Nashville’s barbecue scene doesn’t just sizzle—it sings. My first bite of pulled chicken off a battered picnic table under twinkling lights was a revelation. I found myself surrounded by laughter, hints of sweet hickory smoke drifting through the night, and a plate of food that made me pause—slow down—and savor. There’s a reason words like “legend” keep coming up in local conversations about barbecue here.
Every pit in this city has a personality, each brisket its own story. From bold local joints to spots humming with live music and neon, the best BBQ in Nashville speaks to tradition with a creative spark that’s impossible to fake. Whether you’re a devoted aficionado or someone searching for your first true plate, this guide cuts through the noise to steer you to outstanding eats—without any guesswork or gimmicks. Let’s dig into the places that make Nashville’s barbecue world feel utterly, deliciously alive.
Where to find the best bbq in Nashville, TN
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in Nashville, TN:
- Miss Saigon Restaurant
- Mission BBQ
- The Loveless Cafe
- The Row Kitchen & Pub
- Edley’s Bar-B-Que
- Peg Leg Porker
- BrickTop’s
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
- Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
- Puckett’s Restaurant
1. Miss Saigon Restaurant
Miss Saigon Restaurant brings Vietnamese barbecue with a Nashville twist. Tucked on Charlotte Pike, this spot feels inviting from the moment you step inside. The blending of slow-cooked flavors and house-made sauces makes every plate memorable.
On my first visit, I was drawn by the scent of lemongrass and the sound of happy chatter. The BBQ Chicken with Steamed Rice quickly became my favorite. Juicy, smoky, and just a bit sweet, it reflects the kitchen’s commitment to authentic, quality ingredients.
Miss Saigon leans into dishes that are both satisfying and respectful of dietary needs—think vegetarian-friendly and vegan choices. For brunch or dinner, their BBQ plates strike the right balance between familiar Southern comfort and vibrant Vietnamese flavor.
2. Mission BBQ
Mission BBQ knows how to serve up Southern flavor with a side of heart. Inside, the aroma is all smoky oak and anticipation. On my visit, live stories from military veterans added a sense of community you don’t find everywhere.
The pulled chicken sandwich stands out for its tenderness and subtle spice. Mission BBQ’s house-made sauces—ranging from tangy to sweet—let you tailor every bite to your taste. Each plate feels like a tribute to classic barbecue traditions done right.
Gluten-free options and an easygoing environment make it a hit for groups. If you’re seeking BBQ that’s rich in flavor and local spirit, Mission BBQ is an essential Nashville stop.
3. The Loveless Cafe
The Loveless Cafe is a Nashville institution, famous for its glowing neon sign and warm, Southern welcome. I still remember the comfort of sitting at one of their homey tables, watching families and friends gather for a meal that feels part of tradition.
What makes Loveless special is the devotion to scratch-made classics. Their smoked turkey platter is unbeatable—tender, subtly smoky, and always paired with crowd-pleasing sides like country-style green beans. The flavors strike that perfect balance between hearty and wholesome.
It’s also a place that invites everyone in, thanks to plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. For those chasing Nashville barbecue with a side of old-school hospitality, Loveless Cafe never disappoints. Their signature biscuits, served piping hot, are worth the drive alone.
4. The Row Kitchen & Pub
The Row Kitchen & Pub thrives right in the heart of Nashville’s storied Music Row. The walls tell stories of country legends, while the menu celebrates all things Southern. My first bite of their barbecue chicken was paired with live music, turning an ordinary lunch into something memorable.
What sets The Row apart is its focus on distinctly Nashville barbecue with local flair. The BBQ chicken platter is juicy and kissed with just enough smoke, complemented by their house-made pickles. Every dish showcases fresh ingredients and a touch of creativity.
If you love variety, you’ll find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options among the Southern staples. The Row is a place where both music and flavor take center stage, making every visit feel special.
5. Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Edley’s Bar-B-Que captures Nashville’s easy warmth and dedication to slow-smoked tradition. The first time I sat under their neon signs, I was welcomed like an old friend and handed a plate that nearly changed my definition of barbecue.
The BBQ chicken platter steals the spotlight here—smoked low and slow over Southern white oak, always juicy, never rushed. Their scratch-made sides, like macaroni and cheese or vinegary slaw, round out the plate with home-cooked comfort.
Portions are generous, and gluten-free options keep everyone happy. Every visit to Edley’s feels like a reminder of why people fall in love with barbecue. There’s soul in every bite, and no detail is left to chance.
