Tennessee takes its barbecue seriously, and half the fun is not having to pick just one meat. At a good sampler-friendly joint, you can load up a plate with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken all at once.
That means you get to taste a pitmaster’s full range in a single sitting. Here are 8 Tennessee spots where a mixed plate of smoked meats is the smart move.
1. Central BBQ, Memphis
Memphis has plenty of barbecue heavyweights, but Central BBQ earns its crowds by keeping things approachable and consistent across several locations.
The menu covers dry-rub ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken, and turkey, so a combo plate lets you compare styles side by side. Nachos topped with barbecue are a fun add-on if you want something beyond the classics…