Everything was fantastic. We’d never gone before so we over-ordered. We had pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, cole slaw, and mac and cheese.
I would have been in heaven with just sweet tea, pork ribs, and sweet potato fries. Just so good, and everyone there was very nice and patient with our table that had three young kids.
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This place was an amazing experience!
Atmosphere: It's off of Hwy. 98 and no easily seen, but that adds to the atmosphere. The gravel parking lot and front porch gives you the feeling of coming home. Once you get inside you will see a wide-open space filled with tables and chairs. There are huge tables for community dining which adds to the historical aspect of this place. It's been around for over 40 years. But, you also have smaller tables for solo or couple dining. You'll see a ton of pictures on the wall of people who have contributed to the restaurant in some shape, form, or fashion.
Service: Chick-fil-A is known for its top-notch customer service, but evidently they took lessons from Leatha's. You are greeted with a smile from everyone who works there as they allow you to seat yourself. It's a family affair at Leatha's so everyone knows the food inside-out and can give you very good recommendations/explanations of the menu. Ms. Bonnie and her daughter Shereese (sp.) will make you feel at home. They also enjoy answering questions about the history of the restaurant. Your service is so personal that you feel like family when you're there. The food came out very quickly, so there wasn't a wait at all. We got there on a Saturday right at opening time, so I'm unsure of how crowded it gets during other times.
Food: Okay, this is what you really want to know about, right? I ordered the 1/2 and 1/2 pork and beef ribs, baked beans, and fries. My lady ordered the 1/2 and 1/2 sausage and pulled pork, cole slaw, and potato salad. The portion sizes were very generous! There is enough food to make two meals out of each order. The beef ribs were the most tender I've ever had. They were juicy, flavorful, and just released all kinds of goodness in your mouth when you chewed. I used the warm BBQ sauce that was served in a tin cup. I poured it on and it enhanced the taste that much more. The lean qualities of the beef ribs were more enjoyable with the sauce to me, but the pork ribs had enough fat to preserve its own flavor. Although I added sauce, it was completely optional. A knife was not needed as I could easily cut with my fork. The sausage had a very nice spicy kick to it and would have been great in a hot dog bun! The pulled pork was tender and seasoned nicely. They slow-cook it just right at Leatha's. I probably should have asked for an extra roll! The baked beans were sweet, but very enjoyable. Even if you prefer a bolder taste you will still appreciate these. The fries are more like small potato wedges, but they pair well with any of the meats that are offered. I didn't try the cole slaw or potato salad myself, but my lady said that they were on point.
Overall: I enjoyed the food as well as I enjoyed the people. Places like this are hard to come by. Fortunately, I saw it on The Food Network on "Man, Fire, Food". That segment alone was enough to make me drive 2 hours from Jackson to give it a try. It was worth every mile.
This was one of the better places Hattiesburg for barbecue. The. ribs did taste like they had been par boiled then smoked. The sauce was made in house and serve warm it paired well with both meats. I would highly recommend that you try the secret sauce slaw. They ambience was very simple with communal family style tables inside of an old town meeting hall. Try it out if you are are hungry the sides are more than my appetite could handle.
My family and I tried Leatha's last week for the first time and left very satisfied. The restaurant is not a sight of beauty by any means and the service, while extremely friendly, was a little slow. Of course the good news was the food certainly stole the show and made up for any shortcomings in other areas. The ribs were the best we've had; very tender and flavorful and the pulled pork plate was generous and delicious. Their homemade sauce was unique and paired excellent with both meats while the Fried potatoes ended up being the tables favorite side dish. We will definitely be back again!
I insist upon visiting Leatha's whenever we come to Hattiesburg to visit my in-laws. The BBQ is smoked and bathed in a sweet, tomato sauce. I always order the ribs. They are so tender that I literally just lift the bones out. A full rack makes 3 meals for me. The sides, especially the coleslaw, are all very good.
The ambiance is true, roadside, Southern smokeshack. Wooden floors, mismatched dishes and wash cloths for napkins don't just give this place an authentic feel but are ACTUALLY authentic. It is what it is. Not fancy but good.
With all the recommendations and reading the many reviews, I finally decided to try Leatha's and the food truly did not disappoint, however the service was horribly unorganized probably due to how busy they were. So let me speak about the food...the ribs were so tender, the meat was literally falling off the bone. Since they were out of sausage at the time, I opted for the chicken which was super moist and seasoned well. I got my sauce on the side and it was sweet, tangy and good enough to just dip the bread in! Everything was fantastic with the exception of the above mentioned service, but I won't let that deter me from returning for some great BBQ.
