When it comes to barbecue, Nashville isn’t just holding its own—it’s thriving. With deep Southern roots, a love for slow-smoked meats, and a culinary scene that respects tradition, Music City is a paradise for barbecue lovers. On this flavorful journey, we’re diving into the three barbecue joints that truly stand out: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for pulled pork, Edley’s Bar-B-Que for brisket, and Peg Leg Porker for ribs. Each spot brings its own flair, technique, and passion to the smoker, making this trio an unmissable experience for any barbecue aficionado.
Best Pulled Pork: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Walking into Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is like stepping into the heart of Southern barbecue tradition. With its warm, rustic décor, strings of lights, and the enticing aroma of wood-smoked meats, it immediately feels like home. Founded by Pitmaster Pat Martin, this joint is all about whole hog barbecue—a labor-intensive process that few places dare to tackle.
Whole Hog Smoking Process
The pulled pork at Martin’s isn’t just food; it’s a revelation. Every bite is a perfect blend of smoky, tender pork infused with a subtle tang of vinegar-based seasoning. The meat is cooked low and slow over hickory wood for hours, resulting in a texture so delicate it practically melts in your mouth.
The flavor profile here is rooted in West Tennessee-style barbecue, where the focus is on simplicity done right. Served with a side of their signature slaw, which adds just the right amount of crunch and acidity, the pulled pork sandwich is a must-try. Prefer to keep it classic? Opt for the pulled pork platter, served with hearty sides like baked beans and cornbread, each made from scratch daily.
Why It Stands Out
It’s the dedication to whole hog barbecue that sets Martin’s apart. Few pitmasters are willing to commit to this challenging process, but Pat Martin embraces it with pride. Each hog is smoked for over 20 hours, ensuring every ounce of meat is tender, flavorful, and smoky.
Insider Tip
Head to the Belmont location for a more intimate vibe or the downtown branch for a livelier experience with a full bar and patio seating. Either way, pair your meal with a local craft beer or their refreshing sweet tea for the perfect Southern barbecue experience.
Best Smoked Brisket: Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Edley’s Bar-B-Que captures the spirit of Nashville with its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to “Southern soul food” done right. It’s a lively spot where friends gather for good food and great conversation, complete with community tables and a bar serving up craft cocktails and beers.
The Brisket Breakdown
Brisket is the star of the show at Edley’s, and for good reason. The team here has perfected the art of Texas-style brisket, while giving it a slight Tennessee twist. Slow-smoked over oak, the brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with a smoky richness that hits you with every bite.
You’ll find a perfect balance of bark and meat—crispy on the outside, luscious on the inside. Whether you order it by the pound, in a sandwich, or as part of a platter, Edley’s brisket is the epitome of indulgence.
The Perfect Pairings
Edley’s elevates their brisket game with exceptional sides. Their mac and cheese is creamy and decadent, while the potato salad offers a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the smoky brisket. Don’t miss their cornbread—sweet, moist, and the perfect vessel for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Why It Stands Out
What makes Edley’s brisket so special is the attention to detail and the passion of their pitmasters. From selecting the perfect cut of beef to seasoning it with a proprietary blend of spices, every step is carefully calibrated. The result? Brisket that rivals even the best spots in Texas.
Insider Tip
For an unforgettable experience, visit the 12South location on a sunny afternoon. Grab a seat on their patio and order the Tuck Special. The Tuck Special is a brisket sandwich topped with a fried egg, pimento cheese, BBQ sauce, white sauce, and two pickles. This unique dish perfectly complements the brisket’s smoky flavors.
Best Ribs: Peg Leg Porker
Located in the Gulch, Peg Leg Porker is a barbecue joint with a personality as bold as its flavors. Owned by pitmaster Carey Bringle, a Nashville native, this spot combines a laid-back vibe with an unwavering commitment to quality. The space is lively, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the sizzle of meat on the smoker.
The Rib Revelation
When it comes to ribs, Peg Leg Porker is in a league of its own. These dry-rubbed, slow-smoked St. Louis-style ribs are a testament to the art of barbecue. Cooked over hickory wood, the ribs boast a beautifully caramelized crust, locking in their juicy, smoky essence.
Unlike many barbecue joints that rely on heavy sauces, Peg Leg Porker lets the quality of the meat and the rub shine through. Their dry rub is a secret blend of spices that creates a harmonious mix of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Of course, if you’re a sauce lover, their tangy barbecue sauce is available on the side—but trust us, these ribs don’t need it.
The Perfect Bite
The ribs at Peg Leg Porker strike the perfect balance between tender and toothsome. They’re not so soft that they fall off the bone immediately (a hallmark of overcooked ribs), but they yield easily with just the right amount of chew. This texture, combined with the deep smoky flavor, makes them utterly addictive.
Why It Stands Out
Carey Bringle’s passion for barbecue is evident in every rack of ribs that comes out of his smoker. As a pitmaster who’s battled through adversity (losing a leg to cancer, hence the restaurant’s name), Bringle brings an unparalleled level of grit and determination to his craft. His dedication to authenticity and quality has earned Peg Leg Porker a cult following, both locally and nationally.
Insider Tip
Order the half-rack if you want to save room for sides like their famous Kool-Aid pickles or pimento mac and cheese. If you’re up for it, go for the full rack—it’s worth every bite. Pair your ribs with their house bourbon for the ultimate Southern barbecue experience.
Conclusion
A barbecue tour through Nashville isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing the soul of the city. From Martin’s perfectly smoked pulled pork to Edley’s tender brisket and Peg Leg Porker’s legendary ribs, these stops offer a glimpse into the artistry and passion behind Nashville’s barbecue scene. But trust me, this is only the beginning.
If you’re hungry for more (pun intended), grab a copy of my book! In it, I take you even deeper into the smoky heart of Nashville barbecue. You’ll discover hidden gems that didn’t make this article, explore the fascinating history of Southern barbecue, and get insider tips on the best dishes at each spot.
Whether you’re a foodie planning your next culinary adventure or a Nashville local looking to uncover more of the city’s barbecue treasures, the book is your ultimate guide to everything smoky, saucy, and delicious.
Don’t miss out—order your copy today and get ready to embark on the most flavorful journey through Nashville you’ve ever experienced!
Happy eating!
