Stopped in for lunch...which is pretty much the only time you can eat here as their current hours of operation are 11-3 Tues-Sun. Was Super Bowl Sunday...several large pick-up orders went out the door while we sat and ate. They ran out of most of the meats soon after our order which made sense leading into their days off. I've had BBQ all over the country. My typical order consists of ribs, sausage, and sometimes a 3rd meat. Ribs and brisket are what set most BBQ joints apart. Make them amazing and people line up---if not, you're lumped in with the "it's good, but there's better" crowd. Unfortunately this was the latter. My ribs were tough. They needed more smoking time IMO to loosen things up and get that nice bite. The sausage link was good, well spiced and solid smoke flavor. My friend got the brisket. He liked the taste, but found several bites to be on the dry side. To be honest the mac n cheese side was the highlight of the meal. Real good. The green beans with brisket was pretty good too. Prices were on the high-side, but mostly on par with typical BBQ--be mindful their bulk meat prices are shown per 1/2 pound. It's understandable with the high costs of meats these days though, so it's hard to fault the business for that. Overall I'd give Shotgun Willie's another chance one day. Nice people working there for sure. Friendly and pleasant. read more

See all

So good. Greeted by staff right away, everyone was super friendly. From the outside the place looks run down but it is super clean inside. My husband and I both had the brisket and it was delicious. Had beans for the side and cornbread, both were fantastic. Will definitely go back here. read more

Being from Texas and living in East Nashville, this has been long awaited considering the owner and pitmaster is also a Houston native. So that speaks volumes about what his influences are as well as all the nostalga plastered all along the inside of the restaurant. Considering he's had to open during the pandemic can be worrisome but he's faced the adversity with welcoming arms and proper safety precautions to make guests feel welcome and safe while ordering. There obviously isn't an indoor seating at the moment but it's always nice to see the line go out there door when I'm able to catch the hours that he's open (before he sells out). Now to his brisket, I have to say that it brings a sense of happiness when you taste the moist beef melt into your mouth as well as the visible smoke rings. I do wish for a more peppery bark but maybe I got the other end where that wasn't so prevalent. That just means I have to go back! Also his beans are made in a similar way that if you've ever had Texas caviar, it reminds me of those flavors as it's a party of different beans in a sweet broth. The menu is simple and try a little of everything until you decide what your favorite is. So happy to have this so close and also know the roots of the people making the food. It has a soul and I appreciate that. read more

BEST bbq we've ever had! The brisket is the best we've ever had, melts in your mouth and so flavorful. Greta pulled pork and homemade sides-potato salad, green beans, baked beans, jalapeño cornbread, and coleslaw. Get there early because they sell out pretty much daily. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket, pulled pork, beans, potato salad, jalapeño cornbread, pickled onions and pickles. - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

See all

SO DANG GOOD! My husband and I loved this place so much!! We started watching a barbecue cooking competition show and were craving some good, homemade bbq and this place is exactly what we needed! The ribs are phenomenal and that's coming from someone who isn't a huge rib fan! I got the pulled pork, and while it was so good, the ribs were much better in my opinion! read more

As an East Nashville resident I try to support my local businesses, but Shotgun Willie's but problem, because it's so good, I eat there way too often and putting on weight. Honestly, my husband and I have eaten BBQ in Austin, Dallas, Kansas City and Memphis. I'm not going to say at ALL that I'm a BBQ expert. I'm not. But what this little gem in my neighborhood offers real Texas BBQ, is a real meat treat. Every time we walk in, the staff says hello while the sweet 'smokey' air carries through the air. Bill, the owner, has been there trimming the brisket every time I've gone in and says "Oh hey, I remember you guys, Brisket and sausage right?" YES!, I'm always impressed when someone can remember an order despite me only going there 3-4 times. The sides are amazing too. Queso mac but really my favorite and the tangy vinegar coleslaw. With each plate, it comes with 2 sides. They have ribs, chicken (both I haven't tried yet but I'll update once I do) but I can't go in there and not get the Brisket. It's melt in your mouth flavor. It stays with you. It makes you sleepy. All the things good BBQ should do. TIP1: Once they run out of food, they close up. Brisket goes fast! Get there early to ensure your meal - Wednesdays & Thursdays right now seem to be not a problem, Friday, Sat & Sunday we've gotten there too late - SO GO EARLY! TIP2: Parking is available on the side of the building. TIP3: Seating is a bit limited, but take away has not been a problem. Nice packaging that kept food fresh. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Plate + 1/2 rack rips, mac & cheese, we tried special green beans + free white bread. We opted for HOT BBQ sauce. AMAZING! - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