Recently we celebrated my fiancee's 32 birthday when his sister put together a last minute small family gathering of her 2 boys, herself, him, & me at our home. She surprised him with picking up a PECAN PIE, one of his favs his Mammow D used to bake him. Now nothing has ever compared to this fine ladies cooking! Let me tell you this pie is The Pie! I've never had a bought pie taste as good as this one! So much goodness in one slice & plenty of pecans! You will not feel shorted on the pecans! This is the best pecan pie! He actually compared it to Mammow D's & said it was neck n neck on taste! All he was missing was his late Mammow D. Such a sweet birthday!!!! Thank you Marlena & Leatha's for the pecan pie!
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Seriously one of the best meals I have ever had in my life! Leatha's has become a regular stop for my entire family when we are headed to the Gulf from Missouri. The first time we ate there we happened to be staying in Hattiesburg and my daughter looked on the internet for somewhere to eat BBQ and we could literally smell it before we could see it. That was when we knew we were in for something special.
When you go in Leatha's and sit down to eat, the ladies there make you feel like you've come home (no matter where you are from) and they want to feed you. It feels comfortable and easy, especially after a day of traveling.
I am not even going to try to put into words how good the food is--I don't know what they do or how they do it but somehow everything from their simple garden salad to their slaw to their meat is just better than any I have ever had.
I tell everyone I know about Leatha's and have yet to find another restaurant with the friendly atmosphere, service and food that even comes close.
wonderful BBQ. I had the 4 meat plate. it tasted wonderful and the pork ribs were the best! the plate is served with two large sides, rolls, and a pitcher of sauce. the sauce is like syrup. the potato salad is very mustardy -- as is the secret cole slaw. the staff is very friendly.
Leatha's has the best BBQ POSSIBLY IN MISSISSIPPI and most definitely in Hattiesburg by far. U gotta try the beef ribs and the steak. U will comeback. And the sauce is so good. Maybe as good as the meat. Just ask Matt Lauer of the Today Show; he agrees with me. The potato salad is very good and the fries go good with the sauce.
Best bbq I've ever had. I love sweet bbq. My family and I have been going there for years. Just about as southern as you can get. Famous people's pictures all over there wall.
Professional Eater Mike
+4.5
Southern style BBQ may not be my thing, but I genuinely enjoyed Leatha's. I would consider myself an ameteur BBQ'er. I have studied the BBQ'ers bible at www.amazingribs.com and have a full understanding of all things BBQ. Leatha's might not have ever read that website, or else they'd know you don't put sweet sauce on beef. But I digress, because I know I am talking about a whole different category of BBQ, the mysterious world of Southern BBQ where "sweet" is king.
Leatha's won over my taste-buds regardless because the pork and beef is that good. It's "no teeth required" tender, which is saying something for beef ribs. Here are a couple of my observations and opinions:
1. The secret in the coleslaw is honey mustard in lieu of mayonnaise
2. Although I see a picture of a smoker, I don't believe the meat was actually smoked. I did not pick up on the flavor and I spied in the kitchen very large ovens which probably get the cooking done faster and cheaper.
3. The beef ribs are real ribs, not brisket as somebody else mentioned. My beef ribs were still attached to bone. Then they promptly fell off as soon as I picked them up.
4. Fried potatoes are just that, not some fancy name for french fries. And they're damn good.
5. Their BBQ Sauce does not seem to have any corn syrup in it. My stomach always reminds me after a meal when I've had corn syrup because I get indigestion. I did not have one lick of indigestion even after my "half and half" plate.
I do not mean to insult Leatha's because this style of BBQ fits the clientel that come here, but I did realize that I'm a Texas or Kansas City BBQ lover at heart after indulging in this southern-style treat. Expect to pay over $20 if you're getting a decent sized meal and drink.
For all you Texans and Texan wannabes: Leatha's does not serve Texas BBQ. If that's not OK with you, stay away. If you want to have the best BBQ outside of Texas served by a family that truly cares about its customers, give Leatha's a try. The beef ribs are extraordinary as are the potato salad and beans. Ask for Bonnie and she'll make sure you don't leave hungry.
The first clue that you are about to eat some serious BBQ is that there are wash cloths on the tables instead of paper napkins! When a friend heard I was going to be in Hattiesburg, the first thing he said was, "You HAVE to go to Leatha's" Then, several other people recommended it was well. I had the pork ribs and pulled pork with a salad and potato salad. Everything was excellent. The potato salad had sweet pickles, and I am used to dill, but it was still very good. Some reviews complained about the food being greasy, but I kind of expect it to be when ordering pork. Being from Texas, I have had better BBQ, but this place is solid. Every single person that works there was friendly and joking with the customers. Just a great place to go for a good home cooked meal.
