Budget friendly spot for a small group dinner. I dined here with several colleagues and customers a couple nights ago after day 1 of our conference. We couldn't visit Nashville and not try some bbq. One of our customers spoke highly of this spot, so we were all excited to try it. We arrived around 630pm and ordered an assortment of ribs, chicken wings, brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and some classic sides - green beans, mac and cheese, and collard greens. We sat at a long 8-top inside but they opened up the garage door for us so we could enjoy the breeze. It did start to rain later on but we never got hit directly. Although I was pretty full from the conference breakfast and lunch, I definitely made sure to try a bit of everything. My favorite dish hands down was the brisket - perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful, all on its own. Add a bit of the hot bbq sauce though, and it was next level. The wings were very tasty too, I dipped in both the ranch and blue cheese dressing,. read more

See all

My favorite BBQ spot in the South! But it really depends on which location you visit IMO. Here's why... First time I visited Central BBQ I was BLOWN AWAY by their ribs. I mean, best I ever had (in Drake's voice). Juicy, moist, perfect bark and the sauce is like no other. I would hurt someone if they touched my plate! This was at the original location in the heart of Memphis. However, we just tried the downtown location and I am very disappointed. I will preface by saying we ordered through DoorDash because we didn't have a car to pick up, but the flavor just wasn't there. Dry, although we ordered "wet" and tasted like it had been left cooking wayyyy too long to be served that day. I will surely try it again when I'm back in Memphis, but I am heading back to the original location because I really think it makes a difference. read more

Central BBQ - Ordered through DoorDash. - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place is absolutely terrible. Came in an hour before they were closing and they had no food at all. The person behind the counter had major attitude as well. Do not go here!! Horrible!! Mentioned this to a friend after and he said the food only so so, that it was better that I didn't eat there. read more

Finally made the trip Central BBQ in Capital View recently and have mixed feelings about the place and food. If I could give percentages of a star I would put this location at a solid 3.25 stars and here is why... The layout is walk-up, counter order and then it is brought out to your table. Upon entry the counter was not staffed, but there was a child playing on an Ipad behind the counter. I honestly thought they were closed until staff walked from the kitchen and asked for my order. They have paper menus, but no menu boards, which would work way better and move things along a bit easier. They have several large screens behind the counter where they run photos of their food, this would be a great spot to have the menu digitally displayed. After looking at the menu we landed on the pulled pork sandwich with fries and the brisket plate with onion rings and mac & cheese. Pulled pork sandwich was loaded with meat and topped with sauce. The fries were not fresh and weirdly already soggy. They looked good and were seasoned well, but that did not translate too well to the plate. The brisket was sadly dry and chewy, even when drowned in sauce. The mac & cheese was decent, nothing special and the onion rings were nicely fried. I liked the small bun they added so I could make a slider out of a portion of brisket, this was the best way to eat it in my opinion as the meat alone was underwhelming. Sweet tea was delicious, as one would expect from a southern BBQ joint...so that was a positive! Additionally, their sauces were tasty as well. The meats definitely needed the sauce, so glad they had the variety. When you think anywhere near or in downtown you always think parking, and luckily they have ample street parking and a free lot in connection with the Publix next door. Big win! The place was clean and well kept. Loved the vibe, art and layout. They had a few college games on the TV, so no music was playing. I am hoping when TV's are not on with sound they have music, as they needed more energy in the place. Overall, not my favorite BBQ spot in Nashville. I am interested in giving them another shot and sampling a few more things on the menu, as it was fairly expansive. read more

See all

Idk if they gave me a weird makeshift meal because I ordered through uber eats or what but this was not the place that it seems based on the photos. I wish I took a picture but i was too hungry and over it so i just ate. But such a weird vibe with the packaging? And a tiny portion compared to the pictures. I got the pork nachos as a heads up. I went to go pick up the food and all they did was look at me and didn't say hi or bye or anything. They weren't busy or anything so I'm not sure what was happening but maybe they were having an off day. Won't be coming back given the plenty of bbq around! read more

Food: 3 Service: 5 Ambiance: 5 Great service and I love the space. It could be a great place for beers and Q but the food was so-so. I got the half ribs plate cause I love a good dry rub and it was bland and fatty. I couldn't finish it because the amount of fat was making me queasy. The greens and onion rings were decent, nothing that stands out though. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Memphis bbq chain! The food is delicious! We absolutely love it! Food comes out hot and fresh! Service was quick and convenient! read more

