Lee C.
Yelp
On 8/9/25, my husband and I were visiting Memphis on a weekend getaway. We enjoy traveling, exploring local spots, and tasting authentic food. Based on Yelp reviews, my daughter recommended this BBQ place, so we decided to try it. The restaurant is set up in a single house, giving it a family-style feel, which made us expect a friendly, welcoming experience.
Unfortunately, what we experienced was the opposite. When we arrived, we weren't sure how to order, so we let another customer go ahead of us. He appeared to be a local regular and was served generous cuts of roast beef and spareribs by the pound.
When it was our turn, I requested the same. Instead of confirming, the server (who I later learned is the owner) cut from the smallest burnt end of the ribs and gave us thin slices of beef from the small end. When I politely asked if we could have pieces from the larger side, she arrogantly responded, "Every customer needs to take the end piece." The quality and portion were clearly not the same as what the local customer had just received.
After paying, I realized we had been given a combo meal instead of meat by the pound, which I did not order. When I asked the cashier about the server's name, I was told she was the owner. She then raised her hands, made mocking faces, and said in a provocative tone, "Yeah, I'm the owner. If you don't like it here, pack your food and leave."
As the owner, behavior like this is unacceptable. We have traveled throughout Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean, and we have never been treated with such arrogance and disrespect. Most restaurants are welcoming to tourists, but here we felt singled out and treated differently from local (especially white) customers.
The food itself was average, and for nearly $30 for a combo meal, it was not worth it. Respect and fair treatment should matter just as much as food quality. If you want to enjoy Memphis BBQ, I recommend visiting other restaurants where both the food and hospitality reflect the city's true spirit.
