Neely’s Barbeque

Excellent. I had the pulled pork platter with mac and cheese and baked beans with a Yahzoo IPA. Big amounts of food and a great atmosphere. You gotta eat here.

It’s hidden in a plaza near a hotel I usually stay at when I’m in Nashville .If it wasn’t for Unilocal I wouldn’t have known it was there. I could’ve walked there from my hotel.
The Ribs were the best ribs I’ve had. I got the dry rub and added some sauce as well.
This is now my first stop when I arrive in Nashville
Service is great great BBQ joint

Closed! No indication on website or anywhere that this was the case.

I can’t say I’ve seen the Food Network feature (we don’t get cable) but the name recognition was there and I was stuck in the neighborhood taking boards, so I figured definitely give it a try. Reading some of the other reviews, I have to agree that there was a general sense of dirtiness to the place, sticky floors and the like. The food also took quite a while to arrive, even though the place was relatively empty and heavily staffed when I arrived.
I got the pork ribs which were ample and nicely done, within the dry rub style with just a bit of sauce. I actually went looking for some supplementary sauce but couldn’t find it, but I won’t let that bias my review… overall very good ribs, which had obviously been cooked for quite some time as they were falling off the bone. The collard greens were also very nice. Baked beans were a little too sweet but very good, plenty o’ beans there. The toast, left over, ’nuff said.
My pet peeve about this kind of food is the salt levels, which sometimes you don’t even realize until you are incredibly thirsty 30 minutes later. Which was the case, here. So, all I can give you Neely’s is three stars, but I will try you another time I am sure!

I was thrilled this was right by my hotel when I arrived in Nashville today! I love the Neely’s!
However, I read the reviews and was torn, but then I thought I gotta try it regardless of what people say! it’s the Neely’s!!!
To start, I walked into an almost dead restaurant, 2 people in there at 7:30pm…hummm
I ordered the pulled pork platter with 2 sides-​collards and beans. Then wondered the restaurant while I was waiting. This is where my concern started…
The floors were so sticky, could hear each step I made. The place felt REALLY dirty, even the bbq sauce for sale was dusty (I normally load up on stuff like this, but it was unappealing) The cooks were using their bare hands to prepare my food and plate it. A tv was facing the kitchen (only for the kitchen… no one could see it but them… why are the cooks watching tv and responsible for preparing food and handling a kitchen?) the longer I waited the more gross things I noticed and even as I left a rat ran across my path out on the porch… not necessarily their fault, but it was just a top off moment. It really needs a DEEP cleaning or they are asking for health code violations to be citied!
To be fair I enjoyed the BBQ, it was very tender and the honey BBQ had a great smokey flavor. The collards were perfect, I loved them! Great spice and meat crumbles added a nice touch. The beans… yuck…yuck…yuck…they tasted burnt and were basically a mush of black sugar… I hardly found a bean.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn the Neely’s had a place here in Nashville, while I’m on vacation. Yeah!
Ashley the cashier was wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable!
We ordered the Sampler Platter which included pulled pork, ribs and brisket. We got mac & cheese, potato salad and and greens for our sides and the sock– it– to– me cake for dessert and the sweet ice tea.
Pulled pork was moisted and cooked just right, the ribs were falling off the bones, so good and the brisket was just simply delicious. The sides were good mac & cheese not baked, but good nonetheless and doesn’t taste like the box. We got to sample the BBQ spaghetti and it is good. The cake was moist and the best ever! Sweet ice tea was the best I have ever had!
They have a beautiful outdoor patio with a wonderful lake view and they have free wifi! I wasn’t disappointed and glad I didn’t let the recent bad review keep me from experiencing an absolutely wonderful meal.
If you are in Nashville, please put this place as a must before you leave. Made my visit here a great experience.

Terrible!
Neely’s, I traveled from California to have dinner at your establishment, just because you are you were one of my all fine favorites on the Food Network. I would drool at recipes like «Get yo man chicken». Sadly, I’ve lost some respect for you after my recent visit. First, the service is terrible and down fight embarrassing. The cashier could not even recommend the vast majority of your dishes. In fact, she persuaded my party of four NOT to order the greens as they sometimes tasted «leafy». She stated the macaroni and cheese was not good as it was prepared stove top via oven baked. I should’ve listened. It tasted straight out if the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box! The food took FOREVER to come! We all Ordered collard greens, but were not informed they had run out untill they placed our plates on the table, only to discover we now had green beans as a replacement. Unacceptable! Both the pork ribs and the short ribs tasted boiled vice barbecued/​smoked. Both we’re bland and lacked any flavor. The original and honey based sauce had waaaay too much vinegar in it, so neither helped the ribs taste any better. We were served fake Texas toast. The barbeque baked beans tasted like, in the words of one of my friends «sugar molasses». I ordered the sick it to me cake for dessert. It wasn’t bad, but it was dry. None of us could even stomach eating the rest of our food. $ 17 and change down the drain for some of the worst barbeque I’ve ever eaten. I may be partial because I’m from OK where they really know about good Q, but bad is just BAD.
I will definitely not return.

