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Best BBQ in Smyrna, TN: Where Locals Say to Go
Smyrna Food & Drink | Local Favorites
Where Do Smyrna Locals Go for Great BBQ?
If you're craving barbecue in Smyrna, Tennessee, where should you go? That's exactly what someone recently asked in a local Facebook group, and the neighbors had plenty of opinions!
The original conversation started with a question about finding great ribs. But before long, residents were sharing their favorite barbecue restaurants, smoked meats, and familiar places they enjoy visiting.
Some recommended locally owned barbecue spots. Others mentioned popular restaurants along Sam Ridley Parkway and Industrial Boulevard. A few even suggested places outside Smyrna that are worth the drive.
I thought it would be fun to bring those recommendations together in one place, especially for anyone who's new to Smyrna or looking for somewhere different to eat.
Looking for Something Specific?
A quick note: This isn't an official ranking or a list of restaurants I've personally reviewed. It's a community-inspired roundup of places Smyrna residents mentioned, with restaurant details checked against available business information. Your favorite might be different!
Smyrna Barbecue Guide
Barbecue Restaurants in Smyrna, TN That Locals Recommended
From Texas-style brisket to traditional pulled pork and smoked ribs, these Smyrna restaurants offer different approaches to barbecue. Each received a mention in the community conversation.
Beane Brothers BBQ & Catering
📍 114 Front Street, Smyrna, TN
Located in Smyrna's Historic Depot District, Beane Brothers specializes in Texas-style barbecue with smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and hearty Southern sides.
Several residents mentioned Beane Brothers in the discussion, including praise for its smoky barbecue flavor.
Visit Beane Brothers Website →Better Days BBQ
📍 11469 Old Nashville Highway, Smyrna, TN
Better Days BBQ is a locally rooted barbecue spot known for slow-smoked meats and a takeout-friendly menu.
Its menu has featured pulled pork, brisket, ribs, loaded potatoes, and classic barbecue sides. Several residents shared positive comments about this longtime Smyrna option.
Visit Better Days Website →City Barbeque
📍 110 West Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna, TN
One of the newest additions to Smyrna's dining scene, City Barbeque opened in Sewart's Landing on August 24, 2026.
The restaurant offers on-site smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis-style ribs. Its Smyrna location also has indoor seating, a patio, and a drive-thru.
Visit City Barbeque Website →Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
📍 523 West Sam Ridley Parkway, Smyrna, TN
Jim 'N Nick's offers a broad Southern barbecue menu, including smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and combination plates.
The restaurant is also known for its cheddar biscuits and familiar Southern sides. It's another option for a casual barbecue meal with family or friends.
Visit Jim 'N Nick's Website →
Whitt's Barbecue
📍 198 Sam Ridley Parkway East, Smyrna, TN
Whitt's is a familiar Middle Tennessee barbecue name serving hickory-smoked meats, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and traditional sides.
A resident also recommended Whitt's ribs in the discussion. With takeout and family meal options, it's worth considering when you're picking up barbecue to bring home.
Visit Whitt's Website →Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
📍 991 Industrial Boulevard, Smyrna, TN
Famous Dave's offers classic barbecue favorites such as St. Louis-style ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and combination platters.
Its larger barbecue feasts can be an option for groups that want to share several different meats and sides. The restaurant also received a mention in the local discussion.
Visit Famous Dave's Website →Planning a visit? Restaurant menus, hours, and specials can change. Check each restaurant's website before heading out, especially if you're going specifically for ribs.
More Local Favorites
Where Else Can You Find Good Ribs in Smyrna?
Here's something interesting about the Facebook discussion: not everyone recommended a traditional barbecue restaurant!
Several residents suggested places better known for burgers, steaks, and other American favorites. If ribs are what you're craving, these are a few more options worth considering.
Toot's Smyrna
📍 301 West Sam Ridley Parkway
Toot's received several enthusiastic recommendations specifically for its ribs. The restaurant also advertises a weekend baby back ribs special, making it one to check out when you're craving ribs.
View Toot's Menu →Chili's Grill & Bar
Chili's also received a recommendation for ribs in the discussion. It's an option when someone in your group wants ribs while others prefer burgers, fajitas, or other menu favorites.
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Cheddar's received a mention for its ribs as well. Its broader comfort-food menu makes it another choice for groups with different cravings.
Legends Steakhouse
Legends on Almaville Road was another restaurant suggested in the conversation. It's worth keeping in mind when you're exploring local dining options.
Texas Roadhouse - Murfreesboro
One commenter was willing to venture outside Smyrna and recommended Texas Roadhouse in Murfreesboro for ribs. It's another possibility if you don't mind the drive.
Find These BBQ Spots Around Smyrna
Want to plan a barbecue outing? Use the restaurant map to see where the different locations are around Smyrna and nearby Murfreesboro.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ in Smyrna, TN
Where can I find barbecue in downtown Smyrna?
Beane Brothers BBQ & Catering is located at 114 Front Street in Smyrna's Historic Depot District. It specializes in Texas-style barbecue.
What is one of the newest BBQ restaurants in Smyrna?
City Barbeque opened its Smyrna location at Sewart's Landing in August 2026, offering smoked meats, sides, dine-in seating, and takeout options.
Where can I get ribs in Smyrna, Tennessee?
Beane Brothers, City Barbeque, Jim 'N Nick's, Whitt's, and Famous Dave's are among the barbecue restaurants to consider. Toot's also received several recommendations for ribs in the local discussion.
Are there locally owned barbecue restaurants in Smyrna?
Yes. Beane Brothers and Better Days BBQ are two locally rooted barbecue businesses to consider when exploring Smyrna's dining scene.
Who Has Your Vote for the Best BBQ in Smyrna?
One thing I enjoy about living in Smyrna is discovering the businesses and places that neighbors love.
I haven't personally tried all of these restaurants, so I'm leaving the final decision to the barbecue fans!
Did your favorite make the list? Or is there somewhere else we should know about?
Share your favorite barbecue or rib spot in the comments. I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Discover More of Smyrna
Great Food Is Just One Part of Living in Smyrna!
From local restaurants and community events to neighborhoods and new construction homes, there's so much to discover around Smyrna, Tennessee.
Explore my Living in Smyrna guide for more local favorites, neighborhood information, and helpful resources.
Explore Living in Smyrna →About the Author: I'm Patricia Omishakin, a local REALTOR® with Elam Real Estate. I enjoy sharing the neighborhoods, local businesses, and community happenings that make Smyrna and Middle Tennessee special.
Updated November 2026. Restaurant menus, hours, and specials are subject to change. Please confirm details before visiting.
Patricia Omishakin
REALTOR® at Elam Real Estate
I help buyers and sellers make confident real estate decisions in Smyrna, Murfreesboro, La Vergne, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. Whether you're buying your first home, relocating, exploring new construction, or ready to sell, I'm here to help you make your next move.
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Read My Google Reviews →📍 Based in Smyrna, serving Middle Tennessee • #CallPatToChat
