Tennessee called, and the smoke answered. I mapped out a weekend with one reckless mission: chase 12 BBQ plates across Memphis, Nashville, and beyond, and see which ones truly stuck. You will taste the tang in the air just reading this, and maybe feel the sticky sauce on your fingers. Four plates were unforgettable, but every stop told a story worth savoring.
Germantown Commissary – Germantown, Tennessee
Germantown Commissary felt like a family handshake, warm and steady. The pulled pork melted into its own juices, and the ribs carried gentle smoke with a pepper-sugar balance. Deviled eggs on the side were a charming touch, old-school and perfect.
Banana pudding sealed the deal, creamy and cheerful, like dessert hugged the meal. The sauce leaned tangy-sweet, brightening every bite without masking smoke. You can settle in here and forget the clock exists.
Service was friendly and relaxed, keeping the pace easy. I would bring a crew and order the sampler again. It captures small-town welcome with big flavor.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que – Memphis, Tennessee
Payne’s is a shrine to the chopped pork sandwich. The neon-green slaw looks loud, but tastes balanced, cool and crunchy over juicy pork. Mustard-forward sauce ties it together, creating a sweet-tang snap that wakes you up…