8 BBQ Joints in Tennessee That Are Worth the Smoke Smell

If the smell of hickory smoke makes you hungry before you even see a menu, this list is your roadmap. Tennessee’s pitmasters turn patience, hardwood, and tradition into plates you will think about for days. From bustling Nashville rooms to quiet small town counters, each stop brings its own rhythm, rubs, and stories worth savoring.

Bring an appetite, a couple napkins, and a willingness to let that smoke linger a little longer.

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

You walk in and the first thing you notice is the smoke, sweet and steady, like a promise. Whole hog takes center stage here, with tender shards of pork that taste like patience. Grab a tray, add tangy slaw, a wedge of cornbread, and let the bark do the talking.

The energy feels like Nashville itself, loud in the best way, with music drifting and friends claiming tables. Sauces lean balanced, bright without hiding the meat. If you love crisp edges, chase the rib tips and the crackly bits tucked in the pile.

Watch the pit crew work and you understand why lines form daily. It is craft, not show. You leave tasting tradition and smoke.

2. Peg Leg Porker BBQ (Nashville)

The ribs arrive with a mahogany bark that crackles lightly under your teeth. Smoke announces itself, then gives way to clean pork flavor and a peppery finish. Pulled pork stays juicy enough to handle just a whisper of sauce.

The room hums with music and conversation, a quick heartbeat that keeps the line moving. Sides matter here, especially creamy mac and tangy beans that pull the plate together. Order a half rack, then immediately wish you had gone full.

You will see locals, touring musicians, and first timers comparing rib bones like trophies. It is unfussy and proud of it. Expect sticky fingers, a lingering grin, and plans to return.

3. B.E. Scott’s BBQ (Lexington)

In West Tennessee, tradition tastes like slow embers and quiet confidence. Here, pit-cooked pork gets chopped fine, kissed with vinegary twang and the softness only time can give. A sandwich topped with slaw turns every bite into a crunchy, tangy, smoky chorus.

The counter feels friendly, almost like a neighbor’s porch. Folks talk about weather, football, and whose grandparents ate here. You can sense decades of practice settling into each tray.

Lean and fatty bits mingle, creating balance without trying. Sauce comes light, the meat doing the heavy lifting. If you appreciate barbecue that respects heritage above hype, this stop feels like a master class served on white paper.

4. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis)

Dry rub steals the show before the first bite lands. Charcoal and spices bloom together, waking up the ribs with pepper, garlic, and a hint of citrusy lift. The meat stays firm yet tender, perfect for pulling clean from the bone.

Downstairs, history lines the walls, and the hum of conversation never really stops. It is part museum, part party, and all Memphis. A sausage and cheese plate kicks things off if you play it right.

Skip drowning anything in sauce and let the rub lead. Each bite feels classic and a little defiant. You walk back into the street carrying a souvenir of smoke on your clothes.

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

This is where comfort meets craft, neighborhood vibes wrapped in serious smoke. Ribs come balanced and meaty, with a rub that whispers sweet, savory, and a small spark. Chopped pork piles high, ready for a gentle pour of house sauce.

Locals swear by barbecue spaghetti, and you should too. It sounds playful, then lands rich and satisfying, like Memphis in a bowl. The room feels familiar even on your first visit.

Staff moves with easy rhythm, guiding you toward the best pairings. Slaw brightens, Texas toast soaks up the good bits. You leave feeling full in the best way, a quiet nod to tradition done right.

6. Barque BBQ (Chattanooga)

Modern lines meet old smoke, a Chattanooga spot where technique gets a tasteful glow up. Brisket slices show a pretty ring and bend just right, while pork shoulder shreds with quiet confidence. Sauces lean clean and bright, supporting without masking.

Expect sides with personality, like charred greens, pickled things, and creamy grits. The plates feel composed but not fussy, leaving room for second helpings. You can taste careful sourcing and steady fire in every bite.

Diners spread out at communal tables, sharing trays and opinions. It is friendly, current, and grounded in Southern roots. Perfect for introducing a friend to barbecue beyond the basics.

7. Boot Stompin’ BBQ (Columbia)

Some places taste like a weekend porch hang, and this is one of them. The smoke is steady, the portions generous, and the welcome warm. Pork shoulder lands tender, turkey surprisingly juicy, and ribs carry a gentle tug.

Grab sweet tea, pick your sides, and settle in among neighbors swapping stories. The mood invites seconds, maybe thirds, because nobody is rushing you. Sauces lean approachable, with a friendly pepper kick.

You can feel community in the creak of the door and the nods from regulars. It is not fancy, and that is the charm. Come hungry, leave smiling, and bring a friend next time.

8. Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ (near Nashville)

If you crave nostalgia with your smoke, this spot hits the sweet spot. Think lakeside breezes, checkered tables, and meat that tastes like Sunday afternoon. Pulled pork and ribs arrive tender, with bark that hums quietly under each bite.

Music might drift over the water while you tuck into creamy banana pudding. Sauces skew classic, letting the wood speak first. The pace invites conversation, maybe a slow walk before seconds.

Bring family, or make friends at the next table. It is relaxed, old school, and proud of it. You drive away with windows cracked, carrying a gentle, happy whiff of hickory.