South of the River BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Montgomery County

South of the River BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Montgomery County
2300 State Hwy 48, Clarksville, TN 37040

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South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null
South of the River BBQ by null

Highlights

Tender ribs, pulled pork, and flavorful sides.  

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2300 State Hwy 48, Clarksville, TN 37040 Get directions

@south_of_the_river_bbq

$10–20

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2300 State Hwy 48, Clarksville, TN 37040 Get directions

+1 931 809 0003
@south_of_the_river_bbq

$10–20

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Last updated

Oct 23, 2025

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Blane Wilson

Google
The rib meat is very tender and flavorful. The sides are even better. And the staff there are the kindest.

Spence Meyers

Google
This was ok bbq. Not too special. The slaw and sauce were vinegar based. The mustard potato salad was great. The cornbread was served cool.

Bobby Meeks

Google
They are the definition of quality customer service. The food was fantastic and you got more than enough for your money. They not only follow up before and after but they treat you like family. If you are looking for catering and or just a simple meal this is your spot and you won’t be disappointed. We will definitely be back!!!

Turner McCullough Jr.

Google
I enjoy dining here. The cozy atmosphere just puts one at ease upon entering. The food is so appetizing. Portions are filling. I’m a big fan of the green beans and fried okra. The baked beans, fried apples and mac and cheese are also top notch. I usually have the half rack of ribs, which is more than enough for me. Tender, meaty, flavorful and fall off the bone goodness. Hot water cornbread or roll, Mild, hot and hawt sauces are yours for the choosing. There is the serious Big River Burger which is no joke. A hefty beef patty, pulled pork coleslaw are the main ingredients. Bring a serious appetite. Chess pie, chocolate chess pie, peach or cherry cobbler or lemon pound cake are dessert options. Beverages are iced tea and soft drinks. This is a family run, quiet comfortable hidden gem kind of place. Professional and attentive service is their trademark and they are dedicated to providing a great experience to all who cross their threshold.

Jason Harvey

Google
As a longtime BBQ chef and pitmaster, I make it a point to support local smokehouses and see how others approach the craft. I recently stopped by this spot after noticing their BBQ signage and decided to give it a try. I ordered a sampling of staples—pulled pork, half rack of ribs, mac and cheese, and baked beans—to get a well-rounded sense of their menu. Starting with the baked beans, the flavor was solid with a nice hint of sweetness and smoke, but I ran into an unexpected gritty texture near the bottom of the serving cup. It appeared to be some form of ground meat mixed in, which could work if executed properly, but in this case, it disrupted the otherwise smooth profile. The mac and cheese lacked depth. It was creamy, but under-seasoned and needed sharper cheese or a blend of cheeses to elevate the flavor. As it stood, it came across as bland and one-dimensional. The pulled pork was unfortunately dry and under-seasoned. I didn’t detect much of a bark or smoke ring, and there wasn’t any clear rub or mop sauce to boost its profile. It had the texture of something reheated, which compromises the integrity of good pork shoulder. The ribs were the most disappointing. They arrived pale and dry, with no visible smoke ring, bark, or evidence of a dry rub or glaze. The flavor lacked the depth you expect from low-and-slow cooking, and the meat clung to the bone—indicating they may have been cooked too fast or at inconsistent temperatures, possibly over dirty smoke. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and welcoming, which is always appreciated. I took my food to go, so I can’t comment on the dine-in experience, but service at the counter was great. All in all, I spent close to $40 and hoped for more flavor and attention to BBQ fundamentals. With some refinements to technique—particularly in fire control, seasoning, and finishing—this place has potential. BBQ is a craft built on patience, clean smoke, and layers of flavor.

Greg Kiker

Google
🦑One of the perks of my job is that I get to travel and find really cool places to eat. 🦑Today I stopped at South of the River BBQ in Clarksville, TN. An awesome little hidden gem! 🦑I had the ribs, pulled pork, fried cabbage and a piece of the chess pie. Wow! 🦑The smoke flavor on the meat was perfect. The ribs were falling off the bone, not dry, perfectly cooked by someone who loves what they do. 🦑The pulled pork was done to perfection, and I am a pulled pork snob! 🦑 The meat didn’t even need any sauce, but let me tell you about the sauces. I had the hot vinegar based and the sweet sauce. I don’t even know where to begin! Them sauces can make any meat taste even better. 🦑The fried cabbage was seasoned to perfection. Juicy and not soggy. 🦑 Chess pie taste just like grandmas on Thanksgiving. 🦑The family that runs this place took care of me. Monique and the whole team really focused on providing an experience that only a family who loves what they do could provide. I was honored to be sent away with a to go box/bag of great food to be sampled and enjoyed later. 🦑Come eat here ASAP! This food feeds the soul. @southoftheriverbbq is highly recommended! #squidapproved🦑 🦑I will be back soon! Follow my Instagram @gear_squid_actual for more reviews.

April Mitchell

Google
I called and woman was very good to me she needs to be fired. I asked if she sold briskett and I thought maybe she assumed I meant a big briskett and asked her if they sold briskett plates she said I already told you we do not sell briskett in a bad tone if companies want business act professional. I do not recommend this place for anyone to eat no customer service what so ever very very good people.

Johnnie Welborn

Google
I have had barbecue from Texas to South Carolina and the only great barbecue I have had was in Texas and South Carolina BUT I would recommend this place as having fairly good barbecue ( no good smoky flavor I love ) . The sides make up for the average barbecue though . Some of the best baked beans and potato salad I have had in this area . Well worth a stop anytime your in their area .

Linda M.

