One look at this place from the outside and you immediately think, "another overpriced tourist trap thats charging you for the view and serving mediocre food." Lets be honest, thats how most waterfront restaurants are. What a pleasant surprise to find one that isn't. Papa Turney's hooks you up with some legitimate Q at a reasonable price. Great views and live entertainment are just gravy on top. I went with some pulled Chicken and sides. It measured up to many of the other places around town with good barbeque cred. Indoor / outdoor seating is available. Friendly service. Good food. I'd be a regular if I lived in the area. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Pulled Chicken Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

Really enjoyed our visit to Papa Turneys...great good (had the Family Pack, way plenty for we four adults!). The live music was terrific and we had a wonderful time. Will definitely be back! read more

I love papa turney's: good music, good vibes, but I waited for over an hour for my food

Hidden gem. What a great place to eat and listen to live music. The food is very good, and the owner and service personnel makes you feel welcomed. Highly recommend. read more

Went there based on reviews but I have NO IDEA how they have such good reviews! We ordered 2 family packs. The employees acted like they'd never taken such a a large order. Our ribs looked and tasted like they were boiled . Not good. No flavor, definitely NOT smoked... Pulled pork was great. Sides were awful. Mac n cheese tasted old and dry. Family pack supposed to come with pie. They had no pie so we got some sort of cake. It was hard as a rock and dry. Not somewhere I would go again. read more

If you ever need to provide macaroni and cheese for a large event, let Papa Turney's prepare and deliver it. This is mac and cheese like your grandma makes! My order arrived on time, hot, and ready to serve. Awesome experience! read more

Great pulled pork. Good ribs. Brisket was chopped (not sliced) and was drier than most humans would prefer. Owner was really nice and tried to make up for the rude cashier who had yet to find his true calling (which was certainly not in a customer-facing job). The greens were fabulous and the slaw was average version white people mayonnaise slaw. The pecan pie was convenience store quality, the fudge pie was fantastic. We will definitely be back for the pulled pork, greens, and fudge pie. We will avoid the pecan pie and the squirrely scrawny rude cashier as though they were on fire. read more

First time trying ribs just fall apart pulled pork is juicy and delicious turnip greens are perfect potato salad is solid read more

Well I got the grilled catfish. It was fabulous. I didn't even know the place was existed . I was working across the cove and was starving. Drove over to see what was at the marina. I'm glad I did. Very friendly folks and good choice of food. He even gave me a glass of sweet tea for free. Only thing missing was a choice of cornbread. None. I tried a BBQ sandwich for free and their chess pie. It was undercooked but tasty. I'm looking forward to visiting on a Thursday for the live music! The place had a cool blues feeling too it. read more

The most disappointing thing of eaten in Nashville. My first time here. I'd heard so much about the food scene. The bbq scene. And misleading in it's names. I ordered gumbo spicy. Lb of beef brisket. Hot chicken. Look at the photos. Does the meat look like brisket or hot chickens? They both look like pulled meat. With no texture or differentiating characteristics. I sampled the meat. Could barely choke any down. As you can see by the empty containers I used all the sauce they gave me. Did it look like it made a difference in the meat? Me either. The gumbo not pictured I threw out immediately. It had no spice nor seafood. What kind of "gumbo", is that? Anyways be careful out there my foodies. read more

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Good food, great service, friendly staff and patrons. The live music was great as well.

Catfish was amazing and we sat outside by the lake. We had about an hour before we had to pickup family at the airport and this place was perfect read more

Had the 2 plate order with ribs and brisket along with Mac and cheese. I was disappointed to see the brisket was chopped and probably wouldn't have ordered if I had known, what a mistake that would have been, the flavor of the brisket was great, with a wonderful smoke flavor. Then I tasted the fall off the bone ribs. They have their own rib they use and it added great flavor. I used their hot sauce, which was good, however not spicy enough for me. The Mac and cheese was only good, some bacon bits or brisket mixed in would have made a world of different. Note I am only debating the small things as it was a 5 star experience. read more

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The views from this place is absolutely amazing! I got the pulled pork sandwich combo..it was ok! I got slaw and baked beans with it and they were just ok also! read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

This was the best BBQ I have ever had!!!! Pulled pork sandwich was incredible and the staff was great! read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

This was the best bbq food I've ever had!! Owner was super sweet and gave us great recommendations on what to order. 10/10 would recommend and would definitely come back!! read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - 2 Meat Combo Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

Everything Mac was dry , hot link sausages was boiled not cool,nachos were very skimpy on meat no sour cream just awful guys sorry but will not be going back!!!!! read more

Great atmosphere and great food. I've had a few different plates and it's always delicious. Staff is always friendly and willing to recommend something if you can't decide read more

My son lived out a Pepto Bismal commercial this morning after we ate Papa turneys last night.

