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    Shotgun Willie's BBQ

    4.7 (241 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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    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!

    Marisela S.

    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.

    Coleslaw, green beans, brisket plate, cheddar type sausage and regular sausage.
    Aero 2.

    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.

    Brisket
    Rhett B.

    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.

    1 pound of Texas Beef Brisket. Outstanding!

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    13 days ago

    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.

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    11 months ago

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    Bill L.

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    3 months ago

    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.

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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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    Shotgun Willie's BBQ - bbq - Updated May 2026

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