We tried this place on the last Saturday of the month so that we could get the giant beef ribs. Yummy!!!! They are one of the best I've ever had. We also got the brisket and smoked chicken. Everything was delicious and we can't wait to go back. The ambiance is BBQ restaurant with the wonderful smell of the great food to come. Make sure you arrive a little before they open if you wanted to get the beef ribs. The line fills up fast, but so worth the wait. read more

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I had a friend in town that looks for really well reviewed restaurants, and he wanted to come here since it's Michelin reviewed. We ordered one of the platters that came with brisket, sausage, ribs, bread, and 2 sides. For the sides, we got potatoes and green beans. The prices were a little high, but not astronomical. We didn't wait very long at all for the food. I'm usually not a brisket person, but theirs was delicious! It was so tender that it melted in your mouth. The seasoning was perfect with plenty of salt and just a little bit of spice. The sausage (especially the jalapeño cheddar) was super juicy and full of flavor. The ribs really fell short. They didn't fall of of the bone and they weren't very tender. I think they weren't cooked long enough (not raw but not "done"). Definitely get the green beans! They were delicious as well (not healthy - nothing here was healthy). For dessert I got the banana pudding, which was probably the best part. It was fresh, chilled to the perfect temp, and delicious. They didn't have hot sauce - that was a huge bummer. Also their BBQ sauce wasn't that great. The good thing is that the meat had so much flavor that you didn't really need the sauce. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Delicious banana pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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I dove 25 miles and this was my second visit to shotgun Willie's. The first visit was a 4.5 to 5.0 but this visit was more of a low 3. First, the beef sausage is very good and the only thing that would make it better would be a char or some grill marks. Today the brisket was tough; very different from my previous visit. This is a minor thing but they offer Texas Toast that is not toasted. Go figure. Anyway, I hope the brisket regains the mojo. read more

So my sister is visiting town again. I asked her to get this world famous bbq for me. She actually lives down the street like 10 minutes away! When I visit it's going to be on a Saturday so that I can get a beef rib.Brisket sandwich is loaded I tried the delicious brisket sandwich and the delicious beef sausage. Best beef sausage I ever had from a bbq restaurant! The Mac and cheese is delicious also the sauce is good. My family members tried different entree's from here also This food is delicious! My bro and I watch Ant bbq channel on YouTube iykyk! The food here is delicious! Pull up and check them out if you are ever in the area! I tried this food for the first time today on 4-3-2026. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket Sandwich with Mac and Cheese and 2 Beef Sausage and Sauce. - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

Its always a good sign when you see the owner himself slicing the meats. Everything we tried was a 8/10 or better except the ribs which we found a little dry. Fresh off trying the other nashville bbq last night I can wholeheartedly say Shotgun Willie's blows them out of the water. The owner took some time to talk with every guest as he sliced their meats and the other staff were friendly. Tons of interesting decor on all of the walls. Come check them out! read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Trinity Plate with a side of mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

Shotgun Willie's BBQ is located in Madison directly on Gallatin Pike a stones throw off of Briley Parkway and shares a small strip with Vega and Daddy's Dogs. If that isn't ringing a bell, the small strip they occupy sits at the front of the Eastside Bowl complex! This SGW is an upgraded and expanded location for the brand, who used to have a smaller spot just right up the road. The space is large, bigger than expected, and is one large open air space where you almost feel like you are dining in the back of the house. The line forms immediately to the right upon entry and takes you past a wall of BBQ and of course, Willie Nelson, themed decor. It's leads you right to the counter where they are freshly cutting the meats and scooping the sides as you order. The dining room features plenty of seating, and if the weather is good, then they have a large outdoor picnic area to enjoy. It's unconverted, hence the weather dependency. They do have a rule here and ask that you do not grab a table until you order and get your food. And I appreciate that! Now speaking of food, I have d ample a few things on the menu with my normal and favorite being the sliced brisket plate and the habanero cheddar sausage link. I appreciate the option of fatty or lean brisket, which you normally don't get...and I usually go lean, as it gets you more meat in my opinion. The sausage is great, a smokey essence with a perfect snap to the casing. You'd expect more heat, but the balance is nice. We have also gotten the pork shoulder sandwich and it's always tasty. They dust the meat with seasoning before tossing it on a bun, which is a nice touch. They have a solid selection of sides, and while they are all tasty, none really stand out as top tier bbq sides. The Mac n cheese, along with the green beans are usuals, and are both kind of one note in flavor. They aren't terrible by any means, but just okay. Pricing is in line with what you expect at local BBQ joints around Nashville. Lunch for two including drinks and dessert will run you around $50. SGW is a lunch spot, only open 11a - 3p, so if you are hungry, get in there early! Overall, Shotgun Willie's is a good spot that pulls a solid 3.5 stars for me. Not my favorite in town, but tasty and convenient when the meat cravings get the best of me! read more

