From dry-rub ribs to Texas brisket and lakeside blues, these independent Nashville pitmasters are serving the city’s most soulful smoke right now. Expect sellouts, lines, and plenty of local flavor—go early, bring friends, and follow the aroma.
Best BBQ in Nashville (2025)
7 Places
From dry-rub ribs to Texas brisket and lakeside blues, these independent Nashville pitmasters are serving the city’s most soulful smoke right now. Expect sellouts, lines, and plenty of local flavor—go early, bring friends, and follow the aroma.
Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Barbecue restaurant
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))
Bringles Smoking Oasis
Barbecue restaurant
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))
Shotgun Willie's BBQ
Barbecue restaurant
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))
HoneyFire BBQ
Barbecue restaurant
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))
Butchertown Hall
Steak house
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))
Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ
Barbecue restaurant
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))
Drifters Tennessee Barbeque (BBQ) Joint
Barbecue restaurant
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))
