14 Tennessee BBQ Joints Where Long Waits Come With Big Rewards
Waiting in line feels a little easier when the reward involves smoky ribs, sticky fingers, and that first satisfying bite of perfectly cooked barbecue. Across Tennessee, certain BBQ joints stay busy for a reason, drawing steady crowds who happily trade a bit of patience for serious flavour.
The air hangs heavy with hickory perfume, conversations drift between picnic tables and counters, and anticipation builds with every tray that leaves the pit. These spots turn long waits into part of the ritual, where stories are swapped, appetites sharpen, and cravings grow louder by the minute.
Bring a healthy appetite, settle into the rhythm of the queue, and get ready for barbecue that makes every extra minute feel well spent.
1. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
Patience pays at Corky’s, where the line moves with the rhythm of clinking trays and the whisper of hickory. The ribs arrive lacquered and gleaming, each bone yielding with a gentle nudge, leaving that perfect bite mark.
Sauces lean sweet with Memphis swagger, though a dry rub delivers a peppery bark that keeps you nibbling the edges.
Slip inside and you will catch the hum of families and regulars, a chorus that promises you chose well. The Collierville address at 743 W Poplar Ave, Collierville, TN 38017, feels like a checkpoint on the barbecue pilgrimage.
Pulled pork heaps up soft as confetti, ready to meet slaw and a plush bun.
Order ribs half-and-half, dry then wet, and taste how smoke can sing two harmonies. Mac and cheese is creamy with a hushpuppy chaser for crunch and nostalgia.
When the tray finally lands, the long wait turns into a brief, delicious blur, and you realize the line was your warmup act.
2. Central BBQ (Memphis)
Energy thrums at Central BBQ the instant you step near the pit room, where smoke swirls like a welcome mat. Ribs wear a proud bark that breaks into tender, rosy meat, and the pulled pork holds a gentle tang that begs for a splash of mustard sauce.
Wings are a sleeper hit, sticky and char-kissed with a whisper of heat.
Find it downtown at 147 G.E.P.T. Morrison Fwy, Memphis, TN 38103, a location buzzing before concerts and game nights.
The line snakes, but staff moves with a seasoned efficiency that calms the clock. Order the half chicken if you love clean, steady smoke without overwhelming spice.
Pair your platter with house chips dusted in barbecue magic and a side of beans that lean savory. A swirl of vinegar sauce brightens the pork like sunlight on a porch.
When you finally sit, that first bite makes city noise fade, replaced by the quiet proof that Memphis still runs on pit time.
3. Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant
Memphis nostalgia hangs in the air at Marlowe’s, where the rib glaze catches the light like stained glass. You taste caramelized edges first, then the soft center that pulls cleanly from the bone.
It is the kind of rib that makes you slow your breathing so you do not miss anything.
After the first bite, scan the room, then note the address at 343 S Third St, Memphis, TN 38103, tucked not far from the heartbeat of downtown. The pulled pork is plush, barely needing sauce, though the house version adds a polite kick.
Beans arrive thick and smoky, while slaw cools everything with crisp sweetness.
Fans talk about the steady consistency, the way each rack seems calibrated to comfort. Grab a platter with a side of fried okra and let the crunch punctuate each chew.
When the check comes, you will be plotting a return, shrugging at the line because you know what is waiting.
4. Cozy Corner Bar-B-Que
Surprises keep coming at Cozy Corner, where a barbecue Cornish hen sits proudly beside ribs and wings. The hen’s skin crackles, giving way to juicy meat that holds smoke like a secret.
Ribs are classic Memphis, part pepper, part sweetness, with edges that flirt with char.
Once your tray is set, you will remember the address at 707 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, because you will share it later like a password. Wings land with a glaze that sticks happily to fingers, and napkins do overtime.
The sauce lineup ranges from gentle to grin-and-sweat, each built to complement not bury.
Order a rib and wing combo and add slaw for crunch therapy. Banana pudding finishes things with a cool, soft exclamation point.
