Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

Quick, reasonable prices, great atmosphere, tasty food! We stayed two blocks away while on vacation for a week and ate at Martin's twice. It's an order at the counter and they bring you your food type place. First time we were out without our toddler and wanted the "restaurant" experience so we sat and ordered at the bar. Second time we went with the whole family (because order up at the counter quick eats is good for meals with toddlers!). First time my husband and I shared one of the platters that was recommended for 1-2 people, and I'd say at least in my Midwestern hungry and pregnant attitude, it would have been better for just 1 person (we probably could have gotten 2!). I loved the brisket, baby back ribs, macaroni and cheese, and broccoli salad and would order that again. I did order dessert when at the bar not realizing they were little saran wrapped room temperature things sitting in the counter line. I probably wouldn't get dessert there again, or at least not the fried pie I got, because who wants room temp fried pie. The corn bread is a pancake which I thought was cool and clever but it is pretty bitter and not sweet for corn bread. I probably should have asked for butter because it definitely needed something but wasn't served with butter. My husband had a couple tasty craft beers and was pleased with the choices. Second time I went I thought I had to have something from the "whole hog" since it's interesting they roast like that but I wasn't impressed- probably need to request lots of sauces to douse it in. I also didn't realize the various spots on the menu that say "whole hog" vs. "pulled pork" seem at least to be the same thing. Which should be obvious but why call it different things? All in all, went there twice in a week, would go again and not make the ordering mistakes...

I can’t say enough good things about Martin’s BBQ in Midtown Nashville! From the moment we walked in, the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff set the tone for an exceptional meal. I ordered the half slab of ribs—and yes, I went half dry rub, half wet—and they were absolute perfection. The dry rub ribs had that ideal blend of spices, giving each bite a satisfying crust, while the wet ribs were succulent and bathed in a rich, tangy sauce that made my taste buds dance.

On the side, the mac and cheese was creamy and indulgent, with just the right amount of cheesy pull, and the green beans were tender and lightly seasoned—a simple yet delightful complement to the smoky meats. To wash it all down, I treated myself to their blueberry lemonade cocktail, which struck a perfect balance of sweet and tart, served cold over plenty of ice.

My wife opted for the sliced brisket, and let me tell you, those thin, melt-in-your-mouth slices were some of the best we’ve ever had. Her mac and cheese and green beans were just as stellar as mine, and her bloody mary had a real kick—spicy enough to clear your sinuses but so full of flavor that she couldn’t stop sipping it.

Between the outstanding food, the warm hospitality, and the laid‑back Nashville charm, Martin’s BBQ has earned a permanent spot on our must‑visit list. If you’re in Midtown and craving authentic, mouthwatering barbecue with great sides and inventive drinks, do yourself a favor and head straight to Martin’s—you won’t be...

Upon visiting Martin's BBQ Joint in Nashville, Tennessee, I had hopes for a memorable BBQ experience, especially after ordering their Big Brother platter. This dish came with three slices of brisket, four ribs, and a helping of white bread, alongside two sides: a commendably tasty Mac and Cheese and well-seasoned green beans. However, the experience took a downward turn with the brisket, which unfortunately arrived undercooked and lacking the smoke flavor of real bbq, betrayed further by its lukewarm temperature, implying it had been sitting out. The ribs, on the other hand, suffered from overcooking, resulting in a lacklustre flavor profile that didn't meet expectations.

On a sweeter note, the meal ended on a high with an excellent serving of fudge pie, which stood out for its delightful taste. It's also worth noting that the pricing at Martin's BBQ Joint is reasonable, making it an affordable option for BBQ enthusiasts. However, as a seasoned connoisseur of BBQ from various parts of the country, I found myself disappointed by the overall quality. The adage that "cheap BBQ isn’t good and good BBQ isn’t cheap" resonated strongly with my experience. Unfortunately, while Martin's excels in affordability and certain sides, it falls short in delivering the robust and flavorful BBQ experience that aficionados like myself might seek. Maybe it...