Disclosure: This guide features A Little Local Flavor (my own food tour company) and other Nashville experiences. Some links may be affiliate links.
A Tradition of Southern BBQ in Nashville
Barbecue in the South isn’t just food - it’s a legacy. It’s Sunday afternoon cookouts, smoke curling up over a hardwood pit, and a table full of passed-down recipes. It’s a story told through every bite. Stories about family, history, and the art of cooking low and slow. You can hear some of these incredible stories on our favorite Nashville BBQ Tour.
Here in Tennessee, BBQ means pork first (ribs and pulled pork to be exact) with brisket, turkey, and smoked chicken holding strong in the lineup. And in Nashville? We’ve built our own BBQ identity by blending tradition with creative flair.
Whether you're a rib purist or someone who wants your brisket on a grilled cheese, the best barbecue in Nashville will give you flavor, smoke, and a whole lot of soul. We’ll show you why it’s one of the foods that Nashville is known for.
The Art of BBQ: Smoking Techniques & Wood That Defines the South
Barbecue is as much about the process as it is the product. True Southern BBQ is slow-smoked over hardwoods, and each type of wood brings something different to the table.
In Tennessee, and especially in Nashville barbecue you’ll commonly find:
Hickory: The most traditional. It gives a strong, savory smoke flavor that pairs well with pork ribs and shoulders.
Oak: A more subtle flavor that allows the natural meat flavor to shine, often used with brisket and turkey.
Cherry or Applewood: These fruit woods burn cooler and slower, adding a hint of sweetness - perfect for chicken and wings.
Pecan: A southern favorite that offers a slightly nutty, smoky sweetness.
Each pitmaster and Nashville BBQ joint has their preference and technique, and some use a blend to build different woods to create complexity. That’s what makes BBQ in Nashville TN so interesting, you can taste the variation in smoke from one place to the next. Some use offset smokers. Some go whole hog over coals. And the result is a BBQ scene that’s as diverse as the city itself.
Why it matters:
Smoke isn't just for flavor, it's what creates the iconic “bark” on brisket, gives ribs their deep mahogany color, and allows every bite to carry the story of how it was made. That's part of what makes finding the best BBQ in Nashville so rewarding - no two places do it quite the same.
What Kind of BBQ is Nashville Known For?
While Memphis may be known for dry-rubbed ribs and Carolina for vinegar sauce, Nashville BBQ doesn’t play by one rulebook. Instead, it embraces:
Nashville doesn’t have a single “style” like Memphis or Texas, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find:
Pork ribs with a sticky-sweet glaze or deep dry rub
Pulled pork served on white bread with pickles and slaw
Brisket smoked for hours and sliced thick
Smoked chicken and turkey with house-made sauces
And most uniquely, Alabama white sauce - a creamy, spicy mayo-based sauce you’ll find at places like Martin’s (which has my favorite version)
Nashville BBQ is all about variety and balance. It's not locked into one tradition, but it’s 100% committed to flavor, and it's why food lovers keep coming back.
I'm Christine Wheatley, the owner of A Little Local Flavor. I've spent the last eight years walking 22,000+ guests through downtown Nashville's locally owned restaurants, including some of the BBQ joints below. Grab my free Nashville food and travel guides for my full list of where to eat, drink, and explore in Music City.
Best BBQ Restaurants in Nashville (Local Favorites + Insider Tips)
Here’s where to find the best BBQ in Nashville, complete with smoky meats, secret sauces, and a few personal stories along the way.
The Southern Steak & Oyster (Downtown Upscale BBQ Experience)
If Martin's is your old-school whole-hog hangout, The Southern is your refined night out. Upscale and flavorful, The Southern is part of the TomKats Hospitality group, and the BBQ here is serious, served alongside tablecloths, oysters, a great wine list, and craft cocktails.
This is where you go when:
You're hosting clients
You want upscale without losing that Southern charm
You want to taste ribs made by the same team that feeds the Grand Ole Opry’s greenroom
It’s a gem in the heart of downtown and one of the best BBQ restaurants in Nashville TN for a fancier take.
