The best BBQ in Nashville.

Peg Leg Porker on Gleaves Street is a Nashville barbecue stop that diners treat as part of a Gulch visit. The room is casual, with beer on the menu and a counter line that moves at lunch. A gravel lot across the street helps with parking, especially near opening.

The ribs are the center of the menu. Dry rub ribs, half racks and full racks are the cuts diners praise as tender and well smoked, and the pulled pork sandwich earns equal attention for its bark. Wings, nachos and combo platters add variety. Mac and cheese, potato salad and baked beans are the sides named most, and banana pudding is the dessert people mention.

Opinions vary. A few diners found the pork dry or wanted more than one sauce, and the ribs can sell out later in the day. Arriving early solves both problems. Lunch is the busiest meal.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is on 4th Avenue South, a few steps from Peabody Street, in a spacious building with seating on two floors. Orders are placed at a counter that doubles as a gift shop, and a numbered sign holder directs the food to any table. The upstairs bar offers full service and a long tap list served very cold.

Brisket and ribs are the center of the menu, and diners praise the brisket most. Smoked wings are the poultry order that returns the most, with a deep mahogany skin and a smoke flavor that builds slowly. A repeat visitor ordered them with pulled pork sandwiches, and another diner called them the best wings they have eaten. Jalapeno cheddar sausage, fried catfish, brisket tacos and a bologna sandwich widen the options.

Sides include mac and cheese, potato salad, broccoli salad and corn hoecakes. The line to order can stretch at peak hours, and popular items may sell out late at night. Visiting between lunch and dinner is calmer, and takeout orders were ready in about five minutes.

Mission BBQ brings authentic barbecue with a patriotic twist to Nashville's bustling Opry Mills area. Located conveniently near the Grand Ole Opry and shopping district, this restaurant offers diners a hearty barbecue experience that honors American military and first responders. The spacious dining room can accommodate both intimate dinners and larger groups looking for quality smoked meats in a welcoming environment.

The menu showcases traditional barbecue favorites with expertly smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs taking center stage. Diners can choose from various sandwich options or full platters served with classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The restaurant's commitment to slow-smoking meats results in tender, flavorful dishes that satisfy both barbecue newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors.

The atmosphere combines casual dining comfort with respectful patriotic décor featuring military memorabilia and tributes to service members. Large wooden tables and booth seating create a family-friendly environment where conversation flows easily. The open layout allows diners to catch glimpses of the kitchen while enjoying the warm, unpretentious setting that encourages lingering over generous portions.

Mission BBQ serves as an ideal destination for families seeking hearty comfort food, groups celebrating special occasions, or visitors exploring the Opry Mills entertainment district. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it particularly appealing for those wanting substantial meals without fine dining formality. Whether stopping by after a show at the Grand Ole Opry or fueling up for a day of shopping, diners will find satisfying barbecue that represents the best of American comfort food traditions.

Big Al's Deli sits in a residential neighborhood on Fourth Avenue North, and first-time diners say they wondered if they had the right address. The room is tiny and plain. The reasons people come are the biscuits, the breakfast plates and the lunch specials, along with a welcome that diners compare to family.

Breakfast is the busiest meal. Chicken and waffles, the egg and cheese biscuit, pancakes with chocolate chips and the Bowser biscuit all get praise, and the biscuits are homemade. At lunch the menu moves to pork chops, shrimp and grits, fried catfish and jerk chicken. When it is busy, folding tables go outside.

There is nowhere to sit while waiting, and a few diners report long waits. Hours can change, so call ahead and go early. Takeout and catering are options for larger orders.

Shotgun Willie's BBQ brings authentic barbecue excellence to Madison, Tennessee, creating a dining experience that captures the heart of Southern comfort food. Located on Gallatin Pike South, this beloved smokehouse serves up traditional barbecue with genuine hospitality that keeps locals and visitors returning for more. The restaurant's name hints at its country music spirit, fitting perfectly into the Greater Nashville landscape where good music and great food go hand in hand.

The menu showcases classic barbecue craftsmanship with slow-smoked meats that fall off the bone and house-made sauces that complement rather than mask the natural flavors. Signature offerings include tender pulled pork, smoky brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, all served alongside traditional sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The sandwich selection features generously portioned barbecue creations, while the dessert menu provides sweet endings that round out the hearty meal experience.

The atmosphere embraces the warmth of a neighborhood barbecue joint with rustic touches and comfortable seating that invites diners to settle in and savor their meals. The casual environment features wooden tables and barbecue-themed decor that creates an authentic smokehouse feel without being overly themed. The open layout allows the aromatic scents from the kitchen to enhance the dining experience.

Shotgun Willie's BBQ proves ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings with friends, or any occasion calling for satisfying comfort food. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it accessible for regular dining, while the quality ensures special meals feel appropriately celebrated. Whether visitors seek a quick lunch or leisurely dinner, this Madison establishment delivers the barbecue experience that Nashville's food scene is known for.