Picking the Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Nashville is a tad difficult when Nashville is home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the country, each offering its own unique spin on classic Southern flavors. From the traditional smoky meats at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint to the upscale Southern cuisine at The Southern Steak & Oyster, there is no shortage of delicious barbecue options in Nashville. Peg Leg Porker’s award-winning ribs and Edley’s Bar-B-Que’s mouth-watering brisket are also not to be missed.
1. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint: Martin’s, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, with several locations across the city. Customers rave about the tender and flavorful smoked meats, especially the brisket and ribs. Martin’s also offers a variety of sauces to accompany the meat, as well as delicious sides like mac and cheese and baked beans.
2. Peg Leg Porker: Peg Leg Porker, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is known for its award-winning dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork. Customers love the smoky flavor and tenderness of the meat, as well as the tasty sides like cornbread and collard greens. Peg Leg Porker also has a great selection of whiskey, which pairs well with the barbecue.
3. Edley’s Bar-B-Que: Edley’s, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is a local favorite for barbecue in Nashville, with several locations around the city. Customers love the juicy brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken, as well as the tasty sides like fried okra and banana pudding. Edley’s also offers a great selection of craft beer and cocktails to enjoy with your meal.
4. Jack’s Bar-B-Que: Jack’s, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, has been a Nashville institution for over 40 years, serving up delicious barbecue to locals and visitors alike. Customers rave about the tender and flavorful smoked meats, especially the brisket and pulled pork. Jack’s also offers a variety of sauces to accompany the meat, as well as classic Southern sides like cornbread and baked beans.
5. The Southern Steak & Oyster: While not strictly a barbecue restaurant, The Southern Steak & Oyster, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, offers some of the best smoked meats in Nashville. Customers love the tender and flavorful brisket and pulled pork, as well as the creative sides like mac and cheese with bacon and truffle oil. The Southern also has a great selection of craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere, making it a fun spot for a night out.
Top 5 Barbecue Restaurants in Nashville
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint:
Address: Multiple locations across Nashville, including 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Phone Number: (615) 288-0880
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, one of the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is a popular barbecue restaurant in Nashville known for its tender and flavorful smoked meats. The interior of the restaurant is rustic and inviting, with wooden tables and chairs and a large bar area.
The menu features a variety of meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and chicken, all smoked low and slow over hickory wood. Customers can choose from a variety of sauces to accompany their meat, including the famous “Alabama White Sauce.” Martin’s also offers delicious sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw.
One unique feature of Martin’s is their “Redneck Taco,” which features a cornbread hoecake topped with smoked brisket, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw. They also offer a wide selection of craft beer and bourbon, making it a great spot for a casual meal or night out.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket Plate – A generous portion of tender and juicy sliced brisket, slow-smoked over hickory wood and served with your choice of two sides. Martin’s brisket is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
▣ Half Chicken Plate – A half chicken, smoked low and slow to perfection, served with your choice of two sides. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy skin that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork shoulder pulled and piled high on a soft bun, topped with Martin’s signature Alabama White Sauce and served with your choice of one side. The pork is tender and smoky, with just the right amount of seasoning.
▣ Smoked Turkey Plate – Sliced turkey breast, smoked to perfection and served with your choice of two sides. The turkey is moist and flavorful, with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tangy barbecue sauce.
▣ Beef Rib Plate – A full beef rib, slow-smoked over hickory wood and served with your choice of two sides. The beef rib is rich and flavorful, with a tender texture that falls off the bone. It’s a must-try for any barbecue lover looking for something a little different from the traditional pork ribs.
The service at Martin’s is friendly and efficient, with staff members happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. Food is served quickly, and customers can enjoy their meal at the communal picnic tables or at the bar.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich with mac and cheese and it was delicious. The brisket was tender and flavorful, and the mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy. The atmosphere was casual and fun, and the staff was friendly and helpful.”
“The ribs at Martin’s are some of the best I’ve ever had. They were fall-off-the-bone tender and had a great smoky flavor. I also loved the variety of sauces to choose from. The restaurant has a great vibe, with live music and a fun atmosphere.”