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Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Belmont & Downtown - Whole Hog + Best Wings in Nashville)
Martin’s is where it all started for me. When they opened near Belmont in 2014, I tried their wings and nearly wept. One thing I love about Martin’s is how you can smell it before you even walk in the door. The smoke hits you, and it’s like your whole body gets hungry at once.
When you sit down at Martin’s, the menu doesn’t overcomplicate things, but it delivers. Their whole hog BBQ is smoked for 20+ hours right inside the restaurant. It’s not brought in from a central kitchen. They do it the hard way. And it shows.
Insider Tip:If you’re lucky, they might be pulling fresh meat off the hog when you arrive. Ask for the bark pieces, they are the crispy, caramelized edges with unbelievable flavor.
Wings - Half dry rub, half Alabama white sauce is my go-to.
The white sauce caramelizes on the hot wings like magic.
They also do whole hog BBQ, the first in Nashville - smoked fresh daily.
Their smoked chicken, turkey breast, and brisket are all phenomenal.
And the BBQ baked potato? Massive. Gooey. Heavenly.
Oh, and don’t leave without trying all five of their house-made BBQ sauces. They’re hands-down the best I’ve ever had. Ask for a side flight if you can.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que (12 South + East Nashville, Modern & Inventive)
Beyond just fun twists, Edley’s has really shaped Nashville’s modern BBQ scene. Their 12 South location often has a line out the door, and it’s become a go-to for birthday groups, casual dates, and big family lunches.
My go-to? The Tuck Special, a BBQ sandwich stacked with brisket, spicy pickles, pimento cheese, and a fried egg. It’s a fork-and-knife situation and completely worth the mess.
Edley’s isn’t traditional, but it’s fun. They’ve made a name for themselves with:
BBQ nachos
Tacos with smoked pork and slaw
Banana pudding that people dream about
The Tuck Special: brisket, pimento cheese, spicy pickles, and a fried egg
It’s a little trendier than Martin’s, but if you like twists on the classics, Edley’s is one of the best BBQ restaurants in Nashville for you.
Martin’s vs. Edley’s: The BBQ Debate That Defines Nashville
Ask any Nashvillian: Are you Team Martin’s or Team Edley’s? It’s a friendly feud that’s been going for more than a decade.
Martin’s fans love the old-school, whole-hog, wood-fired vibe.
Edley’s fans dig the creativity and the sides.
I’m a Martin’s loyalist. But honestly? You can’t go wrong with either.
Peg Leg Porker (The Gulch - Famous for a Reason)
Everyone I know raves about Peg Leg. It’s old-school, family-run, and nationally ranked. Plus their dry rub ribs and pulled pork sandwiches are the stuff of legend.
I’ve had friends plan entire weekends around going to Peg Leg. Their dry rub ribs are famous for a reason, and their story is just as memorable. Pitmaster Carey Bringle lost his leg to cancer, came back stronger, and built a BBQ empire with grit and soul.
What’s great is how unpretentious it is. You order at the counter, grab a drink, and head upstairs for a rooftop view if it’s nice out.
Locals also swear by their:
Kool-Aid pickles (yes, it’s a thing)
Pork rinds fresh from the fryer
The bourbon lineup - Peg Leg has its own line
If you’re looking for classic BBQ in a no-fuss setting, this is it.
More Great BBQ in Nashville (Hidden Gems + New Favorites)
Shotgun Willie’s (East Nashville - Brisket Heaven)
Texas-style brisket sliced thick with a pepper crust
Minimalist menu, max flavor
Get there early - when they sell out, they close
HoneyFire BBQ (West Nashville - Elevated and Delicious)
Known for their candied smoked bacon, brisket grilled cheese, and smoked wings
Located in One Bellevue Place - great for families or date night
Best BBQ Sauces in Nashville to Try (and Take Home)
If you’ve done any proper BBQ touring, you know that the meat is just the beginning. It’s the sauces that spark heated debates, send people home with bottles in their suitcase, and show off a pitmaster’s true personality.
Here are a few of my personal favorites - the ones I actually crave and have gifted more than once.