I love the Neely’s and I love Neely’s Barbeque. I couldn’t make it to Memphis to try the original Neely’s Barbeque, but was very happy there is Neely’s Barbeque in Nashville.
The ribs were smothered in the delicious Neely’s tomato-​based bbq sauce and fall off the bone tender. It was very good and simply melts in your mouth. Fantastic.
The BBQ spaghetti was also pretty interesting and different from traditional spaghetti. It was the first time I had it and I thought it was quite tasty. It was also smothered in bbq sauce with bits and pieces of pork. The sauce was a little overwhelming for my wife, but I thought it tasted great and best sandwiched between the big slices of bread that comes with the meal.
The people that worked here were nice and I thought the prices were very good for a bbq joint.

This is decent bbq, but I think it is safe to say that you are paying five bucks extra for the honor of eating famous people food. Beans, cornbread, cole slaw and fries are all bland and boring. Sauces are forgettable. Meats are smoked ok, but not well seasoned. I have been here a couple times and the chicken is always dry.
Maybe I shouldn’t be bothered by it, but who wants to spend 9 dollars on a BBQ sandwich and then have to go stand and wait at the window to pick it up on a styrofoam plate before going over to the trough and picking out a plastic fork?
It didn’t come across as kitschy, it came across as cheap. Like…“hey guys, we can save a few dollars a night if we don’t buy real forks and knives, or walk the food out to our guests.“
I like the Neely’s and enjoy their show. The food they cook on TV looks great. The food being served in their name here in Nashville is mediocre and over-​priced. Try Jacks on Trinity. Better in every way, and cheaper, too. Even the regional chain Jim & Nicks is better across the board for about the same prices.

Oh Neely’s I’m so sad to have to write this, but I feel as though it has to be said. I will go ahead and say that I’m not that big of a fan of their show, BUT I do like barbecue and since the Neelys specialize in it so I figured it couldn’t be too bad. I mean, Bobby Flay certainly wasn’t asked to host a show on Food network because of his affable personality, right?
I don’t like eating alone so my I invited my friend for a late dinner. She wasn’t a big eater so she got the chopped pork sandwich with the mac and cheese. I was starving so I went with the pulled pork plate, not wanting to be outdone I got the broccoli and cheese and the potato salad. We ended up being the last people there since the restaurant closes at 9 but I didn’t feel a rush at all. We walked up to order and after asking her opinion about sides she answered all our questions. In fact, one of the people cleaning up asked if we needed anything and my friend’s request for sauce was addressed quickly.
Unfortunately, the food was nowhere as good, my friend’s sandwich seemed really bland and looked like a scoop of pulled pork and then simply chopped. My pulled pork was not very good, either. The meat was overdone and more importantly, their sauce? Really not that good! Why they sell it is beyond me. The broccoli and cheese was similarly okay, the cheese seemed like cheap nacho cheese sauce and it was sprinkled with paprika, much like the potato salad which was just all right.
There are definitely better barbecue places in Nashville and you don’t have to go to a ‘name’ place for it. In fact, I wouldn’t go to this ‘name’ place for bbq again.

Ribs were dry, brisket was dry, pork and turkey were very good, BBQ spaghetti was ok but noodles over cooked, green beans good

Maybe its because I’m a west coast Seattle boy and don’t know what real authentic Southern BBQ is, but I have to say this was my favorite place to eat in Nashville. I went with the dry rub pork ribs and haven’t had any better BBQ since.

We had to come here since we were staying in Nashville on our road trip and I am a huge fan of Food Network. I can’t decide if I liked it so much because I like the Neely’s so much or if it’s really that good. I don’t eat a lot of BBQ, but really do like it. I really liked the coleslaw, unique, slightly spicy flavor. I liked the original sauce the best and it’s made exactly how I like it, thin. But, I have to say the meat was a little dry and wasn’t amazing by itself and needed the sauce. But, it’s definitely NOT horrible by any means. The atmosphere is really neat and especially right on the water, which I loved. If you are a BBQ fan and a Neely’s fan, you should definitely stop by for some BBQ.

