We talk a lot about the bougie restaurant scene in Nashville, trendy brunch spots, hot chicken, and the southern staple that is the meat-and-three. The Music City is a great food city, but I think the BBQ scene is lost in the shuffle. Is it Memphis? Hell no. Is it Kansas City? Hell no. But, you can find some pretty damn decent BBQ in this town thanks to the likes of the Martin’s, the Edley’s, and the Peg Leg Porker’s of the city (and yes, I’ll admit – I even love a good, fast Whitt’s BBQ sandwich on the drive home from work every once in awhile). This topic came up on a recent episode of the SoBros Power Hour. That conversation was weighing on my mind when my fiancé and I decided to head out to Martin’s in Mount Juliet (they have locations all over town – no doubt there’s a joint near you) for date night a couple of weeks ago. That would explain the piss poor lack of pictures in this review, but it was supposed to be date night, and not work night. So, I’ll probably get in at least a little bit of hot water for this one, but I figured, “hell – if I’m going to keep calling Martin’s the best BBQ in town, I HAVE to get a review of it up on the site.” For more on Martin’s, check out their website here.
Pics
Ratings
Food: 7.96/10 – I’m well aware that that is one shitty picture to post in a food review. But, hear me out, guys – everything I’ve ever had from Martin’s is the best – the best brisket, the best pulled pork, it doesn’t matter. It’s all good. That brisket was so tender that it virtually melted in my mouth. It was smoked to perfection, with just the slightest crisp to it. So, you had a combination of really interesting textures with all the smoky flavor you could stand. I stole a bit of my fiancé’s Alabama white sauce, which is something I tell anyone who will listen is the real show-stealer at Martin’s. No matter what you get, you damn well better get a side of that Alabama white sauce. I was dipping my hush puppies in it.
I’ve had their smoked wings several times before, and I wholeheartedly believe that they’re among the best in the city. That’s one thing about Nashville I don’t like – it’s not a very good wing city. Cadbury and I have had this discussion on numerous occasions, but you really have to seek good wings out around town. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about that with Martin’s – like the brisket, they’re smoked to perfection, carrying that smoky flavor with them, and providing the slightest crisp outside. And again, you get ’em in that Alabama white sauce and they’re hard to beat. All in all, I’d put Martin’s atop the BBQ list in Nashville. Also, yes – I am well aware that going with slaw and hush puppies as sides on your brisket plate is a completely psycho move. But, I was craving both, so I just followed my arrow.
Booze: 5/10 – A good plate of BBQ is enhanced by an ice cold beer. If you’re looking for some high end cocktails, Martin’s might not be your place, but I’ve found their beer list to be quite serviceable and quite refreshing in the past. It’s rock steady.
Value: 7.73/10 – $33 for two people ain’t bad at all given the current state of the Nashville food scene, but when you consider that you’re getting, at least in my humble opinion, the best in town, that’s borderline a steal. That value is almost as good as the food itself.
Atmosphere: 5.9/10 – It’s a BBQ joint. Y’ain’t goin’ there for the ambience. Fun fact: during my fiancé’s first visit to Martin’s, they actually brought the pig out through the restaurant and chucked it in the smoker in front of everyone. It was a shocking experience, but I asked, “well, how did you think they made that BBQ on your plate?” So, yeah – might not be the most romantic date spot, but if you love a good old-fashioned BBQ spot, it’s right up your alley.
Overall: 6.65/10 – In my opinion, it’s pretty easily the best BBQ in town, pound for pound. I do like Edley’s and Peg Leg Porker quite a bit, but if I’m splitting hairs here, I’m giving Martin’s the crown as Nashville’s king of BBQ.
CURRENT NASHVILLE RESTAURANT RANKINGS
- Butcher & Bee (8.5/10)
- Nectar: Urban Cantina (8.44/10)
- M.L.Rose (8.19/10)
- Von Elrod’s (8.17/10)
- Catch 22 (Mount Juliet) (7.125/10)
I’m always looking for new spots to try – don’t be afraid to hit the comments with suggestions!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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