Great BBQ!! Great view as it sits on the bands of the lake. Owner is an awesome guy!!!

I really wanted to like this place. People are super friendly. The atmosphere is cool, they had a great band playing. It's a great venue to finish up a day on the water. They look like a legit barbecue place that I hadn't tried in Nashville yet. I travel for a living and like to try out barbecue places wherever I go. It really pains me to say that this is my number one worst barbecue experience ever in 30 years. I came in and grabbed a quick brisket sandwich before a boating trip. It was OK. I asked the guy at the register what he recommended and he said the ribs were really good. So after my boating trip, I came back and ordered a half slab of ribs because I was starving after a few hours of water sports. I was shocked when I tried to eat them-these were inedible! I spent $24 and a actually threw them away and went through a burger drive through on my way home! They must boil or store their ribs in some kind of liquid because these were so mushy that the bones were actually starting to disintegrate! The grit from the bones was dissolving into the meat! It was like eating sand mixed with meat paste. This was something I didn't know was possible with ribs! Truly disgusting. Please Papa Turneys! Y'all seem like amazing people trying to create a "Memphis like" experience. Please up the quality of the bbq to at least a "C" level! read more

This is my favorite spot in Nashville to get a rack of ribs. I like them juicy and fall off the bone. The whole family is nice and there's a smooth environment inside. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - 1/2 Slab O Ribs, Mac and Cheese, Turnip Greens BBQ Pulled Pork Plate, Baked Beans - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

First order of business in Nashville was BBQ and this spot did not disappoint! Friendly and welcoming staff-- the lady who greeted us was so helpful even though it was only her second day on the job. Jacob brought out our food quickly and it was hot and delicious. Mike checked in on us to thank us for stopping by and to make sure we were taken care of. Overall, a great experience. We had the 3 meat plate (ribs, pulled pork, and brisket) with a side of mac and cheese, baked beans, and cole slaw. It all hit the spot! The view of the water and the boats was nice and best viewed from inside since it was so hot out. Too bad we weren't there during a time when they had live music, but the blues they had playing set the mood and was a perfect background to the decor, especially all the family pics that made the place super cozy. read more

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Food was great, especially the pork bbq sandwich. Service was excellent. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend.

Best BBQ in Nashville. Fast, yummy, great music, and I can take it to my boat. What's not to love?

Mr. Turney can sure cook some BBQ. What made it even more fun it was Blues Night, wonderful entertainment, great food and cold beer. A great combination. Trust me you get enough meat on one sandwich to make two. They have two sauces tableside, watch the spicy one, it is in stealth mode, it really sneaks up on you :) read more

This is a cool little spot for music, drinks and BBQ out on the lake so you get a waterfront view as a big bonus. There were no other customers by the time I arrived for my last visit but the band was still there winding down playing to an audience of just Papa Turney's staff so I definitely got attentive service. The brisket was moist and the grilled cabbage was probably the most delicious grilled cabbage I've ever had so definitely order that as a side. The service was friendly, the music was good and the beers were cold along with it being cold outside too so maybe that is why nobody else was here. During warmer weather this is a great spot to hang out for some decent food, good music and fun times. During colder weather it is still decent food, good music and the fun times just end much earlier. read more

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

Food is delicious. Kind of a dive but we also eat at strange times due to our schedules. They have beer and a deck looking about at the water/marina. Everyone is always nice. We recently moved closeby and look forward to going more often! read more

Incredibly late review but I try to do this so I can remember the places I've been to. This review is from a visit in September of 2018. Great spot that definitely seemed super local. Came on a weekday evening for dinner and was one of only 2 groups in the place... based off some pictures, it gets rowdy on the weekends and looks like a good time. Food was good and seemed like it came right out of my grandmothers kitchen. read more

worth the stop!! so good! we are from Texas and wanted to try some Tennessee BBQ before we headed back. I looked up places on our way and picked this one because you can't go wrong with picnic tables clothes at a BBQ place. it's a little off the beaten path and with it being at the marina during winter it wasnt too busy making us a bit skeptical. however, the service and the food was phenomena!! 10/10 recommend!! amazing bbq. we really were expecting much, we have some pretty outstanding bbq back home, but this beat even some of our favorite Texas spots! read more

If you are looking for some delicious barbecue you must try this place if you are ever in Nashville, Tennessee. Food here is awesome. Our party ordered ribs, pulled pork, chicken and several side dishes and boy they were all equally delicious. The pork ribs fell off the bone so tender and same way with the brisket and chicken in reference to tenderness. I didn't get a chance to eat the collard greens but my daughter loved it so much she finished it all. Hospitality and customer service was great. Mike the owner was friendly and always asked how we were doing and if the food was good etc. loved the baked beans as well and their potato salad. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Counter where you order. - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