“The Redneck Taco at Martin’s is a must-try. The cornbread hoecake was the perfect base for the tender brisket and tangy coleslaw. The beer selection was also great, with lots of local options. The staff was friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.”
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is a top-rated barbecue spot in Nashville, known for its tender and flavorful smoked meats, variety of sauces, and delicious sides. The interior is rustic and inviting, and the service is friendly and efficient. Customers rave about the brisket, ribs, and Redneck Taco, as well as the craft beer and bourbon selection. They rank amid the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Nashville for good reasons.
Peg Leg Porker
Address: 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Phone Number: (615) 829-6023
Peg Leg Porker, one of the most popular Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is a classic barbecue restaurant located in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with wood-paneled walls, a large bar area, and plenty of seating.
The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. Customers can choose from a variety of sauces, including the famous “Peg Leg Sauce,” a tangy and slightly sweet blend that complements the smoky meat perfectly. Peg Leg Porker also offers classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.
One unique feature of Peg Leg Porker is its founder, Carey Bringle, who is a world-renowned barbecue pitmaster with multiple awards to his name. The restaurant also has a famous “Peg Leg” mascot, a giant pig statue with a prosthetic leg that sits out front of the restaurant.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Dry-Rubbed Ribs – St. Louis-style pork ribs rubbed with a signature blend of dry spices and smoked low and slow over hickory wood. The ribs are meaty and tender, with a crispy bark on the outside and a juicy, flavorful interior.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork shoulder pulled and piled high on a soft bun, topped with Peg Leg Porker’s signature sauce and served with your choice of one side. The pork is juicy and flavorful, with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tangy sauce.
▣ Brisket Plate – A generous portion of sliced brisket, smoked to perfection and served with your choice of two sides. The brisket is tender and flavorful, with a rich smoky flavor that is enhanced by the restaurant’s signature sauce.
▣ Smoked Turkey Plate – Sliced turkey breast, smoked low and slow and served with your choice of two sides. The turkey is moist and flavorful, with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tangy barbecue sauce.
▣ Hot Links Plate – Grilled spicy sausage links, made with a blend of pork and beef and served with your choice of two sides. The sausage is juicy and flavorful, with a nice kick of heat that is balanced out by the smoky flavor of the meat.
The service at Peg Leg Porker is friendly and efficient, with staff members happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. Food is served quickly, and customers can enjoy their meal at the communal picnic tables or at the bar.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the dry-rubbed ribs and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender and had a great smoky flavor. I also loved the Peg Leg Sauce, which added just the right amount of tanginess to the meat. The mac and cheese was also delicious, with a creamy and cheesy sauce.”
“The pulled pork sandwich at Peg Leg Porker is a must-try. The pork was juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness. I also loved the tangy and slightly sweet Peg Leg Sauce, which added a great flavor to the sandwich. The collard greens were also a standout side dish.”
“I came to Peg Leg Porker specifically for the brisket, and it did not disappoint. The meat was tender and had a great smoky flavor that was perfectly complemented by the Peg Leg Sauce. The cornbread was also delicious, with a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.”
Peg Leg Porker is a classic barbecue spot in Nashville, known for its award-winning dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. The interior is cozy and inviting, and the service is friendly and efficient. Customers rave about the Peg Leg Sauce, as well as the classic Southern sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. They stand out among the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Address: Multiple locations across Nashville, including 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 10pm; Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Phone Number: (615) 953-2951
Edley’s Bar-B-Que, among the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is a popular barbecue restaurant known for its juicy meats and Southern sides. The interior of the restaurant is rustic and inviting, with wooden tables and chairs, a large bar area, and plenty of seating.
The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and ribs, all served with your choice of sauce. Customers can also choose from a variety of delicious sides, like mac and cheese, baked beans, and collard greens.
One unique feature of Edley’s is their “Tuck Special” sandwich, named after a local college football coach who used to frequent the restaurant. It features brisket, pimento cheese, an over-easy egg, and pickles on a soft bun. Edley’s also offers a great selection of local craft beers and whiskeys to pair with your meal.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Brisket Plate – A generous portion of tender and juicy sliced brisket, slow-smoked over hickory wood and served with your choice of two sides. Edley’s brisket is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
▣ Pulled Pork Sandwich – Slow-smoked pork shoulder pulled and piled high on a soft bun, topped with Edley’s signature sauce and served with your choice of one side. The pork is juicy and flavorful, with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tangy sauce.