6. Peg Leg Porker
Peg Leg Porker keeps it real with barbecue that feels crafted by family—because it is. My first visit started with the kind of welcome that sets you at ease, and ended with Memphis-style dry ribs that rewrote my expectations.
This spot is focused on “Real Tennessee BBQ,” and they execute it with smoky attention to detail. The dry-rubbed chicken is a standout: crisp skin, deeply seasoned, and smoky all the way through. Their brisk efficiency in the kitchen means every plate hits the table fast, without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-free options add to the appeal for any gathering. If you’re searching for barbecue that honors Tennessee heritage, Peg Leg Porker deserves a top spot on your list.
7. BrickTop’s
+1 615-298-1000
BrickTop’s delivers barbecue with a touch of polish, set against a backdrop that feels both stylish and comfortable. My first lunch visit surprised me—not just with friendly service, but with flavors that raise the bar for upscale BBQ.
The highlight is their barbecue chicken: smoky, perfectly tender, and paired with thoughtful sides. It’s clear they approach every plate with careful attention, blending classic technique with a bit of modern flair.
BrickTop’s shines for groups thanks to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. If you’re after a place where the atmosphere matches the quality of the smoke, this stop belongs on any Nashville BBQ adventure.
8. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint celebrates West Tennessee’s iconic whole-hog barbecue tradition. When I first walked in, the scent of hickory smoke and the sound of hand-chopping set the tone for a true Southern experience. There’s a feeling here that barbecue is both a craft and a calling.
The pulled chicken plate is a must-try—smoked to perfection and finished with scratch-made sauces. Each bite reveals layers of deep smoke and subtle spice. Sides like the cornbread and slaw are fresh and satisfying, showing just how much effort goes into every detail.
Gluten-free options round out the menu for any group. Martin’s is the place to taste BBQ with rich local roots that’s made by people who know barbecue inside and out.
9. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint on 4th Ave South is a flavor-packed showcase of West Tennessee barbecue. I dropped by for lunch and found pitmasters at work well before sunrise—smoke in the air and the clatter of fresh sides being made from scratch.
The smoked chicken plate is the star, full of deep hickory flavor and juicy bite, paired with their signature slaw and cornbread. Every element, from the house-made sauces to the slow process, shows a real devotion to tradition.
Gluten-free options keep the menu open for everyone. Here, BBQ means skill, care, and old-school flavor, all rolled into a downtown Nashville spot that never feels rushed.
10. Puckett’s Restaurant
Puckett’s Restaurant serves up Nashville’s classic comfort in a lively spot downtown. My first visit started with the savory aroma of cherry wood smoke, quickly followed by the sounds of a local band tuning up. It’s easy to see why Puckett’s draws both regulars and newcomers with its blend of history and hospitality.
The best call here is the smoked chicken platter, juicy from hours in the pit and layered with sweet, mellow smoke. Each plate comes with generous, soulful Southern sides like baked beans or creamy mac and cheese, elevating the BBQ experience.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options make it easy for everyone to dig in. If you’re hungry for true Nashville flavor with local roots, Puckett’s is an easy pick—live music and friendly faces included.
More Things to Try in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of BBQ is Nashville known for?
Nashville BBQ leans into a mix of Tennessee traditions. Expect slow-smoked meats—like chicken and turkey—often finished with a tangy, tomato-based sauce. Some local spots also bring their own creative twists, drawing inspiration from Memphis and West Tennessee styles.
Are there good vegetarian and vegan options at Nashville BBQ restaurants?
Absolutely. Many of Nashville’s top BBQ spots now offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Think hearty veggie plates, classic Southern sides, and plant-based takes on barbecue favorites.
What is the best time to visit a BBQ restaurant in Nashville?
Lunchtime often brings a lively crowd, while dinner offers a slower pace—plus live music at many locations. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the rush and snag the freshest dishes.
Is Nashville BBQ spicy?
Some dishes carry a mild kick, but heat levels vary by spot. You’ll find everything from smoky-sweet flavors to bold, peppery rubs. Most places serve sauces on the side, so you can adjust the spice to your liking.
Can I get BBQ for takeout or delivery in Nashville?
Yes, nearly every top BBQ restaurant offers takeout and delivery. Many also offer catering, making it easy to bring Nashville’s barbecue to your next gathering or picnic.