Memphis: Hog Heaven

Gridley's is fast food barbecue. They don't have a drive-in, but you can order and take out. There are tables for eating in as well, but you still place your order at the counter and wait for your food on a tray. The barbecue itself is OK, a little on the bland side. However, they have the best baked beans in the city. Great flavor and lots of spice. Well, as much spice as this Minnesota girl can handle. The coleslaw isn't too bad, but I prefer mine a little sweeter.

The first time we went there the cook was a little upset because the bread was burnt and they forgot my fries. Hearing her chew out the girl at the counter was humorous, but not exactly what you expect when you go out to eat.

Hmmhmmm! Yum. Nothing is better than Corky's BBQ sauce. Located in a small building with very limited parking, the wait can be huge. No reservations, so everyone waits the same. I discovered, however, that if you arrive around 5:30 or 6pm, there is no waiting, even on a busy Friday or Saturday. The meat is slow cooked to the point of melting, but service is so quick and friendly that you don't have to salivate for too long.

My favorite is the shredded pork sandwich with coleslaw on top. It's served with beans and thick yummy fries with a glass of lemonade. If you are going with a large group, try the onion loaf. This solid loaf of onion rings mooshed together is so large that even a half loaf would feed four. The best thing is to come hungry and be ready to get messy. Believe me, you won't mind the mess.

A perfectly spiced barbecue that their slightly sweet coleslaw is a perfect companion for. I prefer to take it to go as the restaurant is like a tiled cafe and not to my liking. However, the food is so great that there is no way I would let a little thing like atmosphere get in my way. Their Sock-It-To-Me Cake is the perfect ending to the deliciously spicy ribs. Just like the ribs, it is melt in the mouth and the sweetness is just right. Great place for lunch and take out. They will also deliver anywhere in the world, and you can order by fax or email as well as phone. Visit their website at this link to check out the delivery menu and prices.

My friend Liz and I decided to try out the food at Isaac Hayes before partying on Beale Street. It was late afternoon, so there were few customers, and we got quick service. The club has a large stage in front with Vegas-style seating curving around the room. We were seated in one of the curved booths directly back from the stage. We were too early for the entertainment, but they feature blues and jazz music every night of the week and gospel music every Sunday at brunch. They even do karaoke every Wednesday.

Everyone there was super friendly and helpful with information about the restaurant. I decided to try the beef brisket. It came with two sides and a cornbread muffin. I chose the standard coleslaw and fries for my sides. The coleslaw was good, but not spectacular, the fries were warm, not hot, and the muffin was a little dry. However, the sauce made the entire meal. I regretted not asking for more, as that was my only problem with the brisket. The smoked brisket comes sliced on Texas toast covered in barbecue sauce. Yum! We went to the gift shop to see if they sold the sauce. They did, but it was sold only in a gift set with two other types of sauce which I did not wish to purchase. I just hope that it will become available on its own one day!