BBQ Restaurant Review
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BBQ REVIEWS
Southern Soul Barbeque, St. Simons Island, GA
Southern Soul Barbeque
2020 Demere Road
Saint Simons Island GA
912-638-SOUL
This was an unexpected surprise for me on this trip. While I’ve heard of Southern Soul Barbeque before I just didn’t ever try to see where it was located. So you can guess my satisfaction when I punched in barbecue on my GPS that it brought up this jewel of an establishment.
Located on the Golden Isles of Georgia, St. Simons Island to be precise, Southern Soul is a landmark situated in one of the few roundabouts in the south east. With its large pavilion out front with picnic tables and cool southern décor this place is inviting from the start. Before you hit the front door the smoker is going and the smells really get you in the mood.
On the inside it is as you’d expect, clean with a bar out front, simple to read menu with a blackboard showing the days specials.
I’m a terrible photographer so please don’t beat me up too bad here.
As usual when I hit one of these landmark BBQ joints I want to try the whole menu, but I will settle with a combo meal to give me the most exposure to their products with in reason.
Here I ordered the brisket pulled pork combo with Brunswick stew and slaw.
The presentation was nice with three slices of brisket, about a ¼ lb of pork, plenty of Brunswick stew and enough slaw to do anyone in.
Wayne I both are certified barbeque judges through KCBS so when you go into an establishment like this you have to turn your hat around a little bit and understand these folks are producing BBQ for the masses. It’s very difficult to sell “competition” style BBQ and make a profit. With that said, the brisket was really great. The smoke was just right with enough beef flavor to make your mouth say “Hey NOW!”
The pork was outstanding and well above the realm of over the counter “Q”. Being moist, sweet and tender, flavorful and no excess fat laying around, I was very impressed.
The Brunswick stew was tasty with the right amount of heat. It had lima beans, corn, and a good tomato taste with the meat all rolled into one fine side dish.
Soul slaw is mayo based with not to much mayo. It had kind of a flat flavor but really, I was here for the BBQ.
They have 4 sauces
Red Swine Wine
North Carolina vinegar
Tasty bold with a lil’ spice
Sweet Georgia Soul
Their signature sauce is a tangy tomato base with a lil’ mustard touch. Rich in flavor and pairs well with pork and brisket
Hot Georgia Soul
Hot and spicey
Mild to hot with a slight tang. Very good
Low Country Soul
South Carolina Mustard
Similar to a spicy mustard light on bbq flavor
All in all this was one of my favorite places that I’ve been. The wait staff was very attentive. By the way I never let anyone know I’m there to write a review. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun. I highly recommend this BBQ joint and would go out of my way to eat here again.
They have a Facebook page with their daily specials listed so be sure to “like” them.
Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q Bessemer AL
This is a pretty good BBQ joint I've stopped at many times over the years. Bob Sykes started in 1957 as a hamburger stand. Eventually BBQ took over as the main stay of the buisness.
Upon entry you are greeted with the pit. Cooking shoulders, chicken, brisket, and ribs. The smell just starts your mouth watering.
They have an extensive menu including smoked turkey, hamburgers, ham, as well as many sides to choose from.
AND, they have homemade pies by the slice or whole.
I chose the rib and pork combo with a side of slaw and beans. The portions are huge so if you plan on ordering big be sure you're able to eat big. My lunch was very good. The ribs were cooked really well. The pork was a little on the dry side but this is out of the norm and usually it is really moist and tender. The sides were good and the toasted bread really goes well with the combo.
Bob Sykes does a lot of catering and delivers. If your in the area I recommend stopping in.
Bob Sykes BarB-Q
1724 9th Avenue South
Bessemer, AL 35020
205-426-1400
www.bobsykes.com
Central BBQ Memphis TN
I finally had some good, no, great Memphis BBQ this week. I have been really looking forward to trying Central BBQ since I missed the Memphis in May contest this year and saw some of my bbq friends talking about it. So when I got here I sent out a note to my friends on Twitter and had recommendations for more than a few bbq joints. I ended up tossing a coin and Central it was.
When I got there the parking lot was full so I had to park across the street. GOOD sign. Upon entering the sounds and smells were really cool, blues music going, orders being called out, all the makings for a good BBQ dining experience.
I waited in line which didn't take long and was greeted warmly by everyone behind the counter, the order was taken quickly, food delivered to my table quickly and it was cool inside. The day I was here it was over a 100' F in Memphis and was scheduled for a heat index of 115'F.
I need to apologize for a couple things. First the batteries were dead in my camera and I had to use my cell phone for the pictures so they aren't as clear as I like to post on my reviews. And,,,,,,I ate half my ribs before I remembered to take a picture of my plate. Sorry, but it was gooooood!
The pulled pork was nice and tender, it could have had a touch more smoke flavor for my tastes but that isn't what everyone likes. The ribs were nice and tender, great flavor with just the right amount of sauce on them. SOOPA good. I had slaw and baked beans for sides but I didn't hardly touch them as I was too busy enjoying my BBQ.