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4.5/5 stars is definitely accurate. Stumbled across this place after visiting the Andrew Jackson House in Hermitage. We had time for one more meal before heading to the airport and had been disappointed earlier in our trip by Martin's BBQ, so decided to stop by Papa Turney's. Walking in immediately the vibe was completely different - this is definitely a small family-owned BBQ joint sitting along the pier. We were helped by Papa Turney himself at the register and he was super friendly and hospitable. Between the two of us, we shared the smoked pulled chicken, pulled pork, and ribs. I wanted to try the brisket but because we came near closing hour, they ran out. Everything we got was very tasty! The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and surprisingly both the pulled pork and pulled chicken were not super mushy or crushed up, but rather still had bigger chunks of meat in it. I also usually don't love smoked chicken because it can be overwhelming, but this was the perfect amount of smokiness. While Papa Turney's was a great experience, it fell short of a 5-star because the sauces were lackluster and kind of generic tasting. Also the meats weren't as hot as it was closing hour. Lastly, it said online that they closed at 8 but we came at 3:30 to find out that they were closing at 4. *Definitely* call ahead of time to verify the closing hours, as we found that this was common in Nashville where Google and Yelp did not accurately reflect the hours. read more

This may be a sleeper pick for one of the best BBQ spots in the greater Nashville area. The sides are amazing (greens,beans, and Mac) as well as the sauce. Legitimately had some of the best pulled pork I've ever had here. Went back less than a week later. read more

We are from out of town and found this place in yelp. Turned out great. We ordered to go. The food was ready when we went to pick it up. And everything was really great. I would highly recommend this place. read more

We found this place on a whim and was so grateful we did. The catfish was seasoned to perfection and was oh so delicious. The blues music created such a nice vibe. The owner was so accommodating, making sure we had what we need. Definitely recommend this off the beaten path establishment. read more

Wow, my first experience of smoked catfish, and Nashville hot chicken was impressive.

The food is overhyped, No flavor and dry. I spent $50 and I want it back! The Mac and cheese taste just like noodles can't even taste the cheese. The smoked cabbage was disgusting. The wings were extremely dry, the baked beans taste like they were straight out of a can and the sausage link was nothing to rave about. The brisket was the best thing I had and even then it was a 1/5. If I could give 0 stars I would! The portion sizes are decent but the ribs were extremely dry too. NO FLAVOR AT ALL! read more

The last day of our vacation we still hadn't had southern bar b que yet so after a day touring the Hermitage we stopped in at this spot and couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. They are located in the marina which is a surprise in and of it self but we were welcomed by the owner and his wife who were warm and inviting. My husband had the three meat plate with cabbage and potato salad and I enjoyed my ribs with amazing baked beans and Mac and The meat fell off my ribs and was tender. As an added bonus a we sheltered in the small establishment with friendly patrons and love music while we watched a storm come in off the lake and drop bucketfuls of water. Quite the cozy show for this couple from CA! read more

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Ribs so tender they fall off the bone and smoked to perfection. I have never ever been disappointed with their food. The location is charming and worth the winding drive. Great portion sizes and live music upon occasion. Honestly, you cannot go wrong choosing this place for dinner. read more

Lovely location by the lake, friendly service, great homemade food and sides, it was all perfect and great price!! The hot bbq sauce was amazing, and the pulled pork was moist and delicious. Highly recommend this spot!! read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Already finished the pulled pork sandwich, Mac n cheese, beans, and potato salad. Everything was fantastic. - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

This little best kept secret place was amazing! It's a June joint and it's wonderful! Music and food was great! Owner was the best! If in the Nashville area, look this pace up, you won't be disappointed. The bbq pulled pork and Mac and cheese were the best I ever had. If music isn't your scene, sit outside on their patio and enjoy the river. read more

A night to remember. Juke joint atmosphere, tasty BBQ, really great Blues, friendly owners! read more

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

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The most incredible service with BBQ that will blow your mind. A beautiful view live music included. Come to Papa Turneys you will NOT regret it! read more

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

I went once and went back two more days in a row. I love the music. The view of the lake. The breeze... oh yeah, the FOOD! I have convinced my dog park buddies to bring the muts and join me on the deck In the afternoons. read more

