Nashville have good BBQ?
Nashville's BBQ scene has grown significantly. While it doesn't have one dominant regional style like Memphis or Texas, you'll find excellent Texas-style brisket (Shotgun Willie's, Curry Boys), whole-hog tradition (Martin's), Memphis dry rub (Central BBQ), and Nashville's own cayenne-forward style (Edley's).
What BBQ style is Nashville known for?
Nashville doesn't have one official BBQ style, but the city focuses on smoked pork. Edley's pioneered 'Nashville-style BBQ' with a cayenne and habanero dry rub. You'll also find excellent Texas-style brisket, Memphis dry-rub ribs, and whole-hog pulled pork.
Where should tourists eat BBQ in Nashville?
For downtown visitors, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint (4th Ave S) and Peg Leg Porker (the Gulch) are the most accessible. Edley's 12 South location is a short ride away and worth it. Jack's Bar-B-Que on Broadway is convenient but better BBQ exists elsewhere.
How much does BBQ cost in Nashville?
A BBQ plate with two sides runs $14-$22. Sandwiches are $10-$15. A full meal with a drink costs about $18-$25 per person. Shotgun Willie's and Curry Boys are slightly higher for premium meats like wagyu brisket.
Is Shotgun Willie's worth the drive?
Yes. It's technically in Madison (15 minutes from downtown), but Reddit unanimously calls it the best BBQ in the Nashville area. Go early — meats sell out, especially ribs. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
What is the difference between Nashville BBQ and Memphis BBQ?
Memphis BBQ centers on dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork with tangy tomato-vinegar sauce. Nashville's scene is more eclectic — you'll find Texas brisket, whole-hog Carolina style, Memphis ribs, and Nashville's own cayenne-spiced dry rub. Central BBQ brings authentic Memphis-style to Nashville.
What defines 'Nashville-style BBQ'?
While not as globally recognized as Texas or Carolina styles, Nashville-style BBQ, popularized by places like Edley's Bar-B-Que, is often characterized by a distinctive cayenne-based dry rub applied before smoking. This gives the meat a unique savory-spicy kick, distinct from sweet or vinegar-based sauces.
Where can I find the best whole-hog BBQ in Nashville?
For authentic whole-hog BBQ, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is the reigning champion, upholding the West Tennessee tradition of slow-smoked whole hogs. You can also experience the renowned Carolina whole-hog style from a James Beard Award-winner at Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ on Broadway.
Are there any unique or fusion BBQ spots in Nashville worth trying?
Absolutely! Curry Boys BBQ stands out with its innovative Thai-Texas fusion, offering uniquely spiced meats and sides that earned it the highest rating in Nashville. Another unique experience is Bringle's Smoking Oasis, which focuses on West Texas BBQ with a standout pastrami that's unlike anything else in the city.
What's the best BBQ for a family with kids in Nashville?
For families, Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint and Edley's Bar-B-Que are both excellent choices, offering spacious, casual environments and menus that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Their multiple locations also make it easy to find a convenient spot with plenty of seating.
Is it worth driving outside of downtown for Nashville BBQ?
Definitely! While downtown has great options, some of Nashville's best BBQ gems are located a short drive away. For instance, Shotgun Willie's BBQ, widely considered the #1 spot, is in Madison, and the Bellevue area boasts HoneyFire BBQ, a local favorite. These drives often lead to quieter crowds and exceptional food.
Do Nashville BBQ joints typically have outdoor seating?
Many Nashville BBQ establishments embrace the Southern weather with fantastic outdoor seating options. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, Edley's Bar-B-Que, and Peg Leg Porker BBQ are known for their inviting patios, perfect for enjoying your meal al fresco. It's always a good idea to check specific location details if outdoor dining is a priority for your visit.
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