A small quaint venue with fresh BBQ! Just don't come for the food, visit for the band too! Plenty of photos to check out on the walls. Clean and friendly. I had some awesome pulled pork, which I never eat but was glad I tried it! Cooked well, Mac and cheese was filling and tasty! Very good Cole Slaw! Will Definitely return. This is a place to visit! Located at the Nashville Shores Marina, Bell Road, Hermitage, TN! Channel 5 news in Nashville did a story on Papa Turney's and recognized it as the Last Real Old South Juke Joint around. Great Job Papa Turneys! All Love to you my new "family" members! read more

Best ribs I have had!!! Soft, lot of meat and full of flavor!!! I stumbled upon them on my overnight stop in Nashville going to California and I loved it so much that I had to come back when I returned to Nashville on my way back to DC. It's on the marina so the view is amazing and atmosphere super relax + they have amazing live music!! read more

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Fun casual place at the marina with outstanding music - jam section and really good food! Only beer selection, could be bigger and they can offer some wine.. staff super friendly.. definitely to come back..!! read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Smoke ribs, brisket and few sides - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

Stopped in at lunch and had an amazing brisket sandwich. Great view at the harbor, delicious food, and friendly service.

Great little spot by the marina. The view is really the best part about this restaurant. Especially with COVID, all seating is outdoors and you get to enjoy the view on a nice day. The tables weren't really cleaned between diners and if you cared about sanitation you had to do it yourself. Based on the smell walking in, I expected hot, fresh BBQ but was kinda disappointed with the brisket plate. It was good and I would be back if I was in the area but this is WAY below some other BBQ places in the area. The slaw is refreshing but isn't particularly special. The baked beans were good but are clearly not homemade (I think I saw the owner come in with cans of Bush's Baked Beans). Overall, decent food and great hospitality but leaves a lot to be desired. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Brisket Plate with Slaw and Baked Beans - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

We wanted to try something new and we found Papa Turneys restaurant . our family meets in Nashville as a halfway point, an hours drive for us all . It was definitely worth the drive! So glad we went ! the food is delicious . Best BBQ you'll eat. The catfish is very good . They are very welcoming and friendly . Beautiful view as it is at the lake . This Will definitely be one of our meeting places from now on . We're just sorry we missed the live music . Next time ! read more

Family ran business. Mike makes you feel at home here! Great food and excellent customer service. Will be coming here every time I'm in Nashville! Thank you again. read more

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Food is amazing! The smoke catfish is so so good! Staff is friendly and very helpful! The blues music with Crooked Eye Tommy was spot on and the jam session was so cool! Highly recommend all around food, music and great staff!! Don't miss this spot!! read more

Super fun place, great sides, excellent catfish. Definitely will come back again - conveniently located. Friendly staff, right on the water.

Food wasn't great, wings tasted more boiled than smoked. Limited selection of beverages as well and no ranch or blue cheese for the wings. There was a nice view, no wait and nice staff. Maybe order the Bbq and you'll have a better experience. read more

So I'm hanging out in Nashville again wondering where in the world I can get a good catfish dinner. I've already tried the usual suspects around town and while they were OK it wasn't what I was really looking for. Someone suggested Papa Turney's BBQ at Nashville Shores Marina. I had been there once before and had ordered the smoked catfish. I remembered I really liked it. So that's that- I'm going to Papa Turney's!! I get there mid afternoon so it's not very crowded but there are a few people eating out on the deck. The deck overlooks the Nashville Shores Marina at Percy Priest Lake. Great view! I order a catfish dinner and for the sides I chose potato salad and turnip greens One thing I really like about Papa Turney's is it all of their side are homemade right in house. It's a family owned joint and they all pitch in. I've never tried the barbecue or the ribs but I've heard from more people than one that they are just beyond excellent. Anyway my catfish fillets came out and I had to say they were perfect!! Two big thick fillets, cornmeal dusted and fried and they were hot and perfect!! I'm very picky about my catfish and I'm telling you this is really good fried catfish. They also offer the dinner with smoked catfish. I've had before Mo it is really good. But my absolute favorite of all time is fried catfish fillets. In my opinion around Nashville there are none better. Papa Turney's also has live music. They have a stage in side and a great deck outside that wraps around the building and overlooks Percy Priest lake. It's a great place to spend an evening emptying a few beers with good food, great music and good friends. They're open year-round now too. If you're in the area be sure to stop by and tell him that Cindy says hi. read more

