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Shotgun Willie's BBQ

4.7 (248 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Shotgun Willie's BBQ Photos

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SHOTGUN WILLIE'S BBQ ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Shotgun Willie's BBQ

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Brisket, Mac&Cheese, and Cornbread.
Isaiah R.

Absolutely some of the best bbq I've had in my life! Excellent bark and still so moist. We will definitely be back next time we're in Nashville.

Brisket Sandwich with Mac and Cheese and 2 Beef Sausage and Sauce.
Ahmad W.

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.

Doug G.

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!

Courtnie C.

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.

Shotguns Menu
Sidney Z.

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!

Nic R.

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.

Leeza D.

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.

Trinity Plate with a side of mac and cheese
Ethan C.

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!

Brisket plate, side of queso mac and jalapeño cornbread muffin
Rachelle H.

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.

Lots of seating indoors
Jeff T.

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!

Inside
Rebecca Y.

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!!!

TX Trinity platter with half rack ribs, links, brisket, hominy green chile casserole, green beans, and mac and cheese. Easily feeds 3-4!
Kaitlin H.

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?

Brisket Plate
Betsy T.

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!

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Review Insights

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3 years ago

As always this place never fails. Excellent food (best brisket in town) friendly staff and fast service.

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4 years ago

Excellent Texas style bbq and friendly staff. Good selection of sides as well. Can get crowded at lunc so come on over.

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

Very quick, affordable, and delicious! Fun eclectic ambiance and friendly staff. Would visit again.

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4 years ago

Willies is one of my favorite bbq places in Nashville! Awesome food at a reasonable price. Love this place, great customer service!

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

Overrated, brisket had no flavor, beans tasted like mustard, and green beans were plain.

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Great Brisket and great service. Small dining area and it was raining but we found a small table just in time to dine in

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6 years ago

Excellent brisket and some of the friendliest service I've experienced in awhile! Would highly recommend.

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Do they take Reservations?

No reservations needed but they do close at 3 PM first come first serve

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I've heard a lot of great things about Little Hats Italian Market, so I was excited to finally…read morecheck it out. We went to the Germantown location, which has a huge, really nice patio and a bar area. We ordered at the counter and didn't get any drinks, but I definitely want to come back and spend more time checking out the retail section because it looked great. I got the chicken Parm sandwich, and while it was good, I felt like it needed a little more flavor. I'm probably a little picky with Italian delis since I'm from New England and have had some really great options, so my expectations were high. I think I need to try another sandwich next time. My sister got the soup, and it came in a big bowl and was really good. Overall, everything was solid, but I did think it was a little expensive for a takeaway deli. We spent around $40, which felt a little high for what we got. I will definitely come back for the patio. It seemed dog friendly, and I'm always looking for new spots to bring my pup. The atmosphere is great, and I'd like to come back to try more of the menu.

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Inside
Inside
Pico meatballs and Goat cheese strawberry salad
Pico meatballs and Goat cheese strawberry salad
Strawberry  goat cheese and d see lemons salad

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Small grocery items
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Shotgun Willie's BBQ - bbq - Updated July 2026

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