10/22/09

Nothing good at all!

by ChiDet

We arriver during lucnh. There were many open tables, but had to wait in line for service. We were finally seated and right on the table was a dead roach. Gross! We deceided to stay, but asked for another table. Instead the server said "oh" picked up the roach with a napkin and walked away. We had to ask another server for a clean table. We were moved to a booth which was filty! I didn't want to put my coat on the seat nor my purse. As for the rest of the decor, it was dirty, the ceiling tiles had water damage, looking like it was going to fall down. The restroom was like a gas station bathroom. NASTY! I refused to use it. I ordered the pulled pork salad, was just ok. The BBQ sauce was a version of open pit. The serving dish, was like a garage sale item. The bowl was cracked and broken leaving sharp edges around the rim. My companion ordered the Texas sausage. It was nothing great. The beans and slaw were below average. For desert we had the peach cobbler. The cobbler we made at boyscout camp was much better.I would not recommend this restaurant. For a family that has a t v show and promote it on national tv they should clean it up......I question the quality and taste of the dishes they prepare. The restaurnat was a real turn-off. I don't think I will be watching the show anymore. The only reason I gave it a star is because It was required.

• Pros: None
• Cons: the whole experience

11/11/08

Don't believe what you've seen on television...it's not here!

by 2SweetinTexas

After seeing numerous television reviews and the popular Food Network television show we were so looking forward to the opportunity to "Eat at Neely's". Hosted dinner -30 people at Jefferson Street location while at a church convention. The experience did not at all match the warm and friendly media image. At a high level, the experience was nothing short of disappointing. We visited on a Thursday afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. We were a scheduled and expected group (booked with corporate office.) Because of group size, it was their preference for us to eat from their ?groups? menu - flat rate of $18 includes a choice of meat, choice of two sides, bread, sauce, unlimited drink refills, and dessert (sock it to me cake).-includes the tax and gratuity. Upon arrival no one greeted the party or appeared to be expecting us - no server identified. With a ratio of 1:30, the server was expected to get and fill drink orders, get and deliver the meal and to cut and serve the dessert. Staff failed to prepare for our arrival by having adequate silverware available. I, the paying customer, personally passed out silverware, but ?bused? tables and refilled guest beverages. Food was disappointing. The plates are institutional like?.like a prison or a high school and our food was slopped on to the plates accordingly. The rolls are nothing special and were cool, out of the package with hunks of butter smeared on top?might have been better warmed. Portions very small and cold. A ?no frills? atmosphere - padded booths and chairs, dark wood paneling, and historical memorabilia decorating the walls with overhead speakers belting out the blues. Sock it to me cake was good. Pecan pie not a fav (out of the box cut and serve?I watched them do it.) The management and the staff are very task oriented - focused on getting a plate out to you?but not on making your experience memorable and special. Trust me when I say?it?s not a good choice.

• Pros: close to downtown
• Cons: POOR service, unconcerned management.

06/15/08

Not PAR for the Course!

by MinisterRay

Let me say first, PLEASE JUST WATCH THE SHOW, don't make the trip! Unless that is you live in Memphis and you want some killer barbecue baked beans! I'm sorry.....did I say BAKED BEANS and not Ribs.....this is a barbecue joint, not a side dish buffet, right. Anyhow, let me say I was intrigued by the show and was taking a trip to do a Rib crawl of 5-6 spots in 28hrs, we were successful and might I say Neely's was not last but a close to it. The sampler platter was good but if your menu reads enough for two, but you only give three rib bones, that's a farce. The pulled pork, and beef were tender but the sauces ruined it for me. I'd rather tasted the meat without the sauce to see really what they were working with.

The service was decent, the sweet tea was weak on the TEA but strong on the SWEET.

I'm from St. Louis and I have my own rub, and do lot of Queing for many people, so I know barbecue and if you can walk up to a building without being first greeted by the smell of what's going on on the inside.....start asking yourself really what's being sold. Neely's wasn't a total wash, but I don't know how they got rated so high.........so I'll continue to watch the GREAT SHOW on the FOOD NETWORK, but I probably won't be back.

• Pros: The Barbecue Baked Beans, HAVING A REAL SAMPLER PLATTER
• Cons: Ambience and when meat is what you sell, sides should never out do it.

04/06/08

below average ribs

by chicagodavid

was there on4/6/08 about 6:00PM. Slow service. Cheese and sausage plate was great, Mild wings were great also. Then came our ribs.........what a disappointment. I ordered mine dry. I lived in Memphis for a few years during the 90's so I do know a good rib from a decent rib, from a excellent rib. Was excited to eat there, left disappointed. Sides were ok. My friends wife had the bbq nachos that came with either velveeta or cheese whiz. I put my money on it being cheese whiz. I would not go back.

• Pros: not sure
• Cons: using cheese whiz on bbq nachos

11/07/06

good ribs.

by laire

I did not like their sauce as much (as I do the Corky's sauce). Lots of meat on the bones. I visited during early lunch, and it was quiet. I can easily see this place getting packed for dinner.

10/30/06

There's nothing fancy about it, but for bona fide Memphis barbecue served in a soulful setting, this is the place.

by Contributor

The Scene
Learn all there is to know about the Neely family and its barbecue ties from the history captured in the photos and articles on the restaurant's walls. The large dining room is perfect for big families and groups of friends wanting to take their time with a plate of ribs.

The Food
Whether you're getting beef, pork, bologna or turkey smothered in the signature smoky-sweet sauce, barbecue sandwiches are topped with crunchy coleslaw. The homemade slaw's tossed with a combination of mustard and mayo for a delicious result. Ribs come wet (slathered in sauces ranging from hot to mild) or dry (coated in a special dry rub recipe). Barbecued spaghetti puts a twist on the traditional dish, substituting barbecue sauce and pieces of pork mixed with pasta.

02/05/03

Not All That!!!

by destiny0905

I recently ate at this joint and let me tell you I do not think that it was all that good. I thought the meat was a little salty and dry. I would say that Pig-N-Whistle and A&R Barbeque definitely have more of the family reunion, old-style barbeque taste. The coleslaw needs much improving also.

• Pros: quick service, accurate service, reasonable prices
• Cons: parking, lighting- a bit dark, location

06/17/02

Best in Town

by donwooton

Absolutely the best BBQ in Memphis! The service is sometimes a little slow, but always friendly and accurate. The pulled pork, ribs (even the rib tips, if you're hungry), and baked beans are to die for! My sure your out of town guests try the BBQ spagettii....

• Pros: Food, Value
• Cons: Neighborhood