Smoked, Sauced, & Slightly Sticky: The Best Barbecue in Nashville

Let’s be honest—Nashville is a city that smells like a combination of whiskey, cowboy hats (yes, they have a smell), and slow-smoked meat. If you leave here without trying at least one barbecue joint, you’ve basically wasted your trip.

Luckily, I’ve done the hard work (Basically eaten my weight in ribs) to bring you this highly scientific, completely biased list of the best barbecue spots in Music City. Grab a napkin. No, seriously—grab two.

1. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

You can’t talk about Nashville barbecue without mentioning Martin’s. And while their ribs and pulled pork are worth writing home about, let me let you in on a secret: the baked potato at the Midtown location is the real MVP. It’s basically a potato wearing a meat tuxedo. See above photo.

2. Jack’s Bar-B-Que

Jack’s is the kind of place that turns vegetarians into liars. The platters are massive and glorious, but the brisket? Absolute perfection. Order extra—you’ll thank me when your “just one bite” friends start circling. Don’t worry, just because they closed the Broadway location doesn’t mean you cant get a taste of Jacks. They still have two other locations where you can enjoy a taste of Jack Cawthon’s famous BBQ!

3. Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Edley’s is where ribs go to achieve their life’s purpose. Tender, smoky, and fall-off-the-bone good. Add in their brisket and suddenly you’re in a long-term relationship with barbecue. It’s okay, commitment looks good on you.

4. Peg Leg Porker BBQ

With a name like Peg Leg Porker, you know it’s going to be good. This is a true hometown barbecue experience—no frills, all flavor. The mac and cheese is comfort food on steroids, the brisket melts in your mouth, and don’t even think about leaving without the banana pudding. That’s not a suggestion.

5. Rippy’s Honky Tonk

Yes, it’s on Broadway. Yes, it’s touristy. But hear me out: the BBQ nachos. They are legendary. Add in some live music and suddenly you’re forgiving Broadway for being Broadway.

6. The Ridge

The Ridge is proof that Nashville doesn’t play around. Sure, the barbecue is stellar, but they also have all-you-can-eat catfish on Friday nights. And their burgers and sandwiches? Let’s just say “barbecue-adjacent” never tasted so good.

7. Drifters Tennessee Barbecue

Barbecue, beer, live music, and ping pong. Honestly, what more do you want from life? This is the kind of spot where you go for the food and end up staying three hours longer than you planned.

8. Stoke Haus Brewing and Barbecue

If you want barbecue with a side of craft beer and inclusivity, Stoke Haus is your  place. They’re a local brewery turning out melt-in-your-mouth BBQ and they’ve got legit vegetarian/vegan options – so you can finally bring that one friend who “doesn’t do meat” without feeling like you’ve committed a crime against brisket.

Final Bite

This is just a short list, but let’s be clear: Nashville is basically one big smoky buffet, and there’s no shortage of BBQ to inhale. Whether you’re after tender brisket, saucy ribs, or banana pudding that’ll make you rethink every life choice, you’ll find it here.

Just don’t forget to pack stretchy pants—trust me, you’re going to need them.