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Incredible brisket they slice it right in front of you and let you choose how lean or fatty you want it. Portions are very generous. My husband and I shared a plate and added the smoked half chicken, which they split for us. The sauce was solid, the seasoning had great spice, and the queso mac was comfort-food perfection with just a little kick. Paired with a Mexican Coke, it was the perfect lunch. Free and easy parking in their lot makes it even better. A really fantastic spot. read more

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I Love BBQ! I've had it from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL! From Portland, ME to San Diego, CA and everywhere in between; I just love it. And, of course I have my favorite places which would take me 30 minutes to name them all. But the top three is easy: Green Street BBQ - Chicago, IL 12 Bones BBQ - Asheville, NC Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Nashville, TN Shotgun Willie's was today (for lunch) and immediately took a Top Three spot on my illustrious list of BBQ joints. Everything about Shotgun Willie's was great: The ambiance was fun, creative and very interesting The service was bright, witty and some of the most expert Q'ers I've ever seen The food was just sublime - the brisket we ordered had just the right amount of fat. The meat was tender as hell and the bark on the edges was addicting This was Texas BBQ at its best; in Tennessee? Go figure. The sides were ridiculously good as my potato salad and cole slaw was like a narcotic. I couldn't get enough of it. The seating was great and mostly communal and the restaurant itself was immaculate. The cutters / servers / cashiers were humorous and fun loving. What else can I say except having a Shotguns Willie BBQ lunch was the very best way to end this very fun golf trip! read more

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I did a mini barbecue tour in Nashville. Shotgun Willie was my absolute favorite in terms of the baby back ribs. They are just beautiful and not only did they look good, they taste very good. I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce though as it was a bit runny for me. However the ribs are flavorful and stand up by themselves with no sauce. The sides were heaping and also very enjoyable compliments to the meat. The restaurant was decorated with nostalgia. This was also the only restaurant I went to with a formidable line and consistently so. Casual. Easy parking. Indoor seating. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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We're big fans of Texas brisket, and I'd heard Shotgun Willy's was the real deal -- and they did not disappoint! My son and I stopped by for lunch today. By the time we arrived, they were already sold out of the cowboy caviar, chicken, and ribs (a good sign, honestly). He ordered the brisket plate with queso mac and a jalapeño cornbread muffin, and I went with the brisket sandwich and dill pickle potato salad. We ate there to soak up the full experience, and everything was delicious. The brisket had a bold, flavorful crust and was melt-in-your-mouth tender -- not too fatty, just right. Honestly, it's the best brisket we've had outside of Texas, and even compared to our favorite Texas spot, it would be a serious contender. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket plate, side of queso mac and jalapeño cornbread muffin - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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The best Brisket in Nashville. The staff are super friendly and the sides are delicious, but their Brisket is the star of the show here with its perfect bark, excellent flavor, all while being perfectly moist and tender. I love that they measure the meat portions; 1/2 pound for a plate and 1/3 pound for a sandwich. You can get your Brisket sandwich slices or chopped. Both are delicious, but I prefer mine chopped. All the sides are homemade and tasty. The Green Beans and the Mac & Cheese are really special. There is lots of seating. I really hope they get their soda dispenser repaired soon. More than half the drinks were out of order, including all of the diet options. I highly recommend Shotgun Willie's BBQ! read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Lots of seating indoors - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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Best BBQ you can find in Nashville, won't find a better one until you go Taxes. Owner and servers are really welcome, feel like a big family. Good environment vibe. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

OMG. this place is amazing. Best BBQ I've ever had and #1 in Nashville. The meats were all spiced and cooked to perfection. Wait time is quick and they prepare it as you order. brisket was top tier. Ribs were fantastic. I highly HIGHLY recommend. Absolute 11/10 and will definitely be back!!! read more

