E is for epic. As in, the epic lunch we had at Edley's Bar-B-Que in 12 South today. I've actually been looking forward to this one for a few weeks now, partly because of my underfed perfectly-smoked-pulled-pork-BBQ-lovin Memphis soul, and partly because the "Tribute to All Things Southern" slogan Edley's throws around is pretty darn intriguing. Edley's did. not. disappoint.
We also welcomed a new member to the JOPA today, as our friend Jeremy joined us from another local Navy outpost (I know, there are quite a few of us squids stranded ashore here in Music City).
Edley's was our first stop in the newly trendy and rapidly growing 12 South neighborhood. Several more of the stops on our ABC tour are also in (on?) 12 South, so expect plenty of foodie love for this area in posts to come.
The restaurant has a casual interior, with a walk-up order counter and self-service seating. They also have a bar area with its own seats. As we were sticking with sweet tea and ice water today, we opted for a booth.
Edley's offers the straightforward all-the-meats menu of a traditional BBQ joint. Several varieties (pork, chicken, turkey, brisket...) are available on either a sandwich or a plate, with your choice of sides. I am quickly learning that we should take a survey before ordering in places like this, since (for the second time) we ended up with a table-full of the same entrees. Needless to say, we're a pulled pork crowd, although we did work in some variations in the sides.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm a Memphis gal, and thus, a major BBQ snob. Texas can keep their beef, and North Carolina can pack it in with their spicy vinegar-based sauce. Give me pulled pork so tender and juicy you can spread it on white bread, and sauce that's sweet and smoky-- for dipping or pouring, mind you, none of this drowning the meat in sauce (Kansas City, I'm lookin at you).
So it goes without saying that I was thrilled to finally have a decent pulled pork sandwich here in Nashville. In fact, decent would be a real understatement. Edley's doesn't stop with the pork, they hit all of the key components: a generous portion of meat, sauce that complements perfectly, and a bun that keeps it all together. Edley's sandwich rolls were downright out of this world. And you know how I feel about good bread! (see last week's post re: Demos' cheese bread)
I've intentionally saved the fried pickles for last. When I ordered them, the cashier shouted "fried pickles!" over her shoulder. I thought it was wierd until they arrived last: piping hot, crisp, and very obviously made to order. You'll remember that we tried the fried pickles at Bobbie's Dairy Dip last month, and were fairly impressed. They were, however, fried pickle spears. What any connoisseur of pickle dill-iciousness will tell you, though, is that pickle slices are absolutely the way to go when frying. To quote Ethan, it's all about the "fry to pickle ratio." Hands down, Edley's are the best I've had in a long while.
We also welcomed a new member to the JOPA today, as our friend Jeremy joined us from another local Navy outpost (I know, there are quite a few of us squids stranded ashore here in Music City).
I'd like that logo on a t-shirt--
Note to self: check out the merchandise next time around...
Edley's was our first stop in the newly trendy and rapidly growing 12 South neighborhood. Several more of the stops on our ABC tour are also in (on?) 12 South, so expect plenty of foodie love for this area in posts to come.
The restaurant has a casual interior, with a walk-up order counter and self-service seating. They also have a bar area with its own seats. As we were sticking with sweet tea and ice water today, we opted for a booth.
Inviting storefront, despite the new construction going on next door
Edley's offers the straightforward all-the-meats menu of a traditional BBQ joint. Several varieties (pork, chicken, turkey, brisket...) are available on either a sandwich or a plate, with your choice of sides. I am quickly learning that we should take a survey before ordering in places like this, since (for the second time) we ended up with a table-full of the same entrees. Needless to say, we're a pulled pork crowd, although we did work in some variations in the sides.
Pulled Pork Plate with Mac & Cheese and a "Plug" of Slaw for Garrick,
with Jalapeño Cornbread on the side
As I mentioned earlier, I'm a Memphis gal, and thus, a major BBQ snob. Texas can keep their beef, and North Carolina can pack it in with their spicy vinegar-based sauce. Give me pulled pork so tender and juicy you can spread it on white bread, and sauce that's sweet and smoky-- for dipping or pouring, mind you, none of this drowning the meat in sauce (Kansas City, I'm lookin at you).
So it goes without saying that I was thrilled to finally have a decent pulled pork sandwich here in Nashville. In fact, decent would be a real understatement. Edley's doesn't stop with the pork, they hit all of the key components: a generous portion of meat, sauce that complements perfectly, and a bun that keeps it all together. Edley's sandwich rolls were downright out of this world. And you know how I feel about good bread! (see last week's post re: Demos' cheese bread)
Pulled Pork Sandwich with the Slaw on top, and a side of Potato Salad for Ethan
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Mac & Cheese and Jalapeño Cornbread for both Jeremy and me
As for the sides, everything was hot, fresh, and noticeably homemade-- except the slaw, which was cold, of course. The mac & cheese, while tasty, needed a pop of flavor, some sharp cheddar, perhaps. Jeremy thought the portion was a little small, so it was at least good enough to leave the customers wanting more : )
I'm a cornbread purist, preferring to leave out the jalapeños, bell peppers, onions, or what-have-you, but I'll admit that Edley's wasn't bad. I did really like the thick slices, and the fact that they tossed them on the flat top for a bit of crispness before serving. I was the only one with any complaints about the cornbread, though-- they boys all seemed to really enjoy it.
And because they might as well be vitamins around here, Fried Pickles for the table
Overall, Edley's took a 4.38, earning them a comfortable second place spot among the five restaurants we've tried so far. If they put fried okra on the menu, Jeremy might re-consider his "solid 4.0" score.
Next up: Frothy Monkey
~B
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