Porky’s Pit B B Q

I really wanted to like this place. You know, you’re visiting the area and wanting to support local economy and all. Sadly though, that totally did not happen. Two of the three adults got the uummm «ribs». What I don’t understand is how ribs had no individual ribs. They were just a lumpy piece of meat with a large cartilage looking piece running horizontally along one side and the texture of that gelatinous square of dog food that comes in a can and has the cute white dog on the label (not mentioning any names as to not insinuate that I’m insulting the dog food). My husband said his pulled pork was average. The kids ate all of the fries but it was a no go on the chicken fingers which are generally impossible to mess up. The sides were average. I didn’t do anything more than taste all of the items. My SIL was a bit more adventurous and ate about half of her «ribs» (but she’s the pleasing type and probably didn’t want to upset us plus I’m sure she was starving). Very disappointing.

While on a road-​trip cross-​country, we inevitably ended up on some of the back roads to experience a bit more culture. We spotted the BBQ signage on the side of the road, and decided to stop by. The ribs and sides were delicious and simple, exactly what I expected and wanted. The only downside was the lack of seating beyond a table next to trash cans, which attracted a fair number of flies, and warranted swatting with BBQ sauce coated hands. Delicious food, however.

I’d always thought BBQ was kind of foolproof, but apparently not. The brisket was bone-​dry, a little salty but otherwise bland (husband’s verdict: «It tastes dirty.»). We even asked for extra sauce and it soaked it up without making any apparent difference. Not that the sauce was so great — both it and sides tasted like they came out of a can.
My husband has lived in the south and said it was the worst BBQ he has ever had — and it was so bad, in fact, that although we were both starving neither of us could get down more than half our plates. We threw it out and got more food somewhere else.

Daily pulled pork special hit the spot and slaw added was a treat. Definitely a future stop. Picnic table eating and large area to walk canine traveling companion.

Eh well. It was just meh for me. Turkey sandwich was kinda dry and didn’t have much taste. The hot sauce was not hot at all, in fact it was bland and watery. The coleslaw was marginally better, fresh and crunchy, but again lacking in seasoning. Kind of a weird little shack out in the middle of no where, doubtful I will take the time to stop by again. We tried to go to the purple pig before this and found it closed — out of business perhaps? It was a Thursday night… This place is also a drive through. Cash only!

Basically a small box of a building with a take-​out window and a drive up window along the highway. But… the pulled pork sandwich, WOW. When I visit the area, I always zip by here and pick up a couple of them to take to the office. Great, friendly, service. I am going to try their ribs next time. Another Tennessee classic. Got to be on your list of BBQ places to try.

The meat was amazingly tender, has the pulled pork sandwich. Wasn’t crazy about the sauce, but I only tried the hot and the quality of the meat and flavor of the beans more than made up for it. Was a little disappointed the pecan pie was a pre packaged Sara Lee pie (I’m admittedly in tourist mode and trying to try as many of the local flavors as I can. That said, it was still pretty good. Cute casual authentic atmosphere, and friendly quick service.

Yes-​sirree friends, if you’re tired of the big box barbecue joints then Porky’s Pit B B Q is THE PLACE. And the locals have voted it Manchester’s Finest and I agree wholeheartedly. It’s walk-​up or drive-​through service, only. They accommodate sit down dining outside at two picnic tables and that’s it. Service is quick, food is excellent. They’re a cash only business so bring money with you. I’d be big as they building they work in if I lived closer and could get there more frequently.
I had a rib dinner with beans and coleslaw and it was excellent. A little greasy but hey, we’re eating barbecue, right?
My other half had smoked turkey and imagine her surprise to find real turkey vs. processed turkey pieces/​slices. That too, was excellent.
In fact the leftovers traveled the rest of the way to Florida with us.
I’d strongly suggest this little gem in Manchester and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump off Interstate 24.

I love this place. It’s near my in-​laws and we go several times each time we travel to Manchester. We usually get the pulled pork meat but their ribs are good too. Ribs aren’t as good as Praters in Morrison 25 min up the road, but good and not as expensive. Well worth a visit. It’s all take-​out, not a sit-​down place.