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We enjoyed the Texas Trinity platter, where the brisket and jalapeño cheddar links were the stand outs. The side of the day was hominy and green chile casserole which was incredible. Casual vibe and fantastic food - what's not to love? read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - TX Trinity platter with half rack ribs, links, brisket, hominy green chile casserole, green beans, and mac and cheese. Easily feeds 3-4! - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

We stopped here on our way out of town at the recommendation of friends we met up with. Everything was incredible! The people working were so friendly- I really enjoyed chatting with them while they prepared our meals! The inside was super cute with tons of seating. We loved the brisket and sausage and all of the sides were great too! Definitely coming back next time we're in Nashville! read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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My hubs is a big bbq'r, loves brisket, ribs, kiddo loves mac n cheese, and I love all of it, so he mentioned this and said we have to come here, and it did not disappoint. We actually came back again since they had this aged meat that we had to get before we left on our trip. Everything was cooked soo precisely and the right amount of spices and time for the meat, I mean everything was delicious and no wonder they have a great reputation. read more

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30 min wait for some of the best BBQ outside of Texas. Highly recommend. Possibly the best chicken I've ever had in my life.

We were in the area today and saw that Shotgun Willie's was close by. Decided to stop and have lunch. Best decision of the day. The line was out the door but was still moving at a good pace. The staff was so nice and friendly. I ordered the brisket with queso mac and baked beans. The wife ordered pulled pork with queso mac and potato salad. Everything was absolutely delicious. Setup was like a normal bbq joint. Very packed and busy but found a table really easy. The only drawback was one family that stayed there forever and one of their kids screamed every 2-3 minutes. This is not a reflection on the restaurant, more of a reflection of poor parenting and not caring about others. BEST BBQ IN NASHVILLE!!! read more

Great place in Nashville for BBQ! The best I had so far. So many items to choose from. I tried a few. Service was good!! Ambiance setting was spacious, plenty of room here. I would go back here for sure. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Coleslaw, green beans, brisket plate, cheddar type sausage and regular sausage. - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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I had read that Shotgun Willie's was the place to go for Texas Style BBQ in Nashville. That is very true and I finally made it after a year or two. The decor is Texas inspired and Willie Nelson inspired. Just like Texas BBQ, you go through the counter and order or you can order a plate or sandwich off the menu. The choice for me was easy as I had to try the brisket. I really wanted a 2 meat plate but I was on a budget. The owner or manager told me they could do a 2 meat plate but you would have to add a la carte. The brisket was thick and fresh! I wish it was more moist than the pieces I received but overall, very good. There are 2 sauces: a mildly sweet and peppery style and a hotter version with cayenne pepper. I enjoyed the hot more than the mild. The queso mac and cheese was fantastic and creamier than the photos showed. I loved the Jalepeno cornbread but I did not like the potato salad. The dill was too overwhelming. Sweet tea was refreshingly sweet! I will making another visit to Shotgun Willie's in the future. read more

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We could not wait to get in on Father's Day. Bill the owner wrote back to me on Yelp, apologizing about standing in line. Bill told me to come back on Wednesday or Thursday less of a line on those days. We did and the Brisket was the best we ever ate! Service is very fast. The decor is based on Texas. Oh, Cyndi said, the restroom is spotless. Believe us this is one of the most outstanding BBQ Establishments in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Whitehouse and Franklin KY! Thanks again Bill! That special that feeds 4 people is perfect for the 4th of July. Who wants to grill or smoke meat and ribs for hours??? Ron & Cyndi read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - 1 pound of Texas Beef Brisket. Outstanding! - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

Located outside of downtown Nashville - just minutes off I65 is Shotgun Willie's. We had the BBQ ribs platter. The ribs were very good and they were served with pickles and pickled onions. The slaw was ok but lacking in flavor. The potato salad was excellent! Service is quick- you order and move down the line to add extras- paying at the register. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The staff were all very pleasant and the service quick. The decor was typical bbq style restaurant- a little lighthearted and very casual. read more

