Get your barbecue fix at Martin's

Since 2006, pitmaster Pat Martin has been serving up his West Tennessee-style whole hog barbecue, inspired by the slowly disappearing pig-in-a-pit style he grew up around in Henderson, Tenn.

It was only three years before demand forced Martin out of his original space on Nolensville Road, sending him to the current location across the street. Next came a joint in Mt. Juliet and Nashville, and also a stop in Morgantown, W.V.

But the biggest project is yet to come —  a double-decker Martin’s in the heart of downtown Nashville, boasting more than double the space of the Belmont location, with four hog pits, a couple private dining rooms, a lush backyard, ample patio seating, and the same slow and low style that’s earned Martin countless accolades, including the honor of cooking at the James Beard House in 2014.

Each day starts with a fresh Fatback Farms hog on the pit.

“We cook every single thing from scratch and our barbecue is cooked fresh every day with the intent on running out,” he explains.

While barbecue is obviously the star of the show, Martin’s offers a well-rounded menu for those who manage to resist the intoxicating smell of hickory-smoked meats roasting away right inside the restaurant for all to admire.

Salads range from the simple house ($4.50) to the Grilled Hippie ($9), fresh greens topped with grilled chicken breast, candied pecans, dried cranberries, red onion and raspberry vinaigrette. Loaded potatoes ($4.50) come stuffed with sour cream, green onions, cheese, bacon, butter and Southern Belle BBQ sauce, or add your choice of barbecue meat ($8).

Plump, smoky wings were made for passing around the lunch table (six for $6/a dozen for $12), or pair with one side ($8.25/$14.25) or a couple of sides ($10.50/$16.50) to make a complete meal. Wings come tossed with your choice of sauce: Alabama white, Southern Belle, Memphis Dry Rub or simply keep them “Nekkid.”

The Old School Burgers ($6-$11.50 with two sides) are not to be missed, but the Brisket Burger ($8-$12.50 with two sides) is in a league of its own with grilled onions, American cheese, barbecue sauce and an extra layer of tender smoked beef brisket.

The kitchen turns out satisfying sandwiches ($8.50-$10.75 with two sides), including grilled and fried chicken and fried catfish with house-made Comeback Sauce. Chicken and catfish also can be ordered as plates ($11-$13.25 with two sides) with a thick slice of Texas toast and your choice of sides.

Other lunch-crowd favorites include the one-of-a-kind Redneck Taco ($8.25-$11.50 with two sides), with your choice of barbecue pork, brisket, sausage, turkey, chicken or catfish over a cornbread hoe-cake topped with slaw and sauce; the classic BBQ Sandwich ($6-$10.50 with two sides) with your choice of all of the above meats plus bologna; and the Brisket Taco Basket ($8.50-$10.75 with two sides) — substituting catfish for the brisket makes an excellent taco, too.

Most folks who make the midday trek to Nolensville are coming to satisfy a fix. BBQ Plates ($13) are piled high with pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey, sausage or chicken and come with two sides and sauce of your choice.

Tender ribs —  wet or dry, spare or baby —  can be ordered as four-bone ($10), half slab ($14) or full slab ($23), with additional bones at $1.50 each.

The Pitmaster Combos are hearty daytime fare. The 2 Que Combo ($16.50) lets you sample a couple meats and a couple sides, while the Ribs & Que Combo ($17.50) adds one more meat to the mix.

The Big Momma Sampler ($24) is designed for two, Big Daddy ($55) for a group of four and Big Poppa ($85) for six to eight. All come with more than enough meat and sides to share, and can be ordered at the table or carried away for a private feast.

Martin’s kids' menu shines light on the fact that Martin is a family man with kids of his own —  options range from a PB&J ($3) to ribs ($5) and come with a side and a drink.

And if you’re a fan of Southern classics like coconut cake, pecan pie and fudge pie (prices and availability vary), be sure to save a little time and room for dessert.

MARTIN'S BAR-B-QUE JOINT

7238 Nolensville Road, Nolensville

615-776-1856, www.martinsbbqjoint.com

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily