Traditions are a big part of Tennessee culture -- and barbecue ranks among the most important parts of our state's identity. While there are lots of places to go for great barbecue in Tennessee, today we're focusing on a hidden gem only locals know about. In Bluff City, Ridgewood Barbeque is an unassuming restaurant that has been serving up delicious Tennessee BBQ since 1948.
Finding Ridgewood Barbeque is kind of like a treasure hunt. It's certainly because off the beaten path, but worth every bit of effort it takes to find it. With a place that has faithfully served customers for over 70 years, you know they are doing something right.
More than a mere meal, barbecue is all about gathering people together. You can find crowds of tables huddled together laughing and enjoying a meal together. Good food will always put a smile on people's faces and you are guaranteed that at Ridgewood Barbeque.
The kitchen is busy preparing meals because hours before you order anything, the process has already started. A local supply of ham is brought in from Bristol and shaved for lunch the next day where it is slathered with barbeque sauce and grilled on a flat top.
The beef and pork undergo quite a process before you arrive, too. The meat is smoked for 8-10 hours in a custom smokehouse built over hickory wood. You can really taste the difference when someone takes the time to stoke a wooden smoker to get the flavor just right!
The portions are as big as they come, too. A pulled pork sandwich will be about the size of your whole hand, and you’ll want that much because, after the last bite, you will be dreaming of going back for more.
The baked beans get the benefit of that smoky flavor, too; this side is prepared with smoky chunks of meat.
Each delectable spoonful with bring you that much closer to the great tradition of Tennessee BBQ... so pull up a seat and dig in!
Ridgewood Barbeque in Bluff City, Tennessee, is well worth the search to find it. With a dedication to the old way of smoking meats and bringing out the best flavor possible, this is one BBQ joint you will not want to miss. For more information please visit the Ridgewood Barbeque website.
Not too far away is an epic cave journey just waiting for you in Bluff City.
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