"The best option for killer ribs within Nashville city limits is Edley’s. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, and the dry rub leaves a pleasantly peppery sting in its wake. There are several locations around the city, but the 12 South has some prime people-watching, and it’s right near Christie Cookie Co. in case you want dessert. The covered patio will give you some breathing room from the line and crowds inside, and it’s a great place to enjoy the aforementioned ribs, some pulled pork nachos, and a damn fine Bushwhacker with a group of friends from out of town. photo credit: Abby Demmer Food Rundown photo credit: Abby Demmer BBQ Nachos The BBQ nachos are a meal unto themselves. There’s a nice distribution of smoked pork, nacho cheese, BBQ sauce, sour cream, and pico drizzled over a mound of thick-cut, kettle-cooked potato chips. A plate of these + a bushwhacker + the Titans on the TV = Nashville nirvana. Tuck Special The Tuck special is the BBQ gods’ gift to hangovers. It consists of a fluffy bun crammed with sliced brisket, an over-easy egg, a schmear of spicy pimento cheese, pickles, and red and white BBQ sauce that can’t help but drip all over your fingers. It’s gloriously messy—like your Friday night. St. Louis Ribs Next to Shotgun Willie’s, these are the best rack of ribs in town. Devastatingly tender, the meat melts off the bone and into your mouth with a peppery seasoning that gently slaps the palate to attention. Catfish Edley’s does this Southern staple right. There’s the perfect amount of breading, and the whole thing is fried to a nice amber crisp. We like it as a sandwich with a dollop of Edley’s homemade tartar sauce, but the tacos are also a solid choice. Bushwacker The unofficial frozen drink of Nashville, Edley’s version is one of the best in town, with a balanced batch of 151 rum, creme de cacao, coffee liqueur, and vanilla that’s run through a frozen drink machine. They opt for milk versus ice cream, which prevents the whole thing from becoming too cloying. The chocolate swirl around the glass adds some flavor and visual flair." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
