Somewhere in Tennessee, a barbecue joint piles juicy ribs right on top of a big baked potato. I read that and couldn’t stop thinking about it. Dinner and a side, stacked into one glorious heap? Sign me up.
That potato is just one stop on this list. Another spot has served barbecue since 1923. One more cooks whole hogs over wood coals, the old-school way that West Tennessee still treasures.
The best part is the bill. These places keep prices friendly, so you can add the extra side without doing math at the table. I love that kind of value, especially when the plate lands with a thud.
I rounded up ten spots across the state, in busy cities and along quiet highways. Some serve meat by the pound. Some stack it on nachos. Which one gets your first road trip?
1. A&R Bar-B-Que LLC, Memphis, TN
Any barbecue joint on Elvis Presley Boulevard has a big name to live up to. Lucky for you, this one backs up the famous address with big portions of smoked meat.
A&R is a local Memphis chain, and this location keeps the focus on hearty food. You can eat in, or grab your smoked meat by the pound to take home.
Rib tips belong on your first order. They’re a Memphis classic, and here they share the spotlight with pulled pork sandwiches and smoked beef brisket.
Beef tips also show up, which is a fun change from the usual lineup. Order them when you want something rich and a little different.
Turkey fans, you’re covered too. The large turkey breast sandwich and the turkey sausage sandwich make a smart combo when you want a lighter twist on smoke.
Sides keep things simple and satisfying. Onion rings bring the crunch, and a hot dog is there for the picky eater in your crew.
Save room for caramel cake. It’s a sweet Southern finish that feels right after a pile of rib tips and sauce.
Service runs at the counter, so you order, pay, and grab a seat. Curbside pickup and delivery help when your couch is calling louder than the dining room.
Families will like the kids’ menu. Planning a party? The catering service can feed your whole group without you lighting a single coal.
Timing matters a little here. The restaurant closes on Sundays, and Friday and Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest.
Weekday visits usually run calmer. Hours stretch to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, giving you extra time for an early dinner.
Parking is free and usually easy to find. That leaves your brain free for the hard choice: rib tips or brisket first?
Address: 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106
2. Elwood’s Shack, Memphis, TN
Barbecue for breakfast sounds like a dare. At Elwood’s Shack, the doors open at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, so you can take that dare seriously.
This no-frills joint on Summer Avenue mixes smoked meat with comfort food. Think burgers, tacos, hot dogs, and sandwiches sharing a menu with brisket and pulled pork.
Brisket is the star, and it shows up in creative ways. The Philly brisket wrap brings tender meat and melted cheese together in one handheld package.
Burnt ends deserve a spot on your tray. So does the pulled pork, especially if you like your Memphis barbecue straightforward and smoky.
Want some heat? Spicy jerk wings add a kick you won’t find at every barbecue stand in town.
Tacos might be the surprise hit. Brisket tacos and shrimp tacos both appear on the menu, along with a BBQ pizza for the truly curious.
Burger lovers have options too. The Golden Texas Burger and a bacon cheeseburger give you a break from ribs without leaving the smoke behind.
Pair your meal with jalapeno coleslaw for a cool bite with a little attitude. Thirsty crowd? Sweet tea comes by the gallon.
You order at the counter, then find a seat inside or outside. Dogs are welcome, which makes this a fun stop after a neighborhood walk.
High chairs and a kids’ menu make it easy for families. College students and tourists both show up, so the crowd stays mixed and lively.
Saturdays get busy from morning through evening. Sunday hours are shorter, running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., so plan a brunch-style visit.
Free parking is usually plentiful. Delivery and takeout also work when you want brisket tacos on your own couch.
Address: 4523 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
3. B.E. Scotts BBQ, Lexington, TN
Cooking a whole hog over wood coals takes patience, muscle, and a lot of hickory. In Lexington, B.E. Scotts BBQ keeps that West Tennessee tradition going strong.
Whole hog barbecue is the specialty here. That means the pork comes from the entire animal, giving your sandwich a mix of textures and flavors.
The pulled pork sandwich is the move. It’s simple, smoky, and built around the hickory-smoked meat that made this place worth the drive.
Sauce comes in three moods: mild, sweet, or hot. Pick one, or try a little of each and crown your own favorite.
Portions run generous, so don’t skip lunch expecting a tiny snack. A chicken sandwich is also available if someone in your group wants a change.
Baked beans make the best sidekick. They’re a classic match for smoked pork, and they hold their own on the plate.
The room has a rustic, old-fashioned feel. Service happens at the counter, and the staff keeps things polite and moving.
Plan your trip around the hours. The restaurant opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays, and wraps up at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Mondays and Sundays are closed, so don’t roll up then with an empty stomach. Friday mornings and afternoons tend to draw the biggest crowds.
