Disclaimer: This is not an objective review. I grew up with Leonard's BBQ. It was the gold standard for Memphis BBQ. My father ate Leonard's back in the 1930s and the quality and taste are about the same now. I got the BBQ plate. My only complaint is that I wish I'd gotten the sauce on the side so I could control the quantity on the meat. The sauce is quite sweet. The onion rings were perfect! The breading is light and delicate. Loved them. The roll was the best one I've had in a long time. It was tender and tasty.
Ms Loretta is still here, and it’s still great bbq. Sprung for the slab to share and it’s just as good as ever. They are in the soft opening phase but I’d say they are operating pretty smoothly. I’ll be back n the future for the bbq sandwich and Italian pasta combos.
Being a favorite place of Elvis, I had to try it ! The king definitely knew great BBQ and you can too!! Fantastic job and I'll definitely be back for more. Thanks
Service was slow and a little disorganized. Food was very good and not too pricey. Worth a stop.
Jim and Debbie Mangiapane
+4
Good BBQ. Nothing different than most other places. Sauce is different, seems like heavy paprika. Not my favorite, but not bad either. Got pulled pork and 1/2 slab of ribs. Both were good. Service was very good and friendly. Drive through is not working yet so you have to go in.
This place has been on my radar for a while, I finally had the time to check it out and I was not disappointed.
When I walked in I was greeted by friendly hosts and promptly seated, my server came by shortly and took my drink order. His name was Curtis, he was friendly, well dressed, professional, and knowledgeable of the menu. I ordered a sweet tea and when he brought it he brought two! Very nice (I'm a thirsty guy)
I ordered the jumbo BBQ sandwich plate(don't judge me I skipped breakfast) which came with a cup of BBQ beans, potato wedge fries, and last but not least The Big Leonard BBQ sandwich.
The food came to my table piping hot and everything tasted freshly made, starting with the beans they were amazing! It had pulled pork in it and had a good flavor, it reminded me of homemade baked beans my grandma would make.
The potato wedge fries are what you would expect, lightly seasoned, crispy, and big. Try dipping them in the beans, you won't regret it.
I was given the choice of coleslaw on the sandwich or on the side, I chose on the side so I could taste it on its own and it was good and again it reminded me of homemade food. It reminded me of yellow mustard potato salad which is different but I liked it.
And last but not least The Big Leonard! It lives up to it name, most other BBQ joints that serve a large sandwich just pile the meat on higher than the regular. The Big Leonard is very wide, it uses a large bun to evenly spread out all the meat. So that way you still get a lot of meat but its not so tall it might fall over or they have to use use a burger pick.
Now on to the meat and BBQ sauce, the meat had a good flavor and was well smoked but not to the point of being dried out. The sauce was very interesting and different from any other sauce I've tasted at other places. It had a distinct tang to it followed by a rush of spices with a touch of sweetness, not bad.
The only negative I can think of is its not open long enough, I'd love to take my friends or family here for dinner, that's usually when their available.
This place is a true hole in the wall, dive, BBQ joint! Cozy atmosphere, good service, and great food that won't have you leaving hungry. Highly recommended
*UPDATE! I'm happy to report that the quality hasn't changed since they moved. Same great food but in a much better location.
We just ate at the new Germantown location. The food is just as wonderful as we’d remembered! (We ate at the Fox Plaza location all the time— everything is just as spectacular!!) The service was OUTSTANDING! Miss Shania was the sweetest server and very accommodating. We grabbed some to-go too since we live in Southaven. We WILL be back! Loved everything about our experience. Thank you so much for the fabulous meal and equally wonderful service— and for keeping the over 100 year recipes the same!! Love us some Leonard’s BBQ!
We stopped here on a whim and are not disappointed. The pork is the best we've had.
Excellent food and service! Super clean and so happy they kept the traditional recipes under the new ownership! Still remains my all time fave Memphis BQ!
I've only had Leonard's once at the previous location. I didn't find it memorable. However, at the new Cordova location, I had the ravioli and ribs (dry) and let me tell you, this had better flavor than Commissary. I will definitely be back. All the staff greeted us when we arrived. Great service and great food. 👍🏻
Ribs are small, but meaty! Nice rub and very tasty. Not overcooked. There’s something about Memphis ribs. No one seems to take the silver back off! So far, every slab I’ve gotten has that membrane still on it! Never seen that and I can say I’m not a fan. It kind of gets in the way! Oh well. The ribs are sticking together but have a nice pull. Not too tight. The sauce is a little thin but has a surprising taste. It’s not spicy but tangy. And rich. Maybe a little coffee? I don’t drink it, so I’m guessing. As for the sides, the slaw is ground! Wow! It’s very fine and sweet. Then sour. Then a vinegar aftertaste. Very easy to eat! The baked beans have pulled pork in them. Very good. Still sweet but rich tasting. Lots of pork in the beans. Very tasty.
I've been here 2x. Once a few years ago. Food is still some of the best I've ever had. Ribs are fall of the bone tender. Catfish almost melts in your mouth while still having a good crunch. Service is like having dinner at grandmas house. Can't recommend this place enough
Best onion rings I've ever had. The pork sandwiches and nachos were delicious. Unfortunately they were out of ribs and it was only 6pm. Next time!
I have been eating at Leonard's at the older locations since about 1979 the food here was really good , service was good . It was kind of a slow night during the week so I'm not really sure how the service is at a more busier time but definitely will eat there in the future .
Great new location for Leonard's. Atmosphere is open and upbeat. Service was fast and friendly. Mr Leonard sandwich was good. Love that their BBQ is warmed, no cold sauce on a hot sandwich!
Oldest bbq joint in Memphis long-known locally for their legendary buffet, which sadly ended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still worth stopping by if you’re in the area for consistently good, large portions of traditional bbq at some of the cheapest prices around. Especially recommend the bbq and ravioli, potato salad, mustard slaw, hot bbq sauce. Good catfish and ribs, too.
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