A good bbq sandwich. It's the ticket to the best kind of lunch and dinner, it's how you can truly enjoy a sweltering summer afternoon and a lunch surrounded by laughing children and buzzing bugs in the grass. It's how you can infuse the cold of winter with a bit of sunshine and give your out-of-town friends a taste of Tennessee. The bbq sandwich is quite important to us, so we scoured the state and asked you - yes, YOU true Tennesseans - the places you love and the orders you frequent. Fair warning, folks: this may make you hungry.
1. Charlie Vergos Rendezvous - Memphis
Probably the most famous bbq joint in the state of Tennessee, Rendezvous has earned a reputation for a reason. The pork shoulder sandwich is absolutely delicious, something you'll want to devour again and again. Be warned, though - this is a popular spot and there's sure to be a wait. (952 S 2nd St)
2. Payne's Bar-B-Q - Memphis
Another Memphis joint, this simple, cinder-block building hides one of the best sandwiches in the state. Really. You don't need ambience for a killer chopped pork sandwich, folks - which is exactly what we'd recommend ordering. (1762 Lamar Avenue)
3. Martin's Bar-B-Que - Nashville
If you're in the mood for a notoriously juicy pulled pork sandwich, Martin's is the place to go. There are multiple locations but we'd recommend visiting the Belmont neighborhood. It's close to 12 South and holds all the charm of Nashville's pretty inner suburb. (3108 Belmont Boulevard)
4. Peg Leg Porker - Nashville
Located in the Gulch, Peg Leg Porker not only boasts a killer sandwich but buckets of beer and baskets of fries that will keep you full 'til Friday. Also, and insider tip? Get the slaw on the sandwich. It's worth it! (903 Gleaves Street)
5. Family BBQ - Dickson
This darling, family-owned spot is located on the family farm in Dickson and is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, which means you'll be making a bbq road trip soon. Toasty buns and southern hospitality make their bbq sandwiches something to enjoy again and again, especially with their homemade sauce. It's the stuff of legends. (2199 Yellow Creek Road)
6. Scott-Parker's Barbeque - Lexington
Lexington, Tennessee throws their hat in the bbq sandwich ring at Scott-Parker's, a no-frills bbq joint that gives your tastebuds a run for their money. The family-owned restaurant keeps good food and family high up on their list, and it shows. (10880 US-412)
7. JC's Family BBQ - Harrison
Hey there, Harrison! That's a good lookin' pulled pork sandwich you got there. This delicious bit of heaven is from JC's, a laid back eatery that serves up a solid meal with a smile. We may be partial to the bbq pork, but it's the brisket that really gets folks going. Try 'em both! (9070 TN-58)
8. Pig House BBQ - Jackson
Great pulled pork and a potato salad from heaven will give your weekend the southern bbq infusion it needs. Although there is a drive-thru, it doesn't undermine the good eats inside - or the the ones you carry away. (1024 Campbell St)
9. Ridgewood Barbecue - Bluff City
You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time at Ridgewood Barbecue, a low-key spot that puts a solid, old-fashioned spin on your favorite bbq eats. It's a small place that offsets a solid wait with something delicious to eat - and just take a look at their bbq sandwich. It's everything. (900 Elizabethton Hwy)
10. Jack of Hearts BBQ - Spring Hill
Jack of Hearts is a place of legend, mainly because of their white sauce that puts any normal bbq sauce to shame. The small joint serves up a solid bbq sandwich in Spring Hill, roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Nashville. Just take a look at those onion rings! We're in. (5343 Main Street)
Still hungry? Check out these strange Tennessee food combinations only a local would love!
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