Edley’s is a mini-chain based in Nashville, but the 12 South location is its most popular outpost and sees a lot of pedestrian traffic thanks to the throngs of tourists shopping the strip. But that boisterous atmosphere is all part of the charm of this location, which feels more like a barbecue party than a somber sit-down event. It’s a fast-casual operation here—you make the line, place your order, and wait for your food to hit the table, which should absolutely include a slab of Edley’s tender-as-all-get-out ribs.
While you can find most of the barbecue old standards here (ribs, pork, smoked chicken… you get the idea), this much-loved Nashville institution also loads nachos and fries with smoked meats, slathers smoked wings in white barbecue sauce and dreams up composed dishes like the Tuck Special: smoked brisket with an over-easy egg, pickles, pimento cheese and red and white sauce.
Memphis gets all the attention for barbecue in Tennessee, which is maybe why Edley's decided that the city needed its own proper barbecue and set out on inventing it. And so, Nashville-style barbecue was born—a selection of low and slow smoked meats coated in a pleasantly blistering dry rub that uses cayenne pepper and a habanero mash among other spices. It’s a play off of the city’s hot chicken, and while it sounds gimmicky, it works—especially when it comes to the ribs and the shrimp and grits. Just be sure you have one of their signature Bushwackers nearby to take the sting off the heat.
The vibe: A lively, but casual, barbecue party with equal parts tourists and locals.
The food: Smoked meats, Southern sides and one of the only places you can find Nashville-style barbecue that packs a spicy punch.
The drink: There’s a full bar serving cocktails and beer, but if you haven’t had the Bushwacker, you’re missing out on a key Nashville experience.
Time Out tip: “Conquer and divide” should be your mantra here. Nab a table while a friend waits in line to place your orders—if you wait too long, you’ll be standing around waiting for someone to leave.