They have 4 different sauces out for you to prepare yourself. Hot, Mild, Vinegar, and Mustard. I didn't try the hot but the mild was very good. Got one for myself.
It was tangy and really tasty. The vinegar was good also with a mild vinegar taste that ended sweet. I went back and forth with these two sauces on my pulled pork. The mustard was a thin sauce that was very bold in the mustard flavor category.
They are adding a large pavilion out front for more additional seating that I'm sure will be nice when completed. I hope they add a mister system to help keep it cool.
I'll the place was packed with all types of people beating the heat and enjoying some fine Memphis BBQ and I was glad to be one of them. You even get a souvenir cup that I'll have at home and think of this place every time I see it. Great folks, good food, good music, you gotta try it.
Two locations
4375 Summer Avenue and 2249 Central Avenue. Website is www.cbqmemphis.com
Jim N Nick's Bar-B-Q, Prattville AL
I've stopped in at a few Jim N Nick's BBQ joints in the past, and Prattville serves up the best BBQ of all the ones I've visited.
They have a nice decor with cool signage on most of the stores that has a pig bucking and it says "Buckingham". That always cracks me up.
Just a note, I had tea for lunch but they had some really good beer prices and $3.00 margarita's.
In an effort to diversify my reviews and because I really wanted one, I ordered the pulled pork stuffed baked potato. Mind you I did get the lunch portion. They also serve a large version of the stuffed potato that is HUGE.
The stuffed potato was really good with plenty of cheese, sour cream, butter, and tasty pulled pork. The pork was nice and tender with a good flavor.
The have two sauces on the table. One is their original sauce. It is a semi sweet tangy sauce that goes well with the pulled pork. The hot is a habenero sauce with a really good kick.
Great place to eat. Just off I-75 in Prattville. Across the street from Bass Pro
J.L.'s Bar-B-Q Macon GA
I stopped in to J.L.'s Bar-B-Q (Eisenhower Parkway and I -475 Exit 9 in Macon GA) after seeing quite a few billboards on the interstate headed south to Jacksonville FL a few weeks back.
The inside (sorry for the hazy photo) was nice and clean.
I ordered the combo platter. I gotta start mixing this up a bit.
The sides were Mac and Cheese and cole slaw. The Mac & Cheese tasted pretty good and the cole slaw was okay but a bit dry.
The pulled pork had a nice flavor unfortunately I like to add sauce to my barbeque instead of having it already added.
Here's where it got a little bad.
The ribs are advertised as dry rubbed and basted but mine didn't show any signs of dry rub and quite frankly didn't have a basted flavor either.
The sauces were pretty good. Three flavors, Hot, Regular, and Honey. The hot was a suped up version of the reguler sauce. The regular sauce had a tangy semi sweet flavor that went well witht he pork. The honey sauce was interesting and pretty good.
So I really wasn't impressed with my meal at this BBQ Joint. I think a little more attention to detail here would help the quality of BBQ served here.
Dobb's Bar-B-Que Dothan AL
Dobb's is an institution located in Dothan Alabama just off highway 231. This place has been around for over 100 years so I figured they must be doing something right.
They were just getting the diner ready when I dropped in. I was met by a friendly staff and seated right away.
Its nice and clean inside with plenty of seating that starts filling up around 11:15.
The menu boasts being in business for nearly a century but that was a few years ago.
I ordered a camp stew and chipped pork sandwich with a tea. They provide a spare pitcher of tea for the table which is always a nice touch. The camp stew is similar to Brunswick stew that has a little less tomato. It has a good flavor and I enjoyed it. They call their chopped pork "chipped" here which I always have associated with beef. Either way I had it and I liked it. They mix a little of their sauce with the meat before adding to the sandwich and then add a bit more to the top. The sauce was a thinner tangy sauce that didn't over power the meat. I'm not necessarily a BBQ snob so when I try something and I like it, it doesn't matter to me if the sauce is in the meat or on it. As long as its good, its good.
Dobbs is a cool place with a lot of history and good people. If you traveling down highway 231 in Dothan sometime, drop in and give it a try. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
Smithfield's Chicken N Bar-B-Q Lumberton NC
Smithfield's is a chain of restaurants in North Carolina with over 30 locations. They have an over 40 year history of serving this region of the country. This is my second stop at a Smithfield's and this trip was as pleasing as the last.
Both locations I visited were very clean with a lot of room with a more modern look.
I ordered the BC chicken and pork plate.
The Chicken is very tender with a tangy sauce. The portions were generous and flavor was okay. They serve a pork shoulder that comes with a vinegar sauce already applied. It isn't very hot and basically consists of apple cider vinegar, peppers, ketchup , and spices. It is light and goes well with the pork. This is my kind of sauce. So much so that I picked up a gallon to take home with me.
The sides were tasty with the potato salad creamy and the slaw a vinegar style. The hushpuppies are good and add a nice side as well.
