The folks down here are just the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. PK's is a very popular little BBQ place. Popular with the locals and quaint enough to be a destination place for a road trip or detour off the Natchez Trace. I've been here before but it's been several years and it's just as I remember. The food is good and some is excellent. I'd prefer more smoke, as others have said, but the pork is juicy and tender. The fried okra is hot, fresh, crisp and delicious. The cornbread cakes are spot on. I suspect the turnip greens are canned and of a brand that I really like so zero complaints there. If you live around here you know and if you're passing nearby it's certainly worth a stop. I'll be back whenever i'm in the area. read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - A little snack while you wait for your food. - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

My food was delicious the BBQ twice baked potato was great I really enjoy eating their clean and nice people

The food was ok. First time visitor and I wish that we had some recommendations when getting our lunch. Was surprised to not see any desserts. read more

Always on the lookout for BarBQ...(a constant in the South). Actually saw a feature on PBS's Tennessee Crossroads. The decor is 5 star for quaint and authentic country. Parking is ....uh, a mixed bag. And when it gets full (like during our lunch - glad we were early)....it's a maze. Food is fine, but not exemplary. Brisket and chicken were both very tender, slightly smoky, but a bit dry. Three kinds of sauces (Mild-Sweet-Hot) were helpful to bring up moisture. But, again, not outstanding or anything unique. Middle of the range for both heat and sweet. Vinegar slaw was tangy but more vinegar than any spices. 's ok Greens were excellent - tender with only a tiny bit of "tooth" or chew. Good smoky flavor. Beans were outstanding and reminded me very much of my home growing up. Staff is congenial and courteous. Give it a try, y'all. read more

See all

Had to take out bc a dog in the car but the restaurant is adorable and the staff very nice. The BBQ is phenomenal and the sweet sauce should be sold nationwide. Ribs only sold on Fridays and Saturdays so plan ahead! read more

Great looking spot from the outside, inside was homey, welcoming, and clean. Menu lists brisket plate. This was not sliced brisket - it was a serving of dry, chopped brisket. The smoke flavor was good though. Mac-n-cheese was over cooked pasta in a soupy American cheese sauce, coleslaw was tiny bits of cabbage floating in white vinegar, the corn cake was soggy and lacked flavor. The white beans were ok, but salty. Sauce is a personal choice so my only comment is there is an adequate selection. The staff were cheerful and nice. If you decide to visit, stick with the sandwiches. read more

After spending the early fall morning cruising the Natchez Trace Parkway south of Nashville, we navigated the winding two-lanes along and across the Duck River into the little town of Centerville. It was one of those moments that feel like you are in a movie when we pulled into the gravel parking lot under a cloudless sky. We were greeted by the official scent of autumn-sweet hardwood smoke-as we walked towards the unassuming wood-sided smokehouse. Inside and outside, the walls are covered with a mix of barbecue, family and hometown sports memorabilia- which is pretty commonplace, but the difference is that here it feels real instead of being a cheap reproduction. In fact, some of the décor was salvaged when the original structure was gutted by a fire in 2015. Upon entering the museum/restaurant, you place your order at the counter directly in front of you. A menu board is at the top of the wall, with a chalkboard listing daily specials beneath it. This day's options included baby back ribs (a Friday-Saturday special) and banana pudding. These were obvious choices, and we rounded out our meal for three with a pork plate, which includes two sides and cornbread. We took a seat at one of the small tables. Soon, our food was brought out. The ribs were a thing of beauty. These were the dry-rub ribs- they offered the choice of dry or sauced when ordering, and this was the right choice. Gigantic bark and additional rub encased tender meat that pulled cleanly off the bone. I personally prefer a little more smoke flavor, but they were definitely a top 5 for me. The pork was also well cooked and perfectly moist. If I was forced to find something to complain about, it would be that again, I would want more smoke. That is a personal preference though, and not a critique. A flavorful hot sauce and an unusual sweet sauce (maybe a hint of molasses?) added plenty of interest to the delicious bites of pork. Added to the corn cake, it made a heavenly combo. The sides and dessert also exhibited the attention to detail practiced here. We enjoyed a vinegar slaw which complimented the pork perfectly, and fresh, crisp fried okra straight out of the fryer. I've eaten a lot of banana pudding at barbecue places- probably the most common dessert- but this was the best one I could remember. Only the pudding was premade; the bananas were freshly sliced and vanilla wafers just out of the box so nothing was soggy. I don't know whether this had anything to do with the fact that the National Banana Pudding Festival was being held in Centerville the next day, but I think this one would have been a contender in any contest. I briefly considered going back the next day for more, but other plans were already being made. But man, I hope to get back sometime. The food and the people here have a special ingredient. It's love, and you can taste it. read more