Free Wi-Fi is a handy bonus if you’re on a road trip along US-412. High chairs help families settle in for a quick meal.
Catering is available if you want whole hog barbecue at your next party. Takeout and delivery work too.
Parking is free and usually easy. Honestly, the hardest part is choosing mild, sweet, or hot.
Address: 10880 US-412, Lexington, TN 38351
4. Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q, Mason, TN
Warren G. Harding was president when Bozo’s started serving barbecue. Since 1923, this Mason landmark has fed locals and travelers just passing through on Highway 70.
The restaurant calls itself a piece of Tennessee history, and the vintage feel backs that up. Expect an old-fashioned dining room that leans into its long story.
Ribs are a top pick. They’re known for being tender and moist, the kind you don’t need to fight with.
Pulled pork is the other heavy hitter. Build a big spread with potato salad, baked beans, and sweet slaw for the full experience.
The menu goes beyond the pit. Catfish, hush puppies, and onion rings give you plenty of ways to fill the table.
Fried green tomatoes and seasoned fries add more Southern flavor. Sauce lovers can sample an assortment of barbecue sauces.
Leave space for pie. Dessert is a strong point here, and coffee and tea make it easy to linger a little longer.
Unlike many barbecue joints, Bozo’s offers table service. It also accepts reservations, which is handy for a big family gathering.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu ready to go. Dogs can join you outside.
The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. Hours start at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with closing at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and later hours on Friday and Saturday.
Friday afternoons and evenings get busy. A weekday morning visit is a calmer way to enjoy a century of barbecue.
Free parking makes stopping easy. Over a hundred years in, Bozo’s still knows how to make a road trip worth the detour.
Address: 342 US-70, Mason, TN 38049
5. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Nashville, TN
Whole hog barbecue in the middle of Nashville’s Belmont neighborhood? It happens at Martin’s, a big roadhouse-style spot known for pit-fired pork.
The menu covers far more than pork, though. Brisket, ribs, smoked sausage, chicken, tacos, and burgers all make an appearance.
Brisket gets plenty of love here for being moist and tender. Pulled pork and smoked sausage round out a serious meat lineup.
Hungry crew? The BBQ Baked Potato is a hefty pick that turns a side dish into a full meal.
Sides keep the comfort coming. Mac and cheese, potato salad, hushpuppies, and Farmhand Fries give you lots to share.
Dessert is a pecan pie situation. Wash it down with a Nehi Orange for a retro soda moment.
Service moves fast, which helps when the place gets lively. You order at the counter and then grab a seat inside or outside.
Sports fans will find a good spot to catch a game. College students, families, and tourists all fit right in.
Kids get high chairs and their own menu. Dogs are welcome outside, so your furry friend can enjoy the smell of smoke too.
Hours run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. That’s a nice change from barbecue spots that close early.
Weekend evenings get the busiest. A Tuesday lunch is a smart move if you’d rather skip the rush.
Curbside pickup and delivery help on lazy days. Free Wi-Fi is there too, though the brisket will keep your eyes off your phone.
Address: 3108 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212
6. The Ridge, Nashville, TN
Nachos buried under barbecue might be the best kind of avalanche. At The Ridge in West Nashville, the BBQ Nachos are a crowd favorite for good reason.
This easygoing neighborhood eatery serves barbecue sandwiches, catfish, burgers, and sides. It feels relaxed, like the kind of place you visit on a random Tuesday.
Brisket and sausage bring big flavor to the table. Pulled pork and smoked wings help turn a plate into a full sampler.
Ribs fall nicely off the bone. Chicken is another strong choice if you want to branch out from pork and beef.
Sides aren’t an afterthought here. Beans, corn, and cornbread all hold their own next to the meat.
Craving something different? Brisket chili and a BBQ quesadilla bring smoky flavor in fun new shapes.
Hand cut fries are an easy add for the table. Order a basket to share while you decide on round two.
Unlike many barbecue counters, The Ridge offers table service. It also takes reservations, which helps with bigger groups.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Dogs are welcome outside on the patio.
Hours run from 11 a.m. daily, closing at 8:30 p.m. most nights and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Friday evening is usually the busiest time.
Sports on? It’s a good place to watch a game with a plate of wings nearby.
Free parking makes it simple. Bring friends, order the nachos, and let the sharing debates begin.
Address: 333 54th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
7. HardWood BBQ, Knoxville, TN
Your nose might find HardWood BBQ before your GPS does. The smokers sit right out front in South Knoxville, sending the scent of hardwood smoke down the road.
This locally owned spot cooks its meats over hardwood and makes its sides at home. The result is classic East Tennessee barbecue with a homemade touch.
