Nashville, TN, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Nashville, known for its rich barbecue culture, features a variety of renowned establishments like Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Single Tree BBQ, and Curry Boys BBQ. Each restaurant brings unique flavors and specialties, from smoked meats and comfort food to fusion dishes. With multiple locations and accolades, these eateries highlight Nashville’s diverse culinary scene, ensuring there’s something for every barbecue enthusiast to enjoy.
Nashville, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, is particularly famous for its barbecue culture. The Nashville region is home to several acclaimed barbecue establishments, which cater to a variety of tastes while showcasing the region’s culinary flair.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que, which opened in 2011, has established itself as a staple in the Nashville area, operating multiple locations. The establishment has garnered accolades, including awards for Best Barbecue in Nashville from Nashville Scene. It is particularly known for its smoked meats cooked with Southern white oak and a selection of beloved comfort food sides. Popular offerings include cornbread, banana pudding, mac and cheese, and the renowned boozy milkshake called the Bushwacker.
Another notable spot is Single Tree BBQ, located on Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro. This barbecue joint is celebrated for the quality and freshness of its offerings, with brisket being its bestseller. Patrons also rave about the smoked baked beans and fried potato salad.
Que’d Up 615 in Pleasant View has successfully transitioned from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The establishment is highlighted for its loaded barbecue nachos and smoked meatloaf, complemented by rotating daily specials that keep the menu fresh and exciting.
Beneath the bright lights of the Gulch, Peg Leg Porker stands out, owned by award-winning pitmaster Carey Bringle since 2013. The restaurant focuses on dry rubs, smoked wings, and pulled pork sandwiches, while also offering creative menu items such as Memphis Sushi and Kool-Aid Pickles.
Curry Boys BBQ brings a unique fusion of Texas-style barbecue and Southeast Asian flavors to the table. Signature dishes include pulled pork nachos with curry queso and the Good Luck Cluck, a smoked chicken dish accompanied by yellow curry.
Legends in Clarksville is a veteran-owned establishment known for its brisket and ribs, offering a diverse menu that includes barbecue tacos, gourmet burgers, and a notable peanut butter banana pudding that has become a favorite among locals.
Founded in Nolensville in 2006, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint features whole-hog barbecue along with Southern comfort food, boasting multiple locations across Nashville and beyond. Society Barbecue emphasizes whole-hog techniques and scratch-made sides, focusing on deeper flavor profiles and traditional cooking techniques.
Shotgun Willie’s is recognized for its Texas-style barbecue featuring American wagyu brisket and tender ribs, catering to families with a choice of activities for children and a friendly atmosphere.
Adding to the barbecue scene is Central BBQ, which originates from Memphis and has a Nashville location celebrated for its dry rub wings, ribs, and signature sandwiches made using hickory and pecan wood for smoking.
Long-standing in Nashville, Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que has been serving locals since 1962, famous for its rib sandwich and homemade spicy house barbecue sauce. Ooh Wee’s BBQ, known for providing smoked meats at affordable prices, offers a straightforward, unpretentious experience.
Other notable establishments contributing to the rich and diverse barbecue landscape in the Nashville region include Drifter’s BBQ, Loveless Cafe, Butchertown Hall, and various food trucks, each offering their unique take on this beloved culinary tradition.
FAQ
What are the top barbecue places in Nashville?
Some of the top barbecue places in Nashville include Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Single Tree BBQ, Que’d Up 615, Peg Leg Porker, Curry Boys BBQ, Legends, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Society Barbecue, Shotgun Willie’s, Central BBQ, Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que, and Ooh Wee’s BBQ.
What is unique about Edley’s Bar-B-Que?
Edley’s Bar-B-Que is known for its smoked meats cooked with Southern white oak and is recognized for a variety of comfort food sides, including their famous boozy milkshake called the Bushwacker.
What fusion dishes does Curry Boys BBQ offer?
Curry Boys BBQ offers a fusion of Texas-style barbecue and Southeast Asian flavors, including dishes like pulled pork nachos with curry queso and the Good Luck Cluck, a smoked chicken dish paired with yellow curry.
Key Features of Nashville’s Barbecue Scene
| Establishment | Highlight | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Edley’s Bar-B-Que | Awards for Best Barbecue | Smoked meats & boozy milkshakes |
| Single Tree BBQ | Quality and freshness | Brisket |
| Que’d Up 615 | Food truck to restaurant | Loaded BBQ nachos |
| Peg Leg Porker | Owned by an award-winning pitmaster | Creative menu items |
| Curry Boys BBQ | Unique fusion dishes | Pulled pork nachos with curry queso |
| Legends | Veteran-owned | Brisket and ribs |
| Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint | Whole-hog BBQ | Southern comfort food |
| Society Barbecue | Whole-hog techniques | Scratch-made sides |
| Shotgun Willie’s | Texas-style barbecue | American wagyu brisket |
| Central BBQ | Originated in Memphis | Dry rub wings |
| Mary’s Old Fashioned Pit Bar-B-Que | Established in 1962 | Rib sandwich |
| Ooh Wee’s BBQ | Affordable smoked meats | Straightforward experience |
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Additional Resources
- Livability: Where’s the Best Barbecue in Nashville?
- The Infatuation: Best BBQ in Nashville
- WKRN: Tennessee BBQ Spots Among Best in the South
- Tasting Table: Best Barbecue Restaurants in Nashville Ranked
- Tennessean: Nashville BBQ Restaurants by Southern Living
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: Nashville barbecue
- Google Scholar: Nashville barbecue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google News: Nashville barbecue
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