It used to be a 4 star for me hands down, but it’s not the same place as it used to be.
But let’s talk BBQ. So you’re either gonna be a dry rub, wet sauce, or southern vinegar person. And I find that only «old school» southerners are vinegar ppl. Depending which you prefer will determine if you like this place.
Unlike most of the franchised BBQ places that offer wet or dry, this is definitely just a «wet sauce» bbq joint. I’m a «wet sauce» person myself, but Neely’s puts a little too much on. The brisket is good and the rib tips special is a great deal.
Stay away from the «bbq spaghetti,» unless you’re a fan of Chef Boyardee. It’s really overcooked noodles mixed w/​pork bits and lots of bbq sauce. It’s there «unique» item to the restaurant, but good BBQ shouldn’t need a unique gimmick.
I don’t know if it’s b/​c the Neely’s got too famous on Food Network, but the quality has gone down a little in the last two years. Portions are little smaller than they were and the service isn’t as attentive.
Still a good place for BBQ tho.
FUN TIP: Bring a cheap loaf of sliced bread with you. If you come during the warm season, you can feed some crazy wildlife in the big pond on their outdoor dock. Ducks, Turtles, and BIG Carp will fight over the bread you chuck out there.
Honestly, that in itself makes it worth a visit.

Having driven 2000 miles and after enjoying the Fourth in Little Rock
(believe it or not went to The Clinton Library which looks like a mobile home from the «Jetsons») which were the best fireworks we’ve seen this side of Laural, MT. Beautifully done on the river!
I digress, I wanted BBQ and opted for Neely’s and was not disappointed!
As we walked in the door I almost fell over Tony Neely and we struck up a conversation, seems his Aunt Beverly owned «Jay-Bee’s» BBQ in Gardena, Ca one my favs! She’s passed but her son Kirk has take the reins so go and enjoy if you’re in the Los Angeles South Bay area!
We had the sampler platter and it was fabulous, I had tears in my eyes!
The Mrs doesn’t like bbq and loved it! Wow!
Thanks Tony, Gina & Pat for a great experience!
Now what do I do here to top this? Ha!

Went to Tennessee with my boyfriend a few months back to spend the Holidays with his family. Having already gained a few pounds during each meal there, I was still determined to pay the Neely’s a visit. I am a huge Food Network fan, so I just had to!
{Ambiance} Casual. Picnic type feel. Extremely Spacious Inside. The day we went, there weren’t any tour groups. Plenty of seating was available. This location is beautiful. If you sit towards the back of the restaurant you can see the waterfront.
{Service} Self Service. Once you enter, go to the counter on your left. Place your order with the cashier and pay first. Once you get your drink cups, take a seat. The food is brought to you fairly quickly. All the drinks are refillable and you help yourself.
My boyfriend and I spotted Tony Neely (Pat Neely’s Brother) in a corner looking at some floor plans. I was so excited and really wanted to meet him. I just didn’t want to look like a complete dork running up to him and asking him if I could take a picture.
I finally got the courage to do so. When I approached him, he was MORE than friendly and down to earth. He ended up speaking to my boyfriend and I for over 30 mins. He told us that he was looking at floor plans for the new restaurant they were about to open in NYC! Not sure if they opened yet?
Its called Neely’s Barbeque Parlor and should be located at 1125 First Ave. New York, NY 10 065
After 30 mins. of chit chat, our food was a bit cold by the time we got back to our table. We didn’t care, we just had a convo with one of the Neely’s! Tony was so kind and told one of the employees to bring us fresh items. WOW! Now that’s some serious Down Home With The Neely’s hospitality.
{Food} A huge selection of bbq items, salads, sides, wings, sandwiches, and desserts. We tried the Sampler Platter. It comes with pulled pork, pork ribs, sliced beef, turkey and toast. You have a choice of 2 sides (beans, slaw, fries, potato salad, bbq spaghetti).
The Pulled Pork and Pork Ribs were tender, seasoned to perfection and the sauce on it complemented the meat well. We weren’t a fan of the turkey or sliced beef. We found it to be a bit too dry.
For our 2 sides, we chose the potato salad and bbq spaghetti. We also ordered an extra side of mac and cheese. The noodles in the bbq spaghetti were very mushy. If that’s how the consistency is supposed to be, then I guess I’m just not a fan. Both the mac n cheese and potato salad were winners. Their sweet tea is to die for. You may be in a sugar coma for awhile.
{Price} Very affordable. Our Sampler Platter was $ 18.99 and we both left more than full with plenty of leftovers.
{Note} Try their «Sock It To Me Cake.» It’s delicious! Once I came back home I found out that the recipe for this dessert is on Food Networks website. I tried the recipe at home and it tasted exactly like the ones they sell. Do bake this at home if you get a chance. Mmmmm Cinnamon and Sugar.

