Leonard's Pit Barbecue In Tennessee Has Been Serving Up Some Of The Best Food In The State For Nearly 100 Years
By Meghan Kraft|Published March 04, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Leonard’s Pit Barbecue has served original, Memphis-style barbecue since its inception in the early 1920s. The once small and locally frequented spot has become a no-frills destination for meat lovers from as far as across an ocean. Come for slow-cooked pork, glazed ribs, and a series of catering options that are bound to make your next party a success. Learn more about this fabulous little eatery below. You may have just found a new favorite!
You'll recognize Leonard's Pit Barbecue by its famed Mr. Leonard the pig on its main sign. The pit-smoked bbq on the menu was introduced upon opening in 1922 when Leonard Heuberger opened his first stand that sat a mere five people.
Back in the '20s, Leonard's served up a bbq sandwich for a mere 5 cents. As Leonard's became more and more well known over the course of the 20th century, prices went up, the restaurant was expanded, and the indulgent meals attracted the likes of Elvis Presley.
Inside, you'll find that the restaurant has been decked out in a fun, unique design with homey elements and neon lighting. The restaurant has an expansive menu and easy seating, so you won't have to worry about the kids. It's a family-friendly spot!
You'll find that the menu at Leonard's is fairly standard, with a few quirky additions like a side of spaghetti and hot dogs on the children's menu. The BBQ specialties include everything from full slab rib dinners to a sandwich plate served with beans and wedge fries.
It's only premium quality meat here at Leonard's, slow-cooked with hickory and charcoal. You can choose whether you want your ribs served wet or dry, and we'd recommend a basket of homemade onion rings if you're feeling up to it. These are no ordinary onion rings, after all. They were featured in Southern Living Magazine!
Leonard's has gotten its share of print and publicity, too. Guy Fieri toured the eatery on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and WKNO Memphis covered the history of the eatery on "Southern Routes." You'll find Leonard's on a series of southern bbq round-ups as well, touting the hot spot as one of the best eateries in the state.
Will you be visiting? Leonard's Pit Barbecue is currently open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day of the week.
That’s one restaurant you don’t want to miss. The rave reviews from visitors have Leonard’s rating almost at a perfect 5 Google stars, and the internet is a tough crowd to please! Learn more about Leonard’s with a visit to its official website or Facebook page.