See all

We stopped in for an early dinner around 5 before heading to the Grand Ole Opry. The place was nearly empty, so service was quick, but the food was a letdown. We ordered the brisket and ribs dinners--both tasted like they'd been sitting since lunch. The ribs were dry, crusty, and basically inedible. The brisket was a little better but still dry. I spoke with the gal at the front, and she really tried--brought me another rack of ribs. They were an improvement, but honestly, still not good. The one bright spot: the sides were solid. Overall, not the BBQ standard I was hoping to find in Nashville read more

Had the most ridiculous experience last night. We had 2 lovely experiences at Central BBQ in Memphis, and had hoped for a great experience in Nashville. We arrived at 7:50, and didn't know the place closed at 8. We ordered our food, which the kitchen prepared and the point of sale system allowed to dine in, then the fun began. :^( One employee stood at the counter and watched us place or order and another came from the back room and freaked out. She said something about the place being closed and started with an attitude that spun out of control. The interior restaurant lights went dark at exactly @ 8. We sat in the dark restaurant for a couple minutes as the gal continued to moan and complain loudly. I finally got up to ask for to-go containers and she angrily shouted "they are over there" and pointed to an area with very little light. I calmly but firmly said, "we have never eaten a dinner at this restaurant and did NOT know they closed at 8 until AFTER we placed our order that the kitchen fixed and served us! The employee snapped back and I got angry. My husband held his phone flashlight up, I packed up our food and we attempted to leave. At the same time the female employee clicked off all the neon lights. I told my husband that there was no need for her bad-ass attitude and we left. Once outside both the employees came outside. The young male apparently told his co-worker that I'd said something about her fat-a$$ which I did NOT say. She went crazy yelling at us with a wide variety of racial slurs and derogatory remarks. She got in her car and thankfully took off, while continually yelling at me. There was absolutely no reason for her to start with an attitude and expect us to not be caught off guard. Grateful today to be heading back to Memphis to experience the calm professional employees and to enjoy the amazing food. It really is worth getting to one of their restaurants but for goodness sakes, don't show up when the lights go out!!!! read more

Ordered Brisket sandwich w cole slaw and FRIED OKRA. GOT FRIES instead of fried okra and I was not happy. Brisket is DRY AF. AVOID. read more

First time visiting the venue. Dined at the Capital View location on a whim. First thing that alarmed me is the venue didn't smell like BBQ. wtf Service was ok. Cashier didn't know they sold chicken quarters ... Food arrived quickly. We ordered quarter BBQ chicken and brisket platters. Chicken was overcooked and dry. Had no flavor before we added sauce. Brisket was decent. Onion rings were good. Bathroom was clean, but out of paper towels. Doubt I'd return. read more

Central BBQ - Brisket platter - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Delicious Memphis style bbq! It is a casual dining spot, walk up to the counter and order and then they bring the food to your table. We tried the brisket tacos, chicken sandwich and the ribs. My husband is picky with ribs and he said they were great! The brisket was also delicious. All their sauce options are really good too and you can purchase bottles to take home read more

See all

Just had a to-go order of dry smoked wings, definitely would recommend. 10/10 I also had some ribs which were good but compared to some other places, not as good. Would definitely go back for wings though read more

I have been a fan of Central since my days in Memphis. I stopped by over lunch for their sweet heat smoke wings and it did not disappoint. It's favorable and brings a good amount of spice. I usually get their chicken nachos but the wings will definitely be on rotation for me. There's a parking garage right next to it but there's also limited street parking around the premises. The service was good and it's a great option for a casual bbq spot in the city read more

Cashier was very spaced out and rude. The food was delicious and out quickly. The service was the problem. We were only customers and it was 12:30 on a Saturday. read more

First time eating here, and it was great. My friend recommended this spot to me, and I'm glad she did. The service was great, and the guy at the counter was friendly. The atmosphere was great as well, it was very welcoming. The food was amazing, I got the pulled chicken meal with mac and cheese as my side.The chicken was moist, and the mac and cheese was creamy. The only "negative" I have about this place, is that they had 2 tv's playing the same thing which was slightly disorienting for a party member. However outside that, the overall experience was great. I'd definitely recommend this establishment, to a friend if they ever ask about good BBQ spot to eat at read more

The person who took my order ROSSHA was incredibly rude. Hard to enjoy your food when the person taking your order and serving your food has a terrible attitude. read more

Central BBQ - Rude employee - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

First time here. I got the brisket sandwich with potato salad. Sandwich was really good. Potato salad was amazing as well. I will be back.

