Tennessee takes its barbecue seriously, and folks will happily plan a whole road trip around a single plate of hickory-smoked pork. Ridgewood built its name on exactly that kind of loyalty, but it is far from the only place worth the gas money in this state.
From roadside shacks near the mountains to whole-hog legends in the big cities, Tennessee is packed with pitmasters who know their way around a smoker. The eight spots below stretch across the state, each with its own personality, menu, and reason to pull over.
Whether you are chasing pulled pork, ribs, or something loaded onto a baked potato, this list has a stop for you. Save it, share it, and keep it handy for your next drive.
1. Smokin’ Butts BBQ, Pioneer, TN
Set in what remains of an old amusement park just off I-75, this little shack has become a favorite pit stop for drivers cutting through northern Tennessee. The mountain views alone make it a pleasant place to pull over.
The hickory smoker here does the heavy lifting, turning out brisket, pulled pork, and smoked whole tenderloin with a flavor that has earned this spot serious regional respect. Portions run generous, and prices stay in the friendly ten-to-twenty-dollar range.
Order the Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich or the smoked tenderloin sandwich, then add fresh fried okra and seasoned hand-cut fries on the side. Baked beans and potato salad round out the plate nicely.
A few things to plan around. The kitchen keeps limited hours, open Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 to 8:30 and Sunday from 2 to 8:30, with Monday and Saturday closed.
It is casual counter service, dogs are welcome inside and out, and parking is rarely a problem next to the truck stop.
2. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Nashville, TN
Whole-hog barbecue done the old West Tennessee way is the whole point at this big downtown roadhouse. A fresh hog goes on the pit each day, smoked over local hickory for roughly 22 to 24 hours before it ever reaches your tray.
The setup is fast-casual, with lines that move quickly and clean picnic-table seating that fits big groups easily. It is a lively spot near the heart of Nashville, so expect a wait during evenings and weekend afternoons.
Build the full Tennessee spread if you are hungry. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken wings all come off the pit, and the sides do their part with creamy mac and cheese and seasoned potato salad.
The Redneck Taco and the Backi Brisket Wedge are fun ways to mix things up.
Open daily with late hours until 10 or 11, it works for both a quick lunch and a full dinner. Reservations are not accepted, and street or paid lot parking is your best bet downtown.
3. B.E. Scotts BBQ, Lexington, TN
Drivers have been known to pass a couple of other barbecue spots just to reach this one along US-412. The pull is whole-hog pork cooked over wood coals, the traditional way, with a rustic room that leans into its history.
Sauce is a big part of the story here, offered in mild, sweet, or hot so you can dial in exactly what you want. The vinegar-forward option has a real following, and the balance of flavor and texture on the sandwiches is what keeps people coming back.
Pair the pulled pork or chicken sandwich with the hickory-smoked baked beans and potato salad. Save room, because pies show up on the menu too.
Hours are tight, so plan ahead. The joint runs Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 6 and Saturday from 9 to 4, closed Sunday and Monday.
It is a friendly mom-and-pop counter operation with plenty of free parking and no reservations needed.
4. Peg Leg Porker BBQ, Nashville, TN
Dry ribs are the calling card at this Gulch neighborhood favorite, seasoned with a rub that adds flavor without overpowering the meat. The tender texture has helped build the reputation that follows this place around Nashville.
Awards back up the hype. Nashville Scene named it Best BBQ in 2013, 2015, and 2021, Garden and Gun called it one of the city’s best in 2019, and Southern Living kept it in the Tennessee barbecue conversation for years.
The pulled pork platter and pulled pork sandwiches, often topped with a slap of slaw, are reliable orders. For starters, the Peg Leg wings, pork rinds, and the playful Memphis Sushi keep things interesting, and the banana pudding is the classic finish.
You get both indoor and outdoor seating, plus rooftop space when the weather cooperates. Hours run daily, prices stay reasonable, and reservations are accepted, which is a nice perk in a busy part of town.
5. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, Memphis, TN
Walls covered in Memphis and music memorabilia set the tone at this Poplar Avenue institution. It has a folksy, vintage feel that fits the city, with music playing while you work through a plate.
Hickory-smoked ribs are the headliner, available as a half slab or full slab, joined by smoked wings, brisket, and baked beans. Fried pickles make a good opening move, and the dessert lineup has earned a loyal following.
Service here tends to be quick and attentive, and the space handles families and groups without fuss. It has held its place as a Memphis go-to for years, which says plenty in a city this serious about barbecue.
Open daily starting at 10:45 in the morning with late closing hours, it fits an early lunch or a full dinner. Options include dine-in, drive-through, curbside, and takeout, and free parking is easy to find.
6. The Bar-B-Q Shop, Memphis, TN
Barbecue spaghetti is one of those Memphis specialties that catches out-of-towners by surprise, and this Madison Avenue smokehouse serves it alongside Texas toast and slaw. It is proof this kitchen is not afraid to do things its own way.
Acclaimed sauces and dry seasonings do a lot of work here, showing up on ribs, pork sandwiches, and brisket that comes out tender and moist. The pulled pork has a strong local reputation, and the smoked turkey sandwich plate is another solid pick.
Beyond the ribs, the menu stretches into barbecue nachos, a half chicken dinner, and chicken tenders with seasoned fries. The setting has a pub-like, cozy feel with real Memphis roots.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, opening at 11, with closing at 8:30 early in the week and 9 on Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday, so time your visit, and expect a busy room on weekend afternoons.
7. Barrel House BBQ, Lynchburg, TN
Walls papered in dollar bills left by travelers and a dining room decked out with whiskey barrels give this Lynchburg smokehouse a personality all its own. It leans into kitschy Southern decor without losing focus on the food.
Portions run big, covering ribs, sausage, and pulled pork, with sauces ranging from mild to seriously spicy. The loaded BBQ baked potato is a monster, and it is a fan favorite for a reason.
The signature move here is the crack sandwich lineup, including options like the smoked sausage on crack and the Grilled Cheese on Crack. Loaded BBQ nachos and sweet potato casserole round out a menu that rewards curiosity.
Located in the historic small town of Lynchburg, it is open every day from 11 to 6, making it an easy daytime stop. Reservations are accepted, kids are welcome, and there is plenty of free parking right in town.
8. Calhoun’s On The River, Knoxville, TN
River views come standard at this Knoxville spot perched right on the Tennessee River along Neyland Drive. The waterfront setting makes it as much a destination as a meal.
The menu keeps hickory-smoked pork front and center with the Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que Pork Plate, backed by ribs, pulled pork, and East Tennessee-style baked beans. Bacon-wrapped burnt ends and smoked wings have their own devoted fans.
There is more here than smoke, too. Pulled pork nachos, Rocky Top potato skins, the Kick-Back Burger, and fish and chips give the table plenty of range, and the sides like mac and cheese hold their own.
Open daily with late hours until 10 or 11 on weekends, it handles dinner crowds, sports watching, and live music. Reservations are accepted and a wait is common, so arriving early on Friday and Saturday is smart.
Parking is available in free and paid lots nearby.
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