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#fatjared say...If you want an awesome location, great people, AMAZING BBQ, and to truly feel cared for by the people feeding you, come to Papa T's. I have been a long time fan, and I will still defend it as one of if not the best places for BBQ. I know reading that you would think it is a 5 star review, but I have very strict criteria, and even for my guy Mike Turney (the owner) I have to stick to it. To get 5 stars from me you have to be perfect, because 5 stars is perfect in Yelp. Unfortunately, the brisket at Papa T's was lacking pretty hard for me when we went. Dry brisket, shredded not cut, and automatically came on a sandwich, which it did not specify on the menu. It was good, but not great. Other than that, this place is always spot on. They have live music, it's right on the water, menu is old school, cool pictures all around the place, and the food is just awesome! Ribs!! I promise GET THE RIBS!!! I have a video from when I first went in 2016 where the bones broke and I ate the bones they were so tender. The flavor is great and the portion size is huge for what you pay. The cabbage we ordered was amazing, and I barely tried the beans because my wife absolutely CRUSHED them! The great thing about Papa T's though is the people. They care about you. They ask how you're doing. They want to get to know you. Your family and your kids will have so much fun just because of Mike. He pours his soul into this place, and I am so happy he made it through COVID. Make the trip. It's worth it! read more

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We stumbled upon this place as we were passing thru cross country and we were lucky enough to be here on a Wednesday for the open mic jam. Word class musicians on a small stage. Met Mike the owner who made us few at home. Good vibes all around and good bbq. I'd give this place 1000 stars for the awesome experience if I could! Thank you Mike and all the best to you and your little place on the lake! read more

You can certainly eat some amazing BBQ in the city, but why would you? This place feels like home. It's as if you've stepped into a living room of a close friend and been invited for dinner. My daughter always says, you wanna eat at the places that serve BBQ in styrofoam containers. She's not wrong. This place is golden! Chess pie. Smoked catfish. Pulled pork. Brisket. (Hello) The grilled cabbage was so yummy. I could go on and on... You should tour the Andrew Jackson Hermitage and then head here for lunch or dinner. You're welcome friend. I don't have pics of the food.. ain't nobody got time for that! #thankfulthursday2021 read more

First place we stopped after arriving in Tennessee. Place is located in a marina, and I have a feeling it would've been super busy and lively if we had come on a weekend. Food was good, traditional southern BBQ. Staff was super friendly. Would definitely recommend! read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

THE BEST BBQ... Hands down... This place is a hidden gem. always tasty and never disappointed. They also have live music playing and the perfect spot on the bay of Percy priest which is awesome during summer. at times we do a quick stop while boating to grad some amazing BBQ... Pros: Awesome Brisket Fresh and Tasty BBQ always Cons: A small place to accommodate a big crowd, you can always get a take out and enjoy this Yumminess. read more

Definitely do not recommend. My coworker and I decided to meet here for lunch so we could sit out on the water. That was the only nice part. When we walked in, we were not greeted. There was a guy sitting behind the counter, watching videos or movies on his phone or something. I proceeded to order and was told they're out of what I wanted so I got pulled chicken. My coworker then proceeded to order, and he was told they were out of what he wanted also. It would be most helpful if you could tell customers what you are out of when they walk up, or maybe hang a sign. This gentleman was not friendly or inviting at all. We finally got our food and it was brought out into boxes for some reason. We sat outside and ate our food, I got up to go in to get sauces, they have about 25 sauce bottles inside, and they are almost all completely empty. The food does not have flavor, and I'm 99% sure that my chicken was cooked in a crockpot, not barbecued or cooked on a smoker. Luckily, the food was cheap since it was not good at all. I will not be back here. Next time I am looking to have lunch on the water I will return to shipwreck Marina. read more

Diamond in the rough. Owners are in often and always friendly. I wouldn't say we come in all the time but being recognized and having someone take time to ask how you are doing is what most dining establishments are missing now a days. We bring out-of-towners here for the amazing brisket and live music. Portion sizes got a little smaller but that's only mentioned bc the food is so good, I just can't get enough. Hot links? Yes. Wings? Yes. Brisket? YES. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - DZ Smoked Wings Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

Great BBQ joint close to the airport. Hats off to yelp for pointing me in the direction of another great BBQ place. I had the ribs and brisket with a side of Mac n cheese and greens. Food was great. The young guy working the front house was real nice and went out of his way to help me out. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Damn good food - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

Fish and brisket were very good. Ribs were greasy and very fatty. Liked the atmosphere. Very nice people who work there. They explained the menu and gave recommendations. read more

How have I missed out on this place all these years? This is literally some of the BEST barbecue I've ever eaten. And I had clients in Memphis and went to Rendezvous dozens of times. They've got NOTHING on Papa Turney's: the ribs were off-the-chart good. I wish they had a liquor license, but you can't have everything. Go for the food, go for the music. Just GO. You will be a happy camper! read more