This looks like the place to be eating in town when you pass it on the street. The lines are long, and the menu looks good. I was raised in N.C. and good BBQ is hard to come by on a national level. Jack's is a nice place to eat BBQ. Great staff, and the side selection work well with the menu and theme. Will go back when I am in town, but would not make it a destination. read more

While in Nashville, Tn on Aug,10th we decided to try Jack's based on yelp reviews! What a good decision! It was hands down the best Ribs I have ever eaten and trust me I have eaten lots! When ribs are so tender and flavorful you don't want to put sauce on them that depicts perfect ribs!!! I live 4 hours from Nashville but will plan a trip back soon just for Jacks ribs!! Keep up the good work Jack!! read more

I had a brisket sandwich which was the best! The Mac n' Cheese was great, the sauces where delicious! read more

See all

I was worried that as a hotel tourist recommended stop that this would be overrated BBQ. I actually had a great dinner here and came back for lunch two days later. I liked the cafeteria style ordering b/c it was fast and easy. The staff was friendly and helpful and cut the meat right in front of you so you knew it was fresh. I wanted the St. Louis style ribs, but when I said their smallest plate (a half rack) was more than I could eat, they suggested the kids plate to me--perfect size with three ribs and 2 sides. The ribs were tender, fell off the bone. I'm from the East Coast so our BBQ is messy, but even though the variety of sauces they had were good, the dry rub on these ribs was so tasty I wanted to eat it without sauce. Had the pork shoulder for lunch and it was also good, nice smokey taste, also delicious even without the sauce, but the ribs really stood out! Sides were not that much to write home about, but the meat is the highlight anyway. Mac & cheese was good, but this is processed cheese not home-made style. Corn and cole slaw was yummy. Corn bread was the most disappointing--very dry and without much taste, even when dipped in BBQ sauce. Lots of room to eat upstairs (even a patio for al fresco when its warm) and they had drinks and sauce dispensers up there so you didn't have to get them in the cramped quarters downstairs. I would definitely return for the ribs. This was far and above the other BBQ stops on Broadway. read more

Jack's barbecue is an awesome place! This was my first taste of real pulled pork in Tennessee. Cafeteria style, picnic tables outside, pick your own barbecue sauce kind of place. I ordered the greens, sweet corn and pulled pork and a sweet tea. I spent $11. I came in here on a football sunday, so there were many people in here watching the game and eating. I didn't care too much for the teams that were playing at the moment, so I went outside to their picnic tables. I didn't get to enjoy my food too much since all the flies around were bothering me. I think the dumpsters were right behind me when I was eating because there was a gross smell. Food- awesome! I love how you can choose your own and serve your own bbq sauce. service- The staff behind the counter were fairly friendly. There was a man walking around wiping tables down with an apron on. He was very friendly location- Great location! Right on the famous Broadway street in Downtown Nashville Tennessee. No parking lot. Restaurant setting- The place inside is really cool. I love that their is an outdoor patio in the back were you can eat. But I just didn't like the flies and the smell outside. read more

I give this place 3 stars, but that's because I'm feeling very generous today. First of all, let me say, when I walk into a restaurant, I want to hear, "hello" or "how can I help you?". I'm not even from the south but I heard southern hospitality was supposed to be better than this. All I got was, "next in line" and then a deer in the headlines look while waiting for them to hear my order. Yeah, I'll pay good money for two plates of BBQ, but I better see the smokers, and your tiny grandma in the back getting ready to bake my macaroni and cheese from scratch, and it better not be served on a paper plate. The pork shoulder sandwich, which I ordered was juicy and delicious. However, the Mac and cheese was just ok. Tasted about as good as your average chain BBQ place. My husband ordered the shoulder and hot links, but he was disappointed the links weren't very hot. Probably would only go back just for the sandwich itself. read more

Everyone says its the best BBQ downtown. but was disappointed. Got the brisket which came out with more fat than meat. Everyone in Nashville has been super nice and welcoming but not here. Also not the cleanest place. Complete tourist trap. read more

