Every great barbecue enthusiast knows that West Tennessee holds secrets behind every smokehouse door. Forget the tired chains and look past the neon signs—there’s real craftsmanship in these rural outposts and bustling local joints. I remember the first time I dipped my fork into a plate of hickory-smoked ribs here. I’d driven through winding country roads, windows down, tracing the scent lingering across cotton fields. Each bite was a revelation: smoky, sweet, just the right touch of tang—a meal that lingered on my palate long after the last napkin was folded.
If you’re searching for the pinnacle of barbecue in West TN, consider this your cheat sheet. With a mix of unassuming shacks, local legends, and polished smokehouses, the region promises something for every type of barbecue lover. Whether you crave tender pulled chicken, perfect brisket, or sides that nearly steal the show, the right spot is here—and I’m laying out the ones that deserve your attention. Get ready to find your new favorite plate of barbecue.
1. HoneyFire BBQ
Walking into HoneyFire BBQ, the aroma alone has you ready to order. Nestled in One Bellevue Place, this spot has a modern edge while sticking to hickory wood tradition. The blend is rare: smooth ambiance paired with old-school barbecue mastery.
The signature smoked wings hit every possible mark—crisp skin, tender inside, brushed with a house sauce you’ll ponder long after your plate is clean. The pulled chicken sandwich is a close rival, piling high on a soft bun with slaw that brightens every bite.
What makes HoneyFire stand out is the balance of bold flavors and total comfort. The team brings care to every cut, piling the plates with pride. If quality and consistency matter, this spot has you covered.
2. Murfs BBQ Shaw
(629) 702-1953Call
Murfs BBQ Shaw is the definition of unpretentious comfort. Tucked alongside Highway 70 S, you might miss the sign, but you’ll never forget the smoky scent coming from the pit. My last stop here felt like stumbling onto a friend’s backyard cookout—laid-back, authentic, and always generous.
The pulled chicken plate takes the spotlight. Each bite carries deep smoke, tender meat, and a tangy, peppery sauce that plays well with every side. Their cornbread is soft enough to stand alone but becomes unforgettable when it soaks up the juices.
Murfs delivers the kind of barbecue where you can taste every hour it spent over wood. It’s West Tennessee BBQ, stripped down to the roots, served with a side of easygoing charm.
3. Whitt’s Barbecue
Whitt’s Barbecue crafts Tennessee tradition one plate at a time. It’s the kind of place you visit when you want barbecue without unnecessary frills—just deep smoke, simple seasoning, and meat that speaks for itself. I’ve hit their drive-thru more times than I can count, always greeted with speed and a friendly nod, even on a busy Friday night.
The pulled chicken is a must, piled high and served fast, with a choice of house-made sauce that adds perfect balance. Add in their signature coleslaw—cool, crunchy, and just a little sweet. It rounds out the meal as only classic sides can.
Whitt’s stands out for serving nostalgia as much as barbecue. The taste is familiar but always satisfying, delivered with a sense of local pride.
4. Bar-B-Cutie
Bar-B-Cutie in Bellevue strikes a sweet spot between laid-back and lively. The atmosphere is easy for families, and it’s the first barbecue joint where I caught myself staring at the dessert menu just as long as the main course. There’s real care in every plate, from the classic pulled chicken to house-made sides.
The brisket deserves top billing. Each slice carries a smoke ring that hints at the long hours in the pit, and the flavor backs it up. The baby back ribs are tender enough to win over even the barbecue skeptics, with sauce on the side so you can measure each bite.
Bar-B-Cutie also serves breakfast—rare for a BBQ spot, and surprisingly, it works. For those seeking variety without sacrificing tradition, this is the place to linger over a meal and savor every classic detail.
5. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q feels like one big family gathering. The staff know their regulars, and there’s a hum of conversation that makes every visit a bit more memorable. My go-to order is always their signature cheese biscuits; just one is never enough.
The pulled chicken platter is a classic, reliable comfort with a smoky depth that tells you these folks respect the pit. Pair it with their creamy mac and cheese and some tangy slaw for a true Southern plate.
What sets Jim ‘N Nick’s apart is the slow pace of their craft. You taste time in every bite, especially in the sides—homemade, hearty, and made to be shared around the table.
6. Joe’s Place
(615) 383-9115Call
Joe’s Place has the feel of a local secret, tucked away in Green Hills and filled with regulars who know exactly what to order. It’s not fancy, but that’s the charm—whether you’re visiting for a quick bite or settling in for a slow meal, the staff make everyone feel like a regular.
