Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint - Belmont (NCVC, Nashville Originals Member)

Part pit master, part pied piper for any chef in the city and beyond who loves playing with fire — that’s the LONG line — Pat Martin has established himself as one of the region’s go-to barbecue masters since opening his first Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint location in suburban Nolensville in 2006. His latest location, which includes a beer garden on Fourth Avenue just south of Lower Broad, is an adult playground for the smoky set. West Tennessee whole hog cooking is the game, and no one does pulled pork better.

Kids menu. Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner 11 am-9 pm Sun-Wed; 11 am-10 pm Thu-Sat.

MUST EATS: Pulled pork sandwich, Redneck Taco, beef brisket, wet or dry spare or baby back ribs, smoked wings, brisket burger, potato salad, coleslaw

“Yes, there was barbecue in Nashville before Pat Martin, but nobody stepped in and planted a flag saying it’s time to pay attention to how we do things as much as him.”

— Jim Myers, “Top 25 Restaurants in Nashville,” June 21, 2016