Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Nashville area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Nashville area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat , underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with : the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling鈥攖raditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Nashville based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Nashville were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. Neighbors Germantown
- Rating: 3.6/5 (114 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 313 Jefferson St. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Bars, American, Barbecue
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#29. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1175 Murfreesboro Pike Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
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#28. Bar-B-Cutie
- Rating: 3.6/5 (348 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 501 Donelson Pike Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Sandwiches
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#27. Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.7/5 (423 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7004 Charlotte Pike Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Sandwiches
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#26. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
- Rating: 3.8/5 (290 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2400 Elliston Place Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
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#25. Chief's on Broadway
- Rating: 3.8/5 (109 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 200 Broadway Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Music Venues, Barbecue
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#24. Corky's Ribs & BBQ
- Rating: 3.8/5 (344 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 100 Franklin Road Brentwood, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Southern
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#23. Jack's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.8/5 (1933 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 416 Broadway Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
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#22. Bar-B-Cutie
- Rating: 3.9/5 (137 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5221 Nolensville Pike Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
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#21. Puckett's Restaurant
- Rating: 3.9/5 (3517 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 500 Church St. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
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#20. Central BBQ
- Rating: 3.9/5 (133 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 408 11th Ave. North Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, American
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#19. Jacks Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.0/5 (426 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 334 West Trinity Lane Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
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#18. Drifters
- Rating: 4.0/5 (316 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1008B Woodland St. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Music Venues, Dive Bars
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#17. Edley's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.0/5 (942 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1004 Woodland St. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Cocktail Bars
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#16. Shabu Shabu
- Rating: 4.0/5 (231 reviews)
- Address: 1722 West End Ave. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Japanese, Hot Pot, Barbecue
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#15. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
- Rating: 4.1/5 (3333 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 410 4th Ave. South Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Chicken Wings
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#14. Edley's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1536 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2706 12th Ave. South Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Cocktail Bars
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#13. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
- Rating: 4.1/5 (967 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3108 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
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#12. Hai Woon Dai
- Rating: 4.1/5 (258 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2051 Antioch Pike Antioch, Tennessee
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Soul Food
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#11. Edley's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.2/5 (363 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4500 Murphy Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Cocktail Bars
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#10. Nashville Jam Caf茅
- Rating: 4.2/5 (861 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2806 Columbine Place Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Southern, Barbecue
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#9. Jack Cawthon's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.2/5 (358 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1601 Charlotte Ave. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
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#8. Peg Leg Porker
- Rating: 4.3/5 (3696 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 903 Gleaves St. Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
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#7. Hugh-Baby's
- Rating: 4.4/5 (220 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 718 Thompson Lane Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Burgers, Barbecue, Sandwiches
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#6. Bringles Smoking Oasis
- Rating: 4.4/5 (132 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4901 Centennial Blvd. Nations Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars
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#5. Edley's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.5/5 (249 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2719 Lebanon Pike Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Cocktail Bars
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#4. Mission BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (956 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 161 Opry Mills Drive Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad, Sandwiches
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#3. Edley's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.5/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6025 Nolensville Pike Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Cocktail Bars
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#2. The Ridge Nashville
- Rating: 4.7/5 (218 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 333 54th Ave. North Nashville, Tennessee
- Categories: American, Barbecue
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#1. Shotgun Willie's BBQ
- Rating: 4.7/5 (195 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1500 Gallatin Pike South Ste 104 Madison, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Sandwiches
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
