7 Tennessee BBQ Joints Locals Say Beat the Famous Ones

Tennessee is famous for barbecue, but the biggest names aren’t always the best, according to people who live there.

Locals have their own favorite spots that serve incredible smoked meats without all the hype and long tourist lines. These hidden gems and neighborhood favorites offer authentic flavors, family recipes, and the kind of barbecue that keeps Tennesseans coming back for decades.

1. B.E. Scott’s Bar-B-Que (Lexington)

Middle Tennessee locals get protective when you mention B.E. Scott’s. This place has been serving whole-hog barbecue the old-fashioned way for years, and families pass down their love for it like a treasured recipe.

The vinegar-based sauce here cuts through the rich pork perfectly, giving you that tangy kick that makes traditional Tennessee barbecue so special. Every bite tastes like someone’s backyard cookout, except the pitmasters here have been perfecting their craft for decades.

People drive from Nashville just to grab a plate and some sides. The atmosphere feels like home, and the staff treats regulars like family. When locals argue about the best barbecue in the state, Scott’s always enters the conversation, often beating out the famous tourist traps downtown.

2. Cozy Corner Restaurant (Memphis)

Walk into Cozy Corner and you’ll immediately understand why Memphis locals skip the downtown barbecue joints. This place specializes in Cornish hens and ribs that fall off the bone with barely a tug.

The cooking style here leans heavily on tradition rather than flashy marketing. You won’t find tour buses parked outside, but you will find people who’ve been coming here since childhood, bringing their own kids now. The smoky aroma hits you before you even open the door.

What makes Cozy Corner stand out is how they balance flavor without drowning everything in sauce. The meat speaks for itself, tender and full of that deep smoke flavor that only comes from hours over real wood.

3. Payne’s Bar-B-Que (Memphis)

Sometimes the best food comes from the simplest places. Payne’s operates out of a tiny spot that looks like it hasn’t changed in fifty years, and that’s exactly how customers want it.

Their chopped pork sandwiches with mustard slaw have reached legendary status among Memphis residents. The combination sounds basic until you taste how perfectly the tangy slaw complements the smoky, juicy pork. No fancy sides or complicated menu—just barbecue done right.

You’ll likely wait in line because word spreads fast, even without social media hype. The people ahead of you probably grew up eating here, and they’ll tell you stories about how their parents brought them to this exact spot.

4. Edley’s Bar-B-Que (Nashville)

Starting as a local operation, Edley’s earned its reputation the hard way—by winning over Nashville’s tough barbecue critics one plate at a time. Their brisket has become the stuff of neighborhood legend.

What separates Edley’s from tourist traps is their commitment to creative Southern sides that actually enhance the meal instead of just filling space on your plate. Mac and cheese, collard greens, and banana pudding all get the same attention as the smoked meats.

The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, like hanging out at a friend’s place rather than dining at some overhyped restaurant. Tennesseans pack this place during lunch and dinner, and they’re not just tourists following online recommendations.

5. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Nolensville)

Whole-hog barbecue represents Tennessee tradition at its finest, and Martin’s does it the way it’s been done for generations. The smoky aroma from their pits carries across the parking lot, pulling you inside before you even realize you’re hungry.

Located in Nolensville, this spot attracts locals who appreciate barbecue that takes time and patience. Cooking a whole hog properly requires skill and dedication, and you taste that commitment in every bite. The meat stays incredibly moist while picking up layers of wood smoke flavor.

Martin’s proves that traditional methods still produce the best results, even in our fast-paced world.

6. Ridgewood Barbecue (Bluff City)

East Tennessee barbecue has its own personality, and Ridgewood represents that regional style beautifully. This place has been serving locals for so long that multiple generations have memories attached to specific tables.

Here’s something unexpected—their blue cheese dressing has almost as many fans as their barbecue. Locals swear by pairing it with their classic pork plates, creating a flavor combination you won’t find at the big-name joints. It sounds unusual until you try it yourself.

The restaurant sits in Bluff City, away from major tourist routes, which means the crowd consists mostly of people who know exactly what they want. The pork arrives perfectly smoked with that pink ring showing hours of careful cooking.

7. Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse (Nashville)

Nashville residents have plenty of barbecue options, but Bar-B-Cutie maintains a loyal following that spans decades. This smokehouse combines traditional techniques with a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a regular.

The variety here impresses without overwhelming you. Whether you’re craving ribs, pulled pork, or chicken, everything comes off the smoker with that authentic flavor that separates real barbecue from pretenders. The sides complement rather than compete, letting the smoked meats shine.

Families gather here for celebrations, coworkers meet for lunch, and neighbors stop by for takeout on busy weeknights. That kind of community support doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from consistently delivering quality food and genuine hospitality.