Best BBQ in Nashville (2025)

Carey Bringle’s Gulch mainstay defines West Tennessee style: hickory smoke, dry-rub ribs, slaw-topped pork sandwiches, and no beef. Frequently recognized by national editors and local critics as a must-eat stop in town. ([southernliving.com](https://www.southernliving.com/the-souths-best-bbq-in-every-state-2024-8421052?utm_source=openai), [nashville.eater.com](https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-bbq-restaurants-nashville?utm_source=openai))

From the Peg Leg team, this Nations hangout goes Texas: brisket, beef ribs, jalapeño sausage, and cult-favorite pastrami, plus a sprawling patio. Lauded by Southern Living and praised by local writers for its backyard vibe. ([southernliving.com](https://www.southernliving.com/new-barbecue-restaurants-2024-8643046?utm_source=openai), [nashvillescene.com](https://www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2022/food-and-drink/writers-choice/bringle-s-smoking-oasis/article_e5670b1e-4681-11ed-9117-8b16381d9561.html?utm_source=openai), [nashville.eater.com](https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-outdoor-dining-retaurant-patios-nashville/?utm_source=openai))

A Texas-rooted, lunch-only operation with lines and sellouts to match. The 2024 move up Gallatin Pike added space but kept the brisket, ribs, and jalapeño sausage that critics rave about—arrive early. ([sgwbbq.com](https://sgwbbq.com/?utm_source=openai), [theinfatuation.com](https://www.theinfatuation.com/nashville/reviews/shotgun-willies?utm_source=openai))

Family-owned and proudly local, HoneyFire blends regional styles with a modern Nashville twist—think brisket, wings, and honey-kissed sauces. Its downtown stall broadened the audience without losing the neighborhood feel. ([honeyfire.com](https://honeyfire.com/?utm_source=openai), [visitmusiccity.com](https://www.visitmusiccity.com/media/press-release/2025/locally-owned-honeyfire-bbq-officially-opens-assembly-food-hall?utm_source=openai))

Germantown’s wood-fired showpiece fuses Central Texas and German flavors—smoked brisket by the pound, tacos on house tortillas, and a lively beer garden. A consistent editor favorite for both meat and margaritas. ([butchertownhall.com](https://www.butchertownhall.com/?utm_source=openai), [nashville.eater.com](https://nashville.eater.com/maps/best-barbecue-bbq-restaurants-nashville?utm_source=openai))

A lakeside, Black-owned favorite marrying slow-smoked plates with nightly blues jams. Celebrated by local critics for real-deal hospitality, community, and hearty rib and brisket platters—worth the quick drive from downtown. ([nashvillescene.com](https://www.nashvillescene.com/bon/2023/music/writers-choice/papa-turney-s-bbq-and-miss-zeke-s-juke-joint/article_77ca1d10-67b1-11ee-b839-dfddef8f6125.html?utm_source=openai))

Tucked behind Five Points, Drifters keeps an East Side rhythm: hickory-smoked meats, late-night live music, and a relaxed patio. Locals point here for unfussy barbecue, cold beer, and community vibes. ([driftersnashville.com](https://www.driftersnashville.com/?utm_source=openai), [styleblueprint.com](https://styleblueprint.com/nashville/guide/drifters-tn-bbq-joint/?utm_source=openai))