10 Tennessee BBQ Plates That Deserve Their Own Holiday

I’ve spent years eating my way through Tennessee’s barbecue scene, and I can confidently say that some plates here deserve far more recognition than just a satisfied belly rub.

Across the state, pit masters are working smoky magic, transforming humble cuts of meat into edible masterpieces that linger in your memory long after the last bite.

From the rich, sauce-soaked traditions of Memphis to Nashville’s bold flavors and the hidden gems tucked into East Tennessee’s mountain towns, each region offers its own spin on a Southern classic. Together, these legendary creations prove that Tennessee barbecue is true culinary art.

1. Ridgewood Barbecue’s Legendary Ham & Brisket Platter

My first bite of Ridgewood’s blue-ribbon platter nearly brought tears to my eyes. Tucked away in Bluff City, this Appalachian treasure serves thinly sliced smoked ham and brisket that practically melts on contact.

The thick, tomato-based sauce creates perfect harmony with the deeply smoked meat. Those ham-studded beans aren’t just a side – they’re practically their own main event!

Family-owned since 1948, Ridgewood represents the beautiful marriage of East Tennessee tradition and Memphis influence. The ritual of breaking their homemade rolls to sop up every last drop of sauce should be enshrined in state law.

2. Memphis Dry-Rub Ribs & Pulled Pork Combo

Nothing captures Memphis BBQ glory quite like this dynamic duo. The first time I tried A&R Bar-B-Que’s version, I understood why people make pilgrimages across state lines just for a taste.

Those fall-off-the-bone ribs showcase a robust dry rub that creates a perfect crust, while the pulled pork provides that juicy, smoky counterpoint. The beauty lies in the contrast – no sauce needed on those ribs, but feel free to dress that pulled pork however you please.

Paired with tangy slaw and sweet baked beans, this plate represents Memphis BBQ philosophy in its purest form.

3. Martin’s Whole Hog BBQ Feast

Pat Martin’s dedication to whole hog tradition borders on religious devotion. The first time I watched his pitmasters tend those massive smokers at 3 AM, I knew this wasn’t just food – it was cultural preservation.

Each plate offers a journey across the entire pig – from tender shoulder to rich belly meat. The magic happens during that 24-hour smoke over hickory coals, creating complex flavors impossible to rush.

The array of house-made sauces ranges from vinegar-sharp to sweet molasses, but true connoisseurs know to try at least one bite completely naked. Martin’s keeps alive a Tennessee tradition that predates our grandparents’ grandparents.

4. Redneck Spaghetti: BBQ’s Italian Love Child

Who says barbecue can’t get creative? The first time someone suggested I try Martin’s Redneck Spaghetti, I laughed. Then I tasted it and immediately stopped laughing.

This genius creation takes those tender strands of pork belly meat and pairs them with al dente pasta. The smoke-infused meat creates magic when tossed with just enough sauce to coat everything without drowning it.

It’s comfort food fusion that somehow honors both Tennessee smoke traditions and Italian pasta heritage. I’ve converted at least a dozen BBQ purists who initially scoffed at the concept – now they can’t stop ordering it.

5. Bar-B-Q Shop’s Iconic Barbecue Spaghetti

Speaking of BBQ pasta innovations, Memphis’ Bar-B-Q Shop serves the original version that started it all. Brady Vincent’s creation combines pulled pork with a unique sauce that’s neither strictly BBQ nor marinara, but something wonderfully in-between.

The vegetables add texture while the pasta provides the perfect vehicle for that smoky-tangy sauce. Locals treat this dish with the reverence usually reserved for religious experiences.

I once brought an Italian friend here who initially rolled his eyes at the concept. Three bites in, he was already planning his next visit. The Bar-B-Q Shop proves that sometimes the most delicious traditions come from breaking the rules.

6. Smoked Wings with Alabama White Sauce

Tennessee’s BBQ scene isn’t afraid to borrow inspiration from neighbors. These aren’t your average sports bar wings – they’re slowly smoked until the meat threatens to slide right off the bone.

The genius comes when they’re paired with that creamy, tangy Alabama white sauce. The contrast between smoky, crisp skin and cool, peppery sauce creates flavor fireworks few other dishes can match.

Martin’s version in Nashville gets my vote for the perfect execution, but several spots across Middle Tennessee have mastered this combination. Pro tip: ask for extra napkins and don’t wear your favorite shirt – some experiences are worth the mess.

7. Couch’s Shaved Pork Sandwich with Hot Slaw

Forget everything you think you know about pulled pork. Couch’s Barbecue in Ooltewah has been doing things differently since 1946, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way.

Instead of pulling or chopping, they shave their pork into delicate, paper-thin slices that create an entirely different texture experience. The magic multiplies when topped with their legendary “hot slaw” – a spicy cabbage creation that provides the perfect counterpoint.

My Tennessee-born grandfather insisted we drive 30 miles out of our way to eat here whenever we visited. After my first bite, I understood why some culinary traditions deserve to be protected like national treasures.

8. Old Plantation’s Ribs with Light Brown Sauce

While Memphis gets all the rib fame, Chattanooga’s Old Plantation Bar-Be-Que serves up a style that haunts my dreams. Their perfectly smoked ribs come painted with what locals simply call “light brown sauce.”

Don’t let the humble name fool you. This sauce – sweeter and milder than most Tennessee offerings – creates a beautiful caramelized glaze that complements rather than competes with the smoke.

Family-owned for generations, they’ve resisted the temptation to bottle their sauce despite countless offers. Some experiences can’t be mass-produced, which is why I make the drive whenever that specific rib craving hits – which is embarrassingly often.

9. Uncle Gus’s Mountain Pit BBQ Experience

Some BBQ experiences are as much about place as plate. Uncle Gus’s in Decatur serves a combo of chopped pork and ribs that tastes twice as good because you’re eating it with a view of the Tennessee mountains.

There’s something magical about meat smoked the old-school way – over wood in a rustic pit that’s been seasoning for decades. Nothing fancy here, just deeply authentic flavors that connect you to generations of Tennessee smoking traditions.

I stumbled across this place during a wrong turn on a road trip. That happy accident turned into a mandatory stop every time I cross the state. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re not even looking.

10. Sweet P’s Soul-Satisfying BBQ Trifecta

Knoxville’s Sweet P’s Barbeque and Soul House blends BBQ traditions with soul food influences, creating a plate that feeds more than just hunger. Their triple threat of pulled pork, ribs, and brisket provides a tour of Tennessee smoke mastery on a single plate.

But what truly elevates this experience are those sides – collard greens with just enough pot liquor, mac and cheese that’s actually cheesy, and banana pudding that would make your grandmother jealous. The atmosphere feels like a family reunion where everyone actually likes each other.

I’ve driven two hours just for their banana pudding alone. Some places just get the entire experience right.