Nashville Reviews: The Ridge

Steven McCash takes us just off Charlotte Pike for a plate of BBQ at The Ridge.

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Have you ever been driving somewhere with the windows down and suddenly a smell comes out of nowhere that as the Fresh Prince says, “could spark up nostalgia?” It has happened to me several times throughout the years but the most recent occurrence came while I was driving down Charlotte Pike in West Nashville. My car picked up the scent as well, as it seemed to go into to autopilot and drove itself straight to the root of the aroma.

I found myself just off Charlotte Pike on 54th Ave N. parked in front of an old house turned into a restaurant. The Ridge is a barbeque restaurant and a hidden gem in Nashville. The walls of the first level of the restaurant are covered in awards from cooking competitions the owners have amassed over the years. The intoxicating smells led me to the counter to order some food to go and I was greeted by a very nice young lady.

I decided to keep it basic and try the BBQ Plate. The dish comes with your choice of meat and two sides. I went with pulled pork, tater tots, and baked beans. My order was ready in a matter of moments and when I got home, I dove right in. The pork was so juicy and savory and mixed really well with their own barbecue sauce. The tots were hot and fresh and the baked beans were extremely flavorful. My first visit to The Ridge, which was on a Monday, was a home run.

I spent the better part of the next few days gushing about how good the food was and how everyone I knew needed to go and check it out. Fast forward to Thursday and I find myself at the counter of The Ridge again. I venture out and try the Not Yo Mama’s BBQ Sandwich. Let me tell you how this sandwich is a game changer. First, you pick what type of meat you would like. You can choose between pulled pork, brisket, or chicken. Again, I went with the pork because if it’s not broke, why fix it? The sandwich is then topped with bacon and a fried green tomato before being doused in barbecue sauce. I truly induced myself into a food coma after eating that. As delicious as the sandwich is, do not make any plans for a few hours after eating it unless those plans involve a couch and a blanket.

That week was like when you first meet someone and you go out once or twice and you cannot stop thinking about them and you just want to see them every day. I was truly smitten with The Ridge. It is now Saturday and I find myself once again at that same counter. The woman who greeted me asked if I was dining in or taking it to go. There was college football on the TVs so I decided to dine in and that is when I discovered there was a second level to the restaurant. The second level has a bar and offers table service from a server or bartender. I chose to stay downstairs and went away from barbecue. I ordered the Heater Burger and was not at all disappointed. The burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and chipotle aioli. The true star of the burger is the fried jalapenos stacked on top and covered in jack cheese. The burger was very well seasoned and every bite was full of flavor. My first dine-in experience at The Ridge was great and wrapped up my three visits in less than a week.

If you are not a fan of barbecue, make sure you check out their fried catfish, which I have heard is hard to beat. They also have ribs, wings, burgers, and some amazing appetizers. The Ridge doesn’t have the name recognition that an Edley’s or Martin’s has, but their food is far superior to theirs. If you are on the west side of town, then do yourself a favor and give The Ridge a try because you will not be disappointed.

Steven McCash is the Lead Music Writer and Utility Man for SoBros Network. Steven is the host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast, and the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music in addition to the occasional live show review. He also pitches in as a Nashville lifestyle writer and football analyst (hence the ‘Utility Man’ title). Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75

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