Review
About
Shotgun Willie's earns its reputation by actually doing the thing — smoking the meat correctly, developing real bark on the ribs, getting proper smoke ring and fat render on the brisket. The whole operation has the feeling of someone's backyard setup that got good enough to become a restaurant, which is the best possible origin story for a BBQ spot and not an accident here.
The ribs have crust. The brisket has smoke penetration. The pulled pork is properly rendered. The sides are honest supporting players rather than afterthoughts. None of this is complicated in theory and almost nobody in Nashville pulls it off consistently.
It's not Martin's or Peg Leg Porker on the institution scale, but it doesn't need to be. It's better than most of what Nashville calls BBQ and it's in East Nashville, which has historically been underserved by the category.
The ribs have crust. The brisket has smoke penetration. The pulled pork is properly rendered. The sides are honest supporting players rather than afterthoughts. None of this is complicated in theory and almost nobody in Nashville pulls it off consistently.
It's not Martin's or Peg Leg Porker on the institution scale, but it doesn't need to be. It's better than most of what Nashville calls BBQ and it's in East Nashville, which has historically been underserved by the category.
The ribs and brisket are properly smoked with real bark and real smoke penetration. Casual as hell. Genuinely good.
Shotgun Willie's BBQ is an East Nashville barbecue operation doing smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork with real pit credentials. Counter service, casual indoor and outdoor seating. One of the city's best BBQ operations.
