We Ranked 10 Of The Top BBQ Restaurants In Tennessee And Here’s Who Made The Cut

Ranking barbecue in Tennessee is asking for an argument, and that is exactly what makes it fun.

This state takes smoked meat seriously. Whole hog barbecue, dry ribs, chopped pork, sliced ham, brisket, and sauce styles all have loyal fans, and people will drive a long way for the version they believe gets it right.

So how do you narrow all of that down?

We looked at the restaurants that keep earning attention for the food itself, not just the name on the sign. Some are old school institutions with decades behind them.

Others are newer spots that built a following fast because the smoke, bark, tenderness, and sides all deliver.

Tennessee barbecue changes depending on where you are, which makes this list even harder to rank. Still, a few places rise above the rest.

Here is who made the cut and where they landed.

1. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Some places serve lunch. Others throw a full-on party and happen to serve lunch too.

That second group is where this downtown Nashville favorite lives, right on 4th Avenue South.

The building has big roadhouse energy. Out back, a huge garden area offers plenty of seats, lawn games, and a stage for live music.

Inside, there are four separate bars and a space called the Rutledge Room.

That room is a nod to Nashville’s long history as a listening room town for musicians. It fits nicely, since Music City Center and Lower Broadway are just a short stroll away.

You can grab a plate and still catch the sounds of the city.

The real star is West Tennessee whole hog barbecue. Whole hogs are smoked over local hickory wood for up to 22 to 24 hours. That is basically a full day of patience in every bite.

Beyond the hog, the menu at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint gets playful. Redneck Tacos stack barbecue in a fun, messy way, and the BBQ Nachos are made for sharing.

Pulled pork, chicken, and burgers round things out nicely.

Groups with picky eaters will find something for everyone here. Come hungry, plan to linger, and maybe bring a friend who can sing along. The stage might inspire you.

2. Shotgun Willie’s BBQ

Texas called, and it wanted some brisket delivered to Tennessee. The answer sits at 1500 Gallatin Pike South in Madison, close to the Inglewood and East Nashville neighborhoods.

You will find Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint at the edge of a modern building inside an older shopping center. The newer, bigger space means more smokers and more seats. That is good news for anyone who hates waiting.

Inside, the feel is relaxed and easygoing. Comfy booths and picnic tables fill the room. Road signs and Texas memorabilia cover the walls, along with music touches that honor Nashville’s history.

Live music shows up sometimes, too. So you might get a tune with your tray.

Now, the food. The brisket is USDA Prime, which is a top grade of beef. Hill Country sausage brings a snappy bite, and the pork ribs keep it simple with salt and pepper.

Pulled pork and Texas-style chicken are popular picks as well. Do not skip the sides, though.

Green beans cooked with smoked brisket taste like a vegetable that went to barbecue school. The mac and queso is another winner. It is creamy, cheesy, and brightened with red and chili peppers.

Pair it with brisket and you have a two-state friendship on one plate.

3. Central BBQ – Downtown

History lesson in the morning, ribs in the afternoon. That is a pretty great day in Memphis, and this spot on East Butler Avenue makes it easy.

Central BBQ – Downtown sits near the National Civil Rights Museum. Many visitors pair a meaningful museum trip with a hearty meal just steps away. It is a smart plan for families exploring downtown.

The mood here is laid-back and friendly. There is outdoor seating for sunny days, and live music often fills the air. Service tends to feel warm and welcoming.

Flavor starts long before the meat hits the smoker. Each cut gets a special dry rub spice blend and a 24-hour marinade. Then it is slow-smoked until tender.

The award-winning ribs are the headliner. Pulled pork and brisket are close behind, and signature sauces let you pick your own adventure. Try a few and find your favorite.

Wings here are big and meaty. Smoked sausage is another solid choice. The barbecue nachos are famous enough to deserve their own fan club.

One small detail stands out, though. The potato chips are homemade and prepared by hand.

They are crispy, fresh, and dangerously easy to keep eating. Consider yourself warned before the basket empties.

4. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

Down an alley and below street level, a Memphis legend waits. Finding it feels a little like a treasure hunt, except the prize is ribs.

The address is 52 South 2nd Street, right in the heart of downtown. It is only steps from the famous Peabody Memphis hotel.

Once you head downstairs, the basement setting tells you this place is special.

Vintage memorabilia covers the walls and captures old Memphis charm. The smell of charcoal and spice drifts through the room.

Blues music and happy chatter mix together like a perfect soundtrack.

These ribs break a few rules. Instead of slow smoking, they are cooked over charcoal, close to the fire. The result has a style all its own.

After cooking, the ribs get a vinegar wash. Then they are covered with a secret dry rub that has been passed down for generations. The seasoning even draws inspiration from Greek heritage.

That mix of Southern cooking and Greek flavor is part of the magic. It is a true Tennessee original.

If ribs are not your thing, brisket and barbecue chicken are here too. Red beans and rice make a classic side. Expect to leave with a full belly and a new favorite story about Memphis.

5. The Bar-B-Q Shop

Spaghetti and barbecue sound like an odd couple at first. Then you try them together and wonder why every kitchen is not doing it.

This Midtown Memphis spot on Madison Avenue is known as the originator of barbecue spaghetti. That is a big claim to fame in a city full of pitmasters.

It sits a short trip from the lively Overton Square Entertainment District.

The atmosphere feels warm and cozy. Southern hospitality blends with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. It is the kind of place where you settle in and stay a while.

Barbecue here is pit-cooked and slow-smoked. Ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket all get plenty of time and care. The award-winning results speak for themselves.

Secret family recipes give the sauces and rubs their special flavor. Those sauce recipes have been perfected over five decades. That is fifty years of tasting, tweaking, and getting it just right.

