12 Tennessee BBQ Spots That Locals Swear Outdo the Big Chains
Tennessee knows barbecue like Nashville knows country music—deeply, passionately, and with a whole lot of soul.
While big chains serve up their mass-produced ribs and predictable sides, the real magic happens in local joints where pitmasters have been perfecting their craft for decades.
These beloved BBQ spots across the Volunteer State offer smoky, tender meats that’ll make you forget those chain restaurants ever existed.
Get ready to discover where Tennesseans really go when they’re craving authentic, mouthwatering barbecue that’s worth every napkin you’ll need.
1. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Nashville
Whole hog barbecue isn’t just a cooking method here—it’s practically a religion, and Martin’s treats it with the reverence it deserves.
Pat Martin started this operation with a passion for West Tennessee-style BBQ, and boy, has he delivered on that promise.
Located at 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, this spot sits right in the heart of downtown where tourists and locals alike line up for the good stuff.
The pulled pork practically melts on your tongue, having been slow-smoked over hickory wood until it reaches that perfect balance of crispy bark and tender inside.
Their Alabama white sauce adds a fun change of pace, though Martin’s is far better known for its traditional Tennessee-style sauces than for white sauce.
The sides deserve their own standing ovation, especially the smoked wings that could honestly be the main event.
You’ll find bourbon on the menu too, because nothing pairs with smoky meat quite like a good Tennessee whiskey.
Rustic wooden tables and a no-frills atmosphere let the food do all the talking, and trust me, it’s got plenty to say.
2. Peg Leg Porker – Nashville
A pitmaster who also makes award-winning bourbon?
That’s Carey Bringle for you, and his restaurant at 903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203 is living proof that he’s mastered both crafts.
The name comes from Carey’s prosthetic leg, which he wears with pride and humor that’s reflected throughout this fun, welcoming establishment.
Dry-rubbed ribs are the star attraction here, coated in a secret blend of spices that creates an incredible crust without overpowering the natural pork flavor.
Every rack gets kissed by hickory smoke for hours, resulting in meat that pulls away from the bone with barely any effort.
The brisket is a solid menu item, though the restaurant is far more known for its ribs and pork than for Texas-style brisket.
Don’t skip the house-made sauces—they range from tangy vinegar-based to sweet and thick, each one complementing the meats differently.
Bourbon barrel tables add character to the space, reminding you that this place combines Tennessee’s two greatest culinary traditions in one delicious package.
3. Edley’s Bar-B-Que – Nashville
East Nashville’s favorite BBQ hangout sits at 908 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206, though you’ll find several other locations around town.
What started as one pitmaster’s dream has grown into a local empire, but they haven’t lost that neighborhood feel that made them special.
The banana pudding here is so legendary that people order it before they even finish their main course—seriously, it’s that good.
Smoked turkey might sound boring compared to ribs and brisket, but Edley’s version will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about poultry.
Their “Southern Sampler” platter lets you taste multiple meats at once, which is perfect for indecisive folks or anyone who wants the full experience.
Craft beer selections rotate regularly, always featuring Tennessee breweries alongside the barbecue offerings.
Kids eat free on certain nights at some locations, though availability can vary, making it worth double-checking before you go.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering, with picnic-style tables and a laid-back vibe that screams authentic Tennessee hospitality.
4. Central BBQ – Nashville
Memphis barbecue made its way to Nashville, and we’re all better for it.
Central BBQ started in Memphis but opened this Nashville location at 408 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, bringing their award-winning recipes to Music City.
BBQ nachos are the cult favorite here—crispy tortilla chips buried under pulled pork, cheese, and all the fixings your heart desires.
One order could easily feed two people, but good luck finding anyone willing to share once they get a taste.
The ribs come wet or dry, depending on your preference, though regulars swear by the dry rub that’s been perfected over decades.
Pulled pork sandwiches arrive piled high with meat that’s been smoked low and slow until it practically dissolves on your tongue.
Their sauce selection ranges from mild to “why am I sweating?” with every level in between for those who like a little heat.
The restaurant’s walls showcase BBQ competition awards and trophies, proof that their reputation isn’t just local hype but nationally recognized excellence.
5. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ – Memphis
Since 1984, Corky’s has been serving up Memphis-style barbecue that locals consider the gold standard.
You’ll find this beloved location at 1740 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38016, among several spots scattered around the Memphis area.
Their ribs have won so many awards that the restaurant could probably wallpaper the entire building with certificates and ribbons.
Baby back ribs get brushed with their signature sauce that strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and just a hint of spice.
The meat falls off the bone without being overcooked—a tricky balance that separates amateur pitmasters from the pros.
Pulled pork shoulder comes chopped or sliced, each preparation highlighting different textures and flavors of the same incredible meat.
Sides like BBQ beans and coleslaw taste homemade because they are, following recipes that haven’t changed in nearly four decades.
Family packs make it easy to feed a crowd, which explains why you’ll see people loading up their cars with takeout bags on weekends.
6. Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant – Memphis
Right on Elvis Presley Boulevard at 4381, Memphis, TN 38116, Marlowe’s has been feeding hungry visitors and locals since way back when.
The location near Graceland means tourists flock here, but don’t let that fool you—this is authentic Memphis BBQ through and through.
Soul food meets barbecue on a menu that celebrates everything delicious about Southern cooking traditions.
Rib tips are the hidden gem here, often overlooked but packed with flavor and priced lower than full racks.
Their sauce leans toward the sweeter side, which Memphis BBQ lovers appreciate as the traditional style of the region.
Catfish plates share menu space with smoked meats, giving you options if your dining companions aren’t in a BBQ mood.