I came here with a group attending a conference where this was offered as an extra curricular activity called Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Adventure. I'm not sure if what we had was actually offered on the menu. We all received a sample platter of pulled BBQ chicken, pulled pork, brisket, mac & cheese, baked beans and potato salad. The service and attention was excellent. They offered several different sauces to use on the different meats. As backyard BBQ pitmaster, I thought the chicken was very moist and good, but lacked a smoky flavor. It went well with the sweet heat BBQ sauce. The pulled pork I really wanted to like, but it was so dry, I could believe it may have been sitting out for a while. Some of it was almost unchewable. The brisket wasn't sliced. They cornered off a 1/4 of brisket and you needed to cut it yourself into slices. They offered a bun, but wasn't worth making a sandwich. The brisket itself was good, had a slight smoke ring and was tender, but not spectalular. I also tried the sides which were all very good. That platter was certainly filling, but could have been a bit better. The sauces were very good, though. read more

Central BBQ - Assortment of BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Brisket was fatty Place was empty Worker was friendly Fries cold Overall blehh so many better bbq options read more

This is a Matter of taste. I just don't like Memphis style of dry smoked bbq bc the process involves too much salt and preservatives, which I learned after the fact. I ate the fry ribs and the dry chicken wings. Tastie, yes. But it left my body confused as to what unnatural being I was asking my small intestine to digest. read more

The service was wonderful, everyone was super friendly and attentive. The food was delicious. Great atmosphere. We had the sausage and cheese plate, pulled pork tacos, loaded potato bites, and a beef brisket sandwich. All were fantastic. We had fun trying all of the sauces. Great experience! Sausage and Cheese Plate read more

Central BBQ - Loaded potato bites, sausage and cheese plate, pork tacos, brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

It was great food, fast and friendly service. Fun patio space also. Good for a larger group.

We had a great time at this place. It was casual and low key. Our local Uber driver recommended it as one of the best spots to get bbq on town. Service was super friendly and fast. Girl at the counter was personable, answered questions and gave good recommendations. And the foooooood. OMG, the food. I had the ribs and brisket combo with mac n cheese and onion rings. Every bite was amazing. The brisket was tender and smokey. The ribs were falling off the bone. I ordered the honey gold sauce, but also tried the vinegar sauce and mustard sauce. They were all great. read more

See all

In a word- yum!! If you are looking for good bbq, don't pass on Central BBQ. The brisket was so moist and so tender! The baked beans were equally good with a nice helping of brisket on top. I also had the onion rings. They were delicious. Among the best I've had in Nashville. Light and crispy and fries to perfection. We finished off with a little banana pudding. It was unusual in that there were no bananas in it and the Nilla Wafers were crushed up and crumbled on top. Personally, I loved them that way but it's less traditional. Overall 5 out of 5. Don't miss it for lunch or dinner! read more

This place is hands down my favorite BBQ place. My first time I had Central was in Memphis and this Nashville location did not disappoint. My visit started with great Nashville hospitality as soon as I walked into the location. I went for the wings and they were exactly as I remembered. I had the dry rub and jerk dry wings, which were fall off the bone tender, smoked to perfection with the flavor of the dry ribs. I usually don't like my food covered in BBQ, I think it can take away from the flavor of the food, but the pulled pork nachos were very flavorful and the BBQ added to the flavor. Funny story... I took two dry ribs back home to LA. On my way through TSA I got pulled over for inspection because of the runs. I told the TSA agent, I know the run is addicting but I didn't know it was illegal. LoL, I thought it was funny!!! As they say... walk, don't run to Central BBQ. Great deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The place was delicious! We're visiting from AZ and we loved it here. Clean, and great music. Nick was friendly and gave us great service. Definitely recommend! read more

We ordered the ribs and the sausage. Both were awesome. Sides were great too. Would definitely come back.

