Hugh-Baby’s – Tasty Burgers and BBQ in Nashville

Last updated: 12/24/24

Hugh-Baby’s is a burger and barbecue restaurant with a few locations around Nashville. The restaurant serves simple options like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries. 

We’ve been to Hugh-Baby’s a number of times, and we keep going back. Here’s what makes Hugh-Baby’s so great for a casual meal.

Super Casual with Good Food

Hugh-Baby’s has the feel of a fast-food restaurant, but the quality is so much better. The food is actually made from scratch. The burgers and other food have so much more flavor than what you’d find at a fast-food place.

The restaurant was started by Pat Martin, owner of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, so it isn’t surprising that the food here is good. While I haven’t tried any of the BBQ options (I always get a cheeseburger), I would imagine that the pulled pork sandwich is also delicious.

The menu is fairly small. You do have some variety with options like a fried catfish sandwich or a slugburger. For those who don’t know, the “slugburger” was first made during the Great Depression by mixing flour or another non-meat addition to ground meat to save money and create an inexpensive meal. 

Slugburgers are available on Fridays only and are much tastier than the name suggestions. The slug part refers to the slang term for a nickel during the time period rather than the slimy gastropod.

My favorite item to order at Hugh-Baby’s is the vanilla milkshake. I haven’t found anywhere else in Nashville that can do a simple milkshake as well as Hugh-Baby’s can.

Hugh-Baby’s Is Family-Friendly

Another plus for Hugh-Baby’s is that the Charlotte Ave location has a drive-thru. After having a baby, it’s nice to have the option to grab a meal easily while still supporting a local restaurant rather than a national chain. 

Also, the Charlotte Ave location and the Berry Hill location both have a small playground for children. My little one isn’t quite at the stage to try this out yet, but I’m ready for the day I get to enjoy a vanilla milkshake while she goes down the slide over and over.

The only thing to keep in mind is that a meal at Hugh-Baby’s isn’t the cheapest thing to eat in Nashville. While it’s not outrageously expensive, you are not paying McDonald’s prices because you’re getting higher quality. Kids’ drinks are free, which helps a little, and with the Comeback Club, you get rewarded with a free meal occasionally.

Overall, Hugh-Baby’s is a good family-friendly spot where you know you’re going to find a consistently good meal.

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Hugh-Baby’s has 3 locations in Nashville: Charlotte Ave., Berry Hill, and East Nashville. See their website for the menu and hours.

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