See all

2nd visit. The pork here is top notch. Everything I've eaten has been great. Today's highlight was the smoked corn on the cob. I had a pulled pork sandwich served on cornbread pancakes with fried okra and white beans. My friend had a pork sandwich and the smoked corn. The people that work here are super nice and the food is so worth a drive into the country. read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - A colossal pork sandwich with smoked corn on the cob. 2 thumbs up!! - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

Got a smoked turkey for Thanksgiving. I don't love Turkey but I actually loved their smoked turkey as it was juicy and seasoned perfectly. Thank you so much Devin (Go Mayor)!! read more

The service is always friendly and the restaurant has an almost homey feel to it. There's honestly not a lot on the menu that I like, but only because I'm personally not a big fan of barbecue haha. I always get their mac n' cheese and fried pickles though! They are both delicious! read more

Family was happy with their meals. If you are new, the updated menu is hard to find online but I went off of the one they posted on FB. Please note that the brisket is shredded. (If that bothers you, but I will say that although we didn't know when we ordered, everyone said it was delicious!! ) Also note, if you get a drink or a meal with a drink. The staff will not tell you but the drink is self serve atm. When you walk in, the drink station is to the right of the checkout counter. Just after you pay, go grab your drink! The owner is friendly! **The fried green tomatoes were definitely my favorite! The sweet BBQ sauce and Spicy BBQ sauce were our favorites. read more

See all

We stopped by Friday for a late lunch, ordered the brisket plates and a PK burger. The food was wonderful, the portions are generous. The sides were a great complement to the meals. The service was very good. I've been by there many times, unfortunately it's always been on Sunday and they're closed. I'm really glad that we finally got to stop by and enjoy this with the family. read more

Papa KayJoe's is a must-do for anyone who enjoys back road excursions, small-town simplicity, family-run businesses, and good barbecue. The restaurant is small and situated on an equally small plot of land. Parking can be tight with half of the spaces on a steep incline.  Both the beef brisket and the pork are excellent. The menu possibilities are as mixed as the decor which is "Hometown Heroes meet Sports Hall of Fame" with a good rub and a sauce. The walls are hung with history of the local teams and family members. Your visit will be chock full of smokin' hits and few errors. The grilled cheese & barbecue sandwich is marvelous as are (my favorite) the brisket nachos Your belly will be filled in either case. Your mileage is likely to vary only by where your trip started and headcount. Groups planning to stop here won't be turned away, but size matters. Clubs on group drives/rides need to strongly consider schedule impact. read more

Food is always delicious, service is always friendly and fast. Great place for your daily meal, meal with friends. or a place to celebrate. Go, eat and enjoy! read more

From the moment You pull into the parking lot It just feels like home The staff is welcoming and the decor is spot on The food. Don't get me started It's as down home as it gets. Lip smacking good. The hot sauce I'll take a bowl. I could go on and on The only issue. They need more y shirts. read more

See all

Loved it! Right off 100 in Centerville and has the tasty food one would look for in a barbecue place. I enjoyed the lemon pie, my daughter enjoyed the ice cream sundae and our friend enjoyed the pecan pie. read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Cornbread pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

Really cute place and the staff was really great. Liked the brisket and pork, the Mac and cheese and chicken was a bit of a bummer but still with a stop if you're in the area. read more

I love the okra and brisket grilled cheese! The home fries are yummy, but I add salt and bbq sauce instead of catsup. #Brisket Plate Southern read more

Good smoke flavor, fast service and big portions. The fried green tomato's amazing to. Will come back read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Smoked sausage plate - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

Super filling and eclectic to boot! Loved eating their mouth watering bar-b-q! The place is super casual and has lots of antique signs and local memorabilia to check out as well. Going to come back soon to visit for sure! read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

See all

I had bookmarked this spot awhile ago and finally got a chance to stop. Well worth it! I came during the afternoon, so I don't know how busy they are during prime meal time. I got the brisket plate with a side of mayo slaw and okra. Everything was perfect. The portion was so large, I took home 2 more servings of brisket. read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Brisket plate w slaw and okra - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