Alabama White Sauce - Martin’s Bar-B-Que
This sauce is magic. A mayo-based sauce with vinegar and pepper that caramelizes beautifully when tossed on their smoked wings. I get it every time I go! My favorite order? Half my wings Alabama white, half dry rub. I love how creamy and tangy it is, without being heavy.
If you’ve never tried white sauce, Martin’s BBQ is the place to start.
Sweet Dixie - Martin’s Bar-B-Que
This is my go-to when I want something rich and comforting. Sweet Dixie is a traditional sweet BBQ sauce with deep molasses flavor and just a touch of smoke. It's especially good on their smoked turkey or piled-high pulled pork sandwiches.
Peg Leg Porker’s Vinegar Sauce
Peg Leg is known for keeping things classic, and their vinegar-based sauce is a tribute to Tennessee roots. It's zippy, not too spicy, and perfect on their dry rub ribs. If you’re someone who skips the sweet stuff, this one’s for you.
Honorable Mentions
Edley’s House Sauce, tangy, peppery, and great on brisket
HoneyFire’s Honey Gold, a blend of mustard, sweetness, and mild heat (especially good on chicken)
What to Eat Besides the Meat: Nashville BBQ Sides You Shouldn’t Skip
You know the meat will be good. But a truly memorable BBQ experience includes sides that stand on their own. Here are the ones worth making room for:
Martin’s - BBQ Baked Potato + Green Beans
Martin’s BBQ baked potato is a full meal: fluffy potato, heaps of pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and sauce. It’s rich and indulgent and worth every bite. Their green beans are another underrated gem, slow-cooked with bacon and onions until they’re flavorful through and through.
Edley’s - Banana Pudding + Cornbread
Their banana pudding is legendary for a reason, it’s layered with fresh bananas, homemade whipped cream, and soft vanilla wafers. Sweet, nostalgic, and the perfect finish.
Their cornbread is dense and buttery, not too sweet, and makes a great side to balance spicy sauces.
Peg Leg Porker - Mac & Cheese + Pork Rinds
The mac and cheese here is classic Southern comfort, creamy, sharp cheddar, and baked just enough to form a golden crust. Their house-fried pork rinds are light, airy, and salty with just the right crunch, perfect for snacking or dipping in sauce.
HoneyFire BBQ - Candied Bacon + BBQ Street Corn
This West Nashville favorite brings the heat and the sweet. Their candied smoked bacon is sticky, savory, and surprisingly tender. And the street corn (off the cob) with chipotle and lime is a great counterpoint to heavier meat plates.
Want to try a curated selection of BBQ meats and sides in one experience?
Join our Downtown Food Tour where you'll try The Southern's famous ribs and Nashville's best locally owned restaurants, plus live music on Lower Broadway.
Pitmaster Profiles: Meet the Legends Behind the Best BBQ in Nashville
Nashville's BBQ scene is rich with character, not just in the food, but in the people who make it. These pitmasters have helped shape the city’s smoky identity and draw food lovers from across the country.
Pat Martin - Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
When Pat Martin opened his first location in Nolensville, he brought something Nashville hadn’t seen before: whole hog barbecue cooked daily over hickory coals.
Pat’s style is classic, but never stale. He insists on making everything from scratch, sides, sauces, even the slaw (which I still skip, sorry Pat). His Belmont location helped define the city’s growing love for BBQ, and he’s now seen as one of the most influential pitmasters in the South.
Fun fact: He’s appeared on Netflix’s Chef’s Table: BBQ, had appeared on the Food Network multiple times, including on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and has written a book on live-fire cooking.
Carey Bringle - Peg Leg Porker
A cancer survivor and Nashville native, Carey Bringle is as known for his tenacity and storytelling as he is for his legendary dry rub ribs. He lost his leg to osteosarcoma as a teenager, hence the name “Peg Leg Porker,” and went on to build one of the top BBQ brands in the country.
He’s unapologetically old-school: direct heat, real wood, no shortcuts. His BBQ sauces and rubs are now sold nationally, but you’ll still find him manning the smoker or sharing bourbon stories on the rooftop.
