Ah, bbq. Good ol’ bbq. Here in the south it sometimes seems as if some delicious bbq sauce just runs through our veins. There are low-key joints that pop up all over the place, each one claiming the most delicious pulled pork we’ve ever had, another clamoring towards the top with their white sauce laden sandwiches held high. We waded through the whole mess of ’em and came up with eleven places that are perfect for dinner – and off the radar. Whether you’d rather go for a platter or a sandwich, a rack of ribs or brisket, there’s something for everyone at one of the best BBQ restaurants in Tennessee. Plus, each one is great for date nights and family fun alike, true southern style. The only question is…did your favorite spot make the list?
- Family BBQ - Dickson
Family BBQ - Facebook
Family BBQ - Facebook We’ve mentioned Family BBQ a couple of times, and for good reason. Although a bit out of the way, you’ll enjoy getting away from it all and driving down meandering country lanes to indulge in the best barbecue in Middle Tennessee. We give it five stars. (Address: 2199 Yellow Creek Road, Dickson, TN 37055)
- Arnold’s BBQ Memphis - Memphis
Arnold’s BBQ Memphis - Facebook This highly popular Memphis joint comes recommended by the locals, and there’s a lot of weight in that. You’ll want to try their racks of ribs or their rib tips, and if you’re not interested in red meat? Catfish is a close second! And it’s very Tennessee, if you know what we mean. (Address: 6721 E Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38141)
- Scott’s-Parker’s - Lexington
Scott’s-Parkers - Facebook
Scott’s-Parkers - Facebook To quote a happy visitor, this is, “BBQ done right in Tennessee!”. Scott’s-Parker’s does have a limited menu, sticking to bbq basics like pulled chicken and pulled pork - plus dessert offerings of fried pies. Fried. Pies. That’s all you have to say, folks. BBQ and a killer dessert you can’t get anywhere else? We’re in! (Address: 10880 US-412, Lexington, TN 38351)
- Ridgewood Barbecue - Bluff City
Ridgewood - Facebook Ridgewood Barbecue has quite the cult following when it comes to a solid lunch platter. This Bluff City local joint boasts old fashioned design and a chill atmosphere, perfect for kids or indulging in your lunch fantasies. Their classic sides give a solid nod to southern tradition, and we’d recommend any of their sandwiches. Our favorites! (Address: 900 Elizabethton Highway, Bluff City, TN 37618)
- JC’S Family Restaurant - Harrison
JC’s - Facebok
JC’s - Facebok Here at JC’s, the family-owned restaurant is dedicated to delicious food and kind service. This is where you show up for simple country cookin’, where you’re treated like family and go home happy. Plus, their prices are MORE than affordable. (Address: 9070 TN-58, Harrison, TN 37341)
- JJ’s Barbecue of Columbia
JJ’s Barbecue of Columbia - Facebook
JJ’s Barbecue of Columbia - Facebook You can visit JJ’s Monday through Saturday, from ten in the morning until nine at night - but don’t show up on Sundays. You don’t want to leave without a quality lunch. Their bbq sauce is next level, but we’re happy to report that their perfectly cured meat holds up even without it. Try for yourself! (Address: 900 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401)
- Jack of Hearts - Spring Hill
Jack of Hearts BBQ - Facebook
Jack of Hearts BBQ - Facebook Located roughly an hour outside of Nashville, Jack of Hearts is known for its white sauce, a solid twist on a southern favorite. The no-frills ambience is heightened by their hefty BBQ sandwiches - just look at that picture! - and classic southern side dishes. (Address: 5343 Main Street, Spring Hill, TN 37174)
- Helen’s Bar-B-Q - Brownsville
City of Memphis Blog This Brownsville barbecue location doesn’t get enough love, if you ask us. Their pulled pork and tender, and succulent pork ribs coupled with kind service make Helen’s a restaurant to remember. Their bologna also comes highly recommended, alongside their baked beans. Happy eating! (Address: 1016 N Washington Avenue, Brownsville, TN 38012)
- Mo-Mo’s BBQ - Dayton
Mo-Mo’s BBQ - Facebook
Mo-Mo’s BBQ - Facebook Mo-Mo’s has been family owned and operated since it opened in 2004, its name derived from the family’s daughter, Morgan. A restaurant this entrenched in family is sure to be reputable, and we’re happy to report it most definitely is. Their meat is always perfectly smoked and prepared, and HELLO to that apple pie for dessert! We’d recommend. (7481 Rhea County Highway, Dayton, TN 37321)
- Leonard’s BBQ - Memphis
Jamie K - TripAdvisor
Ashley Dre - TripAdvisor Leonard’s has been serving Memphis pit-style barbecue since the 1920s, famous for their delicious menu that is served up in a daily buffet as well as a sit-down service. Their slow-cooked pork is known around the state, so don’t miss out if you’re in West Tennessee! (5465 Fox Plaza Drive, Memphis, TN 38115)
- The Pig House - Jackson
Pig House BBQ - Facebook
Pig House BBQ - Facebook Rated at 4.8 stars on Google, you don’t have to turn to us for a great review - although we’re quite happy you did. This Jackson joint is well-known amongst West Tennessee locals and tourists alike. Their ribs are delicious, and bbq sauce is reported as a solid, “Combination of vinegar and sweet.” Meet ya there! (Address: 1024 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38301)
Did your pick for the best BBQ restaurants in Tennessee make the list? What other hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee do you love? Let us know in the comments!
