Tennessee is home to some of the most mouth-watering barbecue you will ever taste. From the smoky hills of East Tennessee to the busy streets of Memphis, pit masters across the state have spent decades perfecting their craft.
Whether you love pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs, or slow-smoked brisket, this state has something special waiting for you. Pack your appetite and get ready to hit the road.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Nashville, Tennessee
Few places in Nashville carry the kind of soul that Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint does. Founder Pat Martin built his reputation on whole-hog barbecue, a dying art that takes serious patience and skill.
The smoky aroma hits you before you even walk through the door.
The pulled pork here is rich, tender, and layered with flavor that only hours over a wood fire can produce. Pair it with a side of slaw and a piece of cornbread for the full experience.
Peg Leg Porker – Nashville, Tennessee
Carey Bringle, the man behind Peg Leg Porker, is a Tennessee BBQ legend who competes on the national circuit and wins. His dry-rub ribs have earned a devoted following that stretches far beyond Nashville city limits.
The name alone is memorable, but the food is what keeps people coming back.
Located in the Gulch neighborhood, this spot combines serious pit cooking with a lively atmosphere. Order the ribs and thank yourself later.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que – Nashville, Tennessee
Edley’s Bar-B-Que has grown into one of Nashville’s most beloved BBQ brands, with multiple locations and a menu that satisfies just about every craving. What started as a simple idea turned into a full-on Tennessee BBQ institution.
The brisket is consistently tender, with a bark that holds real smoky depth.
Their hot chicken sandwich is a fun nod to Nashville’s other famous food obsession. It is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Nashville food scene.
Ridgewood Barbecue – Bluff City, Tennessee
Tucked away in the mountains of East Tennessee, Ridgewood Barbecue has been serving loyal customers since 1948. The drive to Bluff City alone feels like a step back in time, and the restaurant absolutely delivers on that nostalgic promise.
Generations of families have made this a tradition worth repeating.
The pork here is slow-cooked and sliced thin, served with a tangy sauce that has its own cult following. Old-school BBQ does not get more authentic than this.
B.E. Scott’s BBQ – Lexington, Tennessee
B.E. Scott’s BBQ is the kind of place that reminds you why simple food done right always wins.
Located in Lexington, this West Tennessee gem has been cooking whole hogs low and slow for longer than most people can remember. Locals treat it like a birthright.
The pork shoulder and chopped BBQ sandwiches are the stars of the menu. Cash only, no frills, and absolutely no reason to complain when the food is this good.
Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ – Hermitage, Tennessee
Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ has quietly built a loyal fan base in the Hermitage area east of Nashville. The name says it all: this is old-fashioned, no-shortcuts barbecue made by people who genuinely care about what lands on your plate.
Every bite carries that slow-cooked conviction.
The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sides are hearty enough to be a meal on their own. Regulars swear the sauce recipe is something truly special.
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ – Madison, Tennessee
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ brings serious smoke and a whole lot of personality to the Madison community just north of Nashville. The menu is straightforward and confident, which is exactly how good BBQ should be.
Nothing flashy, just well-executed smoked meats that hit every note right.
Regulars rave about the pulled pork and the homemade sides that taste like something grandma would have made on a Sunday. Small in size, huge in flavor.
Central BBQ – Memphis, Tennessee
Central BBQ is one of Memphis’s crown jewels, known for its award-winning dry-rubbed ribs that have placed on national best-of lists more than once. Memphis BBQ culture is serious business, and Central plays the game at the highest level.
The ribs come out perfectly charred on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.
With several locations around the city, it is easy to find but impossible to forget. First-timers should absolutely start with the half-rack.
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – Memphis, Tennessee
Hidden down an alley in downtown Memphis, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is one of the most iconic BBQ destinations in the entire country. Open since 1948, this underground restaurant has fed presidents, celebrities, and millions of hungry travelers who found their way to the right alley.
The atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
Their Greek-spiced dry-rub ribs are unlike anything else in Memphis. Charcoal-grilled rather than smoked, they break every BBQ rule and still win every time.
The Bar-B-Q Shop – Memphis, Tennessee
The Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison Avenue in Memphis is famous for two things: outstanding ribs and BBQ spaghetti, a Memphis original that sounds unusual but tastes absolutely brilliant. This family-owned spot has been a neighborhood staple for decades, earning respect from locals and food writers alike.
Walking in feels like being welcomed into someone’s home.
The Dancing Pigs sauce is practically a Memphis souvenir at this point. Order the combo plate and experience Memphis BBQ culture at its most creative.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que – Memphis, Tennessee
Payne’s Bar-B-Que is a South Memphis treasure that has operated out of the same humble building for decades, and the simplicity is a big part of the charm. The chopped pork sandwich on a bun with bright yellow coleslaw on top is a Memphis signature that this place perfected.
Nothing on the menu costs much, but everything delivers.
Lines form early and the meat sells out fast, so arriving ahead of schedule is a smart move. Cash only, no regrets.
Interstate Bar-B-Que – Memphis, Tennessee
Jim Neely opened Interstate Bar-B-Que in 1979 and turned a South Memphis neighborhood spot into one of the most recognized BBQ names in the city. The ribs are smoky, meaty, and coated in a sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
This is comfort food with real history behind it.
The BBQ beans, slow-cooked with bits of smoked meat, are one of the best side dishes in all of Memphis. A true classic worth every mile.
Collins River BBQ & Cafe – McMinnville, Tennessee
Collins River BBQ & Cafe brings slow-smoked goodness to the heart of Middle Tennessee’s Warren County, giving folks in McMinnville a reason to brag about their local food scene. The brisket is a standout, sliced thick and packed with smoky flavor that develops over many hours in the pit.
The friendly staff makes every visit feel relaxed and welcoming.
Outdoor seating near the river adds a scenic bonus to an already satisfying meal. A hidden gem well worth seeking out.