People Cross County Lines In Tennessee Just To Try These Legendary BBQ Joints

Tennessee takes its barbecue seriously… real seriously. Around here, folks don’t mind burning a little gas for the promise of perfect smoke rings and tangy sauce.

From the neon glow of Memphis rib shacks to the tucked-away pits of the Smoky Mountains, pitmasters have been slow-smoking, basting, and bragging their way into BBQ legend for generations. The result? Mouth-watering ribs, tender pulled pork, and brisket so good it can silence a whole table mid-bite.

Whether you’re chasing that peppery Memphis dry rub or a melt-in-your-mouth shoulder that tastes like home, these iconic joints prove that in Tennessee, the best barbecue is always worth crossing a few county lines for.

1. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

Hidden down a Memphis alley since 1948, this basement barbecue palace has become a pilgrimage site for rib lovers worldwide. Charlie Vergos started grilling in a coal chute, and his signature dry-rub recipe turned into pure magic.

The charcoal-grilled ribs arrive at your table with a crusty, spice-packed exterior that’ll make your taste buds dance. Unlike typical Memphis wet ribs, Rendezvous keeps things dry and delicious with their secret blend of seasonings.

Families have been gathering here for over seven decades, sharing plates of ribs, pulled pork, and Greek-inspired sides that honor Charlie’s heritage. The atmosphere buzzes with energy as servers navigate the crowded dining room.

2. Peg Leg Porker

Pitmaster Carey Bringle lost his leg in a motorcycle accident but never lost his passion for smoking perfect pork. His Nashville joint serves competition-quality barbecue that’s won countless awards and even more devoted fans.

Pork shoulders and ribs are smoked low and slow over hickory wood, creating tender pulled pork that practically melts in your mouth. Bringle’s dry rub balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes without overwhelming the natural pork flavor.

Music City visitors and locals alike pack this place for lunch, knowing they’re getting authentic pit-smoked goodness. The bourbon selection impresses too, because nothing pairs better with barbecue than Tennessee whiskey.

3. B.E. Scott’s Barbecue

B.E. Scott opened this tiny Lexington shack decades ago, and it’s remained wonderfully unchanged ever since. Whole hogs smoke overnight in a pit out back, filling the air with hickory perfume that draws barbecue pilgrims from across the state.

The pulled pork comes chopped with crispy bark mixed throughout, giving every bite a perfect texture contrast. Scott’s tomato-based sauce adds tangy sweetness without drowning the smoky meat flavor.

Don’t expect fancy dining rooms or complicated menus here—just honest barbecue done the old-fashioned way. Cash only, limited hours, and absolutely worth planning your road trip around this legendary pit stop.

4. The Bar-B-Q Shop

Memphis barbecue royalty reigns at this Midtown institution, where dancing pigs on the sign promise serious eating ahead. Since 1987, the Vernons have been smoking ribs, shoulders, and brisket that make grown adults weep with joy.

Their “Barbecue Spaghetti” sounds weird but tastes incredible—pulled pork tossed with noodles in tangy sauce creates comfort food heaven. The ribs come glazed in a sweet, sticky sauce that caramelizes beautifully during the smoking process.

Walls covered in awards and celebrity photos prove this isn’t just neighborhood hype. Lines form early for lunch, especially on weekends when everyone craves that perfect smoky fix.

5. A&R Bar-B-Que

Andrew and Rose Pollard opened this South Memphis gem in 1983, building a loyal following through consistent quality and honest prices. Their tips—rib ends trimmed from slabs—have become the stuff of legend among barbecue enthusiasts.

Smoked until the meat candy practically dissolves on your tongue, these tips pack concentrated flavor into every bite. The sauce here leans sweeter than most Memphis joints, creating a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Neighborhood folks treat A&R like their personal cafeteria, stopping by multiple times weekly for their barbecue fix. The casual atmosphere and generous portions make everyone feel like family.

6. Navarro’s Smokehouse

East Tennessee barbecue gets respect at this Englewood smokehouse, where Texas-style brisket meets Southern hospitality. Owners brought big-flavor techniques to the Smoky Mountains, creating a barbecue destination worth the scenic drive.

Brisket gets rubbed with bold spices then smoked for hours until a dark bark forms outside while the inside stays moist and tender. The meat pulls apart easily, revealing pink smoke rings that prove proper pit mastery.

Sides like smoked mac and cheese and jalapeño cornbread complement the meats without competing for attention. Hours can vary, so it’s smart to check before heading out to this small-town gem.

7. Payne’s Bar-B-Q

Memphis locals will tell you that Payne’s serves up some of the best chopped pork sandwiches in the entire South. This no-frills spot has been slinging barbecue since 1972, keeping things simple and delicious. The menu is straightforward, focusing on what they do best rather than trying to please everyone.

What makes Payne’s truly special is their commitment to tradition and quality. The pork is smoked low and slow until it practically melts in your mouth. Then it gets chopped fresh, piled high on a bun, and topped with tangy slaw and their signature sauce.

Don’t expect frills or fancy décor, just the soulful smell of hickory, the sound of cleavers hitting the cutting board, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular by your second visit. Payne’s remains a must-visit BBQ institution that locals swear is worth every mile.