Go big with the Big Meat Treat. The name says it, and it’s built for serious appetites.
Feeding a family? Pulled pork and chopped brisket come by the pound, which makes takeout easy.
Smoked bologna is worth a try. It’s a Southern favorite that turns a humble lunch meat into something smoky and bold.
Baked beans make a solid partner for any meat. Sweet tea keeps things classic.
Dessert gets high marks too. Save a little room so you’re not stuck staring at the sweets with regret.
Service is fast, and you order at the counter. Indoor and outdoor seating give you options on nice days.
A private dining room is available for groups. That’s handy for birthdays, team lunches, or family meetups.
Kids are welcome with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Dogs are allowed too, so the whole crew can come.
The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays. It opens at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and stays open until 9 p.m. on weekends.
Friday evenings get busy. Tuesday or Wednesday lunch is a calmer bet, and free parking is usually easy to find.
Address: 2014 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920
8. Shagbark Barbecue Company, Knoxville, TN
Shagbark hickory is a tree with shaggy, peeling bark. Shagbark Barbecue Company borrows that woodsy name and pairs it with smoked meat in Knoxville.
This locally owned restaurant focuses on brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Homemade sides and banana pudding round out the menu.
A pulled pork plate is a great place to start. Add mac and cheese and fried okra for a comforting, filling combo.
The Brisket Plate is another top choice. It gives beef fans a hearty meal without any fuss.
Want something handheld? The Pork Sandwich keeps it simple and easy to eat on the go.
Baked beans are a classic side worth ordering. Fried okra brings crunch and a true Southern touch.
Banana pudding is the sweet ending here. It’s homemade, and it’s the right call after a smoky meal.
Here’s a perk you don’t see every day at a barbecue joint: a drive-through. It’s perfect when you need pulled pork in a hurry.
You can also eat inside or outside. Service happens at the counter, so ordering stays quick.
Families will find high chairs and changing tables. Dogs are welcome outside.
Hours are a bit unique. Shagbark is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Sunday afternoons and weekend evenings get busy. Free on-site parking makes the stop easy, so go grab that banana pudding.
Address: 7228 Region Ln, Knoxville, TN 37914
9. The Purple Daisy – Picnic Cafe, Chattanooga, TN
Ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, and you’ll work up an appetite. Good news: The Purple Daisy sits close by in Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood.
The spot may look small, but it serves big barbecue. Pulled pork comes in generous portions, tender and moist with just the right amount of smoke.
Smoked chicken is another winner. It’s juicy and tender, so it’s a great choice if pork isn’t your thing.
Ribs earn praise for flavor too. Try the BBQ Plate Combo if you want more than one meat on your tray.
The menu also brings fun twists. BBQ Tacos and quesadillas mix smoky meat with fresh flavors.
Hashbrown casserole is a must-order side. Hot slaw adds a spicy kick, and sweet tea keeps it Southern.
Vegetarians aren’t left out. The Rainbow Sandwich is a local favorite, while vegetarian diners can choose from options like a grilled cheese sandwich, garden salad, or meat-free quesadilla.
Vintage items decorate the walls and tables. On chilly days, a fireplace adds extra charm.
The cafe offers table service and moves fast. Kids get a kids’ menu and high chairs, and dogs can join you outside.
Hours run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, so plan your barbecue stop between Monday and Saturday.
Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons tend to get busy. Monday is usually the quietest time to visit.
Prices stay friendly, which leaves room in your budget for Incline tickets. Barbecue and a mountain view make a pretty sweet Tennessee day.
Address: 4001 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409
10. HWY 58 BBQ, Chattanooga, TN
Ribs piled on a baked potato sounds like a dream from a very hungry nap. At HWY 58 BBQ in Chattanooga, it’s real, and it’s on the menu.
This family-owned spot is known for smoked meats and oversized loaded potatoes. The potatoes are cooked well and stacked high, so one could easily feed you until dinner.
Ribs are tender and juicy, whether on a potato or on their own. Pulled pork and smoked chicken are strong picks too.
Corn Nuggets make a fun side. They’re crunchy and sweet, and kids usually love them.
Banana pudding is fresh and homemade. It’s a classic way to finish a smoky meal.
The restaurant is small, with a hole-in-the-wall feel. The staff is friendly and quick, which keeps the line moving.
Want to save time? Call your order in ahead of your visit for even faster service.
You order at the counter, then grab a seat or head out with takeout. Delivery is also available.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Catering is offered for parties and events.
Hours run from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Weekday evenings and weekend afternoons get busy. Morning visits tend to be calmer, if potato-stacked ribs before noon sounds right to you.
Free parking is usually easy to find. Bring a big appetite and a fork, because that potato means business.
Address: 4921 TN-58, Chattanooga, TN 37416
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