If you drive through Shelbyville with your windows down, the first thing you’ll notice is the scent of smoke and slow-cooked dreams curling through the Tennessee air. This isn’t one of those towns where you have to hunt for the best BBQ. It’s everywhere—on every corner, in family backyards, and along the highways. My first trip here was a whirlwind of hickory wood and sauce-stained napkins, all served up with a side of small-town wisdom. One bite in, and I knew I’d never see BBQ quite the same way again.
Looking for the top BBQ spots in Shelbyville isn’t about chasing the trendiest chef or scrolling endless online reviews—it’s about sitting elbow to elbow with folks who treat BBQ like a birthright. This city’s pitmasters know every secret cut, every spice blend, and just how long to let that brisket rest. If you’re hungry for a guide that takes taste buds as seriously as tradition, you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in.
1. Uncle Sonny’s Bar-B-Que
Uncle Sonny’s Bar-B-Que may look unassuming from the outside, but the aromas spilling out will pull anyone off Main Street. The brisket here speaks for itself—smoky, tender, and cut thick enough to please the staunchest BBQ purist. On my last visit, I watched regulars dip hushpuppies into a tangy house sauce, a signature move if you want to fit in.
What really sets Uncle Sonny’s apart is its dedication to authentic, slow-smoked tradition. No gas, no shortcuts. The pulled pork sandwich is a must for first-timers. The smoky flavor captures the very heart of Shelbyville BBQ. Order it with a side of baked beans and settle in; this is the kind of flavor that makes you linger just a little longer.
2. Whitt’s Barbecue
Whitt’s Barbecue on Madison Street is a Shelbyville staple—quietly reliable, always comforting. I popped in after a long afternoon and found the staff as warm as the pulled pork coming from the kitchen. Portions here are generous, and the menu keeps things classic, which loyal locals seem to appreciate.
With a legacy stretching back over decades, Whitt’s excels at consistency and straightforward Southern flavor. The turkey sandwich is a standout—smoky, moist, and paired perfectly with their signature mild sauce. The slaw delivers a hint of crunch that keeps everything in balance.
If you’re in a hurry, Whitt’s simple approach means you’ll be back on the road in minutes, yet still satisfied. For true BBQ tradition, don’t skip the potato salad. It rounds out the meal like only a Southern side can.
3. Pop A-Top
Pop A-Top captures the spirit of easygoing Shelbyville evenings, where the smell of barbecue meets the chatter from the bar. My own visit turned into a low-key feast—groups laughing, regulars at the counter, and plates landing hot on the table. Here, it’s not just about the food, but the whole backyard barbecue vibe.
What makes Pop A-Top unique is its blend of casual hangout and solid BBQ. The ribs are a standout: fall-off-the-bone tender, blanketed in a sauce that’s equal parts sweet and smoky. Grits on the side are properly creamy, a subtle nod to Southern comfort.
If you’re the kind who likes a little honky-tonk with your slow-cooked meat, Pop A-Top’s laid-back style and consistent flavor will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
4. Touchdown Wings
Touchdown Wings brings a playful energy to Main Street, where BBQ meets a buffet of inventive flavors. On my visit, the place buzzed with hungry regulars and families debating their sauce choices. It’s not just wings—though those are the headliners—it’s the laid-back vibe that keeps people coming back.
The BBQ selection stands out for one reason: perfectly smoked meat that holds its own alongside a rainbow of sauces. The BBQ chicken wings are a must, brushed with a house-made sauce that leans sweet, tangy, and bold in equal measure. Sides like fried okra add a crunch that plays well with the tender meat.
What’s the move? Order a mixed platter. This place is about variety, so sample the smoky BBQ flavors alongside classic Southern sides. If you love wings but crave real BBQ character, Touchdown Wings pulls off both with easy confidence.
5. Hitching Post
(931) 684-4343Call
Hitching Post settles right into the landscape with the character of a local legend. My visit felt like stepping into a friend’s backyard—grill smoke in the air, laughter echoing across the room. This spot is known for its welcoming atmosphere and no-nonsense BBQ that keeps hungry folks coming back.
Their smoked chicken and slow-cooked ribs are crowd favorites, always landing at the table hot and rich in flavor. The ribs, in particular, balance a subtle smoky essence with tender meat that slides off the bone. Order them with classic coleslaw to get the full southern experience.
If you’re after BBQ that feels home-cooked, the Hitching Post offers exactly that—a hearty meal with a side of community spirit.
6. Barrel House BBQ
Barrel House BBQ in Lynchburg is worth the drive from Shelbyville if you’re serious about smoked perfection. On my last trip, I found the patio packed with people swapping stories over heaping plates of pork ribs. There’s an easy friendliness here, both in the staff and the crowd, that builds instant loyalty.