Awesome place on the lake. 1st trip coming back home to NC from Oklahoma picking up my son from AIT at Ft. Sill, and really wanted some local pub grub BBQ. This place is not in the most famous of places, but it sure is beautiful once you get there. After reading the other reviews, I wanted to make a point that the review from Donald. F. needs to be retracted as I saw no evidence of trash or anything else, other than the pure smell of hickory wood and bar-be-que on the smoker. The owner was exceptionally gracious, visiting every single table and thanking his patron's along with showing off his newest guitar and mandolin finds. Now, since my son is a huge guitar fanatic, player and collector himself, this was right up his alley. Now, on to the BBQ, you order at the counter, and they bring you huge portions of whatever you have ordered on a to-go box. My BBQ was tender, had a wonderful smoke ring and the mac n' cheese were to die for. I can only imagine what it would be like to be there for any one of the open mic nights and Friday, Saturday and Sunday night music group entertainment. This has to be a great place to visit then. Guy Fieri needs to come to this place for sure. Thanks for allowing me to visit and THANK YOU for the great food! read more

Wow is Papa Turney's *outstanding*, get yourself over here ASAP for some amazing BBQ. It's cold right now at Percy Priest Lake, so things are slow at the Nashville Shores Marina, but I could smell the BBQ the moment I got out of my car in the parking lot. There was live music at 3 PM on a Wednesday afternoon, and the owner made sure I was right at home right when I walked in. Seriously, some amazing food, music and hospitality: as good as it gets. read more

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This place needs to clean up after itself. Their dumpsters have piles of trash and ripped bags full of their styrofoam bbq containers rotting away directly next to the water. The owner does not care about our area, I've asked him already to clean it up but he did not so here I am to let everyone know. There is absolutely no excuse to litter anywhere in our state, never mind right on the waterway like this. Updated: After reporting this to the ranger station at the Percy Priest Visitors Center the restaurant seems to have cleaned up that area. I do still a few styrofoam containers floating in the lake and in the brush when walking on the fishing trails between the park on the dam bridge and Papa Turney's dumpsters. Never mind the other trash which we can't pin all on them, however with open trash bags and the opportunity for it's contents to start flying around one can assume at least some of it is from this gross lack of social responsibility. read more

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Two bites of a pulled pork sandwich and I couldn't eat any more. One bite of a piece of the rib and I was done with that. The baked beans weren't bad, they tasted like canned baked beans. Same with the bbq sauce, tasted like a brand of bbq sauce I've had before and unfortunately didn't enjoy from the store either. The meat was oily and the rib tasted more like weed smoke than bbq. Idk why. I'm sorry, but not somewhere I'll be trying again. Ordering pizza for my kids for tonight instead. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - 2 meat combo with pulled pork and rib. Sides of baked beans and Cole slaw and Mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

This was a gem to find! True southern hospitality and food! The pulled brisket was incredible and I haven't tasted grilled cabbage and greens as good as this since my great grandma in Louisiana made them! Go here, you will not be disappointed! Best place we ate on our whole 5 day visit in Nashville! read more

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

Fun place, great service. Food was heavenly. I had the smoked catfish, ribs, and pulled pork. Ribs were spectacular, perhaps the best ever. Catfish was great. Pork was very good. Highly recommended. read more

Fantastic food and service. Recommend the ribs and wings all day long. Pulled chicken was good. Grilled cabbage was fantastic as well as the greens. read more

We recently stayed at the Nashville Shores RV Resort. We headed over to Papa Turkey's to check out the BBQ. The smell alone was amazing! This place is uncomfortably small, especially with all this COVID stuff. There is absolutely no way to be Sox feet away from other tables/guests. Diners are packed in like sardines. We decided to take our chances. You order at the counter - which was a very slow process. We found a table and sat down to enjoy the live music. In observing the kitchen area, it appears as though things are essentially pre-made and simply need to be plated...we waited for more than 40 minutes for our food. It was delicious! The ribs are very flavorful. And the fried cabbage was superb! If the wait hadn't been so long and there was more attention to some social distancing practices, I would have given this place more stars. read more

Haven't been to this place yet but it is one of my go to places next I've been told it's very good food and great and clean atmosphere