▣ Smoked Chicken Plate – A half chicken, smoked to perfection and served with your choice of two sides. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a crispy skin that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
▣ Half Rack of Ribs – A half rack of St. Louis-style pork ribs, smoked low and slow and served with your choice of two sides. The ribs are meaty and tender, with a crispy bark on the outside and a juicy, flavorful interior.
▣ Tuck Special Sandwich – Named after a local college football coach, this sandwich features sliced brisket, pimento cheese, an over-easy egg, and pickles on a soft bun. It’s a unique combination of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy any barbecue lover.
The service at Edley’s is friendly and attentive, with staff members happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. Food is served quickly, and customers can enjoy their meal at the communal picnic tables or at the bar.
Customer Reviews:
“I had the brisket sandwich with mac and cheese and it was amazing. The brisket was juicy and flavorful, with a nice smoky flavor. The mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, with just the right amount of seasoning. The service was friendly and efficient, making for a great dining experience.”
“The Tuck Special at Edley’s is a must-try. The combination of brisket, pimento cheese, egg, and pickles is a flavor explosion. I also loved the smoked chicken, which was tender and juicy. The atmosphere is fun and inviting, with a great selection of craft beers to choose from.”
“The ribs at Edley’s are some of the best I’ve ever had. They were meaty and tender, with a great smoky flavor. I also loved the collard greens, which were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. The staff was friendly and helpful, making for a great dining experience overall.”
Edley’s Bar-B-Que is a top-rated barbecue spot in Nashville, known for its juicy meats, delicious sides, and great selection of local craft beers and whiskeys. The interior is rustic and inviting, and the service is friendly and attentive. Customers rave about the brisket, Tuck Special sandwich, and ribs, as well as the mac and cheese, collard greens, and other classic Southern sides. They deserve to be ranked among the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Nashville.
Jack’s Bar-B-Que
Address: Multiple locations across Nashville, including 416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 10pm
Phone Number: (615) 254-5715
Jack’s Bar-B-Que, another of the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is a classic barbecue joint located in the heart of Nashville’s downtown district. The interior of the restaurant is casual and inviting, with wood-paneled walls, communal picnic tables, and a bustling line at the counter.
The menu features a variety of smoked meats, including pork shoulder, beef brisket, and ribs, all served with Jack’s famous barbecue sauce. Customers can also choose from a variety of classic Southern sides, like baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw.
One unique feature of Jack’s is the fact that it operates out of a former gas station, giving it a retro and nostalgic feel. The restaurant also offers a variety of sauces to accompany their meats, including a spicy vinegar-based sauce and a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs well with the smoky meat.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Pork Shoulder Plate – A generous portion of tender and juicy pulled pork shoulder, slow-smoked over hickory wood and served with your choice of two sides. The pork is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
▣ Beef Brisket Plate – Sliced beef brisket, smoked low and slow to perfection and served with your choice of two sides. The brisket is tender and flavorful, with a rich smoky flavor that pairs well with the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce.
▣ Baby Back Rib Plate – A half rack of baby back pork ribs, smoked low and slow and served with your choice of two sides. The ribs are meaty and tender, with a crispy bark on the outside and a juicy, flavorful interior.
▣ Smoked Turkey Plate – Sliced turkey breast, smoked to perfection and served with your choice of two sides. The turkey is moist and flavorful, with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tangy barbecue sauce.
▣ BBQ Sandwich – A soft bun filled with your choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, or chicken, topped with Jack’s famous barbecue sauce and served with your choice of one side. It’s a classic barbecue sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
The service at Jack’s is quick and efficient, with customers ordering at the counter and receiving their food shortly after. The staff is friendly and happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions about the menu. Customers can enjoy their meal at the communal picnic tables or take it to-go.