Jack's Bar-B-Que - Looks good... But not really. - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Jack's is a staple of the strip and I was dragged there by some friends who travel everywhere. I wasn't too enthusiastic about it, hearing that it was overblown, sort of dirty, and that the meat was dry. Maybe it was my low expectations, but it was actually pretty good! I checked in on yelp and got a free meat rub (which I since used on some burgers and it was a nice spin on my normal recipe). It was, however, a bit dirty. The place is decorated with taxidermy and you can just see the massive amounts of dust all over it. Sort of gross. Also, the cafeteria like serving area really takes me back to middle school, unfortunately. I got the brisket and had the mac and cheese as a side. I wouldn't recommend the mac and cheese, but the brisket was great, especially with the hot bbq sauce (the 911?). The Carolina sauce was also pretty fantastic, but I just can't get my head around the mayo based sauces I'm finding around. Blecch! (But that's not Jack's fault...) I also tried the smoked turkey and it was pretty good on it's own, didn't need a lot of sauce, rare for turkey. So I won't go out of my way to go to Jack's (the strip is a little much for me unless I'm INTO IT), but I'll go there for drunk food :) read more

DON'T EAT HERE! Jack's is hands down the worst BBQ I have ever ate! The "Texas" Brisket smelled like moth balls, and tasted like (how old people smell). The Texture reminded me of a boot-strap / beef jerky (I literally couldn't cut the damn thing with a plastic knife). I'm from Texas and trust me we wouldn't feed our dogs Jack's BBQ. As for the sides, let's just say I was impressed...I had no idea that someone could actually make horrible coleslaw . Also to add insult to injury the big guy cutting the meat that served us was a total A-hole but who could blame him if I had to smell that brisket everyday I'd probably be a dick too. Anyway if you do choose to eat here besure to enjoy the indigestion & anger as you realize that you have paid close to $20 for a plate of prison food. read more

Really liked my meal. I had the beef brisket and it was nice and smokey like it should be. The baked beans were good and my slaw was ok. Several very good sauce options. The line started outside the door but the wait was worth it. read more

Food is good, but the servers are rude as hell. Whoever the owner is... really needs to do something about the rude "people" at the front taking orders. The food is good but I can't believe the caliber of people this place employs, and I have NEVER rated anyplace on yelp with a TWO! I figured the first time I came here I caught the crew on a bad day, but now I understand these "people" should just stay home and collect welfare. GOOD chow...horrible severs, not going here again. Cheers! Jeremy read more

YES!! Now this was BBQ...Meat was tender, smokey and flavorful! ALL sides were fresh and very well prepared. It was as if they actually cared that I enjoyed the meal and did not take for granted I would return out of tradition. Went to newer Charlotte Pike location Got Ribs, smoked Chicken and sausage with turnip greens and pot. Salad PLUS a hunking slab of chess pie. You must go...Parking was fair, prices were reasonable. I would go back for the sides alone. Customer service was EXCELLENT!!! Everyone was freindly...even the people who where not serving us and the security guard walked me to the car! read more

Brisket was completely flavorless. Pathetic, really. If you served brisket like this in Texas, you would probably be shot and deservedly so. Sausage was nothing spectacular... Get some hillside farm smoked sausage, grill it, and there you go. The Ribs on the other hand were great. Tender, moist and flavourful. The sides were.. Eh. Baked beans that tasted like they came from a can. Potato salad was about the same as the packed stuff at Walmart. Not bad, but nothing special. Customer service. Basic, indifferent, didn't seem to care if you were there or not. Not rude, but just a step above rude. Overall, nothing special. The ribs are good, but that was about it. Overall score is for the complete meal. The ribs alone would be 5 stars, but everything else brings the total score down. read more

Went here on recommendation of local hotel staff. Loved the look, smell, and feel of the place. No seating available until 2 loiterers finally got a clue. The brisket was tender. A bit smokey, but enjoyable. I liked the tangy sauce. The baked beans and potato salad, both suggested by the staff were savory. Only thing I didn't care for was the corn bread which was dry and "dull." I would go back. read more

I'm giving this three stars...only because my husband believes it deserves a four but HE WAS HUNGRY! We ordered the chicken, pulled pork and ribs with baked beans (close to canned but seasoned well enough to not tell), mac & cheese (overcooked instant) and apples (alright, but expected more). The ribs were tender, chicken and pulled pork were definately dry. I wished they were seasoned a bit more but the bbq sauce did the trick. The prices were reasonable, it smelled like bbq upon entry; however, the aftertaste of lighter fluid was there. Do your research and look for something better. Not much to rave about here. Quite disappointed. I'm sure there is. read more