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my favorite barbecue in Tennessee I've had and slinging one of my all time favorite ribs. They do something magical and the magic is they disappear before I know it. One second I have 1/2 a rack on my plate. Next second they are all gone. All 4 times (2x this week) I've stopped by over the last couple years, the juices just flood into my mouth each bite and it holds the shape with the cartoonish bite mark along the bone. A beautiful exterior covered in bits of black pepper. Doesn't get more ideal than this. The brisket doesn't pull punches either. It's a peppery brisket with a wonderful bark. I don't think I've had a full on fatty end since I never specify unless asked but Im not at all upset. The flat is so juicy and im honestly scared for the day I get the point here lol. Each bite had me slapping my knees with joy. The green beans are also magic!!! I don't feel like Im eating my veggies. Oh get the butter cake. Get the banana pudding!!!! Ride the mechanical bull (I didn't but). Oh also there is a signed sticker before the bathroom my Daniel Vaughn!!! I could go on forever but the plane is starting to take off and I need to go into airplane mode lol. The food was so bomb, TSA literally stopped me to take samples off my hands lol. Maybe not for that reason exactly but let's pretend that was why. read more

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Another amazing experience but in their new location. We went early in case they sold out and so glad we did as by lunch time the line was out the door! They have all the meats and a lot of fun sides. I e got the brisket with green beans and Cole slaw, plus some jalapeño cornbread. Yum! I'm usually not a meat eater but this kept me stealing bites from my spouse's plate! Definitely try their desserts as well as all the items are delicious. Not to be missed when in Nashville! read more

This was okay. Visiting Nashville for the day and this is the highest rated BBQ spot so we decided to try. I got the brisket sandwhich with a side of queso mac. First of all, they didn't have any onions, which is a little odd as he never had that issue anywhere. Second, the meat didn't have much taste outside of the crust. The portion size is good, but I didn't really have any want to finish it. The queso mac is a little odd, doesn't taste like queso or mac and cheese. Sauce is very tangy. The person cutting the meat was a little bit snappy, but the guy at the cash register was super nice. There are industrial, BBQ, picnic vibes inside. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but I also wouldn't be upset if I needed to come back. read more

On a whim while in the Nashville area, we stopped here for lunch. Definitely a hidden gem. We had half a slab of ribs and beef brisket. Try the potato salad and Mac and Cheese. Both were great sides for the BBQ. Pickeled onions and pickles are also a nice touch. Hospitality was perfection. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Ribs and brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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Texas style BBQ in Middle TN. I think they moved to this location last year and it's less than 15 minutes from Nashville. It's worth the drive to come and eat here. The staff are friendly and the food is top notch. The man knows how to smoke some meat and the sides are very good, too. They use American Wagyu Brisket and He slices it right in front of you when you order it. You walk in and tell them what you want and they prepare it as you walk down the line to pay for it. They offer Brisket, Pulled Pork, Ribs, 1/2 Chicken, and Beef or Jalepeno Cheddar Sausage Links. They have 2 housemade BBQ sauces on the table( Mild and Hot ) The Ribs and Brisket are some of the best I've had in Nashville. If you like BBQ then you need to try this place. read more

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Ok! Color me shocked. I travel for a living and have a lot of Texas and Texas Style BBQ. This was hands down the best i've ever had. We got a brisket plate and a pulled pork plate with a jalapeño cheddar sausage and a beef sausage to split. We were a little late in the day and they were out of ribs so i'll be back soon to try those. The pork was perfect and the brisket was too. The sausage was spot on as well. Jalapeño cheddar being my fave. The folks at the counter were super nice and welcoming and cut a generous portion of the meats. I also thought the sides were spectacular. Especially the green beans. Yes, they are that good. I cant say enough about this place. My new regular BBQ place! read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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We were greeted at the entrance and the ambience was good. The owner was there cutting brisket and he actually came over to our table which was really nice. The food and staff were great. read more

This place was nothing short of remarkable. We couldn't get the chicken because they ran out so too bad for us because it looked delicious. The good: Place was clean and had so many things to look at on the walls when we were waiting in line. The line was to the door, sign of some damn great BBQ! The staff. They looked so happy to work there. They wanted to make sure everyone had an enjoyable experience. And they delivered! I wanted the bourbon banana pudding and they were out (to be fair, they close at 3pm and it was 1:15pm when we arrived, and the place was busy even for a Wednesday), they were making a fresh batch and when the person making the batch overheard me trying to order it and them telling me they were out, he yelled out that he was making a fresh batch and would bring it out to me. I would've been devastated (being dramatic) if they didn't have it. I will never be able to eat banana pudding without bourbon again. The meats were beyond exceptional! The fall off the bone ribs were one of the best if not the best ribs I've ever had. The brisket was moist and had a flavorful smoky taste. Best brisket hands down. The beef sausage, the owner took this to an elevated level! How do you elevate sausage? The Mac and cheese had a crazy cheese pull and the potato salad had a nice tough of dill which made it spectacular! Here is where things get even better. The owner was walking around picking up trays and bossing tables. He came over and started chatting with us and had one of the most heartfelt and motivational conversations with us. He was kind, funny, and you could instantly tell why his team was so happy, it is his leadership. He talked about his dream of that restaurant and how it came to be. Beautiful conversation. He is from Houston and this is why there was a Texas flare! One of the best experiences we have ever had! Keep doing what you're doing. You, your team, and your food are the reason people love going back! read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Texas Flare! Freddy Fender! - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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Small but fun place for bbq. Lots of nostalgia. Great food. And good service. Don't expect wait service. It's order at the counter.

