<p>OK, so we are heading up to Vanderbilt for Blue/Gold day and we decided on eating at a BBQ joint while we are there. We heard Memphis was the best place for BBQ (we just got back from there and it was good) but we think maybe Nashville might be just as good. We are looking at comparing the two. Suggestions for best Nashville BBQ joint and how it stacks up...</p>
<p>Nice posting whoever you are! We have several BBQ-ologists in our office and it is always a hotly contested debated about the best regions and styles and then the best spots to get those styles.</p>
<p>Memphis has a distinctive BBQ style and in the great BBQ landscape, has made a greater impact than Nashville. I will say, however, that Nashville is somewhat of a BBQ crossroads, where all styles are available and where BBQ lovers can find many gems.</p>
<p>To be clear: I do not want to enrage BBQ enthusiasts who correctly consider Memphis an epicenter. I will, however, point you to some good spots.</p>
<p>*Hog Heaven--Little shack with outdoor seating right across from Vandy in Centennial Park. They have great sandwiches and sides (the baked beans are spiced more like chili). Best of all, they have an amazing white sauce recipe in the Northern Alabama tradition. If you've never tried this, I highly recommend it. It's best on smoked chicken.
*Jack's--On lower Broadway right next to the famous honky-tonks. They have a variety of styles and it's a nice place to sample many sauces (including the mustard-based SC low country style and an impressive Kansas City knockoff). Although the meat isn't quite as good, the sides are awesome and the ambience is the best in town.
*Mary's--Awesome spot near Fisk on Jefferson. Open late. Transcendent pulled pork sandwiches.
*Judge Bean's--For the Texans. They have great sausage, brisket, and even smoked bologna sandwiches all drenched in a delicious sauces.
*The Loveless Cafe--a true Nashville institution. Although it's known for it's handmade biscuits, many forget that they smoke meat and make a mean raspberry BBQ sauce served with corn-cakes.
*Arthur Bryant's--It's in Kansas City, Missouri and nowhere close to Nashville. But in good conscience, can not leave it from my recommendations.</p>
<p>To quote James Beard winning restaurant critic, Jason Sheehan, "no day is bad that has barbecue in it."</p>
<p>Brad</p>
<p>Finally, a post on cc worth reading! Hopefully, we'll all have reason to visit Nashville REAL soon. :D</p>
<p>"Finally, a post on cc worth eating! Hopefully, we'll all have reason to visit Nashville REAL soon. "</p>
<p>^^Good one, VandySAE.</p>
<p>btw, Brad, that last sentence was supposed to be hint, not a throw-away line. :)</p>
<p>Brad: That is one of the best reviews of restaurants I've seen. The Nashville Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Tourist Board should be paying you : )</p>
<p>Have some friends that are somewhat of unoffical restaurant conissours (sp?) and they recommended Jacks. Although they have had some great recommedations for us in the past, I would really like to hear a "native" recommednation. Not putting you on the spot (or am I?) but what is your top recommendation? Don't worry its not like I will post it if its not good and your BBQ reputation will be forever tainted in the eyes of your admission office BBQ mates..just kidding. </p>
<p>Shout out to VandySAE: You crack me up, keep it up!</p>
<p>Your asking me to pick a single choice begs the question "Why not one for lunch and another for dinner?"</p>
<p>For a first-time visitor, I'd have to go with Jack's. It is on Lower Broadway with an alley that backs up to the iconic Ryman Auditorium. It is within a few doors of some great honky-tonks and although it's a bit more touristy, the atmosphere equalizes the food.</p>
<p>That being said. From a local whose ok with taking my food home or eating outside in the park, I'd take Hog Heaven any day of the week except Sunday when it's unfortunately closed.</p>
<p>Brad are you buying at Jacks on accepted Student's Day. :D</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the reviews! H & I will be heading to Nashville at the end of April to move our D out. We never got the chance to check out the BBQ places when we moved her in - but we will be sure to do so when we pick her up!</p>
<p>I'm from Kansas City, another big name in BBQ, so I'm looking forward to, if I'm accepted, being able to compare the two. I understand that they're different styles, and I would do my best to appreciate them both and not just dismiss Nashville BBQ because it's not KC.</p>
<p>Hey, fellow from Memphis here.</p>
<p>I've been to Nashville quite a few times, but have rarely had the BBQ. I mean, why eat it in Nashville when I can have better BBQ in Memphis (I'm kidding, I know I'm biased.). :)</p>
<p>As for my favorite, for a tourist-type person in Memphis nothing can beat the Rendezvous. It's a unique experience, I suppose. As for Nashville, I have eaten at Jack's and it was very good. I tend to eat at other types of resteraunts in Nashville (Valentino's Ristorante is pretty much my favorite place to eat in Nashville. I highly recomend it).</p>
<p>Stormtrooper 30: Having just come back from Memphis we had to stop at Rendezvous. I think though, the dry rub was bit much for us. We actually prefered the BBQ place on Beale St. across from BB King's place (can't recall the name).</p>
<p>Brad: OK, you convinced me. Since we have to bring our son to VAVU this weekend we will stop at Hog Heaven on Saturday and Jack's on Sunday..</p>
<p>planning on going to jacks after graduation!
tried to find hog heaven once but couldn't! where in the park is it?</p>
<p>It's across from the Holiday Inn, by the McDonald's - if I remember correctly.</p>
<p>Blues City Cafe is across from BBkings on Beale. Yes, I totally agree. Absolutely loved it. Rendezvous was closed when we first went to memphis during Christmas holidays. Did go to Rendesvouz in the spring, though. Loved both places. Didn't make it to BBKings yet. </p>
<p>We have a Hog Heaven down here now (New Orleans). Will have to check it out. </p>
<p>Smokey Bones was a nightly excursion for us while in Memphis. I know it's a chain, but who cares. Became a rib lover because of it.</p>
<p>We used to have a Luther's here, but it's even gone in Texas now. Great barbecue if it's still around.</p>
<p>Blues City Cafe that was it! Wouldn't waste my time with BB King's food, tasted like Pub Grub. I had Smokey Bones in Montgomery many times and for a chain it was pretty darn good. I really think they had the best all around BBQ platter (sausages, pork, etc.) out of any that I've visited but thats my personal opinion.</p>