When my father was visiting from out of town, he wanted barbecue. Thankfully, we found Papa Turney's. Location: Papa Turney's is a bit "off the beaten path since it's by the Nashville Shores Marina. After you turn off Bell Road, heed the speed limit; those turns are pretty brutal if you aren't expecting them (especially in the dark!). Atmosphere: The view from Papa Turney's is beautiful, especially at sunset. When you're in the parking lot or on the porch, you can smell the barbecue, which is wonderful. Inside, it feels like a barbecue joint should. There are long tables in front of a stage area, and tall, re-purposed patio tables near the counter. You order at the counter, and then choose your seat. Service: The service is great! Don't expect fancy treatment. The woman who works at the counter is down to earth and super nice, but it isn't conventional customer service; they're casual, friendly, and treat you like family. My father and I went back a year after that first visit, and Mike, the owner, recognized and remembered him! Food: The food is excellent! The chicken can be a little salty sometimes, but the sweet barbecue sauce balances it out well. The brisket, pulled pork, and fish is also delicious. I'm pretty sure I could eat an entire bowl of the potato salad! Their mac&cheese is hit or miss; sometimes it is watery, and sometimes it's amazing. The woman who works there told me it depends on who makes it, so always ask! My girlfriend gets the beans or the grilled cabbage and says that both are good! Pie: On my most recent visit, we went ahead and tried one of each of Mama Turney's pies: chocolate, chess, and pecan. They were Southern sweet, but they were so delicious! I took home the leftovers to eat with coffee. Mmm mmm good. :) I'm not a barbecue-aholic, but I seriously might drive out to Papa Turney's sometime just for the potato salad and pie (the most nutritious dinner). Tip: The music starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays and can be quite loud. When we've been there, it was an excellent blues jam. It's tons of fun, but, if you're hoping to chat, plan accordingly! read more

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4.5 Very excited to be review #150 for Papa Turney's. I'd been meaning to get out this way for quite some time but work, life and Nashville traffic kept me away. For months. But I had the opportunity to be out east with some out of town friends I wanted to impress so... Papa Turney's, at long last, it was!' It's hard to go wrong when you're eating on the water. And while the restaurant isn't *on* the water, it's close enough to make for some excellent views while dining. So, that's +1. The next +, the smell. As you as you make your way down the winding road and park next to the building, your nostrils are overwhelmed with the delicious fragrance of bbq smoke. I am trying to get better about not eating pork (health and pig cuteness/intelligence) but... I'm weak. I'm a Southerner who's eaten pig for far too long to quickly/easily give it up. Once you smell what PT's got cooking, you'll be hard-pressed to say no to the pork-y goodness.* I said 'no' this time because I had bird and fish to eat but I was tempted. The next +, the music. We were here on a random Saturday afternoon and we were treated to legit Memphis blues. With BBQ and Blues, the only B I was missing was Beer. The concert was another reminder that Nashville is lousy with musical talent. It makes me want the power to make all these folks stars. The entertainment industry isn't fair. Sorry for the tangent. But better than the views, smells and sounds of Papa Turney's is the taste. I got platter of hot chicken and hot catfish. All the q at Papa Turney's is smoked, so this bird was shredded, not fried. For sides, I went all in on the crispy stuff and got cole slaw (to pair with my chicken) and grilled cabbage for my fish. To wash it down, an Arnold Palmer.** This food was stupid good. The smoke permeated every part of the meat but didn't overwhelm it. With the house bbq sauce drizzled on top and every scoop of bird paired with cole slaw... perfection. I used the hot bbq sauce (and it definitely has a kick) with the catfish and grilled cabbage. Again, this was an excellent pairing and every bite was a pleasure. By the complete silence at my table, I knew everyone was in a good place. Papa Turney's is a complete treat for the senses. Short of touch (and, for a reach, I could talk about the pleasing texture of the meat), every one of my senses was dazzled. Nashville bbq restaurants located in the city proper should breathe a sigh of relief that Papa Turney's take some effort to get to. If this bad boy were closer, I'd be a weekly regular. If you haven't been, treat yourself to the experience. There's a reason people flock to Papa Turney's. *Really, I'm trying. **I still can't say the name. It gets my tongue all heavy. It's the drink equivalent of 'rural juror.' read more

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

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If you like Deep South BBQ Hickory Smoke with ribs falling off the bone and a fabulous view along with GREAT music, this place if PERFECT!! Worth the drive from down town!! read more

Here visiting due to work and love BBQ. Was told to try this spot. BBQ was fall off the bone delicious!!! I was not a fan of the macaroni and cheese but everything else was just awesome!! I do recommend. read more

Papa Turney's Old Fashion BBQ - Ribs, macaroni and cheese and baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Hermitage, Tennessee

I can't say enough about this amazing establishment!! The food, I mean, it's all beyond delicious!! My go to is classic ribs and baked beans... I'd arm wrestle somebody for an order of that!! And every single time we go, the owner always personally greets us. He doesn't say anything about who he is, just makes you feel welcome. We drive 45 mins at least once a month to grab up some Papa T's!! They have outdoor seating, occasional live music, and a view of the marina. Definitely recommend for a laid back date night or to-go if you'd prefer to gooble those delectable ribs in privacy read more

Best BBQ in Nashville. Great live music as well. I prefer to sit outside due to the loudness of the music which is still easily heard. When you get there and see the size of the place, you will understand. I try to go weekly and on Thursday night but anytime is good for Papa's ribs! read more