If you haven't tried one of Smithfield's Chicken N Bar-B-Q I recommend you give it a whirl.
Rib & Loin Chattanooga TN
I've stopped in Rib & Loin in Chattanooga a few times and always get a good meal. It is a pretty large restaurant with a drive thru window and plenty of seating inside. Upon entering you are greeted right away by a very friendly staff. The interior of the establishment is slightly rustic and was still sporting the bright decorations of spring and Easter on this visit.
Service is outstanding, everyone seemed to be interested in how my meal was going.
The dessert chef is pretty cool to.
The menu is extensive offering chicken, pork, beef, ribs, with many choices for sides. The price is also very reasonable. I picked the 3 meat combo with 2 veggies. I also threw in a side of fried mac & cheese just to try it.
Presentation was very nice as you can see from the photo. Serving size excellent. The ribs come with no rub or sauce which kind of disappointed me. The ribs are served tender & cooked about right for serving the masses. I think they could use more smoke and add a rub to really improve the flavor. The chopped pork had a good smoke flavor but was a little dry. This problem was solved by adding a bit of sauce. The sauce is a semi thick ketchup base that had a good flavor, was very mild in heat and went well with the ribs and pork but not so much with chicken. The chicken was smoked just right and really didn't need any sauce to help it out.
As far as the sides go, the beans were okay but nothing special, the potato salad was good and the fried mac & cheese was interesting for sure.
All in all not a bad stop. The service is great, the bbq isn't the best but falls in the good category for me.
Archibald's Tuscaloosa Alabama
Archibald's is an institution around Tuscaloosa that has been around since 1962. Everyone you talk to who lives in the area always recommends Archibald's. When you pull up the first thing you notice is the blue smoke coming out of the big pit and the hickory smell.
You're greeted by a family working behind the bar that is as friendly as you will ever meet. And they might know a little thing or two about cooking BBQ. The gentleman running the pit jokingly told me he had been there 3 months and he hoped he had it down properly. Well he did and truth be told he had been cooking here for 48 years.
They cook shoulders and ribs. Sides are chips and light bread with canned sodas and water for drinks. I really like these type menus because most of the time, the BBQ is really all you want. The pork isn't pulled. It is sliced for each order. The flavor is outstanding and combined with their sauce, mmmmmmmmm! It's really hard to beat. Everybody loves the Q when it first comes off the smoker and this place is no exception.
The sauce is a thin (I'm guessing at the rest) vinegar, hot sauce, butter, and spices. The sauce is really good and they keep it heated right on the pit. It's nice when you find a sauce that compliments the meat well like Archibald's does.
This is an out of the way place that should never be missed if you're going through Tuscaloosa or have a little time on your hands and want to take a road trip. Great history, great people, and wonderful BBQ the way its supposed to be made.
TRY IT!
Blues City Cafe, Memphis Tennessee
No pictures for this place. It is located downtown Memphis on Beale Street. It has a bar with live entertainment attached. I've been here 3 or 4 times for the music which is really great. There is one particular entertainer Gary Hardy who does a great job singing a lot of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Its a 3 person band that interact with each other as Gary takes you through different stories of these great entertainers. His story telling is phenomenal and a "Don't Miss" when visiting Memphis.
I wish I could say that about their food. They serve wet ribs here at Blues City Cafe and the street hawker out front claims they are the best ribs in Memphis. Well, I'm pretty sure they are not. We ordered ribs with slaw as usual. When they arrived they looked pretty rough with sauce not completely covering the ribs. I also noticed the sauce wasn't cooked in. Note. As we walked in I noticed ribs in a water warmer but really didn't think much about it. So we started in on the ribs and was really disappointed. They tasted boiled, bland, not good at all. I asked the server if they boiled their ribs. She said no they steam them. Well we didn't finish our plates as the ribs were such a let down. This was about the worst BBQ I've had in a while. It was unfortunate as I was entertaining a guest from Canada that day and really wanted to show him some good Q.
We did stay for the entertainment and had a great time listening to their band.
Blues City Cafe
Food= NO
Music= YES
I wish I could say that about their food. They serve wet ribs here at Blues City Cafe and the street hawker out front claims they are the best ribs in Memphis. Well, I'm pretty sure they are not. We ordered ribs with slaw as usual. When they arrived they looked pretty rough with sauce not completely covering the ribs. I also noticed the sauce wasn't cooked in. Note. As we walked in I noticed ribs in a water warmer but really didn't think much about it. So we started in on the ribs and was really disappointed. They tasted boiled, bland, not good at all. I asked the server if they boiled their ribs. She said no they steam them. Well we didn't finish our plates as the ribs were such a let down. This was about the worst BBQ I've had in a while. It was unfortunate as I was entertaining a guest from Canada that day and really wanted to show him some good Q.
We did stay for the entertainment and had a great time listening to their band.
Blues City Cafe
Food= NO
Music= YES