The big draw? Fresh pit-smoked meats—pork ribs, pulled chicken, and sausage—smoked until every bite is tender. But nothing gets more buzz than their “Grilled Cheese on Crack.” It’s a smoky, cheesy BBQ sandwich that’s as over-the-top as it sounds and impossible not to finish.
If you love house-made sauces, Barrel House lines up several for tasting. Order a combo plate to cover all the bases. This place proves that great BBQ is as much about hearty meals as it is about making memories with every visit.
7. BBQ Caboose Cafe
BBQ Caboose Cafe serves up Southern charm on Lynchburg’s historic square, not far from Shelbyville. I found myself drawn in by the music drifting onto Main Street and the smoky aroma from the kitchen. The bustling café always feels like a reunion, where locals and travelers bond over shared plates and live country tunes.
What truly sets BBQ Caboose Cafe apart is its commitment to homemade classics and warm, genuine service. The pulled pork plate is a must—juicy, slow-smoked, and piled high beside creamy potato salad and tangy slaw. Every dish is steeped in tradition, reflecting years of family recipes and steady hands at the smoker.
For a taste of authentic southern BBQ and a snapshot of small-town hospitality, this spot is hard to top.
8. Jack Daniel Barbeque
(931) 759-5340Call
Jack Daniel Barbeque has an unmistakable draw, set right in Lynchburg. I stopped in on a weekend and found a line at lunchtime—always a good sign in BBQ country. The scent of seasoned smoke drifting out to Mechanic Street hints at exactly what’s inside.
This spot excels in rich, slow-cooked meats and classic Tennessee sides. The pulled chicken is outstanding, marinated and smoked to perfection, and comes paired with a generous side of coleslaw for a crisp finish. Each plate feels like a tribute to southern tradition with a bit of local character.
If you’re after barbecue that balances tradition with bold flavor, Jack Daniel Barbeque delivers an experience that captures the spirit of Lynchburg and Shelbyville’s best BBQ joints.
9. B and B Bar B Que
(931) 455-6009Call
B and B Bar B Que is a low-key gem on Old Tullahoma Road, just a short drive from Shelbyville. My stop here felt like discovering a well-kept secret—walk-up orders, fast service, and the kind of BBQ aroma that makes you slow down and savor the moment. There’s a practical charm to this place: plain tables, friendly staff, and a focus on the food.
The highlight? Pulled pork and brisket sandwiches piled high, served with your choice of house-prepped sauce. The texture is always right—fork-tender, smoky, and never greasy.
If you lean toward simple, traditional BBQ done well, add B and B to your list. Grab a sandwich, a side of beans, and you’ll see why locals keep this spot in steady rotation.
10. Rings & Wings
(615) 956-6402Call
Rings & Wings in Christiana is where casual meets crave-worthy. My visit felt like a weekday escape—plenty of parking, friendly faces, and no fuss. The setting is easy on the eyes and the menu makes choices simple for wing lovers and BBQ fans alike.
What gives Rings & Wings its edge? Smoked BBQ wings and hearty onion rings. The wings are consistently crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a sauce selection that crosses sweet, smoky, and tangy territory. The onion rings earn their spot in the name—thick-cut, perfectly golden, with a crunch that stands up to house-made dips.
If you can’t decide, mix it up. A combo basket brings the best of both worlds and shows off why Rings & Wings deserves its loyal crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best BBQ restaurants in Shelbyville, TN?
Top spots include Uncle Sonny’s Bar-B-Que, Whitt’s Barbecue, and Pop A-Top. Each one brings its own spin, so trying more than one is the best plan.
Do Shelbyville BBQ spots offer takeout or drive-thru?
Many do—Uncle Sonny’s Bar-B-Que, for example, has a drive-thru and takeout. Most BBQ places in Shelbyville are set up for convenient meals on the go.
What should I try for my first BBQ experience in Shelbyville?
Pulled pork sandwiches and ribs are safe bets. If you want a genuine taste, ask for the house sauce and don’t skip classic Southern sides like slaw or baked beans.
Are there BBQ places with vegetarian options?
While BBQ is the main focus, some restaurants offer vegetarian sides like salads, baked potatoes, or fried okra. Check menus or call ahead if you’re looking for more variety.
Is there live music at any Shelbyville BBQ restaurants?
BBQ Caboose Cafe in nearby Lynchburg often features live country music, adding a little extra personality to your meal.
Do local BBQ places accept credit cards?
Most BBQ restaurants in the area take major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.