Nashville's Best Ribs [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed a total of 12 different rib joints across Nashville, I can confidently say that I have found the absolute best. In this article, I will take you on a mouth-watering journey through the smoky and tender realms of Nashville's rib scene.

From classic barbecue joints to hidden gems, I have left no stone unturned in my quest to discover the most flavorful and succulent ribs that this city has to offer. So sit back, grab a napkin, and prepare to tantalize your taste buds as I reveal the top contenders for the title of the best ribs in Nashville, TN.

Edley's Bar-B-Que

Highlights
Best brisket
Incredible hot links
Delicious burnt ends
Friendly staff
Juicy ribs

Let me start by saying, Edley's Bar-B-Que has truly mastered the art of serving up some of the best ribs in Nashville. From the moment I stepped foot in the restaurant, I was greeted by the most friendly staff you can imagine. Their warm welcome set the perfect tone for what was about to be a delicious feast.

As I perused their menu, I couldn't help but notice the incredible selection of smoked meats they offer. But it was the brisket that caught my attention first. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoked, every bite was a melt-in-your-mouth experience that left me craving more.

But Edley's doesn't stop there. Their hot links are nothing short of incredible. With a perfect balance of heat and flavor, I found myself going back for seconds, and then even thirds. And let's not forget about the burnt ends. These little bites of heaven are packed with smoky goodness and a delightful char that adds a depth of flavor you won't soon forget.

Now, let's talk about the stars of the show – the ribs. Oh my, these ribs were something special. The meat was so juicy and tender, it practically fell off the bone with each bite. The smoky flavor was perfectly balanced, and the tangy barbecue sauce added a delightful kick.

Overall, my experience at Edley's Bar-B-Que was outstanding. From the friendly staff to the mouthwatering selection of smoked meats, they truly delivered on their promise of serving up the best ribs in Nashville. So, if you're looking for a place to satisfy your barbecue cravings, look no further than Edley's. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Highlights
Spacious venue
Live music
Delicious food
Friendly staff
Fun activities

Walking into Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, I was instantly captivated by the spacious venue. The rustic yet inviting atmosphere set the perfect stage for a delicious BBQ meal. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but notice the lively tunes flowing from the stage. With live music accompanying my dining experience, it felt like a true taste of Nashville.

Now onto the most important part: the ribs. Let me tell you, they were nothing short of spectacular. Each bite was a burst of savory and smoky flavors that simply melted in my mouth. The meat was tender and juicy, perfectly cooked to perfection. I could easily understand why Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is considered one of the best spots for ribs in Nashville.

What truly made my visit memorable, however, was the genuine warmth of the friendly staff. They were knowledgeable about their menu and eager to make recommendations. It was evident that their passion for BBQ translated into their exceptional service.

As if the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere weren't enough, Martin's also offered a variety of fun activities to enjoy while waiting for your food. Whether it was playing a game of cornhole or simply basking in the lively ambiance, there was never a dull moment.

In conclusion, if you're looking for the best ribs in Nashville, look no further than Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. The combination of a spacious venue, live music, delicious food, friendly staff, and fun activities makes it a top choice for any BBQ enthusiast. So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and prepare to indulge in a finger-lickin' good time.

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Jack's Bar-B-Que

Highlights
Smokey, tender, flavorful meats
Generous portions
Authentic Nashville experience
No-frills, delicious food
Variety of BBQ sauce options

Let me start by saying that walking into Jack's Bar-B-Que was like stepping into a smoky paradise of heavenly aromas. The first thing that caught my attention was the generous portions they served. I thought to myself, "Finally, a place that understands my love for good food!"

As I took my first bite, I couldn't help but notice the tenderness of the meat. It practically fell off the bone with each delicious mouthful. The flavors were rich and robust, showcasing their dedication to creating the perfect barbecue. It was like a symphony of taste dancing on my tongue.

One of the things that I appreciated about Jack's Bar-B-Que was the authentic Nashville experience they provided. From the rustic and no-frills atmosphere to the genuinely friendly staff, it was clear that this place was all about the food. And speaking of the food, they definitely did not disappoint.