Customer Reviews:
“The pork shoulder at Jack’s is a must-try. It was tender and juicy, with a great smoky flavor that was enhanced by the tangy barbecue sauce. The coleslaw was also a standout side dish, with a creamy dressing and a nice crunch from the cabbage.”
“The beef brisket at Jack’s was amazing. It was tender and flavorful, with a nice bark on the outside and a juicy, smoky interior. I also loved the baked beans, which had a great balance of sweetness and smokiness. The service was quick and efficient, making for a great lunch spot.”
“The ribs at Jack’s were some of the best I’ve ever had. They were meaty and tender, with a great smoky flavor that was complemented perfectly by the barbecue sauce. The mac and cheese was also delicious, with a creamy sauce and a nice cheesy flavor. Overall, a great spot for barbecue in Nashville.”
Jack’s Bar-B-Que is a classic barbecue joint in Nashville, known for its tender and flavorful smoked meats and classic Southern sides. The interior is casual and inviting, and the service is quick and efficient. Customers rave about the pork shoulder, beef brisket, and ribs, as well as the variety of sauces available. They have earned the rank of the top 5 Barbecue restaurants in Nashville.
The Southern Steak & Oyster
Address: 150 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm; Sunday, 10am – 9pm
Phone Number: (615) 724-1762
The Southern Steak & Oyster, amid the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville, is a high-end restaurant located in downtown Nashville, specializing in Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The interior is elegant and inviting, with a mix of leather booths, high-top tables, and a large bar area.
The menu features a variety of seafood, steak, and Southern-inspired dishes, like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and a variety of oysters. The restaurant is known for its signature “Meat and Three” option, which allows customers to choose one protein and three side dishes from a variety of options.
One unique feature of The Southern Steak & Oyster is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, with many of the restaurant’s ingredients coming from nearby farms and artisanal producers. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wine and cocktails to complement the menu.
Main Menu Items:
▣ Fried Chicken – Half of a fried chicken, brined in sweet tea and fried to a crispy golden brown, served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a biscuit. The chicken is known for its tender and juicy meat and crispy skin.
▣ Filet Mignon – A 6 oz. filet mignon, grilled to order and served with a choice of two sides. The steak is tender and flavorful, with a nice char on the outside and a juicy, pink interior.
▣ Shrimp and Grits – Sautéed shrimp, Andouille sausage, and peppers served over creamy stone-ground grits, topped with a spicy tomato gravy. The dish is a classic Southern staple with a flavorful twist.
▣ Oyster Sampler – A selection of six oysters, served raw or grilled, with a variety of toppings and sauces to choose from. The oysters are sourced locally and are known for their freshness and unique flavors.
▣ Meat and Three – A classic Southern meal featuring one protein and three side dishes. Protein options include fried catfish, roasted half chicken, smoked pork shoulder, and more. Side dish options include mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and a variety of seasonal vegetables.
The service at The Southern Steak & Oyster is impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff members providing a high-end dining experience. The restaurant is popular for special occasions and business dinners, and the staff is happy to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions.
Customer Reviews:
“The shrimp and grits at The Southern Steak & Oyster were amazing. The grits were creamy and cheesy, and the shrimp were perfectly cooked with a nice kick of spice. The oysters were also a standout, with a variety of unique flavors to choose from. The service was top-notch, making for a memorable dining experience.”
“The fried chicken at The Southern Steak & Oyster was some of the best I’ve ever had. It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a nice blend of spices. The collard greens and mac and cheese were also delicious, with a great balance of flavors. The restaurant’s upscale atmosphere and attentive service made for a great dining experience overall.”
“The steak at The Southern Steak & Oyster was cooked to perfection, with a nice sear on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. The roasted Brussels sprouts were also a standout, with a nice char and a tangy vinaigrette. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful, making for a great dining experience.”
The Southern Steak & Oyster is a high-end restaurant in downtown Nashville, specializing in Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The interior is elegant and inviting, and the service is top-notch. Customers rave about the shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and steak, as well as the variety of oysters and locally sourced ingredients. They can definitely be counted among the top Barbecue restaurants in Nashville.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to add these top five barbecue restaurants in Nashville to your dining itinerary.
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