Just a review of the delivery service.
Had Neely’s cater an event at Fanny Mae Dees park (Dragon park). Driver called multiple times /​was lost & late. Flagged him down finally. Food was there, hot, they forgot the silverware/​plates/​napkins so he had to go back to Neely’s to get it.
About 50 minutes later there were plates and such. Since the food was already late when it got there we lost a lot of people who were not expecting to be there and hour and a half for food and ended up with enough leftovers for a month.
Seriously… tons of food leftover because they couldn’t deliver — we even had then set to deliver 30 minutes early just to be on the safe side. Seems to me it should be «food: check, stuff to eat food with: check, directions to delivery spot: check» and 2 out of 3 of those got botched.

This was our very first stop when we pulled into Nashville. I’m a longtime Food Network minion, so any time we travel, I used FN (and of course, Unilocal!) as a reference for where to go and eat. I’m also a big barbecue lover, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to check out Neely’s.
We each ordered the sampler platter, and for right around $ 20, you got a TON of meat, two sides, and a drink. The pork ribs were HUGE. I mean, standing up two inches off the bone HUGE. Everything was flavorful, juicy, and I loved experimenting with their two sauces.
I walked out of the place REEKING like smoke, just like you should when you eat barbecue. I’m glad we made the stop!

my gramps is OBSESSED with the neelys… so when my parents came to visit, we had to go scope this place out so that we could report back to the old man. that report is as follows:
–sampler platter: i didn’t try the pork ribs, but they looked tasty. i did have the turkey, which was tasty, the pork, which was the best thing on the plate, moist and flavorful, and the beef, which was DRY. i made my dad eat the rest of it.
–beef ribs. super meaty, drenched in sauce, delicious. there were a few tough spots, but they were outweighed by the tasty goodness. i got so into eating them that the staff tried to take a picture of my sauce covered face to put up on the wall.
–sides: the potato salad was DELICIOUS… i LOVE yellow potato salad. the mac and cheese was super ooey gooey and yummy yummy in my tummy. the fries were good and crisp. the bread was a nice addition to soak up the sauce in my stomach. the one thing that was blah, and i mean BLAH, was the slaw. lettuce slaw? really? it was wet and non-​crunchy and… yeah. gross. just gross.
watch out for the sweet tea. i could feel my teeth rotting out of my skull, the sugar content was so ridiculously high. you have been warned.

Gawd almighty, I love some pulled pork. So today my lunchtime foray took me to Neely’s.
I’ve heard of Neely’s while living out in Memphis during college but between my visits to Corky’s and Rendezvous I never made it. I’ve also seen it on the Food Network and all that hype about the BBQ spaghetti. That sounds completely disgusting to me but pulled pork I can get behind.
Ordered a pulled pork sandwich which comes with slaw and a drink for something like $ 8. The chick taking my order was a blank slate of nonchalance but whatever. The food came out quickly and you go to the counter to pick it up. The ladies handing you your food at the pickup were so SUPER nice which made up for the bored chick taking orders. So the pork was pretty decent, not the best but certainly ok enough to satisfy my pork cravings. They literally drowned it in sauce which I LOVE but I didn’t see any bottles of hot BBQ sauce on the counters or anywhere else so that I could supplement the regular sauce with some heat. At any rate, the sauce was tasty — not too sweet. I ended up having to eat the entire thing with a fork because it soaked the bun too much to pick up. The slaw was served in a tiny little container normally used for salad dressing — why so stingy? It was yellow in color — I assume that’s because it is mustard rather than mayo based? Anyway, it was ok too.
I saw that this place stays open until 9 or 10pm although I cannot imagine why? Who goes to MetroCenter anymore at night? I mean, 15ish years ago there was a nightclub and theater over there but now? Office buildings and «For Lease» signs. I have a feeling that a visit to the one in Memphis would probably be more in line with what people rave about when they discuss Neely’s. Until I get back to Memphis I will more than likely visit Neely’s for lunch on a semi-​regular basis — especially when the weather is cooler so I can sit on the patio and pretend I don’t have to go back to work.