I am a Nashville native and I am always looking for the best brisket restaurants whenever I go anywhere around Nashville. I have also been to Austin, TX (the home of smoked brisket) and my favorite place was Terry Blacks and also Rudy’s BBQ didn’t disappoint. I feel qualified to share about Nashvilles Best Brisket Restaurants because I lived here for 10 years this time, since I moved back from California in 2015. I go to Martin’s BBQ and Edley’s BBQ restaurants on a monthly basis because they are closest to my house.

Chef Pat Martin was the real pioneer of bringing real west Tennessee barbecue to Nashville, TN. We are so grateful to him for bringing  this tasty art form to Nashville so people can experience the best brisket restaurants in Nashville. He really elevated the Nashville restaurant experience of smoking and eating brisket. Pat Martin  pushed other restaurants to up their brisket smoking game. I only wish I could learn to smoke brisket at home to save some money, but I digress!  Let’s get started counting down the top 5 Brisket restaurants in Nashville, TN.

#5 Shotgun Willies  

Inglewood

This place is only open for lunch and when they sell out it’s all over so that tells you how fresh it is. Drive over to east Nashville to Inglewood to try this amazing local joint. Make sure they cut it thin or it can get a little too intense. They are only open for lunch. Get on the mailing list for beef ribs they have once per month.

 

 

#4 Edleys

East, Donelson, 12th South

When I first moved back to nashvule back 2015 I tried this place and the brisket, was terrible, like boiled roast beef,  but since then they really upped their game. Now Edleys is a serous contender and I am a hard core consumer! We find it best to go on the weekend or  Wed-Sun for maximum freshness! Don’t miss out on the vinegar slaw. You can order alacarte and chow down to your hearts delight! I also love their dry rub wings and get the smoked half chicken for the lightweights in your group.

Jack’s BBQ

#3 Trinity Lane and Broadway, Charlotte Pike

Jack’s bbq has been around sine 1976 and has several locations. The standards are really high and super legit. I have never been let down. They have excellent Texas style brisket that is smoked for hours. They cut it right in front of you and you pick what you want, sort of a meat and 3 style. I keep going back over and over for the chopped brisket. I used to go to school with Jack Cawthons son, btw. I am a real Nashville native, in case you were wondering.

 

 

#2  Bringel’s Smoking Oasis 

Nations

This is Carey Bringles Restaurant of Peg Leg porker fame which has no brisket, by the way. Don’t miss out on the pastrami brisket which is a one of kind outside of maybe Manhattan, it is a little salty but you can quench your thirst with some ice tea or creamy cole slaw.

 

#1  Martin’s BBQ 

Nolensville, Belmont, Mt. Juliet, Elliston Place

Save the best for last. This place has basically made Nashville a better place to live and gives me something to look forward to weekly. They have Texas style barbecue that is only made with salt and pepper, no sugar, according to a manager I spoke with. Insider tip: order the fatty brisket for the most tender and juicy bites. I love the vinegar sauce, called Jack’s Creek, which only has 8 carbs according to the label.  The brisket is also gluten free as well as many of the sauces.  I like the dry rub wings also, don’t miss those! The best deal is to order alacarte so you get the most brisket for your buck and always ask for the fatty sections for the most flavor.

 

Honorable Mentions:

HoneyFire  BBQ

Assembly Food Hall and  Bellevue.

This place has definitely become a stronger contender. I really liked the several times I went and that it is a local place.  Don’t forget the  brisket queso which is something special .

Meat Sweats

Hendersonville

They have amazing beef sausage which you don’t see everywhere. The brisket was good too!

Tex’s BBQ

Nashville

This is a meat and three that is only open for lunch. It is not far from downtown on Murfreesboro rd. It has been there forever and caters to more to the blue collar workers around that area. You won’t be disappointed and it is an excellent value, not overpriced like so many places in Nashville nowadays.

 

 

Jim and Nick’s Barbecue 

Cool Springs and Charlotte

Is a chain but they make some pretty good brisket. Make sure to ask for it to be chopped. Also ask for the vinegar sauce that they keep it in back. It was really great the several times I went there.

Corky’s BBQ

Brentwood

They have a nice outdoor patio and this is a solid option, especially of you just want to drive through. It has been there forever and won’t let you down.

 

 

Central BBQ

Midtown and Capitol View

They have great smoke flavor but make sure to ak for fatty brisket because what I got was a little dry. Also the wings were all so heavily coated with dry rub, it was a little too much for me. Maybe the pork is a better option there but I didn’t try it.

Mission BBQ 

Opry Mills

This is a restaurant chain with a mission to support veterans. Can be a good option if you’re at Opry Mills.

Chiefs (Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ)

Broadway

I haven’t been here yet but I hear good things. Leave a comment if you have been.

Coleys Juke Joint

Chef Shatika Coley won Netflix BBQ Showdown Season 3 and went to high school with me. I have not been the her food truck yet but it is definitely on my list. I think it is usually in Antioch and more pork based but follow their locations here. 

Sonny’s

Bowling Green

Sonny’s recently came on my radar. We are crazy for Sonny’s when we got to Florida and I learned there is a location just 45 minutes north in Bowling green, KY so if you live on the north side or just find yourself up that way stop in for some chopped brisket. They even have an all you can eat option for the true carnivores!