The sliced barbecue chicken sandwich is a highlight, featuring tender meat and a house sauce that’s both tangy and rich. The baked beans come loaded with flavor and are the ideal side for any main here.
What keeps people coming back is a sense of honesty in every plate. The flavors are approachable, the portions generous, and the barbecue—always cooked just right—stands apart in this corner of West Tennessee.
7. Ronnie Smith
(615) 942-7776Call
Ronnie Smith’s spot on Annex Ave feels like a step back into classic barbecue country. The wood-paneled walls, the aroma from the kitchen—every detail feels like a nod to tradition. My first meal here included the kind of service you remember: fast, friendly, and familiar.
The real draw is the smoked chicken plate. It arrives with a deep, honest smoke flavor, plus house-made sauce with just enough twang. Their potato salad, a crowd favorite, completes the plate with comfort and crunch.
Ronnie Smith stands out for sticking to time-honored barbecue basics. It’s the kind of spot folks come back to, not just for the food but for the spirit of barbecue, West Tennessee style.
8. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit offers Texas-style barbecue right in the heart of West Tennessee. Walk in, and the scent alone is a tour of the smoker—meats working overnight to catch that perfect flavor. My last visit had me wrestling between a plate of smoked chicken and a mountain of classic sides.
The pulled chicken stands tall, juicy with a smoky bark, while their signature barbecue sauce brings the right balance of tang and depth. For sides, the creamed spinach and baked potato casserole both deliver serious Southern comfort.
Dickey’s sets itself apart by staying faithful to a slow-smoking process and family recipes. It’s where tradition meets consistency, making it easy to craft a satisfying plate every time you walk through the door.
9. Judge Beans BBQ
Judge Beans BBQ brings a Texas spirit to Brentwood, but with a local spin that makes it a true West Tennessee find. The first time I wandered in, the relaxed energy surprised me—everyone from the pit crew to the regulars had a story to share. The walls and the menu both have personality to spare.
The dry-rubbed smoked chicken steals the show. Rich flavor in every bite, no sauce required, though their tangy house blend is worth a try. The baked beans and creamy potato salad both feel homespun and generous alongside the star of the plate.
Judge Beans stands out for bold flavors and an easygoing attitude. If you like barbecue that’s straightforward but never dull, this one belongs on your list.
10. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ – Brentwood
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Brentwood is a Memphis-style classic, where family recipes and hours in the smoker run the show. My visit started with the irresistible aroma of hickory wood and that feeling you’re about to eat something done right. The dining room has a nostalgic charm, but their curbside and drive-thru options keep things as convenient as they are tasty.
The ribs are the undisputed star—tender, smoky, and coated with a rich dry rub or sticky sauce, depending on your style. For sides, the creamy coleslaw and baked beans perfectly capture Southern comfort on a plate.
Corky’s stands out for putting care into both their meats and their service. It’s the spot to slow down, dig in, and savor every bite of West Tennessee barbecue tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of barbecue is popular in West Tennessee?
West Tennessee is known for its pork barbecue, especially pulled or chopped smoked pork served with a tangy, sometimes slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. Smoked chicken and turkey are also local favorites.
What are must-try BBQ dishes in West Tennessee?
Pulled chicken, sliced brisket, smoked turkey, and barbecue sandwiches are standouts. Don’t skip sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread, which are often house-made and full of flavor.
Can I find good barbecue outside of Memphis?
Absolutely. Many small towns and suburbs in West Tennessee offer excellent barbecue, each with its own twist—sometimes served in relaxed family joints, sometimes from classic roadside shacks.
Are there any family-friendly BBQ spots?
Many West Tennessee BBQ restaurants are family-friendly, offering kids’ menus, casual seating, and a welcoming vibe. Popular spots often provide high chairs, quick service, and plenty of room for groups.
Do most places offer takeout or catering?
Yes. Almost every listed BBQ joint provides takeout options, and many also offer full-service catering for gatherings, parties, or business events.
What sides go best with West Tennessee barbecue?
Coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese are classic pairings. These help round out a plate, with cool and creamy textures to balance the smoky meats.
Is Turkey or Chicken BBQ common in West Tennessee?
Yes, smoked turkey and chicken are offered at many places, seasoned with the same care and house-made sauces. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a lighter barbecue option.
What makes the sauce unique in West Tennessee?
Most West Tennessee BBQ sauces have a tomato base, often balanced with vinegar and just a hint of sweetness. The sauce brings tang but is never overwhelming, complementing the smoke instead of hiding it.