Tennessee is known for its low-and-slow barbecue and Nashville is no exception. This is a city that is packed full of amazing foodie options, but we’re gonna focus on the best ribs in Nashville. The racks that are so big they fill the plate, and so tasty that you’ll be licking your fingers and savouring every single mouthful.
From sports bars and diners to high-end BBQ joints, there is something for everybody on this list.
It’s time to grab your friends, work up an appetite and dig into some of the top places to eat the best Nashville ribs…
Best Ribs in Nashville
How do these rankings work?
1. Butchertown Hall
When it comes to the best ribs in Nashville, ask any local in the know and they will steer you towards the sleek and tasty Butchertown Hall. Serving up Texas-style BBQ with the finest wood-fired premium cuts, the ribs here are a must-order. Tender loin back ribs are smoked until the meat is almost falling off the bone, with a thick char and plenty of flavour.
2. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin’s is a longtime Nashville BBQ spreading the gospel of whole hog BBQ. A fresh hog goes on the pit each day for the next day, resulting in delicious bar-b-que and some seriously good ribs – choose from spare or baby back. There’s several locations across the city too, so you won’t be too far away from a feast.
3. Carl’s Perfect Pig
Carl’s consistently wins awards for its famous pork ribs, and one bite of these beauties will have you declaring they’re the best you’ve ever tasted. It’s a half hour drive from downtown Nashville in Dickson County, but well worth the trip. The meat is super succulent and literally will drop off the bone as you pick them up. You can’t beat it.
4. Jack’s Bar-B-Que
Jack’s Bar-B-Que serves up barbecue straight from pit to plate, featuring the best recipe styles from Tennessee, Texas and St. Louis. There are plenty of great options on the menu but to come here and not try the St Louis ribs would be beyond foolish. If only all ribs tasted this good.
5. Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Edley’s was voted best barbecue in Nashville for four years straight, and has a tempting menu of pork, chicken, turkey, brisket, and wings smoked low and slow daily. Choose from a half or full rack of tender and flavoursome ribs. Wash ’em down with one of the 18 craft beers on tap and creative Southern cocktails.
6. HoneyFire BBQ
HoneyFire BBQ is a funky counter service spit by Grand Champion BBQ Pitmaster Shane Nasby with a menu of both traditional favourites and bold, creative flavours. The ribs are slow smoked baby backs, seasoned with a sweet or heat kick and a BBQ glaze (on request). Add on sides such as white queso mac or parmesan green beans.
7. Charcoal Cowboys BBQ
The ‘cowboys’ behind Charcoal Cowboys BBQ have won plenty of awards for their authentic barbecue fare. So, these folk really know a thing or two about great meat. Order the smoked pork ribs by no. of bones, but trust us – you’ll be back for seconds. As soon as you taste those ribs for the first time you will be hooked for life.