See all

Real Texas BBQ. I came on opening day and there was a line down the street. I was very impressed at how the staff took our safety during the Corona lockdown with cleaning the laminated menus between guests, having a hand sanitizer station, the employees in masks and every guest I saw there had a mask on. I got there a little later in the day and they were out of a couple of items, but that is the price you pay for having quality fresh food. They open at 11AM and stay open until they sell out. We ended up each getting the pulled pork sandwich, one with potato salad and the other with the beans. The meat was amazing and the sides were great. I really liked the sauce that came with it too. I can't wait to go back and try more stuff. read more

See all

Brisket was juicy and seasoned well. Slaw was ok; I prefer creamy. Friendly staff and the line moves reasonably quickly. Priced reasonably.

I very much enjoyed my food and experience at Shotgun Willie's. Got to meet Willie, seems like a really nice guy. Had beef BBQ and chili mac. Both were great. I'll definitely be back, and I'll be telling others of my experience. read more

Ate here for lunch today. Ordered the brisket sandwich. Brisket was flavorful and juicy. Really cool restaurant. Staff were super friendly and place was super clean. Highly recommend eating here if you're craving BBQ. Only negative is there is not much seating inside, so if it's busy you're taking it to go almost guaranteed. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket sandwich. Nacho Mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

PHENOMENAL! true bbq made in the smoker out back. Had so much flavor and not dry.. at all!! Corn bread was a little dry, but loved the jalapeño in it. Got the check and a roll on the side to make a sandwich. GREAT hidden gem in nashville!!! read more

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

All I can say is WOW!! Some of the best, most flavorful and tender brisket I've ever enjoyed! The smoked sausage was delicious too. Sides were really good, I had slaw and mac n cheese and both were great. This is a hole in the wall kind of place that you probably wouldn't notice if you weren't looking for it. My buddy had a brisket sandwich and said it was likely the best he's ever had and he's an 81 year old Tennessean born and raised in the Volunteer State. Here's a tip, get there before 1130 if you can, it's a popular spot for good reason! read more

Let me just get this out of the way: my wife and I are native Texans and it's hard to find good bbq in Nashville like they make back home in Central Texas. We've been here for 25+ years so we've experienced plenty of disappointing bbq. I'm not saying this lightly: Bill is a flat-out Texas BBQ genius; certifiable legendary status. Not only was the brisket legit (perfect bark, tender and juicy, not fatty, smoked to mouthwatering perfection) but I could not resist the ribs (and I'm just not typically a ribs guy). The staff pampered us from the first howdy to the last adios. We love this place and we can't wait to come back, bringing bunches of friends who need to experience proper Texas BBQ. ProTip: Plan to get there early because, as with any proper TX BBQ business model, they're designed to sell out so nothing goes to waste. read more

Stopped here on the way to Florida coming from the Chicago area. This place was great! Great food; sides are great and the staff are extremely nice and friendly. I am going to try to stop on my way back! read more

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

See all

Best Hawaiana BBQ around. You know what they say. If you're gonna play in Hawaii you gotta have a fiddle in the band. Was sold out of Jap/cheese sausage read more

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

Best brisket in Nashville by far. Don't sleep on their other options as well. I highly recommend the smoked chicken and sausage links. Definitely plan to be there within an hour of opening if you want brisket, it sells out quick read more

The brisket is beyond belief. Never had it so good. All of it's great. Don't wait for the last minute because they do run out of food.

