10 Must-Try BBQ Spots In Tennessee, Ranked From Good To Unforgettable
One Tennessee barbecue legend sits in a downtown alley basement and has been cooking ribs over charcoal since 1948. A basement.
In an alley. That sounds less like a restaurant and more like the opening scene of a heist movie.
And the surprises keep stacking up. One spot near the Smokies shares its view with friendly goats.
Another serves barbecue on spaghetti, which sounds like a dare until you learn it’s a beloved tradition.
So what makes great barbecue unforgettable? Honestly, I think it’s the stories as much as the smoke.
Whole-hog pits, century-old roadside joints, and brisket pizza all live in this one state.
I ranked these ten from good to downright legendary. Fair warning: your stomach may start growling before you reach number five.
Which one would you drive across the state for first?
1. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que
Hickory and mesquite team up here, which feels like a smoky buddy-cop movie. The result lands right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que grills its meats over both woods. You can go big with baby back ribs, burnt ends, or juicy chicken.
Sandwich fans have options too. The brisket sandwich and pulled chicken sandwich are both solid picks for lunch.
Now for the plot twist. The chili gets serious love, with some calling it the best in Pigeon Forge.
Pair it with onion straws and spicy fried cheese. That combo sounds like a snack plan made by a very happy teenager.
Feeling adventurous? Deep fried deviled eggs are on the menu, and yes, they are exactly what they sound like.
A soup and salad bar adds a lighter side to the meal. It’s handy when your group includes someone who swears they just want greens.
Save room for Bennett’s Famous Home-Baked Cobbler. Dessert after barbecue isn’t a choice, it’s practically a Tennessee tradition.
The sauces also deserve a shout, including one called Puckering Pig. The name alone earns it a spot on your tray.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. Hours run late enough for a dinner stop after a day of mountain fun.
Address: 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
2. Sweet P’s Uptown Corner
A barbecue burrito made this Knoxville name famous on Man v. Food.
That’s a strong opening act for any restaurant.
Sweet P’s started with Chris Ford, a former lead singer of the funk-soul band Gran Torino. He spent years catering before opening his own place.
The Uptown Corner location sits on Tazewell Pike. Signature brisket and banana pudding are the headliners here.
Still, the menu goes deeper than the hits. Smoked meatloaf is a fun detour you won’t find at many barbecue spots.
Ribs, pulled chicken, and smoked wings round out the meat lineup. That BBQ Burrito is waiting too, ready for its encore.
Sides pull real weight at this spot. Think sautéed greens, fresh green beans, pinto beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese.
Not in a full barbecue mood? A Creole Cobb Salad and a Turkey Club Sandwich give you other paths.
Fried pickles and pork rinds make easy starters for the table. Sharing is optional, though your friends may disagree.
Dessert means banana pudding or chocolate chess pie. Honestly, choosing between them feels unfair.
The place is closed on Mondays. Late hours on weekends make it a good pick for a relaxed Knoxville dinner.
Address: 3029 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918
3. Boot Stompin’ BBQ
Texas-style brisket in the heart of Middle Tennessee? Boot Stompin’ BBQ says yes, and it says it with a smile.
This family-owned eatery in Columbia brings a Lone Star approach to the table. Smoked brisket is the signature, and it’s the obvious first order.
Pulled pork holds its own right beside it. You get a taste of two barbecue worlds in one stop.
Then come the specialty nachos. Barbecue on chips is a combo that rarely needs a sales pitch.
Ordering keeps things simple, with no table service. Grab your food and settle in at your own pace.
A private dining room is available for bigger plans. Catering is another option if your party is too large for the room.
Bringing your dog? Pups are allowed in the outdoor area, so your four-legged pal can join the adventure.
Timing matters with this one. Hours are limited, Tuesday through Saturday, and it closes early on most days.
Plan for lunch or an early dinner. Showing up late on a Sunday will only lead to sad, empty-stomach regret.
Columbia is an easy drive from Nashville. That makes this spot a smart detour for anyone exploring the area.
Address: 307 W 11th St, Columbia, TN 38401
4. Hinie’s BBQ
Brisket on a pizza might sound like a midnight snack idea. At Hinie’s BBQ in Lawrenceburg, it’s a real menu star.
Slow-smoked brisket and ribs anchor this roadside spot on US-43. The brisket shows up in more places than you’d expect.
You’ll find it in brisket mac and cheese and brisket nachos. It’s like the brisket got a long list of guest appearances.
Sandwich lovers can pick pulled pork or brisket. Both come with that deep smoky flavor the place is known for.
Platters work well for bigger appetites. The Sliced Brisket Platter and Pulled Pork Platter cover the classics nicely.
Pizza fans in your group won’t feel left out either. Cheese and pepperoni pizzas sit right alongside the barbecue.
Classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw keep things traditional. A salad bar adds some fresh options too.
Banana pudding closes the meal on a sweet note. It’s the kind of finish that makes the drive home happier.
Families get high chairs, a kids’ menu, and changing tables. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
The place is open seven days a week. That’s great news if your barbecue craving refuses to follow a schedule.
Address: 2782 US-43, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
5. Sugar’s Ribs
Goats and ribs make an unusual pairing. At Sugar’s Ribs in Chattanooga, both are part of the experience.
Friendly goats live on site, and kids tend to love them. Adults do too, though they may pretend to be cool about it.
The setting also comes with a nice view of Chattanooga. Indoor and outdoor seating let you pick your scenery.
Ribs are the main event, as the name promises. They’re known for a crispy outside and tender, moist inside.
Portions run big, so bring a friend or a takeout box. The Q for 2 BBQ Sampler makes sharing easy.