It is the sort of meal that makes you swear you can taste Saturdays, and the line outside becomes a friendly chorus to welcome the next lucky crowd.
5. The Bar-B-Q Shop (Memphis)
Flavor history lives at The Bar-B-Q Shop, where the famous Dancing Pigs sauce sits ready to amplify everything. Dry-rub ribs carry a peppery swagger, bark snapping slightly before melting into tenderness.
A sliced pork sandwich with slaw hits sweet, tangy, and smoky in three brisk moves.
Locals will steer you to 1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, a dining room that hums with repeat customers. The turkey sandwich surprises with smoke that runs deep without heaviness.
Sauces let you improvise: mild for balance, hot for a happy sting, and that signature bottle for pure nostalgia.
Grab ribs half-slab, pair with barbecue spaghetti if you like a Memphis twist, and do not be shy with extra sauce. Beans are hearty, mac is comforting, and Texas toast is perfect for mop duty.
You leave marked by a little pepper and a lot of satisfaction, already plotting what to order next time.
6. Peg Leg Porker
Dry-rub devotion runs the show at Peg Leg Porker, where ribs wear a savory crust that does not need a glaze. Each bite leans smoky and balanced, more about spice and patience than sweetness.
Pulled pork arrives tender and clean, a perfect canvas for a vinegar pop.
Find the fun at 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203, where the Gulch buzz meets pit grit. The line often loops, but service moves briskly, and the vibe makes waiting part of the ritual.
Order the dry ribs and a side of white beans for a simple, satisfying contrast.
Mac and cheese comes creamy, with cornbread on deck for sopping up juices. If you like a crisp edge, ask for end cuts and thank me later.
The pit smoke hangs in your clothes like a souvenir, and you will wear it proudly walking back to your car.
7. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Whole-hog ambition powers Martin’s, where pork gets the royal treatment from snout to shank. The chopped shoulder carries a whisper of crispy skin, and the sauce options let you tune the brightness just right.
Brisket leans juicy with a peppery crust, an unexpected but welcome anchor on the tray.
Make your way to 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, a sprawling space that buzzes like a street party. Sides show Southern comfort with fresh flair, from broccoli salad to cornbread dressed in butter.
You might hear the crackle from the pit and catch that sweet wood perfume.
Go for the Redneck Taco if you want handheld joy: cornbread hoecake, pulled pork, slaw, sauce, done. Add ribs for sharing and a banana pudding chaser.
When you finally sit, the crowd noise softens into a happy background, and your tray becomes the center of the universe.
8. Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Neighborhood charm meets serious smoke at Edley’s, where the line flows past a parade of trays. Smoked turkey is a sleeper favorite, juicy and lightly kissed with oak, perfect with a dab of Alabama-style white sauce.
Pulled pork stacks high and easy, asking only for slaw and a soft bun.
Slide into 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, where the 12 South energy keeps things lively. You will likely spot a platter with ribs showing a balanced bark and a shine of glaze.
Sides feel homemade, especially the green beans and baked potato salad with just-right tang.
Try the Tuck Special if it is on rotation, or build a combo with turkey, pork, and a cornbread wedge. Sweet tea keeps pace with smoky bites, resetting your palate between sauces.
Before leaving, you will promise yourself a return trip, probably with a couple of friends in tow.
9. Jack’s Bar-B-Que
Old-school counter service sets the tone at Jack’s, where you watch the cutters work their craft. Brisket gets sliced to order with a rosy ring and pepper bark, while pork shoulders rest ready for pull and pile.
Sauces span sweet to tangy, making every plate customizable without fuss.
Step inside the downtown spot at 416 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, and you will see why locals rely on it. The line moves with quick precision, which is nice when honky-tonk plans are waiting.
Ribs lean traditional, tender with a sauce-forward finish that sticks just enough.
