Smoked, Sauced, and Savory: 8 Tennessee BBQ Joints Worth the Drive

Tennessee doesn’t play around when it comes to barbecue. From Memphis’s smoky alleyways to mountain pit stops with a view, the state’s joints serve up traditions as rich as the flavors themselves.

Whether you crave dry-rub ribs, chopped pork piled high, or something a little quirky (spaghetti with barbecue sauce, anyone?), these eight spots prove why Tennessee remains a pilgrimage for barbecue lovers.

1. Peg Leg Porker, Nashville

When you spot the humble white-brick building tucked just off Nashville’s bustling Gulch, you might not expect to find some of the city’s most celebrated barbecue inside. Peg Leg Porker has earned its reputation through years of consistent quality and a commitment to old-school smokehouse methods. From the moment you walk in, the scent of hickory smoke and seasoned meat fills the air, setting the stage for a meal that feels both comforting and special.

The ribs here are the stuff of legend, dry-rubbed until the spice forms a savory crust, then slow-cooked until the meat just gives under your fork. Pulled pork sandwiches pile juicy, smoked pork shoulder high on soft buns, each bite delivering a balance of smoke, salt, and sweet barbecue sauce. Sides play a starring role too, creamy mac and cheese, tangy slaw, and barbecue beans round out plates that capture pure Southern comfort.

What sets Peg Leg Porker apart isn’t just the food, it’s the relaxed spirit that owner Carey Bringle brings to the table. You’ll find families celebrating, friends catching up over local beers, and regulars greeting staff by name. The rooftop patio offers a laid-back city view, perfect for sunset dinners. Peg Leg Porker’s mix of down-to-earth hospitality and award-winning barbecue makes it a true Nashville classic worth seeking out, whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious road-tripper.

2. Ridgewood Barbecue, Bluff City (Tri-Cities Area)

Hidden in the foothills near Bluff City, Ridgewood Barbecue doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it lets the food do the talking, and locals have listened since 1947.

The star here is the hickory-smoked ham sandwich, piled high with rosy slices of pork and drizzled with Ridgewood’s famous sweet-and-savory sauce. It’s a simple order, but one that has achieved legendary status across the region. Each bite delivers a balance of smoke, tender meat, and tangy-sweet flavor that lingers long after the plate is cleared.

Inside, the low-key dining room feels frozen in time, with friendly staff and regulars who treat newcomers like neighbors. Stories and photographs on the walls trace decades of family tradition. For those who love a backroad adventure, Ridgewood rewards the journey with honest food and a sense of discovery that’s hard to find anywhere else in Tennessee.

3. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, Nolensville

Before most folks have even started their day, the team at Martin’s Bar-B-Que in Nolensville is already busy tending the pits. Pat Martin has built his flagship joint around the old-school art of whole-hog barbecue, a process that requires patience, skill, and a love of Southern tradition. The result: dishes that hit every note of smoky, savory, and sweet.

Signature items like the Redneck Taco put a playful spin on tradition, starting with a griddled cornbread hoecake topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and crunchy slaw. Each forkful balances textures and flavors, making it a must-order for first-timers. The menu also covers classic platters, ribs, brisket, and even turkey, so there’s something for every appetite.

Beyond the food, Martin’s stands out for its welcoming vibe and attention to detail, from the hand-built smokers to the friendly staff always ready with a recommendation. You feel the sense of community in every corner, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a family feast. Authentic and inventive, Martin’s keeps Southern barbecue traditions alive while inviting everyone to the table.

4. Rendezvous, Memphis

Walking down the alley to Rendezvous in downtown Memphis feels like stepping into barbecue history. Open since 1948, this family-run spot has built a legacy on dry-rub ribs with a Greek-inspired seasoning blend. The aroma is unmistakable, drawing locals and travelers alike through the doors beneath the famous neon sign.

Inside, the atmosphere is electric, checkerboard tablecloths, clinking glasses, and walls covered in decades of memorabilia. Staff move with purpose, many having worked here for decades, serving up platters of ribs with crisp bark and a smoky, herby crust. The ribs stand out for their bold, layered flavor, thanks to a spice blend that goes far beyond salt and pepper.