Dry-rub ribs are a favorite for folks who like their spice up front. Pulled pork sandwiches are another easy win, especially for first-timers.

Still, the barbecue spaghetti deserves a spot on your table. Order it at least once, even if you split it. Then you can tell friends you tried the original.

6. Cozy Corner Restaurant

Ever had barbecue Cornish game hen? A small bird with big smoky flavor is one of the signature treats at this Memphis classic.

Look for the corner of North Parkway and Manassas Street. The building is simple and humble on the outside. Inside, it feels like stopping by a relative’s kitchen.

Orders at Cozy Corner Restaurant happen at a self-service counter. A smoker even sits right in the entry area, so the aroma greets you first. Blues music often hums through the small dining room.

Family is the heart of this place. Four generations have worked behind the scenes. That kind of teamwork shows up in every plate.

The barbecue is cooked in a Chicago-style smoker, which is a bit unusual for Memphis. Ribs come out sweet and tangy.

Sliced pork shoulder and smoked beef sausage are also local favorites.

Smoked bologna sandwiches are worth a try for the curious. Barbecued spaghetti, a true Memphis staple, shows up on the menu too.

Save room for dessert, because you will want it. Homemade banana pudding is creamy and comforting.

Sweet potato pie is another sweet way to wrap things up. Fancy decor is not the point here. Good food and a homey feeling are what keep people coming back.

7. Peg Leg Porker BBQ

No frills, no fuss, just really good ribs. That simple idea guides this family-owned favorite in The Gulch neighborhood of Nashville.

You will find Peg Leg Porker BBQ on Gleaves Street, surrounded by one of the city’s busiest areas. The Gulch is full of shops and new buildings.

Yet this spot stays focused on what matters most, which is the food.

Service is fast-casual and friendly. The team takes pride in Southern hospitality and great customer care. It is a quick stop that still feels personal.

West Tennessee-style barbecue rules the menu. The dry-rubbed, hickory-smoked ribs earn the most praise. They are flavorful enough that sauce becomes optional.

Pulled pork is tender and a solid choice for sandwiches. Wings are another popular pick for those who like to eat with their hands.

Freshness is a big deal here. All the meats are smoked fresh every day. The sides are made from scratch, so even the extras get real attention.

On a nice day, the patio is the place to be. Grab a seat outside, enjoy the Nashville air, and dig in.

It is a handy break between exploring the neighborhood and heading back downtown. Your appetite will thank you.

8. Ridgewood Barbecue

Mountain roads lead to some of the best surprises. Out in East Tennessee, one of them involves smoked ham and a famous tangy sauce.

This classic sits at 900 Elizabethton Highway in Bluff City, on Old Highway 19E. A mountainside rises behind it in a quiet small-town setting.

Reaching it means following a two-lane road into a little holler.

The building has kept its original charm on purpose. There are no trendy updates or extra decorations. It feels pleasantly frozen in time.

For over 75 years, the restaurant has served the flavors of Southern Appalachia. That is a long run for any eatery. Clearly, the recipe works.

Ham is the signature here, not pulled pork. It is pit-cooked over hickory wood for eight hours. Then it is sliced thin and piled high with a tangy sauce.

That sauce is a closely guarded family recipe. It contains more than 24 different ingredients. Good luck guessing them all.

Hand-cut fries are a must on the side. A house-made blue cheese appetizer is another popular start.

Barbecue beef is available for anyone who wants a change. Plan your trip around a scenic drive through the hills. The ride makes the meal taste even better.

9. Payne’s Bar-B-Que

Yellow slaw on a pork sandwich might raise an eyebrow. One bite usually turns that eyebrow into a big grin.

That famous combo comes from a South Midtown Memphis spot on Lamar Avenue. Payne’s Bar-B-Que sits at the corner of McLean Boulevard. The restaurant first started inside an old gas station.

Today, the outside is plain cinder block. The inside is simple and unfussy. Nobody comes here for fancy chairs.

They come for the pit. It is set right into a wall, and hickory coals burn there for nearly 24 hours a day. A light smoky haze sometimes floats through the dining room.

For more than five decades, this has been a neighborhood favorite. That kind of staying power is rare.

The pulled pork sandwich is the main event. Slow-cooked pork gets topped with a tangy, mustard-based coleslaw. The crunch and tang balance the smoky meat perfectly.

Feeling adventurous? Try the BBQ bologna, a thick slab smoked over hot coals. Smoked sausage and ribs are tasty options too.

Baked beans make the classic side to round out the meal. Order a sandwich, grab extra napkins, and enjoy a true slice of Memphis food history. Simple can be seriously delicious.

10. B.E. Scott’s BBQ

Road trips between Memphis and Nashville just got a delicious pit stop. Pull off US-412 in Lexington and follow the smell of wood smoke.

This family-run joint keeps things simple. You order and pick up your food at a window. All the attention goes straight to the barbecue.

A large smokehouse stands on the property. It shows just how serious this crew is about the craft. Smoking whole hogs takes space, time, and plenty of skill.

Whole hog cooking is the classic West Tennessee way. Entire hogs cook slowly over wood coals. That patient method gives the meat a deep, smoky flavor.

Pulled pork sandwiches are the top sellers at B.E. Scott’s BBQ.

The pork is often chopped and served with a zesty vinegar and pepper sauce. A vinegar-based slaw adds a cool, tangy crunch.

Hungry for more? BBQ plates, chicken, bologna, and ribs are all on the menu.

Leave room for the homemade fried pies, though. They are warm, flaky, and a sweet finish for the road ahead. Grab an extra for the car ride if you dare.

Few stops capture Tennessee barbecue tradition quite like this one. It is a fitting final stop on a smoky tour across the state.