Family BBQ - Facebook
We’ve mentioned Family BBQ a couple of times, and for good reason. Although a bit out of the way, you’ll enjoy getting away from it all and driving down meandering country lanes to indulge in the best barbecue in Middle Tennessee. We give it five stars. (Address: 2199 Yellow Creek Road, Dickson, TN 37055)
Arnold’s BBQ Memphis - Facebook
This highly popular Memphis joint comes recommended by the locals, and there’s a lot of weight in that. You’ll want to try their racks of ribs or their rib tips, and if you’re not interested in red meat? Catfish is a close second! And it’s very Tennessee, if you know what we mean. (Address: 6721 E Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38141)
Scott’s-Parkers - Facebook
To quote a happy visitor, this is, “BBQ done right in Tennessee!”. Scott’s-Parker’s does have a limited menu, sticking to bbq basics like pulled chicken and pulled pork - plus dessert offerings of fried pies. Fried. Pies. That’s all you have to say, folks. BBQ and a killer dessert you can’t get anywhere else? We’re in! (Address: 10880 US-412, Lexington, TN 38351)
Ridgewood - Facebook
Ridgewood Barbecue has quite the cult following when it comes to a solid lunch platter. This Bluff City local joint boasts old fashioned design and a chill atmosphere, perfect for kids or indulging in your lunch fantasies. Their classic sides give a solid nod to southern tradition, and we’d recommend any of their sandwiches. Our favorites! (Address: 900 Elizabethton Highway, Bluff City, TN 37618)
JC’s - Facebok
Here at JC’s, the family-owned restaurant is dedicated to delicious food and kind service. This is where you show up for simple country cookin’, where you’re treated like family and go home happy. Plus, their prices are MORE than affordable. (Address: 9070 TN-58, Harrison, TN 37341)
JJ’s Barbecue of Columbia - Facebook
You can visit JJ’s Monday through Saturday, from ten in the morning until nine at night - but don’t show up on Sundays. You don’t want to leave without a quality lunch. Their bbq sauce is next level, but we’re happy to report that their perfectly cured meat holds up even without it. Try for yourself! (Address: 900 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401)
Jack of Hearts BBQ - Facebook
Located roughly an hour outside of Nashville, Jack of Hearts is known for its white sauce, a solid twist on a southern favorite. The no-frills ambience is heightened by their hefty BBQ sandwiches - just look at that picture! - and classic southern side dishes. (Address: 5343 Main Street, Spring Hill, TN 37174)
City of Memphis Blog
This Brownsville barbecue location doesn’t get enough love, if you ask us. Their pulled pork and tender, and succulent pork ribs coupled with kind service make Helen’s a restaurant to remember. Their bologna also comes highly recommended, alongside their baked beans. Happy eating! (Address: 1016 N Washington Avenue, Brownsville, TN 38012)
Mo-Mo’s BBQ - Facebook
Mo-Mo’s has been family owned and operated since it opened in 2004, its name derived from the family’s daughter, Morgan. A restaurant this entrenched in family is sure to be reputable, and we’re happy to report it most definitely is. Their meat is always perfectly smoked and prepared, and HELLO to that apple pie for dessert! We’d recommend. (7481 Rhea County Highway, Dayton, TN 37321)
Jamie K - TripAdvisor
Ashley Dre - TripAdvisor
Leonard’s has been serving Memphis pit-style barbecue since the 1920s, famous for their delicious menu that is served up in a daily buffet as well as a sit-down service. Their slow-cooked pork is known around the state, so don’t miss out if you’re in West Tennessee! (5465 Fox Plaza Drive, Memphis, TN 38115)
Pig House BBQ - Facebook
Rated at 4.8 stars on Google, you don’t have to turn to us for a great review - although we’re quite happy you did. This Jackson joint is well-known amongst West Tennessee locals and tourists alike. Their ribs are delicious, and bbq sauce is reported as a solid, “Combination of vinegar and sweet.” Meet ya there! (Address: 1024 Campbell Street, Jackson, TN 38301)