Pulled pork is another strong pick. Pork butt here earns praise for being melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Now, about those potatoes. Crispy potatoes are a standout, and the Crispy Potato Nachos turn them into a full snack.
Sides stay simple and smart. Vinegar slaw and roasted onions add a bright, tangy balance to the smoky meat.
Jesslyn’s Banana Pudding wraps things up. Somehow there is always room for pudding, even after a giant rib plate.
Hours run daily from late morning to evening. That makes it easy to fit into any Chattanooga trip.
Address: 2450 15th Ave, Chattanooga, TN
6. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
A whole-hog pit sits right in the dining room here. It’s basically the star of the show, and it knows it.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint follows the West Tennessee whole-hog tradition. Pitmaster Pat Martin founded the business in 2006.
The Nolensville location was the original home base. Its woodsy, eclectic decor gives the room plenty of character.
Meats are pit-cooked, and the kitchen makes sides and sauces from scratch daily. That kind of effort shows up on the plate.
Brisket comes fork-tender, and the spare ribs are a solid pick. Smoked turkey and smoked wings broaden your choices.
Curious about something new? The Redneck Taco piles pulled meat and coleslaw on a cornbread hoecake.
A smoked bologna sandwich is also on the menu. It’s a Southern classic that deserves more fans.
Farmhand Fries and a BBQ Baked Potato make hearty sides. Brunswick Stew is another comforting option.
Here’s a handy perk for busy days. This location offers a drive-through, so barbecue can happen even on a tight schedule.
TVs make it a fine stop during a big game. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area too.
Address: 7223 Nolensville Rd, Nolensville, TN 37135
7. Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q
Roughly a century of barbecue history lives in a small town off US-70. Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q is the kind of stop that feels like time travel.
The vibe leans old-fashioned, with an early 1900s feel. It’s a historic barbecue destination in Mason, between Memphis and Jackson.
Pulled pork is the signature here. It’s tender, classic, and the reason many folks pull off the highway.
Ribs are another favorite. Catfish also shows up for anyone who wants something from the fryer.
Speaking of fried goodies, the sides deliver. Onion rings, hush puppies, and fried green tomatoes all earn a spot.
Potato salad and seasoned fries keep things balanced. A sauce assortment lets you play mad scientist with your plate.
Homemade pies are a big part of the appeal. Skipping dessert here would feel like leaving a concert before the encore.
Early birds, rejoice. Bozo’s opens at 10:30 AM Tuesday through Saturday.
The parking lot is roomy, even for big trucks. That makes it a smart pit stop on a long West Tennessee drive.
Reservations are accepted, which helps for groups. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 342 US-70, Mason, TN 38049
8. Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Memphis Sushi is on the menu, and no, there’s no raw fish involved. Peg Leg Porker BBQ just likes to keep you guessing.
Pitmaster Carey Bringle opened this family-run spot in Nashville in 2013. He has cooked at the James Beard House twice.
Memphis-style dry rub ribs are the headliner. They bring bold seasoning without needing a pool of sauce.
Pulled pork sandwiches get a slap of slaw on top. It’s a crunchy, tangy move that just works.
Starters keep the fun rolling. Try pork rinds, pimento cheese, Peg Leg Wings, or even fried ribs.
Dessert comes with choices too. Banana pudding and fried pies both make a strong case.
Seating includes indoor tables, a patio, and rooftop space. A rooftop barbecue meal feels like a small Nashville vacation.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. That’s handy when your hunger is already throwing a fit.
Sunday hours end early in the afternoon. Plan ahead if you’re craving ribs before heading home.
Address: 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203
9. The Bar-B-Q Shop
Barbecue spaghetti is a Memphis specialty, and this is a classic place to try it. Yes, pasta and smoked pork really do get along.
The Bar-B-Q Shop sits on Madison Avenue in Midtown Memphis. Its pub-like room has a small, old-school charm.
Sauces and dry seasonings are a big deal here. The Dancing Pigs sauce and seasoning are well known around town.
Can’t choose between wet and dry ribs? Order the Half & Half Ribs and settle the debate the tasty way.
The Bar-B-Q Half Chicken is another strong option. It’s a nice pick for anyone who wants a break from pork.
Pork sandwiches stay true to Memphis style. A smoked turkey sandwich plate is also available.
Bar-B-Q Nachos make a solid starter for the table. Seasoned fries and cole slaw are easy side picks.
For dessert, there’s Chocolate Silk Pie. It’s smooth, rich, and a sweet way to end a smoky meal.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday. Weekend evenings get busy, so a weekday lunch can be a smart move.
Visiting Memphis without trying barbecue spaghetti feels like skipping Graceland. Don’t leave town with that regret.
Address: 1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
10. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
Down an alley and into a basement, a Memphis legend has been cooking since 1948. Finding it feels like unlocking a secret level.
Charlie Vergos founded the Rendezvous as an 80-seat tavern. Today, his three children run the place and keep the original rib taste alive.
Charcoal-broiled ribs are the reason for the pilgrimage. They’re basted in a vinegar solution and finished with a secret spice blend.
The walls are covered with vintage memorabilia. You could spend your wait just reading the room like a museum.
Speaking of waits, there’s usually one. Reservations are accepted, so planning ahead can save your patience.
Beyond ribs, the menu covers Southern favorites. Pork shoulder plates, brisket, and grilled chicken all make the list.
The Cheese & Sausage Plate is a classic starter. It’s simple, satisfying, and very Memphis.
Then there’s a sweet family touch. Mama’s Real Greek Salad uses a recipe from Mama’s village in Greece.
Save room for key lime pie or a pecan pie tart. Your belt may protest, but your taste buds won’t.
The Rendezvous is closed Sundays and Mondays. Plan your Tennessee barbecue finale for later in the week.
Address: 52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103