The BBQ Map
Best BBQ in Tennessee
Tennessee may not be the first state that comes to mind for barbecue, but its smokehouses hold their own — from family-run institutions to ambitious newcomers putting a local spin on smoked meat. Here are 10 of the best BBQ restaurants Tennessee has to offer, hand-picked and mapped for easy planning.
Tennessee has its own recognized place on the regional barbecue map: Memphis barbecue centers on pork ribs and shoulder served "wet" (basted in a thin, tomato-based sauce) or "dry" (coated in a paprika-and-garlic rub with no sauce at all). East Tennessee leans more toward Carolina-style vinegar influence.
10 restaurants mapped & rated 🔥 View on Interactive MapMichelin-recognized brisket that rivals the best Texas has to offer. Outgrown its location multiple times, this Nashville-area gem overcame COVID to become Tennessee's BBQ crown jewel.
A converted gas station serving some of the most beloved pulled pork sandwiches in Memphis, piled high with mustard-based slaw and a tangy sauce. Pitmasters and BBQ writers alike consistently name this their first stop in the city — unassuming on the outside, transcendent on the plate.
A downtown Memphis favorite located right behind the National Civil Rights Museum, consistently ranked among the city's top BBQ joints. Smoked wings, nachos, and a full range of pulled meats served in a casual, no-frills setting that locals and visitors return to again and again.
Every day begins at 5am as pitmaster Pat Martin's team prepares whole-hog, live-fire barbecue from scratch. The Redneck Taco — pork, brisket, sausage, chicken, turkey, or catfish atop a cornbread hoe-cake — has become a Nashville icon, alongside the massive Big Momma Sampler built for sharing.
Named for pitmaster Carey Bringle, the one-legged BBQ king of Nashville, whose Tennessee dry-rubbed ribs have won serious recognition on the national BBQ circuit and twice earned him a cooking invitation to the James Beard House. The in-house bourbon, smoked green beans, and Gulch-neighborhood patio seal the deal.
Family-owned Middle Tennessee BBQ since 1995, with dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru service. The BBQ baked potato and Brunswick stew keep locals coming back, alongside jumbo pulled pork sandwiches and a daily value pack built for sharing.
Ranked #11 in the South by Southern Living's Top 50 — the highest-ranking Memphis restaurant on the list. Hand-chopped pork shoulder cooked over charcoal explodes with flavor against warm, soft buns, while the rib sandwich and signature reddish-brown sauce make this a true Bluff City classic.
A family-run Uptown staple since 1977, famous for its 'aquarium-style' pits visible through glass so diners can watch the smoke swirl. Matriarch Desiree Robinson was inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020. Ranked #40 in the South by Southern Living, renowned for smoked ribs, BBQ Cornish hen, and a sauce that ranges from mild to super hot.
Home of the Dancing Pigs sauce and a Midtown Memphis favorite for ribs, BBQ spaghetti, and a sandwich game that draws repeat visitors. The Cole slaw is frequently singled out as the best in the city, and the rib platters consistently rank among Memphis's top BBQ experiences.
Tucked in a downtown alley since 1948, 'the 'Vous' is a Memphis institution known the world over for dry-rub ribs cooked over charcoal in a cavernous basement setting. Brick ovens line the walls, old-world decor fills every corner, and the ribs, sausage, and tangy beans have fed generations of locals and tourists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best BBQ restaurant in Tennessee?
Based on Google ratings, Shotgun Willie's BBQ in Madison is the top-rated BBQ restaurant we've mapped in Tennessee, currently holding a 4.8-star average. That said, "best" is personal — check the full list above and look at what each spot specializes in before deciding.
What kind of barbecue is Tennessee known for?
Tennessee is one of the few states with a barbecue style genuinely tied to its name: Tennessee-style (Memphis). You'll find that influence across most of the restaurants mapped above, though individual pitmasters always put their own spin on it.
How many BBQ restaurants are on The BBQ Map in Tennessee?
We currently have 10 BBQ restaurants mapped in Tennessee, each with a real Google rating, address, and description. We add and verify new spots regularly.
How do you choose which restaurants make the list?
We look at real Google ratings, review volume, and reputation — prioritizing restaurants with strong, consistent feedback over a large number of reviews rather than a handful of five-star outliers. We also remove restaurants that have permanently closed or relocated as soon as we confirm it.