10 Tennessee BBQ Plates You Need to Try at Least Once

If smoky perfection calls your name, Tennessee answers with plates that hit every craving. From whole-hog traditions to saucy legends, these joints deliver slow-smoked magic, soulful sides, and that unmistakable Volunteer State warmth. You will find crispy bark, tender bites, and sauces that range from sweet tang to pepper-kissed heat.

Grab a seat, loosen your belt, and let this road map guide you to ten plates worth planning a trip around.

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

Picture a tray lined with butcher paper, and the first bite delivers crisp bark, juicy strands of pork, and a whisper of hickory. You taste patience, the kind forged by whole-hog tradition and long nights tending coals. Sides comfort like old friends, from tangy slaw to skillet cornbread that soaks every drop.

The vibe stays casual and loud in the best way, where laughter mixes with smoke drifting from the pit. Ribs snap clean and gloss with spice-kissed rub, while sauces lean supportive, never overpowering. You set down the fork and think about seconds, then grab it again.

This is a plate that feels like Nashville hospitality on paper. Come hungry, leave converted.

2. Peg Leg Porker BBQ (Nashville)

Dry-rub ribs arrive with a mahogany crust that crackles lightly under your teeth. The smoke is confident, never shy, and it carries pepper and salt like truth. You tear off a bite and find meat that yields but keeps a proud chew.

This plate feels like a neighborhood hangout, the kind of place where you nod at strangers and they nod back. Beans bring sweet heat, mac balances with creamy comfort, and a stack of white bread waits for sauce swipes. You dab, you taste, you grin.

There is an award-winning swagger here, but nothing feels fussy. It is simply ribs, done right, with a side of good times and grit.

3. Edley’s Bar-B-Que (Nashville)

Here, tradition gets a friendly remix. You tuck into smoky brisket slices next to tender pork, each bite framed by sauces that lean bright, sweet, or peppery. Creative sides keep things lively, like pimento mac that clings to your fork and a crisp, tangy slaw.

The plate feels generous and modern without losing its Southern roots. Crunchy pickles pop against warm, soft buns, and collards hum with potlikker soul. Every forkful invites a different pairing, so you keep building new bites.

It is the kind of meal that turns a weekday into a small celebration. Friendly service, cold tea, and a tray that says stay awhile and savor.

4. Shotgun Willie’s BBQ (Nashville)

This plate does not whisper. It roars with smoke, bark, and big portions that land heavy in the best possible way. You get meat that speaks plainly, seasoned with confidence and finished with just enough sauce.

There is no fluff here, only honest barbecue that fills the tray and your afternoon. Sausage snaps, ribs cling with pepper, and chopped pork folds into a soft bun like it was meant to live there. The sides stay classic, steady, and dependable.

Locals line up because the value is real and the flavor is louder. Bring appetite, maybe a friend, and a plan for leftovers. You will need it.

5. Papa Turney’s Old Fashion BBQ (Nashville)

A plate that tastes like Sunday after church, steady and familiar. Slow-smoked pork pulls into silky strands, perfumed with oak and patience. Rib tips bring chew and char, the kind you chase with beans that carry brown sugar comfort.

The setting feels nostalgic, right down to the iced tea and soft rolls. Slaw refreshes with a crisp bite, balancing the richness with cool tang. You slow down without trying, letting the smoke do the talking.

Old-school is not code for bland here. It means recipes that have earned their keep, served by folks who remember your face. Save room for pie if you can.

You will thank yourself.

6. HoneyFire BBQ (Nashville)

Balance rules this plate, where sauces play harmony, not lead. A glossy rib leans sweet-heat without sticking to your fingers, and tender turkey surprises with deep smoke. You dip into ramekins that range from honeyed warmth to peppery kick.

Everything feels dialed in, from seasoning to texture. Cornbread arrives with a whisper of jalapeno and a crumb that hugs melted butter. Sides keep pace, bright and clean, so every bite stays focused.

Approachable without being plain, this is barbecue that wins over picky eaters and purists alike. You taste intent in every detail, then debate ordering a second tray. Go ahead.

The finish is worth it.

7. B.E. Scott’s BBQ (Lexington)

West Tennessee tradition shows up humble and perfect. Chopped pork carries clean smoke and gentle fat, ready for a vinegar-pepper splash that wakes everything up. You crown it with slaw and watch the sandwich settle into balance.

The plate rides with crinkle fries and maybe a handful of pickles for snap. No fancy garnishes, just execution honed across decades. Every bite says this is how it is done out here.

If you love minimalism in barbecue, this will feel like home. A simple tray, a straightforward sauce, and meat that needs nothing extra. You will finish and consider ordering another for the road.

8. Ridgewood Barbecue (Bluff City)

Smoke drifts like a promise in this mountain landmark. Hickory-kissed pork arrives tender and ready for that famous sweet-tangy sauce, a flavor that sticks in memory. You taste a little caramel, a little zip, and a lot of tradition.

The plate often brings crisp fries and slaw that cuts through with cool contrast. Wood-paneled walls and friendly bustle make it feel like a timeless stop. You lean back, sip something cold, and reset for more.

Signature sauce can be risky, but here it lands exactly right. It complements the meat without hiding it, a perfect handshake. This is a destination, not a detour, worth every mile.

9. Slick Pig BBQ (Murfreesboro)

This plate feels like a backyard gathering made bigger. Pulled pork comes soft and smoky, while house sauces line up from sweet to zesty. If you know, you add smoked wings to the mix and let that crispy skin sing.

Hushpuppies break open with a tender crumb and a little corn sweetness. Sides keep it classic, comforting, and plentiful. You reach for extra napkins and do not apologize.

It is a regional favorite for good reason. Friendly service, fair prices, and consistent smoke make it an easy yes. Bring the family or a hungry crew and let the table do the talking.

10. Boot Stompin’ BBQ (Columbia)

Small-town charm meets big smoke. Sliced pork shows off a rosy ring and gentle juices, while ribs carry a pepper-forward bark that keeps you nibbling. Cornbread arrives warm and ready to catch every drip.

The staff greets you like a neighbor, and pretty soon you feel like one. Sides rotate from creamy potatoes to tangy greens, each tuned to support the meat. You taste care more than flash.

This rising gem proves you do not need hype to deliver flavor. The plate is honest, filling, and memorable. When you roll back onto the highway, you will already be planning your return.