One of the best bbq sandwiches I’ve ever had came from this gas station right on the main street (hwy 64) that runs through Somerville, TN, about forty five minutes from Memphis. McBride’s Grocery is actually inside a Gas Express. There was also another sign that read, The Lil’ Store. Whatever the name, recently passing through I noticed that the big sign that used to advertise Real Pit Bar-B-Que on the front was painted over. It’s been some years since I picked up that amazing bbq sandwich, so I don’t know if they still have barbecue, but it would be worth a stop for anyone passing through town. We’d actually already eaten when we passed through, but I was curious about the barbecue, so my sister, Carrie shared a sandwich with me. We ate it right in the parking lot and discussed what we did and didn’t like, only, we could find anything that we didn’t like. I was worried when I saw the cashier walk to the back of the store behind a counter and pull the meat from a Crock Pot. But it wasn’t at all mushy and the meat had wonderful smoke flavor with bits of the crusty bark mixed in. I didn’t see a pit, but the clerk told me that the owner smoked the ‘que. The slow-cooker was only used to keep the meat warm. The thin, tangy and peppery light orange vinegar based sauce complimented the smoky, crusty pork shoulder very well. The total combination of smoked pork, tangy bbq sauce and slaw harmonized beautifully
McBride’s Grocery-Real Pit BBQ in a Gas Station
to create a perfect pork sandwich. Check back in the future for a full review. If you’d like to read more about it sooner, comment to let me know. Until then, don’t miss my Quick-Fire Guide below. Also check out full reviews and Quick-Fire Guides of other bbq restaurants from my BBQ Guide.
Quick-Fire Guide:
Here are a few notes about the ‘que:
Tenderness-
- Shoulder-Very tender and moist, but full of crusty, smoky bits of crusty bark.
Smoke-
- Shoulder-Really nice wood smoke flavor-not just for a gas station, but for anywhere.
Sauce-Thin, tangy and peppery light orange vinegar based sauce that complimented the smoky, crusty pork shoulder very well.
Slaw-finely chopped slightly sweet and tangy slaw complimented the sandwich perfectly.
Thanks for visiting my Memphis bbq blog! Comments, rants, raves, disagreements and downright bbq feuds are welcome below. Tim Shirley