Edley’s serves Nashville some of its best slow-smoked BBQ classics, killer ribs, crispy catfish, and boozy milkshake cocktails in a lively, casual setting.
"Edley’s makes the best ribs within Nashville city limits, and their 12 South spot has better people-watching than their other locations. The ribs are devastatingly tender, and the dry rub leaves a pleasantly peppery sting. The covered patio will give you some breathing room from the line and crowds inside, and it’s a great place to enjoy those ribs, some pulled pork nachos, and a damn fine Bushwhacker with a group of friends." - jackie gutierrez jones 2
"If heading out to Madison isn’t in the cards for you today, your next best option for killer ribs within Nashville city limits is Edley’s. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, and the dry rub leaves a pleasantly peppery sting in its wake. There are several locations around the city, but the 12 South has some prime people-watching, and it’s right near Christie Cookie Co. in case you want dessert. The covered patio will give you some breathing room from the line and crowds inside, and it’s a great place to enjoy the aforementioned ribs, some pulled pork nachos, and a damn fine Bushwhacker with a group of friends from out of town. " - jackie gutierrez jones 2
"The best option for killer ribs within Nashville city limits is Edley’s. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, and the dry rub leaves a pleasantly peppery sting in its wake. There are several locations around the city, but the 12 South has some prime people-watching, and it’s right near Christie Cookie Co. in case you want dessert. The covered patio will give you some breathing room from the line and crowds inside, and it’s a great place to enjoy the aforementioned ribs, some pulled pork nachos, and a damn fine Bushwhacker with a group of friends from out of town. photo credit: Abby Demmer Food Rundown photo credit: Abby Demmer BBQ Nachos The BBQ nachos are a meal unto themselves. There’s a nice distribution of smoked pork, nacho cheese, BBQ sauce, sour cream, and pico drizzled over a mound of thick-cut, kettle-cooked potato chips. A plate of these + a bushwhacker + the Titans on the TV = Nashville nirvana. Tuck Special The Tuck special is the BBQ gods’ gift to hangovers. It consists of a fluffy bun crammed with sliced brisket, an over-easy egg, a schmear of spicy pimento cheese, pickles, and red and white BBQ sauce that can’t help but drip all over your fingers. It’s gloriously messy—like your Friday night. St. Louis Ribs Next to Shotgun Willie’s, these are the best rack of ribs in town. Devastatingly tender, the meat melts off the bone and into your mouth with a peppery seasoning that gently slaps the palate to attention. Catfish Edley’s does this Southern staple right. There’s the perfect amount of breading, and the whole thing is fried to a nice amber crisp. We like it as a sandwich with a dollop of Edley’s homemade tartar sauce, but the tacos are also a solid choice. Bushwacker The unofficial frozen drink of Nashville, Edley’s version is one of the best in town, with a balanced batch of 151 rum, creme de cacao, coffee liqueur, and vanilla that’s run through a frozen drink machine. They opt for milk versus ice cream, which prevents the whole thing from becoming too cloying. The chocolate swirl around the glass adds some flavor and visual flair." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
"Edley’s is easily one of Nashville’s best barbecue joints; at all of its relaxed locations around town, little ones can enjoy a smaller version of the popular barbecue sandwich plus other items from the kids’ menu, including mini corn dogs, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders." - Ellen Fort, Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
"Edley’s Bar-B-Que is a local favorite that has grown to encompass several Nashville locations and beyond. Co-owner Will Newman shared some impressive stats back in 2016, revealing that the original 12 South location alone sold over 1,393 pounds of pulled pork per week at that time. The Tuck Special is a sandwich to behold: sliced brisket crowned with an over-easy egg, a hearty smear of pimento cheese, red and white sauce, and pickles. Whatever you do, begin with the hot chicken nachos and a side of jalapeno ranch, and save room for the banana pudding." - Eater Staff, Delia Jo Ramsey