Believe the hype! You know it's worth trying when they sell out an hour early. The owner Bill and his team are not messing around with their foods. I was lucky enough to get the last of a little bit of everything. I had a sausage link, a pulled pork sandwich with a side of green beans, and a good slab of brisket. I was recommended their spicier sauce and it was the perfect bit of kick to compliment their delicious meats. My tray was clean only a short while later. Treat your tastebuds and check out this place asap. read more

The brisket, potato salad, and green beans were to die for!!! Better get there early bc the line forms as soon as they open!

food was amazing and staff was friendly. very cute little restaurant Brisket Plate and Queso Mac was really good! read more

First time here ordered a pound of brisket for $30 lb. Usually its around $15 to $19 lb around here. Wasn't that impressed thought the meat was tough and no juices to go with it. Not worth the price. It was ok I've had better for less $ read more

Bill was incredibly kind and understanding with my wife having celiac. Delicious food and sauces!!

Great service. The restaurant was clean. The staff was very interactive. Definitely visiting again soon. Tried the brisket and ribs. Both phenomenal. read more

I've been searching for years in nashville for real Texas style brisket and this place nailed it. $18 for half pound and 2 sides, I got the lean cut of the brisket and it was tremendous. All slices were clappers and passed the pull test. I'm not a fan of lean cuts as opposed to fatty cuts or burnt ends but damn was the brisket good. I didn't even use the bbq sauce on the meat because it was so flavorful. But I did use the sauce on the bread they gave me and it was crazy flavorful, Nothing but sweet heat on it. If you are a fan of Texas style bbq this is the only place in nashville to get it. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket, beef sausage, potato salad, coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

What a great little barbecue place we found just outside of Nashville. Everything from the pulled pork, to the brisket, to the cornbread, to the macaroni and cheese, to the banana pudding had a truly delicious and original taste! Next time I'm in Nashville I'll be coming back to this wonderful barbecue place! read more

This is the best bbq in Nashville by far. Bbq is my favorite food and no place in Nashville has even come close to this level. Everything about this place is great. The atmosphere, the staff, and the food are all amazing. I've been around to Dallas, Fort Worth and had their bbq and this place is on that level and even better. Phenomenal quality food. read more

Great BBQ. Not cheap, but good quality meats and BBQ just isn't anymore. I've been there a few times now and it's consistently good. And crowded! read more

Oh my goodness, this BBQ place is legit. When you get there at opening and there's a line outside the door, you know it's going to be great. I had the brisket and Mac n cheese, and it was amazing. The brisket was so tender and juicy. This is definitely a hole in the wall place, but the food is absolutely worth it. I would definitely come back! read more

This is the best BBQ I've had in the South east. It is true Texas style BBQ with perfectly smoked brisket. Ribs were really juicy and tender. Sides were all great. My only regret is I couldn't eat more. read more

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

See all

Shotgun Willie's is hands down the best place to go for barbecue in the area -- and it's one of the best in Nashville overall. Their specialty is Texas-style brisket, but you won't have a bad meal here no matter what you get. The staff is friendly and the Texas-centric ambience is fun. It's a must-try! read more

We're not from around here but several locals recommended Shotgun Willie's and we're so glad they did. The best BBQ we've ever had - incredibly tender and flavorful. Delicious sides, too - especially the Mac and cheese and potato salad. Also the employees were just the nicest. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket, Mac and cheese, cornbread and cole slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

PTL this place is in my neighborhood... my Texas BBQ affinity rejoices! First and foremost, I'm a born Texan and have been on the hunt for quality Texas BBQ (heyyyy, brisket!) since moving to Nashville nine years ago. This little gem opened up over a year ago and has become a staple for our family. The brisket is tender and flavorful, the pork and sausage are fantastic, the sides are mouth-watering (the mac+cheese and potato salad are my go-tos! banana pudding too!) and the service is unparalleled. My advice is to go early... they always sell out. Dropping by here makes me feel like I'm home again. Can't recommend enough. read more