If you are in the mood for great BBQ while in Nashville, go to Shotgun Willie's near East Nashville. This visit I had the pulled port sandwich with baked beans on side for lunch, but I've also tried their pork ribs. Both had an incredibly juicy, rich and flavorful. The restaurant itself has a casual BBQ joint feel to it. No table side service. Just order at the counter and a friendly carvers will prepare your plate for you to take back to your seat. No fancy table cloths here. Just excellent BBQ! Enjoy! read more

Great food and service at wonderful prices. Great art , posters and memorabilia on the walls and perfectly curated soundtracks making this one special place to eat bbq. read more

Can I give it 10 stars? This was the best meal of my week in Nashville and I think the best brisket sandwich of my life. Tip: go with the chopped brisket when ordering a sandwich instead of sliced- you get some burnt ends and bark in the chopped. The cucumber salad and Mac and cheese were great. Even the sweet tea and pickles were fantastic. Bill, the owner, was a gem and the absolute best at making recommendations since this was my first visit. I was downtown all week and visit for lunch on my way out, but called my husband and told him he needs to try it. If you want brisket, go early, I heard they run out and do some strict quality control, only serving the best. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Chopped brisket sandwich, Mac and cheese, cucumber salad - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

This is some of the best BBQ I have had in Nashville. stars all the way. Top 3 of best spare ribs I've ever had. Second the brisket is top notch. The staff is very friendly and will always point you in the right direction. I eat here once a month if not more. If you wants a great meal and have leftovers this is your place to check out. Great portion sizes also. I would say the price is just right for a great meal. read more

Overall great experience here. It's a nice big open area with glass windows. The servers were very friendly as I needed guidance placing my order. I ordered the half slab of ribs with Mac and cheese, green beans, cornbread with a quarter pound of brisket. The Mac and cornbread left more to be desired but everything else was great. The brisket was very tender and the ribs were cooked and seasoned to perfection. The green beans were very good as well. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Ribs, Brisket, cornbread, Mac and cheese, green beans - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

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This was the best BBQ that we had! While a little off the path, it was worth the trip! They had a good range of BBQ dishes and samplers, portions were enough where to fill you up and then some, and prices were reasonable. Despite the line, it moved quickly and the chef even provided a little taste of brisket as you waited. The food was fantastic and was up there with some of the better BBQ that I've had! read more

The place is not far from downtown. 15 minutes. It is in an area with great parking. The owner is very friendly. I had the brisket mac and cheese and green beans. The brisket was awesome and the sides were also. Thanks! read more

Yum! Solid spot. Great BBQ and friendly service. Very casual and no nonsense but everyone inside was friendly and it was spotless and well-maintained inside. We stopped in about 25 minutes before close so they were sold out of ribs for the day and nearly out of brisket so my husband snagged the last platter of Brisket while I got a pulled pork sandwich served with Cole slaw on it and pickled red onion and pickles on the side. My side was Texas baked beans. They were good but a bit spicy! I added the jalapeño cornbread for $1 and it was fresh, moist and well worth the addition! My pulled pork was delicious. A huge portion on the sandwich and very moist and flavorful. It's dry and you add your sauce from the table. Their sweet tea was SO good. I had like 3 cups of it. Tasted just like my grandma's! read more

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First, LOVE the location, I'm right down the road. Second, the food was amazing. BUT, expensive for what you get. This does seem to be the trend in this neighborhood now. People with a lot of disposable income and all the time I t he world, so when we do get a food place the prices are jacked up sky high. We do not have reasonably priced food in this area, still don't. I'm waiting for a great place with great prices to move in. Some of us have been here for decades and still have to work with very little show for it and need lower priced food options where we do not have to drive out to Madison or further to get it. But again, YUM!! Though very pricey. read more

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