Wow this place is amazing! I had business at the local courthouse and asked some of the locals for a great lunch spot and they pointed me to this place. I had the brisket sandwich and it was Awesome like 10 out of 10...probably one of my top brisket sandwiches I have tasted. I'm already planning to come back next time I'm in town. read more

Love Papa KayJoe's not only for their food, but also their family and hospitality and everything they do for our community. The restaurant has a great vibe. I always enjoy when I get to dine in. read more

This is great place to eat for lunch, dinner whatever. Very laid back atmosphere and great staff. Food is awesome I highly recommend the "Papa Burger" and homemade chips, you won't regret it! read more

Decent bbq good loaded Fries and pretty good nachos and a burgers not to bad either onion rings are pretty good to

Great small town atmosphere with local signs from schools & landmarks, prompt, friendly service. Lotsa smiles! Bucket of peanuts on the table made for a nice start. Food. And out fast & hot. Pork Sandwich was tasty, not fatty, with a heavy smoke finish. Good selection of sauces Best home fries ever! read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Digging in. - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

Every time I come and visit family down in Centerville we always have to go to Papa cages they serve the best barbecue in West Tennessee!

I love Papa K Joe's! The food and service is good! I will have to say I did like the BBQ better before the new Reaturant! It's still good but it had better favor to me before! It is a must try to those thAt come thru Centerville, TN! read more

FYI... they are in a temporary location across from the soccer fields. $5 lunch special!! Lg park sandwich with chips and drink!! Great deal!! read more

Really great bbq. I recommend the party pack special. Feeds 2 people that are really hungry, or 3 people that want to snack. Lol Overall great customer service. We will return! read more

Awesome BBQ and even better people. PKJ's had been on our road trip list for a quite while. It was well worth the wait. Being our first time, we went with the pork. The smokehouse mac and cheese, smoked grilled cheese, stuffed potato, and corncake sandwich all were great, plus the fried okra. Portions were generous, making lunch there our last meal of the day. It was an instant family favorite. read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Menu, October 2018. - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

Great BBQ, loved the fresh vinegar slaw. Lots of food at a great price. Great service. read more

Papa Kayjoe's Bar-B-Que - Open faced BBQ on corn bread. - Barbeque Near Me - Centerville, Tennessee

This is a complete experience and a must for anyone who appreciates great hospitality along with their food. That is to take nothing away from the food, because I have yet to be disappointed in my numerous visits since discovering the joint. The great hospitality and the amazing BBQ is a magical combination. The Southern Way w/coleslaw and a drizzle of the sweet sauce will change your life and the Brisket Grilled Cheese, will make you wanna slap yo mama! read more

Great food at a great price. Two of waddled out of there for less than $20. Great cornbread and barbeue read more

See all

It's a good ole country BBQ joint. Moist tender pulled pork BBQ. We all tried something diffrent. But sampled everyones plate....I had the southern way platter. It was a HEAPING monster plate of cornbread,BBQ and beans. I mixed white beans and baked beans...Yes there was still a lot on my plate...I couldn't eat that much. I got my money's worth and the quality was very good. A down home place & charm. My Wife had "the big bacon cheese burger" The meat was hand patted out, nicely loaded out with a trip through the garden. She was pleased and I was impressed. The dessert was homemade pies. I got chess pie to go. 2 hours later it was fantastic. A family friend got a grilled cheese with BBQ in it. I never seen one done like that but it look great. And he said it was a good combination with no complaints. We will stop here again. And I will reccomend it. read more

What a great family run business. The food is amazing and I can't try everything on the menu soon enough!

Yum yum yummy!!! I had the BBQ Southern Way and it was delicious. They also have fresh pork skins that make my stomach happy. Come here and you will not be disappointed! read more

Very very good bbq! You absolutely have to try the fried corn on the cob! Any heart doctor would hesitate but the taste is to die for.

Great food and great price!! Super friendly!! Locally owned as well!!! Sauces are on point too!!

I'm a Vegetarian and even I know that this place has the BEST BBQ. My husband LOVES this restaurant and it's all he talks about. We drove 8 hours just to visit Papa Kayjoe's. That has to say something! It's probably a good thing we don't live in Centerville. He would be eating there everyday! read more