I've lived in Texas for over 15 years and now a Nashville resident. I've tried all the "top" bbq places around town. For juicy brisket and was shocked to find just dry, bland brisket....until I came to Shotgun Willie's. Finally juicy brisket!! True TX style and I won't be going anywhere else for my bbq. Tip: Come early since this place sells out and closes right after peak lunch times. read more

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

See all

BEST TEXAS STYLE BBQ EVER. Seriously. This is one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville, period. The food, the people, and the atmosphere is all amazing. I cannot eat brisket anywhere else because I am spoiled here. I think it is the best I have ever had. My boyfriend always gets the brisket so I alternate between getting the sausage and the ribs and both are excellent. I've had their chicken as well to say I've had it, but the ribs, brisket, and sausage are the stars for me! The queso Mac may be my favorite Mac and cheese I have ever eaten and I'm telling you that you can't go in there and not get it! I also enjoy their potato salad, it's got big chunks of pickle in it which gives it a good texture. One of my favorite parts of the meal is their sauce, I love a good vinegar bbq sauce and I think theirs is the best! I look forward to coming here every single time! read more

See all

Finally! It seems like we've been waiting forever to both have a day off at the same time and drive up to East Nashville and check out SGW! The anticipation was worthy! It's the closest thing we've got to true TX BBQ in Nashville, and it doesn't disappoint. The brisket was solid but the jalapeño hot links took center stage for us. The green beans were outstanding as well. We enjoyed the banana pudding although our preference is for more pudding and less banana (as in why do we actually need banana in the banana reminiscent pudding?) this is banana forward pudding. Note that the Shiners are 24oz and we should have shared. But that's our bad. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Brisket, jalapeño hot links, magical green beans, cornbread - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

The pulled pork was excellent but aggravated my latex allergy. Not sure about the ribs but the one I tried was under cooked. We called about the latex. They confirm they use latex gloves preparing the food. We suggested it be added to their list of allergens. They list eggs and other things. Are people allergic to eggs? For me latex itself is not an allergen but the chemicals they put in cheap gloves, balloons, etc make me faint. read more

Brisket plate with hominy green chile casserole and jalapeño cheddar cornbread was amazing! Come early because food sells out fast! Friendly and fast service. Definitely recommend! If ever in TN again, I will return! read more

Love, love, love this place. Honestly, I thought we'd set our expectations too high based on the reviews. Not in the least! The brisket was amazing, pork was tender and moist, and the sides (queso mac and cheese and green beans) were absolutely worth writing home about. The staff was really friendly and helped us with our first-time order. If I lived in Nashville I'd put on 20 lbs from this place alone. read more

Shotgun Willie's BBQ - Exterior, including picnic tables to eat. - Barbeque Near Me - Madison, Tennessee

Amazing bbq and service! We don't have that in Cali! Enough said! Arrive early everything is fresh and made to order so if they run out of food they will be closed early! read more

How do I begin, well I'd like to start by saying that these photos Do NOT do the food any justice as I forgot to take some at the time of them. I did find the one picture of them being served in the tray. Ok, so to start off the place is very welcoming. The staff were very friendly and Willy took the time to talk to me about his smoking process, 5 stars for customer service. I only had the half rack of ribs but they were PHENOMENAL. Hands down the best ribs I have ever had and I have had many. They were juicy, while Willy cut the ribs into their individuals bones, I could see the juices splashing and squirting and running down. The taste was right on with a bit of tangy from the sauce which he brushes on the ribs to moisten them, and a very well balance salt and pepper taste which does not cover the actual taste of the rib but enhances and complements them. Normally there are ribs that are burned or dry towards the end, thinner bones. However, in my experience, this was not the case here so there shouldn't be any need to worry about that. His sauces were tasty, there is a spicy and a normal bbq sauce which he makes himself. I had a bit of both but in all reality there's no need for any of it. The ribs are great on their own In conclusion, if you are in Nashville this is a must go to. I'm from Wilmington, Delaware which is about a 12hr drive, but would definitely make the drive again to try them again! read more

See all