Just had the oddest experience at Central BBQ. Showed up at 6pm on a Friday, doors were open, but no one was working in the front or the back. There was only 1 table with customers eating, but they were wrapping up. Waited about 5 mins before a couple of cooks appeared in the back. One of them told us to use the touchscreen to order, but it was far too complicated for us and we were unable to figure out how to make our orders combos (we wanted sides and drinks too, but that option is not obvious on their computer). Same cook told us the girl who works the register was on break, but would be right back. He was very nice and gave us cups for drinks while we waited, but the girl never came back and the cooks did not know how to use the computer to put an order in. While we waited, we noticed the table was sticky and there was none of that signature BBQ smell in the restaurant that makes eating BBQ out such an appealing treat. While we waited, we used our phones to locate Martin's BBQ about 1 mile away. At the 20 minute mark of our uncomfortable wait at Central BBQ, the cashier girl had still not returned, so we left and went to Martin's... which was open, staffed and smelled like BBQ. Have been to Central BBQ in Memphis before (which we loved). This pace in no way resembles that. read more

You have been fooled if you think you can only get BBQ at Central BBQ. They have THE best tacos I have tasted in the Nashville area. Too bad tacos is not in the name because it is a kept secret. Better than the neighbor right beside them with the taco in the name. read more

I finally paid a visit to Central BBQ today. Having recently taken a job that puts me downtown, I'm taking advantage of all the places that Nashville has to offer. I heard about Central BBQ from a Memphis friend as one of the better barbecue places in Memphis, I was eager to try it since I've never been to Memphis before. All I know about Memphis-style BBQ is from Peg Leg Porker, which in my opinion, has one of the best barbecue pork ribs Nashville has to offer. I'm not sure why, but Central was nearly empty the whole time me and my friend were there. The menu had several items missing, which I'm sure has to do with post-COVID supply issues. Nevertheless, I came for the ribs but I was warned that they weren't as good as the Central in Memphis. I ended up ordering half-a-rack, half-wet/half-dry (dry rub, wet sauce) with macaroni & cheese and greens with a dinner roll. After all I wanted to compare it to the only other Memphis-style barbecue in Nashville (Peg Leg Porker). The ribs were decent. Smoky but slightly dry. Surprising for an 11:30 lunch visit. The meat was tender and I liked the wet rub but I didn't care for the dry rub. It was too bitter for my tastes. However I did like their warm "regular" & "hot" barbecue sauces that was in a crock pot at the condiment station. I ended up dipping my ribs in both of them. They both had a nice sweetness to it that wasn't overpowering at all. The hot version added a nice warm kick to it that stayed with you through the entire meal. The sides were a little small in my opinion. They could have been bigger. My favorite were the greens. Lightly vinegary and hearty, I added additional pepper vinegar to bring up the acidity. The macaroni & cheese had what appeared to be dry rub seasoning on it. Tender noodles bit the cheese was more on the creamier side than sharp side. It was ok. I would definitely pay Central another visit to try other items on the menu. The ribs weren't the best I've had but they were smoked well and had food flavor. I'll probably do full wet next time if I were to get the ribs again. My friend got the sausage and cheese plate that looked absolutely fantastic. Pan fried smoked sausages, various cheeses, with a ample serving of pickle spears and pepperoncinis. I was told to try the BBQ bologna sandwich or smoke sausage sandwich next time. read more

See all

LaRhossa great service excellent customer service and politely asked what I wanted to eat and service was fast brisket was cooked to perfection and collard greens as well I will be back to visit thank you again‼‼ read more

I went to Central barbecue about a month ago and it was so good. I went back the next week. Their pulled pork sandwich is awesome - off the hook! And their wings are delicious. I highly recommend anything on the menu. The sides were all very good as well. read more

Not a good experience, no wonder their other location shut down. Cashier told us we could get the $2.50 Tuesday deal and proceeded to charge us full price. She forgot to ring up our fries on 2 separate orders and told us later we never ordered fries.. safe to say we're not coming back. Plenty of other good BBQ spots in nashville. read more