Portions are absolutely massive—come hungry or plan to take home enough leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
The casual, almost cafeteria-style setup keeps prices reasonable and service quick, perfect for when you’re craving great food without the fancy restaurant fuss.
7. Shotgun Willie’s BBQ – Nashville
Texas-style barbecue found a home in Tennessee at 4000 Gallatin Pike Suite B, Nashville, TN 37216, and locals couldn’t be happier about it.
Shotgun Willie’s brings that Central Texas tradition of beef brisket smoked to perfection with just salt, pepper, and time.
The bark on their brisket is dark, peppery, and absolutely gorgeous—exactly what you want to see when ordering this notoriously difficult meat.
Sliced thick or chopped, the brisket stays moist and tender with fat that’s rendered down into buttery goodness.
Sausage links snap when you bite into them, releasing juices and spices that complement the milder brisket beautifully.
Their approach to sides keeps things simple—beans, slaw, potato salad—letting the smoked meats remain the undisputed stars of every plate.
Counter service keeps the experience casual and quick, though you’ll want to linger over every bite of that incredible brisket.
The stripped-down decor and focus on food quality over fancy presentation is very much in the Texas BBQ tradition that inspired this Nashville gem.
8. Sweet P’s Barbecue & Soul House – Knoxville
Knoxville’s BBQ scene got a major upgrade when Sweet P’s opened at 3725 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920.
This place combines traditional Tennessee barbecue with soul food sides that’ll transport you straight to your grandmother’s Sunday dinner table.
Pulled pork gets piled onto sandwiches with a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness perfectly.
The rib plates arrive with meat that’s been smoked until it achieves that ideal texture—tender but not mushy, flavorful but not overpowered by sauce.
Mac and cheese here isn’t just a side dish; it’s a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that could honestly be a meal on its own.
Collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread round out the menu with Southern staples cooked the way they’re supposed to be.
The friendly staff treats everyone like family, creating an atmosphere that’s as warm and welcoming as the food is delicious.
Local artwork decorates the walls, giving the space a community feel that reminds you this is a neighborhood treasure, not some corporate chain.
9. Dead End BBQ – Knoxville
Don’t let the name fool you—eating at Dead End BBQ is definitely the right direction to take.
Located at 3611 Sutherland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919, this spot has become a destination for serious BBQ enthusiasts across East Tennessee.
Their motto might as well be “low and slow,” because they don’t rush anything that comes out of their smokers.
Their brisket is a popular menu item, though locals tend to favor their pork and ribs as the standout choices.
Ribs get the attention they deserve, smoked for hours until the meat pulls away from the bone with just a gentle tug.
The sauce selection lets you customize your experience, whether you prefer tangy vinegar-based or thick and sweet varieties.
Craft beer options from local Knoxville breweries pair perfectly with the smoky flavors coming from the kitchen.
Outdoor seating makes this a great warm-weather destination, where you can enjoy your meal while soaking up the neighborhood vibe that makes this place special.
10. Whitt’s Barbecue – Nashville
A Tennessee institution since 1970, Whitt’s has been serving generations of families at locations like 5310 Hwy 70 S, Nashville, TN 37221, among many throughout Middle Tennessee.
This isn’t trendy or hip—it’s just consistently excellent barbecue that’s stood the test of time.
Pulled pork sandwiches are the go-to order for many regulars, served on soft buns with just enough sauce to enhance without drowning the meat.
The hickory-smoked flavor is unmistakable, that signature taste that defines Tennessee barbecue in the minds of locals.
Ribs come in half or full racks, with meat that’s been tended carefully to achieve the ideal balance of smoke, seasoning, and tenderness.
Baked beans taste like they came from a family recipe, sweet and savory with bits of meat mixed throughout.
Prices remain reasonable despite inflation hitting most restaurants, making this a place where families can still afford to eat out together.
The straightforward, cafeteria-style service gets you fed quickly without sacrificing quality, perfect for lunch breaks or feeding hungry kids after sports practice.
11. Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse – Nashville
Since 1948, Bar-B-Cutie has been a Nashville treasure, now serving up smoky goodness at 501 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.
The retro name hints at the restaurant’s long history, but don’t think of this as some dusty relic—they’ve kept their recipes fresh and relevant.
Smoked chicken is their specialty, something you don’t see emphasized at every BBQ joint, and it’s absolutely worth ordering.
The chicken stays incredibly juicy despite hours in the smoker, with skin that’s both crispy and infused with hickory flavor.
Ribs and pulled pork round out the meat options, all prepared with the same care and attention to traditional smoking techniques.
Their sauce has a loyal following, with people stopping by just to grab bottles to take home for their own cooking.
Turnip greens and white beans represent the old-school Southern sides that you rarely find done well anymore, but Bar-B-Cutie nails them.
The family-owned operation means recipes and quality control have passed through generations, maintaining standards that corporate chains simply can’t match.
12. Jack Cawthon’s Bar-B-Que – Nashville
Old-school Nashville barbecue doesn’t get more authentic than Jack Cawthon’s at 1601 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203.
This no-frills joint has been smoking meats the same way for decades, and regulars wouldn’t want it any other way.
Walking in feels like stepping back in time, with a straightforward counter, minimal decor, and all the focus on what comes out of the kitchen.
Pork shoulder gets smoked until it’s fall-apart tender, then chopped or pulled depending on your preference.
The vinegar-based sauce option is perfect for purists who want to taste the meat and smoke without heavy sweetness masking the flavors.
Ribs arrive with a beautiful mahogany color from hours of slow smoking over hardwood, with meat that’s flavorful without being overly seasoned.
Portions are generous without being wasteful, giving you plenty to eat without that uncomfortable stuffed feeling afterward.
Local workers pack this place during lunch rushes, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality and value you’ll find here.