You know that feeling when you're driving down Old Hickory Boulevard and the smell of hickory smoke just sort of hits you? It's unmistakable. If you've spent any time in the Nashville area, you've probably passed Famous Dave's in Hermitage Tennessee a hundred times. Honestly, in a city that prides itself on local "hole-in-the-wall" BBQ joints, a big name like Famous Dave's has to work twice as hard to keep its seat at the table.
But they do.
Located at 5000 Old Hickory Blvd, this spot has become a weirdly essential part of the Hermitage food scene. It's not just a chain; for the folks living near Percy Priest Lake, it’s the place where you grab a "Feast for Two" after a long day on the water or take the kids when you don't feel like doing dishes.
What makes Famous Dave's in Hermitage Tennessee different?
Most people think of BBQ chains as being a bit... plastic. But the Hermitage crew actually runs a tight ship. They use real hickory logs. You can see the smoke.
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The menu is basically a roadmap of American BBQ styles. You’ve got the Georgia Chopped Pork, which is smoked for 12 hours. Then there's the Texas Beef Brisket. It’s rubbed with a mix of coarse black pepper and secret spices, then slow-smoked until it’s tender enough to fall apart if you look at it too hard.
Local regulars will tell you the real sleeper hit is the Southside Rib Tips. These are Memphis-style, dry-rubbed, and served with those spicy Hell-Fire pickles that honestly have no business being that good.
The Breakdown of the Menu (The stuff you actually want)
If you're going for the first time, don't get overwhelmed. Most people go for the St. Louis-Style Spareribs. These are the ones that won the awards. They’re hand-rubbed, pit-smoked for hours, and then "flame-kissed" on the grill.
- The All-American BBQ Feast: This is the big gun. It’s got a full slab of ribs, a whole chicken, brisket or pork, coleslaw, beans, fries, and corn bread muffins. It's meant for a family, but we’ve all seen one person try to tackle it.
- Iris’ Comeback Chicken Sandwich: Named after Dave’s mother. It’s a hand-breaded crispy chicken breast on a buttery bun. If you aren't in the mood for ribs, this is the move.
- Dave's Sassy BBQ Salad: For when you want to pretend you're being healthy while still consuming half a pound of pulled chicken and ranch dressing.
Why it survives in a "Real BBQ" city
Nashville is crowded with BBQ. You have Martin’s, Peg Leg Porker, and Edley’s just a short drive away. So why does Famous Dave's in Hermitage Tennessee stay busy?
Consistency.
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When you go to a local shack, sometimes the brisket is dry. Sometimes they ran out of ribs at 2:00 PM. At the Hermitage Dave's, the hours are solid—11:00 AM to 9:00 PM most days, and they stay open until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. You know exactly what that corn bread muffin is going to taste like every single time.
Also, they've leaned hard into the community side of things. They host fundraisers through platforms like GroupRaise and handle a massive amount of catering for the businesses over by the airport and the Nashville Shores area.
A few things most people miss
The Wilbur’s Revenge sauce isn't for everyone. It’s actually spicy. Not "fast food spicy," but real-deal heat. If you’re a heat-seeker, mix it with a little bit of the Rich & Sassy to get that sweet-heat balance.
And don't skip the Banana Pudding. It’s handmade and rich. It’s basically the only way to end a meal there if you want the full experience.
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Logistics and getting there
The location is pretty much perfect if you’re coming off I-40. It’s right there at 5000 Old Hickory Blvd, Hermitage, TN 37076.
- Phone: 615-882-0999
- Vibe: Very casual. Log cabin aesthetic. Taxidermy on the walls.
- Wait times: Friday nights can get a bit hairy, especially during the summer when the lake traffic is at its peak. Use the online ordering if you’re heading home from the boat.
If you’re planning a large event, their catering is actually one of the more reliable options in the Davidson County area. They do the "Lil’ Pig" or "Big Pig" packages that come with all the sides and sauces, which takes the stress out of feeding fifty people who all have different opinions on what "good BBQ" is.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a visit to Famous Dave's in Hermitage Tennessee, here is how to do it right:
- Join the Rewards Program: Seriously. They send out "Smokin' Deals" and birthday offers that actually save you a decent chunk of change on those larger feasts.
- Check the Daily Specials: They often have lunch combos (like the 1 Meat Platter) starting around $13.29, which is a steal compared to most sit-down spots in Nashville these days.
- Order Ahead for the Weekend: If you're picking up for a Titans game or a lake day, use the app. The "Que-Thru" pickup is way faster than standing in the lobby.
- Try the Rib Tips: If you want the most flavor for the lowest price, the Southside Rib Tips are the pitmaster's secret.
Don't overthink it. It's BBQ. It's messy. Grab extra napkins.