Long Line to get to the food ordering means good bbq! Loved the food and the prices were right! We got a table right away and loved the decor! read more

See all

Coming to Nashville with my wife for 15 years I have yet to miss a stop here. Now on a business trip still has not lost its draw. Pulled pork was tender not stringy. Brisket is the most moist I have ever had. Love Jacks original vinegar based sauce. Just a great place and the smell lingers with you for hours after. read more

Jack's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Wow!This place is so filling! The line may be long,but it was quite worth it.The meat was great,and it was definitely served well.The price was very reasonable,and the sauce was perfect. I recommend this place for lunch or maybe some good old early dinner. read more

On our second day of our Nashville trip, we decided to stop by this place for lunch. And man, is the food good! Sausage, ribs, pork, anything you can smoke you can find here. And the sides are nothing to sneeze at either. Mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, cornbread, a real southern restaurant. Anyone in this area, go ahead and check this place out. You won't be disappointed. read more

One of the best BBQ I've every tasted! I've got the BBQ Pork shoulder, ribs, brisket and sausage. Highly recommended the ribs: juicy and flavorful! Price reasonable and service is quite fast considering its Friday night on thanksgiving weekend. Definitely will come back whenever I'm back in Nashville read more

Jack's. Only the best BBQ in Nashville in my opinion. The pulled pork and brisket are absolutely delicious. But the Mac and cheese. I never come here without getting a double order. I also buy several dry rubs and use it exclusively on my own ribs when I smoke them. Easily 5 stars read more

Amazing Bar-B-Que place! Hands down awesome food! I loved the smoked chicken. If your looking for some great Bar-B-que...this is the place to come to. read more

I expected something more spectacular due to the legendary status of Jack's BBQ, its was good but a little under my expectations, only tried the ribs and unfortunately they were almost out of beer. read more

This was some pretty amazing bar-b-que for this northwest girl. Was looking for a place to go when we received a recommendation from a local to check this place out. Super glad we went. Walking in the smell of bar-b-que hits you and that's a good thing. The hard part came when we had to decide what to order. I offered the brisket and my friend ordered the ribs and then we shared. Glad we did, it was a great way to try both. Don't worry about seating, there's plenty upstairs. If you're downtown and you want local food you have to try this place. read more

Great find! We were in town for just one night, made it down to LowerBroadway around 7:30 before things got too crazy. We discovered Jacks BBQ somewhat by mistake, I thought we were in line for the place next door. The line was well out onto the sidewalk but moved quickly. Once inside the aroma gets your hunger going. We got the Famliy Plate B,1 lb. pulled pork shoulder and choice of 4 sides half pints each and cornbread. Also had the Texas smoked sausage jumbo sandwich. Everything was really really good. Tried a few of their sauces, they were a delicious compliment to the pork and sausage. We sat on the third floor looking over the festivities below, we had a great time. Highly Recommended!! Great value and authentic atmosphere. read more

Food tastes fabulous...no questions asked! A little pricey...$32 for a couple of sandwiches and a drink...tastes good, but expected more food for a little less money. Looks about as authentic as you get...Nashville BBQ! read more

This is the place to go if you want authentic and delicious!! And they are so friendly- especially you Freida. I wish I lived here so could make this my local place. We had the 3 meat plate and shared it. These are the best ribs. Wonderful. Thank you all. I can't wait to come back. We can't wait to come back. read more

I'm not impressed. Not much flavor unless you slop sauce all over. Sweet potatoes swimming in butter, green beans swimming in butter. And I should pay for this? There must be a better place. read more

I loved this restaurant when we went to Nashville for spring break. After a long day of going from bar to bar listening to live music, it was nice to have a real meal and some real southern bbq. My favorite dish were the green beans....so good!! I also loved the mac n cheese!! I'm a huge fan of mac n cheese! The service was excellent and I will totally be going back when I return to Nashville!! read more

Ribs were fall off the bone good. I got the kansas city style sauce with it which I enjoyed. The sides were pretty good but needed a bit more flavor and the bread was cold. The value was probably the best part, I am so stuffed! Definitely try this place! read more

Wife had to go back to Nashville for a conference. Made the stop too restock on Jack's BBQ, I like the Tomato Base the best!

