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    Shotgun Willie's BBQ

    4.7 (252 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months 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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    Ribs and stuff.
    Dan M.

    Yesterday... J (my son): "Why did you hold up the line at Shotgun Willie's?" PAUSE! Do I seem like the type of dude that would hold up the line? I got my faults, vices, mannerisms, OCDs, lack of patience, and all that, but.... Wait a second. I got a lot (a ton) of people reading these reviews now but many readers are just people looking to see if this place is good. It's not about me, is it? I guess I should add narcissistic to my list above. I'm actually not at all. But we'll roll with it. If it makes one or two people feel better. One Week Ago... J ordered brisket with two sides and Texas toast. He told me to get the brisket. But I was thinking logically at the time and thought I could just taste his brisket while I got ribs. I got ribs because if you scroll down on the reviews, some dude from Canada said it was the best ribs he ever had. Maybe he had only tasted Canadian Ribs. I actually don't know if he's from Canada. I just wanted to say he was from Canada. But he did leave a review. As I approached the dude (and former drummer) behind the counter, I inquired about a half-and-half plate--as in 1/4 lb and 1/4 lb. Instead of 1/2 lb of brisket, ribs, or smoked chicken. I know this is a famous place with Michelin mentioning but I had never seen a BBQ place with no half-and-half. This inquiry led to him explaining what he could and couldn't do with half-and-half. I was only following at about 36% of what he said, which made me feel like I was back in 8th Grade Spanish class and the teacher said, "Cómo estuvo tu semana?" I stared back at him as if I knew what he was saying and nodded my head and played it off with: "Nah. I'll just get the ribs then. Thanks though!" So, did I hold up the line? Maybe but it wasn't intentional. As for the brisket and ribs (and other food items).... The brisket was superb. The ribs were good yet nothing amazing. The Mac 'n Cheese was very good and would probably be loved by most. The green beans were very wet. I like some things very wet but not green beans. As for the Texas Toast, it was just a big piece of white bread with no taste. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service and atmosphere were excellent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The price for two was $56. I recommend this place but not as a regular spot and for the experience. And only if you get the brisket. I don't know much about the smoked chicken because I didn't eat it. This was a cool spot for sure but our best meal when in Nashville was for $14 at a pizza place, which is the review just before this one.

    Delicious banana pudding
    Cody H.

    I had a friend in town that looks for really well reviewed restaurants, and he wanted to come here since it's Michelin reviewed. We ordered one of the platters that came with brisket, sausage, ribs, bread, and 2 sides. For the sides, we got potatoes and green beans. The prices were a little high, but not astronomical. We didn't wait very long at all for the food. I'm usually not a brisket person, but theirs was delicious! It was so tender that it melted in your mouth. The seasoning was perfect with plenty of salt and just a little bit of spice. The sausage (especially the jalapeño cheddar) was super juicy and full of flavor. The ribs really fell short. They didn't fall of of the bone and they weren't very tender. I think they weren't cooked long enough (not raw but not "done"). Definitely get the green beans! They were delicious as well (not healthy - nothing here was healthy). For dessert I got the banana pudding, which was probably the best part. It was fresh, chilled to the perfect temp, and delicious. They didn't have hot sauce - that was a huge bummer. Also their BBQ sauce wasn't that great. The good thing is that the meat had so much flavor that you didn't really need the sauce.

    Brisket

    I would give it a 3.5. The meats are great. Brisket was juicy and they ask if you want a fatty or more lean piece. Pulled pork was also good. Service was good as well nice people. The only bad, the sides. They just aren't good at all. Tried baked beans, potato salad and Mac and cheese. All of them are better at Walmart. If they improve those 5/5.

    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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining room features plenty of seating, and if the weather is good, then they have a large outdoor picnic area to enjoy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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!

    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: [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was fun, creative and very interesting[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The seating was great and mostly communal and the restaurant itself was immaculate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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!

    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.

    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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was decorated with nostalgia.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This was also the only restaurant I went to with a formidable line and consistently so.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Casual. Easy parking. Indoor seating[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. 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!

    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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Tons of interesting decor on all of the walls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Come check them out!

    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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is BBQ restaurant with the wonderful smell of the great food to come.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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.

    Inside

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    4 months 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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    Ask the Community - Shotgun Willie's BBQ

    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 August 2026

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