Tennessee is one of the best states in the country for barbecue, and that is not up for debate. From Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville and Chattanooga, the smoky, slow-cooked flavors here are unlike anything you will find anywhere else.
Whether you love pulled pork, ribs, or brisket, the Volunteer State has something that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Pack a bag and get ready, because these 13 spots are absolutely worth building your whole weekend around.
Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis has no shortage of great BBQ spots, but Central BBQ has built a loyal following that stretches well beyond the city limits. Their dry-rubbed ribs are legendary, and the smoky aroma hits you before you even walk through the door.
With multiple locations across Memphis, it is easy to work a visit into any itinerary. Order the nachos piled with pulled pork if you want something a little extra.
This place keeps things bold, flavorful, and unapologetically Memphis.
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – Memphis, Tennessee
Hidden down an alley in downtown Memphis, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been a city institution since 1948. That alone should tell you everything you need to know about how good the food is here.
The Greek-inspired dry rub on their ribs is unlike any BBQ seasoning you have ever tasted. Locals bring out-of-town guests here like a rite of passage.
Finding the entrance feels like discovering a secret, but once you are inside, the smoky magic is very real.
The Bar-B-Q Shop – Memphis, Tennessee
Ask any Memphis local about barbecue spaghetti and they will almost certainly mention The Bar-B-Q Shop. This neighborhood gem on Madison Avenue has been serving up deeply smoky, slow-cooked goodness for decades.
The ribs fall right off the bone, and the sauce has a tangy sweetness that keeps you reaching for more. It is the kind of place that feels like eating at a friend’s house, if that friend happened to be a BBQ genius.
Truly a Memphis original.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que – Memphis, Tennessee
No-frills, no fuss, and absolutely no need for anything fancy — Payne’s Bar-B-Que is pure Memphis soul on a bun. The chopped pork sandwich topped with tangy coleslaw is the stuff of legend in this city.
Open since the 1970s, this family-run spot keeps its menu simple and its smoke game strong. The char on the pork gives it a flavor depth that fancier restaurants spend years trying to copy.
Come hungry and keep your expectations sky high.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Nashville, Tennessee
Whole hog barbecue is a serious craft, and Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville does it better than almost anyone in the state. Pitmaster Pat Martin has built a BBQ empire rooted in West Tennessee tradition, and every bite proves why.
The smoky, tender pulled pork is the star, but the ribs and smoked wings deserve just as much attention. With a loud, fun atmosphere and generous portions, this is the kind of place that turns a lunch stop into a two-hour celebration.
Peg Leg Porker BBQ – Nashville, Tennessee
Named after pitmaster Carey Bringle, who is known as the one-legged BBQ king of Nashville, Peg Leg Porker is as full of personality as it is flavor. The Tennessee dry-rubbed ribs here have won serious recognition on the national BBQ circuit.
Located in the Gulch neighborhood, this spot draws both locals and tourists who know what they are doing. The whiskey selection is impressive too, making it a perfect dinner destination.
Bold smoke, great vibes, and zero pretension — that is the Peg Leg Porker promise.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que – Nashville, Tennessee
Edley’s Bar-B-Que brings a fresh, energetic spin to Nashville’s already stacked BBQ scene. The brisket is buttery and perfectly smoked, and the sides like jalapeño mac and cheese and fried okra are good enough to order as a meal on their own.
Multiple Nashville locations mean you are never too far from a fix. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for groups of all sizes.
Weekend brunch is also a thing here, and yes, BBQ nachos at 11 a.m. is always the right call.
Jack’s Bar-B-Que – Nashville, Tennessee
Right in the heart of Nashville’s famous Broadway strip, Jack’s Bar-B-Que has been feeding hungry visitors and locals since 1976. It is one of the few BBQ joints in the city that blends multiple regional styles under one roof.
You can get Texas brisket, Memphis ribs, and Tennessee pulled pork all in the same visit, which makes it a dream for the indecisive BBQ fan. The location is loud, touristy, and totally worth it.
Jack’s earns its spot on this list every single day.
Ridgewood Barbecue – Bluff City, Tennessee
Tucked away in the small town of Bluff City in Northeast Tennessee, Ridgewood Barbecue is the kind of roadside treasure that makes a road trip feel worthwhile. Open since 1948, this place has barely changed, and that is exactly the point.
The thinly sliced smoked pork with a slightly sweet, vinegary sauce has a flavor profile unlike anything in Memphis or Nashville. People drive hours just to eat here.
If you have never made the trip, it belongs at the very top of your Tennessee BBQ bucket list.
Buddy’s Bar-B-Q – Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville has a deep love affair with Buddy’s Bar-B-Q, and honestly, it has been going on since 1972. This East Tennessee institution serves up straightforward, no-nonsense smoked pork that hits all the right comfort food notes.
The sauce is tangy and slightly smoky, and the portions are generous enough to make you seriously consider loosening your belt. For many Knoxville residents, Buddy’s is not just a restaurant — it is a childhood memory.
First-timers quickly understand why the locals are so fiercely loyal to this place.
Dead End BBQ – Knoxville, Tennessee
Dead End BBQ started as a competition BBQ team before becoming one of Knoxville’s most talked-about restaurants, and that competitive DNA shows in every single dish. The brisket has a beautiful smoke ring and a bark that crackles when you bite into it.
Pitmaster Kevin Jung brings a meticulous, craft-focused approach to the smoker that BBQ nerds will absolutely appreciate. The menu changes based on what comes off the pit that day, which keeps things exciting.
Show up early, because the best cuts sell out fast.
Sugar’s Ribs – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Sugar’s Ribs has been a Chattanooga staple for over 30 years, and the name tells you exactly what to order. The ribs are slow-smoked until they reach that perfect balance between tender and toothsome, then finished with a signature sweet glaze that is hard to stop thinking about.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a solid pick for groups traveling with kids. The sides are hearty and homestyle, rounding out a meal that feels like genuine Southern hospitality.
Chattanooga’s BBQ scene centers on this place for good reason.
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q – Knoxville, Tennessee
Jim ‘N Nick’s is a Southern BBQ chain with a serious soul, and the Knoxville location holds its own against any local competition. The cheese biscuits alone are worth the trip, arriving hot and fluffy at your table before you even order.
The smoked pulled pork is tender and deeply flavored, and the menu has enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy. It brings a consistent, crowd-pleasing BBQ experience that never feels corporate or cold.
For a reliable and satisfying Knoxville BBQ stop, this one delivers every time.