Tom Morales - TomKats Hospitality (The Southern Steak & Oyster)
While not a pitmaster in the traditional sense, Tom Morales and his team are behind The Southern Steak & Oyster, one of the most iconic BBQ kitchens in downtown Nashville. Tom has been part of Nashville’s food scene since the early 1980s.
The Morales family has quietly built one of the most dependable BBQ kitchens in Nashville, and their famous ribs are featured on our Downtown Food Tour.
The Shotgun Willie’s Team - Texas BBQ in East Nashville
This small, cult-favorite brisket shop brings Central Texas tradition to Nashville. While the crew remains low-key and the space is humble, their technique is flawless - long smokes, clean seasoning, and a perfectly rendered fat cap.
They sell out daily, and it’s become a rite of passage for brisket lovers.
Nashville BBQ Events + Festivals
Want to plan your trip around BBQ? These local events offer a chance to sample multiple styles, meet pitmasters, and soak in the smoky vibes:
Music City Hot Chicken Festival (July 4th)
While technically a hot chicken event, several BBQ vendors show up, especially those with smoked wings or brisket specialties.
Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ (Lynchburg, Fall)
Not Nashville proper, but an easy day trip and one of the most prestigious BBQ competitions in the country.
Nashville Oktoberfest in Germantown (October)
BBQ stands often feature German-inspired sausages, smoked pork knuckles, and creative beer pairings. A great excuse to try something different.
BBQ + Beer: A Perfect Pairing in Music City
Book our Downtown Food Tour to try The Southern's famous BBQ ribs alongside Nashville's best locally owned restaurants.
Hop on the Music City Brew Hop to explore breweries near the best BBQ spots.
Build your own crawl using this guide, and tag us on social @alittlelocalflavor if you do.
FAQ - Nashville BBQ Questions Answered
What kind of BBQ is Nashville known for?
Nashville is known for its pork-centric BBQ, including ribs and pulled pork, along with brisket and unique sauces like Alabama white sauce.
Who has better BBQ: Nashville or Memphis?
Memphis is known for dry rub and pork ribs. Nashville has more variety, brisket, smoked chicken, turkey, and a wider range of styles.
What makes Tennessee BBQ different?
Tennessee BBQ leans into slow-smoking and focuses on bold, regional sauces, from vinegar-based to sweet molasses blends and creamy white sauces.
Does Nashville have good barbecue?
Absolutely. You’ll find some of the best BBQ restaurants in Nashville TN in nearly every neighborhood, and many are nationally ranked.
What does Nashville BBQ taste like?
It’s smoky, rich, and often sauce-forward. Expect deep flavor from the meat, plus sauce profiles ranging from spicy to tangy to sweet.
Where can I find the best BBQ in Nashville downtown?
The Southern Steak & Oyster and Martin's Bar-B-Que are your go-tos for downtown Nashville BBQ.
Which BBQ spot has the best live music?
The Southern Steak & Oyster, located right on Lower Broadway, pairs its famous ribs with daily live music.
Final Thoughts, Why Nashville Deserves a Spot on the National BBQ Map
Nashville has long been known for hot chicken and honky tonks, but it’s time to acknowledge it as a true BBQ city. Whether you’re craving sticky pork ribs, crispy smoked wings, or brisket so tender it breaks under a fork, this city delivers in ways that surprise even seasoned BBQ lovers.
What makes Nashville barbecue special isn’t just the food. It’s:
The diversity of styles from whole hog to Texas-inspired brisket
The way BBQ is often paired with live music and Southern hospitality
The creativity chefs bring to a centuries-old tradition
You don’t have to travel to Texas or Memphis for greatness. You just need a little local flavor, and a lot of napkins.
Join the Downtown Food Tour - Taste The Southern's famous ribs and Nashville's best locally owned restaurants.
Grab Your Music City Brew Hop Pass - Explore Nashville’s BBQ and beer scene all in one ride.
Save or Share This Guide - And tag @alittlelocalflavor when you go eat!
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