I had the brisket which was dry and lacked marbling, mediocre at best. Smokiness was there but didn't really shine through. The sides were fine and unremarkable. I'd come back if it was the only thing open but otherwise I'll look elsewhere. read more

We shared the half chicken plate with green beans and Mac and cheese. We also had a side of baked beans and coleslaw. We shared a slice of chocolate pie for dessert. The chicken was very tender and moist. The BBQ sauces were delicious; tangy and flavorful with a little kick. The Mac and cheese was tasty. My mom liked the baked beans. But we did not like the coleslaw or green beans. The coleslaw was bland and the green beans were soggy, slimy and had a strange flavor. The chocolate pie, however, was fantastic!!!!!!! I could've eaten a whole pie!!!!! The atmosphere was simple and charming. The outdoor patio was a great quiet place to get away from the loud chaos of Broadway while we ate. read more

Be prepared to stand in line, but the BBQ is definitely worth it. I was even able to stay on my diet by ordering the veggie plate! Although I did have a little side of the world famous Mac N' Cheese. I could have had a few platters of that stuff alone. I also bought a bottle of BBQ sauce to take home, which is pretty out of this world. Jack's is a great place to take out-of-town visitors. I brought some relatives from Southern CA in, and they really enjoyed all of the history to look at. The walls are adorned with little notes and photos from some of Nashville's biggest names from the past, like Dolly and Dinah Shore. At least something fun to look at while waiting for the looooooong line to pass. Jack's is nestled on the heart of Broadway, right next door to The Stage. My only complaint is that it is one of the only places downtown that doesn't offer live music, so it's kind of awkwardly quiet inside the restaurant, but that may just be because the food is so good that no one is talking! read more

First time at Jack's BBQ in downtown Nashville. Awesome food and super friendly service. Courtney is awesome! Smoked Turkey melts in your mouth. Cool vibe and great food! We don't have this in PA. I'll be back! Mike S. read more

Jack's Bar-B-Que - Smoked Turkey at Jack's BBQ in Nashville - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The BBQ was good though we were looking for some forward to some good corn bread and it was very dense stale tasting. It was a good place for some quick grub! read more

Ordered a kids plate of ribs, mac and cheese and cucumber salad, which was more than enough food for me. The ribs were decent.

I hate to give this place only 2 stars as I really, really wanted to like Jack's. Visiting Nashville, I went based on Yelp reviews. I only had the ribs and only ate there once, so I am hoping that my experience is not typical, but here goes. On the plus side, 6 ribs and 2 sides for about $13 is very reasonable. I like that they are open late for dinner and you get an escape from the wildness of Broadway on a Saturday night (which I did). Unfortunately a couple of the ribs were good, but the rest were so tough and chewy as to be almost inedible. Maybe they sat around too long after being cooked? the mac and cheese was creamy and delish and the green beans had a nice seasoning to them but were overcooked and mushy, but any green beans I have ever had at a barbecue place are overcooked and mushy. All that said, If I go to Nashville again, I would give them a second chance. read more

Ok, lets start with the beginning. We were told to visit Jacks BBQ when in the Nashville area. Although there are 3 locations, the emphasis was on the Downtown location on Broadway. So on a Saturday afternoon with extremely beautiful weather, we visited Jacks along with several hundred other hungry folks. The business has two floors along with an outside seating area. The line was out the door with folks patiently waiting their turn. Once you step up to the counter you will make a selection of the different types of meat/chicken/turkey/ribs to select. We chose the smoked turkey with green beans and coleslaw. The dish was plentiful and tasty. It also came with homemade cornbread. The turkey was very moist. The business serves up 3 different types of sauces. Texas Style. Kansas City Style and of course Tennessee style. Of the 3 I'd have to say it was a tie between Texas and Kansas City. Tennessee has to much of a vinegar flavor. Overall I would recommend this location for your BBQ needs. The wait staff was extremely kind and welcoming. It was also great to see this business sell Coke products. read more

First time in Nashville. From STL, MO, and looking to eat so delicious to eat. Saw the long line and thought we'd try it. What a disappointment! Ordered the plate, brisket, cream corn, green beans and small piece of corn bread. $17.00!!!! The brisket was fatty and couldn't chew, meat wasn't spiced or tasty. Couldn't finish because of all the fat in the meat. The only thing good, was the mash potatoes. We have much better BBQ in STL. Jack's cannot beat Sugar Fire's BBQ! Sorry Jack, but NEVER again...... read more