Richard R.
Yelp
[ THE SCENE ]
I REALLY wanted to experience amazing BBQ while visiting Nashville and could not decide based on yelp reviews! My top seven picks were Shotgun Willie's, Papa Turney's, Bringles Smoking Oasis, Peg Leg Porker, Ooh Wee Bar-B-Q, RIB Doctor and Edley's, all of which were 4 stars or better on yelp at the time of my research. But instead, I decided to ask some locals once I arrived and the overwhelming multitude recommended either Jack's or Martin's (which both happened to be 8 and 10 on my list).
My list was solely arranged according to ratings with Shotgun Willie's being the highest rated @ 4.7 on yelp and Jack's & Martin's being the lowest of my top 10 @ 3.8 and 3.7 respectively. But I took a gamble and went with the local recommendations.
[ THE EXPERIENCE ]
First I tried Jack's. I ordered the TWO MEAT COMBO with Beef Brisket (2 stars) and Pork Ribs (3 stars). Included were two sides. I ordered mac n' cheese (3 stars) and baked beans (3.5 stars). While most of my order was decent, it wasn't the sort of satisfying lick my fingers experience I was hoping to have!
So I gave Martin's a try on the last day of our visit and found myself even more disappointed! I personally thought Martin's ribs were overcooked. The very tips of the ribs were tough and dry while the bark was rather chewy. While I didn't think Jack's seasoning was very flavorful, at least the ribs were nicely cooked, that is, all but one end bone they gave me that was pretty dry.
[ THE VERDICT ]
Neither Martin's nor Jack's is the type of BBQ that would make me eager to return. And to be honest, you can find better brisket at a BUC-EE'S gas station... seriously!
In retrospect, because of my hotels proximity to downtown, locals might have been directing me to their NEAREST BBQ recommendation instead of their favorite. 3.0 stars overall
2023 / 31