Grab a two-meat plate and add turnip greens and mac for balance and cream. Texas toast stands by for sopping, dependable as an old friend.
By the time you hit the last bite, you will forget you ever considered eating anywhere else that afternoon.
10. Sweet P’s Barbecue & Soul House
Comfort takes center stage at Sweet P’s, where barbecue leans soulful rather than flashy. Pulled pork coaxes you in with gentle smoke and a tender, juicy tumble.
Collards arrive silky and seasoned, doing quiet but essential support work on the plate.
Head to 3029 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, and claim a table near the chalkboard menu. Ribs deliver a balanced chew with a glaze that never shouts, letting the meat speak first.
The sauces are thoughtful accents, brightening without drowning the slow-cooked character.
Round things out with cornbread and a scoop of potato salad that whispers dill. Banana pudding, naturally, provides the soft landing you were hoping for.
You leave lighter in spirit and heavier in the best way, the kind of full that makes conversation slow and smiles linger.
11. Dead End BBQ
Consistency is the calling card at Dead End BBQ, where platters look as good as they taste. Brisket shows off a respectful smoke ring and buttery slices, while ribs offer a confident tug before giving in.
Pulled pork keeps things classic, waiting for a flick of sauce to brighten the edges.
Make the pilgrimage to 3621 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, a spot that fills quickly on game days. The vibe is friendly, and the smoke perfumes the parking lot like a welcome flag.
Beans come studded with bits of meat, and mac is thick and soothing.
Try a three-meat plate if you cannot decide, then share so nobody misses out. A jalapeño sauce option adds a cheerful kick without hijacking the flavors.
You will walk out feeling like you joined a well-kept local habit, and it is one worth keeping.
12. Calhoun’s On The River
Riverside views set the mood at Calhoun’s On The River, where barbecue meets a little celebration. Ribs come glazed and approachable, ideal for friends who prefer a sweeter finish.
Brisket leans tender with a gentle bark, easy to enjoy while the sun drifts along the water.
Find the postcard setting at 130 Riverside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902, just steps from game day buzz. The menu accommodates groups, making it great for mixed cravings and picky eaters.
Sides like spinach Maria and smoky beans feel a touch indulgent in the best way.
Order a sampler to match the scenery and let everyone steal a bite. Cornbread carries a faint sweetness, handy for mopping up stray sauce.
When the check arrives, you may linger anyway, watching boats drift past and wishing the evening would take its time.
13. B.E. Scott’s BBQ
Tradition is tangible at B.E. Scott’s, where whole-hog barbecue turns time into flavor.
You get gentle smoke, bits of bark, and a touch of luscious fat folded into every chopped bite. Sandwiches come with slaw that snaps, offering contrast and a kiss of sweetness.
Steer toward 102 Hwy 45 Bypass N, Lexington, TN 38351, where the pit magic has fueled loyal fans for decades. The sauce rides vinegar-forward, refreshing rather than sticky, perfect for whole-hog nuance.
Portions are generous, so bring a friend or an appetite ambitious enough to qualify as company.
Order a tray with cracklins if available, because texture tells stories smoke alone cannot. Beans add comfort, and the potato salad keeps things grounded and familiar.
As you leave, the road seems shorter, probably because your thoughts are already looping back to the pit.
14. A & R Bar-B-Que
Rib tips and pork sandwiches headline at A & R, a Memphis standby with loyal regulars. The tips come glossy and snackable, little treasures with crispy edges and pockets of juiciness.
A pork sandwich stacks high with slaw, balancing richness with playful crunch.
Make your way to 5642 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, where the counter crew keeps orders flying. Sausage links add a peppery change-up, perfect with a side of beans.
Sauce trends sweet with a hint of heat, exactly what rib tips love.
Grab an extra napkin and do not rush the tray, because nibbling is half the fun here. Fries ride along for dipping duty, and banana pudding is a respectful final bow.
As the door swings shut, smoke follows like a friendly wave, already nudging you back for another visit.