Yelp
Fantastic food, especially the hash brown casserole! Best pork barbecue and ribs in the area.
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Len L.

Yelp
I am sure it's a good place to eat but the person behind the counter was kind of rude. I was in a conversation with someone and she butted in. Then when I was ready to order asked me to move my vehicle. I will try it another day but as of today only a two star rating.

P. W.

Yelp
Very good fried cabbage. Ribs had plenty of meat but a lot of fat also. Service was fine.
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Dana L.

Yelp
Wonderful local owned bbq and meat and 3 dinner. Food is great and staff is so nice. Can't beat the homemade fixings and desserts

Tiffany F.

Yelp
Absolutely terrible service, rude to me and my family, and EXTREMELY racist. Food was terrible and overpriced, do not recommend.
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Enrique C.

Yelp
Restaurant Is small but the BBQ was delicious! Best BBQ I have had so far and I have tasted many other places. Next time I am there I will try the pulled pork meat, so I am taking it slow since the ribs were amazing. You will not be disappointed if you try this place

Will F.

Yelp
ribs were burned my cat could not eat em i do i had to toss them out, it was nasty. i was riding a bike , they gived me burnt ribs I t is junk, i live right down the road the ribs cost me 19 and i give them to my cat. who didn't eat eat em. i tell the truth

Paul J.

Yelp
100 percent worth the stop. I had the chicken and ribs and they were amazing I can see why this place has such a great rating. Family owned and operated the staff was friendly and quick. I will be back for sure.
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Brandi H.

Yelp
They serve great barbecue. It's never dry, but always very well cooked. The sides taste like home cooking and there is always a surprise homemade dessert. I would recommend them over Whitt's any day.
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Jeff R.

Yelp
We have never...I repeat... NEVER had a bad meal from here. Their burgers are awesome, the chicken and dressing is delicious, and the barbecue is to die for! Portions are huge. And the desserts... treat yourself to the strawberry rhubarb pie. Trust me. South of the River is Clarksville's best kept secret.
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Chuck B.

Yelp
This place has earned a good reputation with good reason. While visiting from Memphis for a business deal, we stopped in for lunch after smelling the alluring smoke from a real barbecue pit drifting over the highway. We found the employees to be as warm and authentic as the food they served and the deserts were divine as well. They also have some down home sides such as fried cabbage which was excellent. Being from Memphis (which is a fantastic "food" town) we were very well acquainted with good 'que. The meat served here was very, very good and the price was more than fair. The sauce was much better than the Memphis/Kansas City variety and more like North Carolina style (but with a bit of tomato sauce) which is preferred by me and my lunch guest, (as we are both NC born and love our spice and vinegar)!
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Shawn C.

Yelp
Great food. Small establishment. Everyone pleasant. Some foods made to order & fresh! Come early as popular items run out. Daily specials. Very happy this is close to my house.
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Chris H.

Yelp
Excellent service food was amazing!!! Stopped in Late one evening while traveling! Highly advise dropping by if your in the area!!!
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Melony J.

Yelp
Family run establishment...quaint, cozy, and cute! They're super friendly and helpful. Great menu selection. Awesome pricing considering the large portions!! Smells so dang good when you walk in the door!! Wanted to order one of everything!! This is my new favorite spot in Clarksville for BBQ. I'll be back for the BBQ baked potato with bacon and cheese...yum!!
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Robert S.

Yelp
This is an amazing hole in the wall place! The food is excellent and the service is awesome!!!! It's just outside of Clarksville in TN but what an amazing find! I am definitely coming back!!!!
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Thecompass45 ..

Yelp
These folks are doing a great job and the food is amazing. I highly recommend the pulled pork. The sauces are all great and the dessert is to die for.

Clayton R.

Yelp
Let me explain something.... The best ladies in the world and damn good food!! Everything here is good. Down home country feel with no frills except the food.. and that's why you go...
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Tony H.

Yelp
BBQ spot with three pits. Brisket or ribs, pick em both. Sweet tea to make you slap someone's mama. Sides are so big you better be starvin marvin. Family owned and very family friendly. Give them a shot and you won't be disappointed, I promise.

Jesse R.

Yelp
Some of the best bbq I've had in this area, very friendly staff and great atmosphere.
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Richard V.

Yelp
Family owned and operated with amazing service. Everything on the menu is delicious. The loaded potato salad is my personal favorite menu item. They are also open for breakfast now!

Allie B.

Yelp
I can't review the food because we left before we ordered. RUDEST customer service we have ever had. We have been there once before and the food was amazing and the service was great. NOT THIS TIME. We sit at our table, a lady comes with menus and throws them down and just stands there. we think she is ready to take drink order so we order. She says she can't hear, so I order again. She brings our drinks and leaves. She cleans a table, goes to her booth, sit's down and puts head set on. 5 minutes later, another group comes in, she gets up, takes their drink order, gets their drinks, comes back and takes their order. as she is walking away, I say excuse me, will you take our order. She gives us the nastiest look I have ever seen on a person and walks off. We decide to leave and as we are leaving I go to the front counter to try to tell them why we are leaving. This woman proceeds to tell me that is fine, leave, and there is a sign. I completely understand being short staffed, we would have waited, but to be treated this way was completely unacceptable. We have been telling everybody we know to try this place from our first visit, NOW we will warn people to stay away.
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J S.

Yelp
So, no matter what you hear, this is the best BBQ in Clarksville. It may not be in a gas station and it may actually be a clean restaurant but it's still the best in town.

Sherri L.

Yelp
Food was delicious! It was great to meet family and we will definitely be back. The strawberry cake is amazing-must take a piece to go!!