Great HOMETOWN BBQ. The food is always plentiful and delicious! I ordered a steak and split it with my daughter. Well worth the price for a 1 POUND steak. Perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned. Other family members ordered the ribs, and they were so tender.
Awesome BBQ!. Went here for dinner during the week and loved it. I had the chicken and part of my friend's ribs. The place is very relaxing and I enjoyed hanging out and watching tv after we finished our meal.
The Discriminating Palate
+4.5
Best BBQ I've ever had. Memphis? Nah. Kansas City? No way. Texas? Don't make me laugh. The best BBQ in the world is at Leatha's. The pulled pork, pork ribs, and chicken are all top-notch.
Fabulous barbeque!!!. I can't say enough good things about Leatha's. I love their Bar-B-Que and their potato salad, baked beans, everything! I tend to eat my barbecue at home but Leatha's is one of those places that is worth going to just for the barbecue. And they don't short you.
It's the best! I loved it! All the workers are so nice! Their steak is amazing!
Delicious Que. Was visiting my home state of Mississippi and relatives from Hattiesburg recommended Leatha's for lunch on a Saturday. I was very impressed with Bonnie's (Leatha's Daughter) memorization of our order. The food was both good and plentiful. The beef was my favorite and the potato salad was fantastic. The restaurant is Southern Mississippi classic; homespun rustic with Southern People flair. I would go back.
Best BBQ I've had in three states. I'm in the military and in our past three states, this is the best BBQ. My sister in law visited, she works at a BBQ place in Oklahoma. She even admitted it was better than her place.
Ive been back 4 times so far.
I love a down home southern atmosphere, and this place has just that! You will feel like family. The menu is short and sweet just like the tea. The flavors are unique. Make sure you get some slaw... Yum!
It was great! Can't wait to come back, the ribs were boneless and served that way since they fall of the bone.
Words are not enough to express my gratitude for LEATHAS Simply awesome! Don't forget to try the steak
Well worth the trip! A great ride from Jackson on the motorcycle, and I always bring home some for the family.
Leatha's BBQ'n. Tue-Thu 11AM-8:30PM, Fri & Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun & Mon Closed. Casual. Located oddly behind an RV center, Leatha's is a well-known "hidden gem." Single grand dining room - no hostess, so seat yourself! The line at the counter is patrons waiting to pay, not order! On a crowded Saturday afternoon, there's a good chance you'll be sharing one of their larger tables with strangers. My waitress Glenda was the loud but friendly type, constantly having to shuffle tables to meet patrons needs. After a few minutes, my side of potato salad - which was excellent and mustard-based (possibly the highlight of my meal) - arrived first, my drink about 10 minutes later, and my pork rib plate ($17.99 with two sides, pricey for 8 ribs) with baked beans about 15 minutes after that. Their thin, sweet barbecue sauce comes in a carafe on the side, with two very disappointing biscuits. Overall, a bit hectic... but very friendly, organized chaos!
BBQ is awesome! Discovered this place last year and talked about the place as soon as we left it. Made a long road trip again this year and this place was a destination for us! Love it! Besides the awesome smokey flavor that you can taste just getting out of the car, the slaw and potato salad hit it out of the ballpark.
Good baby backs, chicken & pulled pork.
Best BBQ in the south! Point blank period!
Good pig by folks who care. Likee!
The ribs are spectacular!
Some of the best pulled pork I've had other than smoking it myself. The ribs are fall off the bone tender, and the sauce is served on the side. The beans are very good, and the coleslaw has a touch of honey mustard and is addictive! The staff is family and that's how you're treated when you visit this very good restaurant.
Every time we go to leatha's we leave stuffed! It's well worth the drive! Be sure to order the fried potatoes. One word...yum.
#1 Rib Joint around Hattiesburg. Simply the best ribs in this area. Smoked to perfection and tender as you'd expect.
Fall off the bone. Ribs are absolutely amazing, only place I get ribs. Delicious sides and BBQ sauce. Never go wrong with Leatha's.
Best Ribs and Pulled Pork. Leatha's is the place I bring out of town guests to when they want great ribs and want the "quintessential" Mississippi BBQ experience. I brought several out of town friends there recently and the beef & prok ribs literally fell of the bone - the most tender ribs we've ever had, period!
BAR-B-YUM.. For some reason, when I go eat here, I feel like I am eating on the set of Fried Green Tomatoes or something. Cute little charm to the atmosphere, nice wait staff, and delicious BBQ! Go see Leatha! :D
Food Good Customers Bad. The BBQ was great, the sides very good and getting waited on by Leatha's daughter was worth the money and the trip. My only complaint was everyone keeps telling me Brett Favre might show up and that keeps me from going back. Thinking of Brett sitting in the back with his quick open wranglers and a cell phone just ruins my appetite.
