Immediately struck by the warmth emanating from the kitchen, I was directed by a friendly smile to order at the counter. The restaurant’s rustic charm seemed to extend to its team, who chipped in to assure me that everything is made in-house. The passion was evident in the way they talked about the menu, making it clear that they take immense pride in their craft of barbecue.
The menu features an array of meats, from tender brisket and ribs to pulled pork and chicken. But it wasn’t just the meat that left me intrigued, as there were plenty of side options — vegetables, onion rings, sweet potato fries — the list goes on. After being convinced this spot was going to be good, I ordered the loose brisket plate with ranch-style beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. Personally, some days are “quesadilla days,” and that was motivation enough to also try the brisket quesadilla with potato skins on the side.
As the dishes arrived, my senses were greeted by the rich aroma of barbecue. The brisket came with raw onions, pickles, and bread. Each slice was generous and soft enough to make it so you didn’t need a knife to enjoy dinner. In between bites, I almost forgot to drizzle some of the homemade barbecue sauce over the meat. I was offered a choice in spice level and decided on mild, and it struck the ideal balance between sweet and spice, adding another layer of flavor to an already satisfying meal. The ranch-style beans balanced smokiness with a touch of sweetness, and the coleslaw was a lovely combination of creaminess and tang. The potato salad was velvety and paired really well with the natural grease from the brisket. My fingers, however, spoke a tale all in themselves as they dug into the brisket quesadilla. It was cheesy and savory, with onions and peppers spilling from the sides after every bite.
Overall, this otherwise unassuming family business has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike for decades, serving up a slice of barbecue heaven that’s well-loved by their communities of Manchester and Morrison. GN