Discover the top 6 highest-rated dining experiences
Find the 6 best places for bbq in Nashville. Curated list of top-rated restaurants serving exceptional bbq.
Nashville's Premier BBQ Destinations
Nashville’s legendary barbecue scene offers a smoky tapestry of flavors that ranges from time-honored Southern traditions to bold, modern fusions. Whether you are craving classic American pulled pork from staples like Whitt's Barbecue and Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint or looking for the unique Indian-inspired twists found at Curry Boys BBQ, there is a pitmaster here for every palate. From the casual burger-and-brisket vibes at Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop to the plant-based comfort food at Vegelicious, this collection highlights the diverse ways Music City masters the art of the grill.
6 restaurants in Best BBQ in Nashville | Top 6 Spots
- Whitt's Barbecue — American · rated 4/5: The air at Whitt's Barbecue is thick with the irresistible aroma of hickory smoke, drawing guests into a space where the time-honored tradition of slow-cooked pit barbecue takes center stage. Tender, hand-pulled pork and succulent turkey are piled high onto soft buns or tucked into steaming, oversized potatoes loaded with savory toppings, offering a comforting taste of the South in every bite. Whether finished with a cool, creamy slaw or the sharp snap of pickles, the experience is a masterclass in simple, soulful flavors that satisfy the deepest cravings.
- Whitt's Barbecue — American · rated 3/5: The air at Whitt's Barbecue hangs heavy with the intoxicating aroma of hickory smoke, signaling a sanctuary where slow-cooked meats are the undisputed stars of the show. Whether you’re biting into a tender pork sandwich piled high with crunchy vinegar slaw and pickles or unearthing a steaming, salt-crusted baked potato loaded with savory turkey, every dish captures the heart of unpretentious Southern pit-cooking. It is a place where tradition is served by the ounce, offering a warm, soul-satisfying experience that celebrates the simple, smoky flavors of the hearth.
- Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint — American · rated 3/5: The air at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint hangs heavy with the intoxicating perfume of hickory smoke, drawing guests into a high-energy space where the art of the pit is on full display. Towering plates of BBQ nachos and crispy smoked wings set the stage for soulful sandwiches piled high with tender pulled pork or melt-in-your-mouth brisket, all served with a side of genuine Southern hospitality. Whether you're biting into a thick slab of smoked bologna or savoring the creamy tang of pimento cheese, each dish captures the messy, glorious essence of slow-cooked tradition.
- Curry Boys BBQ — Indian: This vibrant eatery serves as a bold crossroads where the low-and-slow soul of Texas barbecue meets the aromatic, punchy heat of Southeast Asian curries. Guests are greeted by the intoxicating scent of smoldering oak and simmering spices, leading to a playful experience where tender brisket and succulent pulled pork are reimagined through a lens of velvety curry sauces and zesty, herb-forward accents. It is a high-energy celebration of fusion, offering a sensory-rich journey that transforms traditional smokehouse staples into bright, flavor-packed masterpieces.
- Hugh-Baby's BBQ & Burger Shop - East Nashville — American: Hugh-Baby's captures the nostalgic charm of a classic Southern burger stand, where the air is thick with the savory scent of griddled beef and slow-smoked barbecue. Guests tuck into paper-wrapped treasures ranging from juice-dripping double cheeseburgers to the legendary, crispy-edged slugburger, all served in a bright, high-energy space that feels like a permanent summer afternoon. This East Nashville staple blends the simplicity of a neighborhood hangout with the soul of a pitmaster’s kitchen, making every bite a celebration of unpretentious comfort.
- Vegelicious — American: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the comforting aromas of smoky BBQ and savory spices redefine the art of plant-based soul food. Golden, seasoned V-Licious Taters and hearty "Soul Chic" plates anchor a menu that transforms classic comfort favorites into vibrant, meat-free masterpieces. Between the layered richness of house-made lasagna and the messy, tangy joy of a BBQ Tofu burger, every bite captures the warmth and heart of a traditional Sunday dinner.





