The Best Barbecue Joints in Tennessee: A Complete Guide

Tennessee is synonymous with delicious, mouth-watering barbecue. From the smoky ribs of Memphis to the tangy pulled pork of Nashville, the state offers a diverse array of barbecue styles. This guide will take you on a tour of the best barbecue joints across Tennessee, showcasing the must-visit spots for any meat lover.

1. Central BBQ (Memphis)

• What to Expect: Central BBQ is a Memphis staple known for its slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and flavorful sauces. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
• Must-Try Dish: Dry-rub ribs, which are seasoned and smoked to perfection.

2. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Nashville)

• What to Expect: Martin’s is famous for its whole-hog barbecue, a method that’s not as common outside the Carolinas. Each hog is smoked for hours, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s packed with flavor.
• Must-Try Dish: The pulled pork platter, paired with their signature sides like baked beans and coleslaw.

3. The Bar-B-Q Shop (Memphis)

• What to Expect: This spot is home to the famous “Dancing Pigs” barbecue sauce, which is both sweet and tangy. Known for its unique blend of flavors, The Bar-B-Q Shop serves some of the best pulled pork and ribs in Memphis.
• Must-Try Dish: The pork shoulder sandwich, slathered in Dancing Pigs sauce.

4. Peg Leg Porker (Nashville)

• What to Expect: Peg Leg Porker stands out for its award-winning dry-rub ribs. The restaurant’s no-frills, straightforward approach to barbecue has made it a hit with those who love authentic, flavorful meat.
• Must-Try Dish: Dry-rub ribs, which are smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor.

5. Helen’s Bar-B-Q (Brownsville)

• What to Expect: Helen Turner, the owner of Helen’s Bar-B-Q, has been recognized for her mastery of pit barbecue. The place is small and unassuming, but the flavor of the meat is unforgettable.
• Must-Try Dish: Pork shoulder, slow-cooked over hickory wood.

6. Calhoun’s (Knoxville)

• What to Expect: A favorite among locals, Calhoun’s is known for its ribs and smoked meats. The restaurant also offers a beautiful riverside location that enhances the dining experience.
• Must-Try Dish: The baby back ribs, which are tender and fall off the bone.

7. Loveless Café (Nashville)

• What to Expect: While not strictly a barbecue joint, Loveless Café is famous for its smoked meats, particularly the pulled pork. The café’s rich history and home-cooked dishes make it a must-visit.
• Must-Try Dish: Pulled pork with a side of their iconic biscuits.

8. Payne’s Bar-B-Que (Memphis)

• What to Expect: Payne’s is known for its mustard-based barbecue sauce, which gives the pulled pork sandwiches a unique and tangy flavor. The small, no-frills establishment has been serving barbecue for decades.
• Must-Try Dish: The chopped pork sandwich, topped with their mustard slaw.

9. Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q (Decatur)

• What to Expect: Although technically in Alabama, Big Bob Gibson’s is close enough to Tennessee that it deserves a mention. This place is known for its white barbecue sauce, a tangy, mayonnaise-based sauce that’s perfect for chicken.
• Must-Try Dish: Smoked chicken with white sauce.

10. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis)

• What to Expect: Located in a downtown alley, Rendezvous is known for its dry-rub ribs, which are grilled over charcoal for a distinctive, smoky flavor. It’s one of Memphis’s most iconic barbecue spots.
• Must-Try Dish: Dry-rub ribs, served with their famous slaw.

From Nashville to Memphis, Tennessee’s barbecue scene is diverse and delicious. Whether you’re a fan of dry rubs, tangy sauces, or slow-smoked meats, there’s a barbecue joint in Tennessee that will satisfy your cravings. Be sure to try these iconic spots on your next visit.