Best BBQ in the world!!!. Don't let anybody fool you Letha's is simply the best BBQ in the world. Enough said.
Leatha's YUMMY- I was there in 2009 after Hurricane Ike and Gustfa with a very dear friend and a crew from the Red Cross. We all fell in LOVE with the food.... most of us were from Michigan and we wanted to take a piece of Leatha's home with us.. We'll be back!!!!
Great BBQ ! Ribs both pork and beef melt in your mouth. Beans are tender and flavorful! Hospitality makes great BBQ and it is abundant here. Don't miss a treat!!
LEGIT. Leatha's BBQ is legit--not just the BBQ, but all their side items as well. Meat falls off the rib bones every time, and their BBQ sauce is just to die for.
Best restaurant in Hattiesburg, hands down.
Leatha can even memorize a 16-person table order like no other!
I order the Hungry Man every time and just gobble it down. Leftovers can serve as real good breakfast items, too. :)
Good BBQ for this area. Tasty large portions with excellent sides
Good BBQ ( but could be smoked longer IMHO)
When I am passing thru Hattiesburg I always stop though :)
New in Town. Before we even moved to town Leathas had been put on our "must go" list by a friend who is from Hattiesburg. He was so right.. Great food and friendly service. The current owner is very adept at remembering your order with out writing it down.. Wish I could do that !
The sauce is out of this world
Sweet family! Great food! Mmm!
Discovered Leathas about 5 years ago and have fallen in love with it. If I want BBQ this is the first place I think of. The environment is pretty much come as you are and come hungry. Portion sizes are large and service is very welcoming. The price can be a little steep for some people but runs about average compared to other BBQ smokehouses.
Southern BBQ. Probably the best BBQ you can find at a restaurant in or around Hattiesburg. A little over priced to suit me, but you get what you pay for. Order the half beef and pork plate, it is finger-licking good. Call before you go hours are not the best in the world.
Good BBQ. Very friendly staff that makes you feel like your right at home with family. The BBQ is good and the meat is very tender. I enjoyed pork ribs, cole slaw, rolls, and a huge drink! The food is well worth it, and not expensive at all. A nice treat.
Very simple menu with limited choices, but THE BEST BBQ WITHIN 100 MILES!!!
Good BBQ, it's been featured in southern living magazine and often described as a "hidden gem". However, a little overpriced and overrated in my opinion.
Good BBQ. If you're in the mood for BBQ go here. This is the best you will find in MS....the atmosphere is a little strange, but the comfort food is good..
"Better than Memphis BBQ" Best little secret in Hattisburg. Look behind the RV park.
Best Barbeque in the Nation. Leatha's has been snubbed if it isn't in the top 10 best restaurants in Hattiesburg, because this is one of the best BBQ places in the nation. This place has been featured on the Food Network. The atmosphere is down-home and the service is beyond just friendly. Be sure to get the meat combo and enjoy either the chicken, pork ribs, or beef ribs.
The restaurant is one large rectangular room with a partition in the rear that separates the kitchen from the customers.
I got the 2 meat plate with chicken and brisket. My 2 sides were cheesy potato casserole and mac n cheese. Everything was excellent with tons of flavor. The house bbq sauce is definitely on point.
Delicious! I had the rib and chicken plate, both were cooked perfectly, falling off the bone tender, and seasoned nicely. I’m not a big fan of bbq sauce so this was a great treat. The did have quite a variety. The green beans and potato casserole were awesome! I will stop by again when in this area.
The WMD is probably one of my favorite BBQ sandwiches I've ever tried, highly reccomend with OG sauce!
All BBQ is the same, right? Wrong, go grab you a Robert E. Lee (pulled pork with homemade slaw on top) and let them sway you too. Did I mention they have a drive-thru?
The best of the best. All the meats are smoked perfectly. The only bake beans from a restaurant that I actually like. Can't say enough about the awesome bread pudding. I visit this place on a regular basis and never been disappointed.
Excellent barbeque. Large portions. Super friendly staff. My new go to place to eat in Hattiesburg. Have eaten here twice and impressed both times. Best bread pudding ever! Cheesy potatoes casserole is the bomb. Pulled pork sandwiches ate huge.
Great 👍🏼 BBQ!! Ribs, Chicken, Sausage, you name it, it’s ALL GOOD! I was very pleased with the service, and the food! I tried the Cheesy Potatoe Casserole and I am so glad I did!! I will always make sure that is an item on my plate.
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