Beyond the food, Rendezvous is a living museum of Memphis culture. Generations of families have gathered here, and more than a few celebrities have signed the guestbook. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, the sense of tradition runs as deep as the flavor. Rendezvous remains a rite of passage for anyone serious about barbecue.

5. Payne’s Bar-B-Que, Memphis

You get a sense of home the moment you walk into Payne’s Bar-B-Que. Family-run since 1972, it’s the kind of place where the focus is on the food and the people who make it. Longtime regulars know the menu by heart, but newcomers are quickly won over by the warmth and the unmistakable aroma of smoked pork.

The chopped pork sandwich is the star, tender, smoky meat piled high and finished with a generous scoop of bright yellow mustard slaw. The contrast of tangy, crunchy slaw against the rich pork sets this sandwich apart from anything else in Memphis. For something different, barbecue bologna, sliced thick and smoked until it’s just crisp around the edges, shows off another side of the city’s creativity.

What keeps folks coming back isn’t just the menu, but the sense of history and genuine hospitality. Simple tables, handwritten signs, and friendly faces make Payne’s feel like an old friend. It’s a spot where every meal tells a story, and every guest finds a reason to return.

6. The Bar-B-Q Shop, Memphis

There’s nothing quite like walking into The Bar-B-Q Shop and smelling a mix of tangy, sweet, and smoky aromas. This family-owned spot puts its own spin on Memphis traditions, most famously, with its Bar-B-Q Spaghetti. The dish combines tender pulled pork, pasta, and a rich, tomato-based barbecue sauce into something that sounds quirky but tastes unforgettable.

The menu doesn’t stop there. Ribs come slathered in the house’s signature sauce, sandwiches are overstuffed, and plates are rounded out with baked beans and slaw. What sets The Bar-B-Q Shop apart is its commitment to variety: patrons can choose from several house-made sauces, each bringing a different kick or sweetness.

Inside, the vibe is classic and unpretentious, with regulars chatting over lunch and newcomers exploring the menu’s creative twists. It’s a place that balances tradition with curiosity, encouraging diners to try something new while staying rooted in Memphis’ barbecue legacy. If you’re looking for bold flavors and a bit of barbecue adventure, this is your stop.

7. A&R Bar-B-Que, Memphis

Walking through the doors of A&R Bar-B-Que, you instantly feel the sense of community. Founded in 1983, this spot has become a mainstay for Memphis families craving tried-and-true favorites. The friendly greetings, handwritten specials, and lively chatter create a welcoming, no-nonsense atmosphere.

Ribs are the centerpiece here, smoked until the meat nearly slides off the bone and glazed with a tangy-sweet sauce that leaves your fingers sticky but satisfied. Pulled pork sandwiches come piled high and pair perfectly with classic sides like baked beans and potato salad. For those looking to branch out, the menu also features smoked chicken and sausage, each prepared with the same attention to tradition.

It’s not just the food that keeps people coming back, it’s the connections made across tables, the birthday parties and reunions, and the way newcomers are treated like old friends. A&R proves that great barbecue isn’t just about technique; it’s about building a place where memories are made and shared over every meal.

8. Rickard Ridge BBQ, Caryville (East Tennessee)

Tucked inside Cove Lake State Park, Rickard Ridge BBQ offers more than a meal, it’s an experience. With the Cumberland Mountains rising in the distance and the lake just steps away, the setting feels like a well-kept East Tennessee secret. Hungry hikers, families, and locals all find their way here for the unbeatable combination of scenery and smoked meats.

The menu covers all the classics: competition-style ribs, brisket sliced to order, pulled pork, and even smoked sausage with just the right snap. Each dish reveals the pitmaster’s careful technique, smoke rings, spice rubs, and tenderness that comes only from hours over the fire. Sides like potato salad and hush puppies round out the plate, making each meal feel like a feast.

Rickard Ridge stands out not just for its food, but for the way it brings together people from all walks of life. Whether you’re taking a break from the trails or driving in from town, there’s a sense of welcome that makes each visit memorable. For anyone traveling through East Tennessee, this is a stop you’ll want to add to your list.