Nashville is known for its BBQ scene. Because of the city’s placement between the smokey heat of Texas, the tangy bite of the Carolinas, and the thick, sweet sauces of Memphis, it has become a melting pot for the barbeque styles of the south. From pulled pork to ribs, Nashville does it best. Brisket is no exception. Following are the places to get the best brisket.
Nashville is known for its BBQ scene. Because of the city’s placement between the smokey heat of Texas, the tangy bite of the Carolinas, and the thick, sweet sauces of Memphis, it has become a melting pot for the barbeque styles of the south. From pulled pork to ribs, Nashville does it best. Brisket is no exception. Following are the places to get the best brisket.
Honeyfire is a newer member of the barbeque scene but still a strong contender for best brisket. This family-owned restaurant opened in 2018 and has been serving smoked meats and slinging sauce. What started as pit master Shane Nasby's side project catering company has now developed into a brick-and-mortar store with patio seating. Menu highlights include the brisket, the pulled pork sandwich, and their namesake, the habanero-infused honey sauce. They also have the best banana pudding in the city.
The Gambling stick is a food truck with a meat smoker standing out front. To some, it may look intimidating. But they serve some of the best barbeque in Music City. The menu changes based on the season and whatever they feel like cooking that day. Everything about the food is thought out, from the bread to the sourcing of their meat. They also buy locally from small farms because they believe it improves the barbeque. They also provide catering services.
Honeyfire is a newer member of the barbeque scene but still a strong contender for best brisket. This family-owned restaurant opened in 2018 and has been serving smoked meats and slinging sauce. What started as pit master Shane Nasby's side project catering company has now developed into a brick-and-mortar store with patio seating. Menu highlights include the brisket, the pulled pork sandwich, and their namesake, the habanero-infused honey sauce. They also have the best banana pudding in the city.
The Gambling stick is a food truck with a meat smoker standing out front. To some, it may look intimidating. But they serve some of the best barbeque in Music City. The menu changes based on the season and whatever they feel like cooking that day. Everything about the food is thought out, from the bread to the sourcing of their meat. They also buy locally from small farms because they believe it improves the barbeque. They also provide catering services.
Edley's trio of locations sling out some of the city's best-smoked meats. They were established in 2011 and have been making their way to the top of the brisket scene since. They smoke all their meat over southern white oak. The best way to tackle the menu is the sampler, three smoked meats, and four homemade sides. The brisket tacos are another great choice.
The Ridge is the kind of BBQ joint that does it all, and they do it well! From brisket to shrimp and everything in between. The "BBQ Totchos" may be the best appetizer. Their BBQ nachos, but instead of chips, they use tater tots. And while its menu is decadent, The Ridge is best known for its signature sandwiches. The "Not Yo Mama's BBQ Sandwich" is a must-try for meat lovers.
Mary's is an old-fashioned takeaway spot. Everything is served from a walk-up window. It is one of the oldest black-owned businesses in Nashville; when Mrs. Mary opened it in 1962, BBQ was still a takeout food. They haven't changed much since. Mary's is a bbq spot outside of time, serving traditional smokehouse meats, southern sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and spaghetti, and only selling canned drinks.
Swett's is the pitstop for traditional southern food, cafeteria-style. And while their primary focus is fried chicken, collard greens, and catfish, that does not prevent them from serving some great smoked meat. Swett’s smokes traditional meats such as brisket and ribs, but they also offer more unusual cuts such as pigs' feet. They also provide an extensive list of delectable pies and fruity cobblers.
Jack's is a classic Nashville eatery. There are three around town serving smoked meats and sides. Their sauces have won several awards from the national barbeque association. While Jack's has few novelties, their selling point is the classics since 1976. These classics include beef brisket, baked beans, and smoked chicken. While this may just be a rumor, Jack'swas the first casual dining restaurant to open in the lower downtown in decades, which some people attribute to the rebirth of the area.
Martin's has great burgers, great chicken, and great smoked meat. They smoke some of the meat for up to 24 hours to get the perfect levels of tender and juicy. Martin's has seen massive growth and now has ten locations. And while there are a few Martin's Bar-B-Ques out of state, nothing beats the original right here in Nashville, TN.
This is another local hotspot. The eatery was opened by Jack and Rose Arnold in 1982 and is now run by their children. This classic mom-and-pop cafe is everything a country diner should be, with biscuits, sweets, and barbeque. Arnold's has a community that will defend the honor of the establishment. And while most people go for the BBQ, it would be a shame not to try the fried green tomatoes; farm-fresh, breaded, and fried till golden and crispy, these are an ideal side.
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