Would go again - I ordered the Half Slab The Rib Plate with wet (sauce), bun, and 2 sides of BBQ Beans, Mac n Cheese. As I ate Prince's Nashville Hot Chicken already, I was half full. However, WOW the ribs and aides were AMAZING! Now, I was slightly disappointed (my fault) because the ribs were cooled off. I ordered online and unexpectedly the food was ready very promptly (5-10 min), so beware on ordering online too soon. As I was eating lunch #1, I didn't leave early enough to eat the ribs hot, which may have caused the tenderness to harden. Otherwise, the bbq sauce was thick but still fluid and overly tasteful. I'm not familiar with the different BBQ styles but Memphis BBQ seems to be thicker than TX BBQ. Both are extremely tasty so it depends what you like. BBQ experts don't "kill" me on the lack of knowledge! Thanks. read more

Central BBQ - Half Slab The Rib Plate with wet (sauce), bun, and 2 sides of BBQ Beans, Mac n Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

We were in Nashville over the weekend before the lockdown started due to Covid-19. We decided to order bbq and avoid crowds and this place was within walking distance. I went a little crazy and ordered more food than 2 people needed. Here's the breakdown: 1. Three meat plate with pulled pork, brisket sausage, a side of pork rinds and mac&cheese 2. Three bone sampler of dry ribs 3. Homemade chips with blue cheese dip 4 Side of potato salad 5. Homemade banana pudding Great bbq, brisket was moist and tender, pullespork was as well and had a nice smoky flavor. The sausage was so tender and juicy and was awesome dipped in hot bbq sauce. The ribs were okay but more fat than meat. I would skip the ribs if I went again. I like all the different sauces from reg bbq, spicy bbq, vinegar to mustard. The sides were very tasty and I highly recommend them. The chips with blue cheese were great. The dry rub seasoning on the chips was addicting and then dip them in the blue cheese....heaven! The banana pudding was outstanding. I've never had it before and now I want more! The pudding was rich and creamy with chunks of banana and a crumbly topping. We spent 44.15 total....a little expensive but worth it! read more

See all

OK, so, I went to a few barbecue places in the Nashville area, and this one takes the win in my opinion. First off, the location downtown is within walking distance to a lot of the hotels that are close. Next, it appears that management and company do a great job of keeping it clean and tidy inside and out. Now then, if you see the picture posted in this review, you'll find that the slab of ribs is huge. No doubt worth the money I spent for them. I loved that the sauce was not too aggressive, and that the meat just fell right off the bone. It was so fresh when it came out, and I would recommend going earlier in the day. The flavor of the macaroni and cheese as well as the green beans were very delightful. And my favorite part about it was that the portion wasn't a small cup. Lastly, the sweet tea is the way it should be prepared at a barbecue joint; so sweet it will make your teeth sting. I cannot recommend this place enough to any barbecue lover out there. My only drawback is that there was not a piece of bread served with the meal. But I did not even look into that because of how good the food and service was. read more

Central BBQ - Slab of Ribs with Mac & green beans. Sweet Tea - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I've waited for this day for so long. Born and raised in Memphis, I've lived in Nashville for about four years. One of the things I miss the most about home is Central -- it's at the top of the list of places to go when I'm in town. Having it Nashville is a dream come true. I'm always a little hesitant when trying a familiar restaurant's new location in a different city. The quality of food, service, atmosphere, etc. doesn't always carry over. But I'm happy to report that Nashville's Central BBQ locations is almost just as good as the Memphis original. I ordered my go-to, the BBQ chicken nachos -- slightly oily, thin tortilla chips, pulled chicken, nacho cheese sauce, shredded cheese, jalapeños, a dusting of Central's dry season and, of course, that wonderful, wonderful sauce. I ordered the regular size, which could easily feed a party of two -- or one slightly homesick Memphian! The service was great. The manager on duty checked on us multiple times (being decked out in University of Memphis attire probably didn't hurt). The decor inside might not be as extensive as the Memphis locations, but the items on the walls evoke very strong Memphis vibes. My favorite was the Memphis and Nashville collage mural. Whenever I need a barbecue fix (which is often), I'm so grateful that my beloved Central is just a short drive away. read more

See all

Delicious! Great BBQ option for a quick bite. I ordered the pulled BBQ Chicken plate with a side salad. The meal was great, no complaints. Their menu also included alcohol which is a plus! I wish we had more salad options - other than that, food was good. read more

Central BBQ - Pulled chicken with side salad option - Barbeque Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The beef brisket was amazing. We loved the service and that our dogs were welcomed. You guys are doing a great job. read more