What stood out to me the most at Jack's Bar-B-Que was the variety of BBQ sauce options they offered. From tangy and sweet to smoky and spicy, there was a sauce for every palette. I found myself indulging in each sauce, savoring the unique flavors as they complemented the ribs perfectly.

If you're looking for a place that serves up smokey, tender, and flavorful ribs in Nashville, Jack's Bar-B-Que is the place to go. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.

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Rippy's Honky Tonk

When it comes to ribs, Rippy's Honky Tonk in Nashville is a winner. The ribs were tender, flavorful, and fell right off the bone - bliss. The lively atmosphere of this honky tonk added an extra layer of fun to the dining experience. A must-visit for rib aficionados!

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Jack Cawthon's Bar-B-Que

Jack Cawthon's Bar-B-Que in Nashville is a rib-lover's heaven! The juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are a masterpiece of flavor. Their secret sauce adds a zesty kick that will leave you craving for more. A must-visit for all rib enthusiasts in Nashville!

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Drifters Tennessee Barbeque (BBQ) Joint

Alright, buckle up rib enthusiasts, because Drifters Tennessee Barbeque (BBQ) Joint is about to take your taste buds on a wild ride! I recently had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into their succulent ribs, and let me tell you, it was an experience worth writing home about.

From the moment I stepped foot into Drifters, I could tell there was something special about this place. The tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked goodness wafted through the air, instantly making my mouth water. It's the kind of scent that can make even a vegetarian weak in the knees.

But enough about the ambiance, let's get down to the main attraction: the ribs. Oh my, these ribs are not to be taken lightly. They are the epitome of tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection. Each bite was a heavenly symphony of smoky flavors and juicy goodness. It was as if the BBQ gods themselves were using these ribs to flex their culinary muscles.

What impressed me the most was the impeccable balance of flavors. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce was expertly crafted, not overwhelming the natural taste of the meat but enhancing it. It was like a perfectly choreographed dance of flavors in my mouth.

And let's not forget about the sides. The mac and cheese had just the right amount of cheesy goodness, while the coleslaw provided a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich and savory ribs.

To top it all off, the staff at Drifters were friendly, attentive, and downright passionate about their craft. It's always a pleasure to see people who truly love what they do, and it definitely shines through in the food they serve.

In conclusion, Drifters Tennessee Barbeque (BBQ) Joint is a must-visit for any rib connoisseur in Nashville. Their ribs are the stuff dreams are made of, and their dedication to quality is evident in every bite. So grab a bib and get ready for a rib-tastic adventure at Drifters. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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Peg Leg Porker BBQ

Peg Leg Porker BBQ in Nashville is a rib extravaganza! The perfect balance of tender meat and mouthwatering seasoning left me in a state of rib-induced bliss. The playful atmosphere and welcoming staff only added to the overall experience. A must-visit for any rib enthusiast!

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Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q

Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q in Nashville is a carnivorous heaven! Their ribs were tender and juicy and the sauce was like a party in my mouth. The smoky flavor was heavenly and the meat fell off the bone. It's a must-visit for any rib enthusiast in Nashville.

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MISSION BBQ

I must say, MISSION BBQ truly exceeded my ribspectations! Their succulent and tender ribs were seasoned to perfection, leaving a heavenly smoky aroma that had my taste buds doing a happy dance. The tangy sauce was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had found ribtastic bliss. So if you're on a quest for the best ribs in Nashville, make sure to add MISSION BBQ to the top of your list!

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HoneyFire BBQ

HoneyFire BBQ in Nashville is smokin' hot when it comes to ribs! These succulent, fall-off-the-bone beauties are slathered in their signature spicy-sweet sauce that left me licking my fingers with delight. The perfect blend of smokiness and tender meat made each bite a heavenly experience. Don't miss out on this rib-tastic joint!

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Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ

Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ in Nashville is a ribs lover's heaven. The tender, succulent ribs fall right off the bone with each savory bite. The smoky flavors are complemented by a tangy yet sweet sauce that takes it to the next level. Prepare to embrace your inner "Man in Black" and indulge in these finger-lickin' masterpieces.

Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse

Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse in Nashville is a hidden gem for rib lovers. Their juicy and tender ribs were seasoned to perfection. The smoky flavor was packed with a delightful punch of spices. The friendly staff made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Don't miss out on this rib-tastic delight!