Top 10 Best BBQ Restaurants in Tennessee

Tennessee barbecue is nationally known, but the state's current scene stretches well beyond its historic Memphis roots. Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Memphis all contribute notable smokehouses and modern BBQ destinations. This Discovery Matt ranking highlights restaurants that stand out for identity, reputation, and statewide appeal.

1. 1

   Stoke Haus Brewing & Barbecue

   Nashville

   Stoke Haus Brewing & Barbecue earns the top spot as one of Nashville's most exciting barbecue names. It pairs smoked meats with a brewery-driven atmosphere and a strong current identity that feels especially relevant now.

   Known for: Craft BBQ, brewery feel, Nashville buzz

2. 2

   Bain Barbecue

   Memphis

   Bain Barbecue brings Texas-style influence into Memphis, creating a distinctive position in one of America's most famous BBQ cities. It ranks highly for offering something slightly different while still appealing to serious barbecue fans.

   Known for: Texas-style BBQ, Memphis destination

3. 3

   Shagbark Barbecue Company

   Knoxville

   Shagbark Barbecue Company gives Knoxville one of Tennessee's strongest current barbecue names. Its high placement reflects standout regional appeal and a strong position within the state's growing BBQ conversation.

   Known for: Knoxville barbecue favorite

4. 4

   Elwood's Shack

   Memphis

   Elwood's Shack blends barbecue with broader comfort-food appeal and has built a devoted Memphis following. It earns a high spot for personality, local loyalty, and memorable casual dining.

   Known for: Memphis comfort food, BBQ appeal

5. 5

   Barque BBQ

   Chattanooga

   Barque BBQ brings Chattanooga strong statewide representation. It fits this ranking as a current smokehouse favorite with enough traction to compete against larger-market restaurants.

   Known for: Chattanooga smokehouse favorite

6. 6

   Clean Smoke BBQ

   Knoxville

   Clean Smoke BBQ gives Knoxville a second notable restaurant on the list. It reflects the strength of East Tennessee's current barbecue scene and earns its place for local reputation.

   Known for: Knoxville local BBQ favorite

7. 7

   Edley's Bar-B-Que

   Nashville

   Edley's Bar-B-Que remains one of Nashville's most recognizable barbecue names. Its staying power, Southern identity, and wide familiarity give it a solid top-ten position.

   Known for: Nashville barbecue staple

8. 8

   Hogwood BBQ

   Franklin

   Hogwood BBQ leans into a fire-driven barbecue experience in Franklin, combining strong smoked-meat appeal with a more polished restaurant environment. It stands out from more traditional roadside-style concepts.

   Known for: Fire-driven BBQ, Franklin dining

9. 9

   Single Tree BBQ

   Murfreesboro

   Single Tree BBQ adds Murfreesboro to the ranking through a clear wood-fire barbecue identity and strong local support. It deserves a spot as one of Middle Tennessee's notable BBQ options.

   Known for: Wood-fire barbecue, Murfreesboro favorite

10. 10

    Cozy Corner Restaurant

    Memphis

    Cozy Corner closes the list as one of Memphis's most important classic barbecue institutions. Its long-running reputation gives the ranking a necessary legacy anchor.

    Known for: Memphis BBQ institution, historic appeal