Tennessee takes its barbecue seriously, and few things sum up the state’s food pride like a soft bun stacked with slow-smoked pulled pork. From Memphis storefronts to Nashville roadhouses and small-town spots way out on the highway, these seven places have built real reputations on doing pork right.
Some pile on the slaw, some let the sauce do the talking, and a few have been at it for decades. Whether you live nearby or you are just passing through, this list gives you seven solid reasons to pull over and eat well.
1. Elwood’s Shack, Memphis, TN
Set in a strip-mall spot on Summer Avenue, Elwood’s Shack keeps things casual with counter service and a menu that reaches well beyond the usual smokehouse lineup.
The pulled pork sandwich is the anchor here, but the kitchen also turns out brisket tacos, dry ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and even a BBQ pizza. Spicy slaw is a popular side that pairs with just about everything, and the brisket nachos have their own following.
Prices land in the ten to twenty dollar range, which is easy on a road trip budget. Hours are generous too, running Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 9 PM and Sunday until 3 PM, so you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Kids get their own menu and high chairs are available, dogs are welcome on the patio, and parking is rarely a headache. Reservations are not taken, so plan to walk up and order.
You will find it at 4523 Summer Ave in Memphis.
2. Peg Leg Porker BBQ, Nashville, TN
Ask around Nashville about pulled pork and Peg Leg Porker comes up fast. Tucked on Gleaves Street in the Gulch area, it has earned a name for smoke-kissed barbecue done without a lot of fuss.
The pulled pork sandwich is the reason most people show up: tender, juicy meat on a thick bun, often topped with a scoop of slaw. Portions run big, and sides like baked beans and fries round out the plate.
Beyond the sandwich, the menu covers dry ribs, whole wings, pork rinds, and banana pudding for dessert. Prices sit in the ten to twenty dollar range.
Rooftop seating gives the spot a lively feel, and the place is family-friendly with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Hours stretch later on weekends, with Wednesday through Saturday open until 10 PM and Sunday closing at 4 PM.
Reservations are accepted here, which is handy on busy Friday and Saturday nights.
Find it at 903 Gleaves St.
3. The Bar-B-Q Shop, Memphis, TN
Deep roots run through The Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison Avenue, a Memphis spot known as much for its sauces and dry seasonings as for the meat itself.
The pork sandwich here is a showpiece, built with thick bread, a generous pile of pork, and coleslaw, all tied together by a sweet, tangy, smoky sauce. It is served in a publike setting with actual table service, which sets it apart from the counter-order crowd.
The menu leans into Memphis tradition with barbecue spaghetti, barbecue nachos, a smoked turkey sandwich plate, and a half chicken dinner. Prices land a little higher, in the twenty to thirty dollar range.
One thing to plan around: the doors are closed Monday and Sunday. Tuesday through Thursday it runs 11 AM to 8:30 PM, with Friday and Saturday open until 9 PM.
The atmosphere leans historic and cozy, kids are welcome, and parking is generally easy.
You will find it at 1782 Madison Ave.
4. B.E. Scotts BBQ, Lexington, TN
Way out on US-412 in Lexington, B.E. Scotts BBQ carries the old-school West Tennessee whole hog tradition, and folks have been driving well out of their way to eat here for years.
The chopped pork is sweet and rich, and the house sauces come in mild, sweet, or hot, so you can dial in the flavor you want. The hot sauce brings just enough heat to balance the pork, and the sandwich lands with tender meat and a good scoop of slaw.
Sides keep it simple and classic, with baked beans, potato salad, and hickory-smoked beans and chicken on the board. Prices stay friendly, in the ten to twenty dollar range.
The place has real mom-and-pop charm and a historic, laid-back feel. Hours are limited, so time your visit: Tuesday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM, closed Sunday and Monday.
Counter service, no reservations, and plenty of parking. It sits at 10880 US-412.
5. Dead End BBQ, Knoxville, TN
Over on Sutherland Avenue in Knoxville, Dead End BBQ pairs its smoked meats with a low-key room full of sports memorabilia, making it an easy spot to settle in for a plate.
The Pulled Pork Sandwich is an official menu highlight and a regular go-to, but the real conversation starter might be the Mac-Attack sandwich, which stacks pulled pork, onions, and mac and cheese on toast.
Sides carry their weight too, from creamed corn and jalapeno cornbread muffins to sweet potato waffle fries. Burnt ends, brisket, and pulled chicken fill out the smoked meat lineup, and there is peanut butter pie and homemade banana pudding for after.
Prices sit in the ten to twenty dollar range, and the place is open seven days a week, with weekend hours running until 10 PM. Table service, a kids’ menu, and a spot to watch a game make it an easy pick for groups.
Reservations are accepted.
Find it at 3621 Sutherland Ave.
6. Chatt Smoke House, Chattanooga, TN
Right on E M L King Blvd in Chattanooga, Chatt Smoke House keeps a no-frills approach to classic smoked meats, and that focus shows up in every plate.
The pulled pork sandwich comes on soft buns with a topping of BBQ sauce, and the meat runs tender. A pound of it will feed two people with leftovers, which makes it a smart value for the ten to twenty dollar range.
The menu also leans on ribs and a well-liked fish sandwich, with sides like potato salad, baked beans, and a coleslaw that keeps some crunch instead of drowning in dressing. Chili cheese fries and frozen fruit ices round out the extras.
The room is casual and quiet, and the crew has a friendly, family-run feel. Hours run Tuesday through Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM and Friday and Saturday until 10 PM, closed Sunday and Monday.
No reservations, and parking is straightforward.
Look for it at 416 E M L King Blvd.
7. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Nashville, TN
Whole-hog, pit-fired cooking is the whole idea at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, a big roadhouse-style spot on Belmont Blvd that turns pork shoulder into its signature.
The Pulled Pork Shoulder sandwich is moist and full of flavor, served with homemade chips and often finished with a sweet barbecue sauce and a satisfying crunch when you bite in.
The rest of the board is stacked too, with brisket, smoked sausage, smoked turkey, BBQ nachos, hushpuppies, and Nadine’s pecan pie for dessert. Prices stay in the ten to twenty dollar range, which is a nice surprise for the size of the plates.
Open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM, it is an easy stop no matter your schedule. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a kids’ menu, high chairs, dogs allowed, and a spot to catch a game.
No reservations, but parking options are plentiful.
You will find this location at 3108 Belmont Blvd.
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