"Shotgun Willie’s is technically in Madison, but it’s our pick for the best barbecue in the Nashville area right now. The Texas-style barbecue here is so good, we’re willing to travel outside the technical city limits for it—especially for the ribs, which always seem to be sold out. Once you get to the front counter, place an order for slow-smoked American wagyu brisket, Texas hill country sausage, or those elusive (and incredibly tender) salt and pepper ribs. Throw in a few sides like the delightfully puckery dill potato salad and some of the finest baked beans in the city. Expect a line on weekends that occasionally stretches out the door. And if you’ve got kids in tow, Shotgun Willie's has one of those coin-operated mechanical bulls they can ride for a quarter. And if you wanna give it a go, no judgment here either." - jackie gutierrez jones 2