Now that you’re all full, take a look at The View From This Tennessee Mountain – it’s the best you’ll ever see.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best BBQ Restaurants In Tennessee September 21, 2019 Meghan Kraft Is Tennessee known for BBQ? Absolutely! Tennessee is known for its decadent BBQ, which differs depending on what side of the state you’re choosing to indulge. Best enjoyed with a side of cornbread or maybe even macaroni and cheese or green beans, our state serves up indulgent platters all across the state and there are several local restaurants in Tennessee that claim to be the best. What style of BBQ can be found in Tennessee? Tennessee BBQ isn’t as firmly defined as Carolina BBQ or even Kansas City BBQ, but Memphis is perhaps the best known regional identifier. The city is known for dry and wet pork ribs, and tomato-based barbecue sauce. If you order the dry ribs, they’ll be covered in a “rub,” most likely. A rub refers to a mix of spices and herbs, then smoked to finish it off. What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee? If you’re ever in Nashville, Brown’s Diner and Dino’s are always good spots to go for classic fare and a bit of southern hospitality. The Bell Buckle Cafe in Bell Buckle is a solid spot for a small town meal, and Cozy Corner BBQ in Memphis makes for a fabulous plate of meat. Waverly has the aptly named Hole In The Wall Diner, and Congas Latina Food in Chattanooga serves up spicy fun without the touristy fanfare. They’re all tried-and-true local favorites and some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best BBQ Restaurants In Tennessee
September 21, 2019
Meghan Kraft
Is Tennessee known for BBQ? Absolutely! Tennessee is known for its decadent BBQ, which differs depending on what side of the state you’re choosing to indulge. Best enjoyed with a side of cornbread or maybe even macaroni and cheese or green beans, our state serves up indulgent platters all across the state and there are several local restaurants in Tennessee that claim to be the best. What style of BBQ can be found in Tennessee? Tennessee BBQ isn’t as firmly defined as Carolina BBQ or even Kansas City BBQ, but Memphis is perhaps the best known regional identifier. The city is known for dry and wet pork ribs, and tomato-based barbecue sauce. If you order the dry ribs, they’ll be covered in a “rub,” most likely. A rub refers to a mix of spices and herbs, then smoked to finish it off. What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee? If you’re ever in Nashville, Brown’s Diner and Dino’s are always good spots to go for classic fare and a bit of southern hospitality. The Bell Buckle Cafe in Bell Buckle is a solid spot for a small town meal, and Cozy Corner BBQ in Memphis makes for a fabulous plate of meat. Waverly has the aptly named Hole In The Wall Diner, and Congas Latina Food in Chattanooga serves up spicy fun without the touristy fanfare. They’re all tried-and-true local favorites and some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Absolutely! Tennessee is known for its decadent BBQ, which differs depending on what side of the state you’re choosing to indulge. Best enjoyed with a side of cornbread or maybe even macaroni and cheese or green beans, our state serves up indulgent platters all across the state and there are several local restaurants in Tennessee that claim to be the best.
What style of BBQ can be found in Tennessee?
Tennessee BBQ isn’t as firmly defined as Carolina BBQ or even Kansas City BBQ, but Memphis is perhaps the best known regional identifier. The city is known for dry and wet pork ribs, and tomato-based barbecue sauce. If you order the dry ribs, they’ll be covered in a “rub,” most likely. A rub refers to a mix of spices and herbs, then smoked to finish it off.
What are the other best hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee?
If you’re ever in Nashville, Brown’s Diner and Dino’s are always good spots to go for classic fare and a bit of southern hospitality. The Bell Buckle Cafe in Bell Buckle is a solid spot for a small town meal, and Cozy Corner BBQ in Memphis makes for a fabulous plate of meat. Waverly has the aptly named Hole In The Wall Diner, and Congas Latina Food in Chattanooga serves up spicy fun without the touristy fanfare. They’re all tried-and-true local favorites and some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Tennessee.
