Generally I look at an empty parking lot & vacant tables during dinner or lunch rush hours as a sign that a restaurant isn't good. In this case, because it's the only BBQ place near our house, we decided to ignore this simple litmus test and give Whitt's Barbecue a shot for dinner.
Short Review: Sadly, the premise still holds true!
Long Review:
We've eaten a LOT of BBQ all over the south; from ATL, TX, TN, KY to CA. Each region has their own take on BBQ. In fact, each restaurant also seems to have their own way of doing things. But NONE have been like this.....
We ordered the "Meat Plate", 1/2 Rack or Ribs and "Hot Wings" with mac & cheese and baked beans. (The each order came with a piece of thick bread).
To start with (and a "positive"), food was ready fast. Unfortunately, most of it was barely warm. (Honestly, a sandwich from name_your_fast_food_place is hotter when ordered. But that's because most places make the food to order). The meat looked oddly grey.
Judging by the size of the kitchen and the lack of customer, I am guessing that their food was prepared earlier in the day (or week) and sat in warming trays until server. It didn't seem big enough for a stone oven and I saw no signs of a Smoker. - Is their food prepared in Nashville and delivered out to the smaller locations like Pleasantville ???
The "Hot Wings" in particular were cold to the touch with withered dry skin & dry meat within like day old leftovers. They were neither warm nor spicy. They were truly truly gross! So I'm not sure why they were listed as Thursday's "Special".
More than anything, everything was REALLY bland and without flavor. In all, it reminded me of something you'd find in a high school or hospital cafeteria. (Mass produced, boxed or canned).
The two sauces on the table; "Hot" & "Mild" were overly sweet and not to my liking. They seemed generic and without personality. - Again, like something delivered by a mass market food supply chain (like SS Pierce from my old restaurant days).
Even the complimentary piece of bread was oddly nondescript and tasted store bought. It was white, thick and had the density and texture of pound cake with a hint of corn. (Though maybe that was my brain telling me it SHOULD have been a traditional southern corn bread?). It too was room temperature. So no melted buttery goodness to be found there!
Needless to say, we won't be returning to this location or trying out other Whitt's Barbecue joints. read more