BBQ
 

Driving from St. Louis to Destin area. Son-in-law loves BBQ. Any suggestions for either lunch in Nashville or dinner in Birmingham where they will be spending the night or any place in between along the way. Not too far off of the main interstate would be great, if possible.

Thank you.

Well, in Nashville you "should" eat at Prince's and have the original Nashville hot chicken!!
Birmingham for fine dining could be Frank Stitt's Highlands Grill for a delicious experience.
I know you asked for BBQ.

Jack's BBQ in Nashville--in the downtown tourist area.

Thanks, song doc. I will also be in Nashville in October, staying in Franklin as I did last year. Where do you suggest for a nice dinner before the Adele concert?

I enjoy your advice and trip reports in Hawaii!

Thanks for the nice comment!

<Where do you suggest for a nice dinner before the Adele concert?>

That's easy: if you want authentic, awesome, down-home Southern comfort food -- Monell's!!! (The 6th Avenue location is probably 10 minutes by car to the Bridgestone arena where the concert will take place.) I wanna go to the concert!!!

If you're a foodie and wanting an upscale (and expensive) dining experience check out Etch or the Farm House -- both are walking distance to the concert.

If you specifically want barbecue in Nashville, I'd go with Martin's on Belmont Boulevard over Jack's myself. Not only do I prefer the barbecue and sides, but you don't have to worry about parking downtown. Get off I-65 at Wedgewood (exit 81). There's also a Martin's location that's slated to open in June in SoBro (downtown area), depending on when your trip is - I'm not sure what parking will be like at the new spot.

http://www.martinsbbqjoint.com/locations/

I'm amazed you got tickets to that Adele show - I know exactly one person in town who was able to get through! In addition to Songdoc's downtown recommendations, I've heard good things about the Southern (but haven't been myself).