Shi Lee's Barbecue & Soul Food Cafe — Restaurant in Amarillo

Everything was great, until it wasn’t… called me out on my second glass of sweet tea after we arrived at 1:04 (checked our location to get this time) got our food at 2:47. Mind you, when we showed up, there were only 2 other customers and our order was the only order on the line. People who got there almost 30 minutes after us were getting out their food first. Jalapeños n cheddar sausage was spongey, and dry. Ribs were AMAZING. Fall off the bone. Got my order wrong on my wings, easy fix. Both my husband and I got their wings… absolutely ROTTEN! We both took 1 bite, and it was absolutely rotten. The nastiest taste and smell. We couldn’t wash it down with enough drinks. 100% Rotten chicken wings. The lead lady working was funny until she wasn’t… they messed up my order for wings which were supposed to be tossed n weren’t and I had another missing side and I didn’t know what other sides they had and I asked her to list what other sides she had, and she said “well you need to figure it out, you’re wasting my time” and didn’t read me off any other options. To top it off, as they were bringing out more food, the more rotten it started smelling. Both my husband and I were in a hurry to leave and didn’t even finish our food. Nasty nasty nasty. All this for $77 something… definitely NOT worth it. Rumors it’s just gone downhill, but used to be the best. That was a terrible first impression and we wish we hadn’t of spent that money or experienced any of that for Father’s...

Passing through Amarillo,Texas, we had one shot to get some proper down home barbeque. Having once lived in these parts, this was no laughing matter. Especially since my wife had never experienced the true bliss of slow cooked smoked meat falling off the bone with the sweet tang of that accompanying sauce. Enter Shi Lee's Barbecue. This litlle whole in wall could slip right pass you but when it comes to barbecue I will not settle for flash over substance. Shi Lee's is the real deal. We had ribs, brisket, sausage, catfish, colard greens, red beans and rice, and cornbread. All for under $30, enough for 2 with left overs to take with us. Everything was excellent, just like mama used to make... Well, my friend's mamas, because mine couldn't cook for sh... Well you know. Now, not only was the food great, the local banter friendly and welcoming, but behind the great food and energy, is Tremaine Brown, the heart and soul of not only Shi Lee's but of Amarillo itself. Aside from the grub that would get me to come back any day, I would just go to hang with Tremaine, as it seems so many do. Asside from filling our bellies with joy and keeping Shi Lee's running, he heads Vessel, an organization with the intention of making the lives of Amarillo's children and community one to envied. My insticts guided me to Shi Lee's and my belly, my heart, and my soul are all the...

Food/Taste/Flavor: 5/5 - ordered a Cat Fish Dinner with brisket gumbo and cowboy mac & cheese with a full slab of ribs. The cat fish was recommended and fried superbly with a crispy outside and a moist inside. The lemon based rub added a tartness that went well with the tartar sauce. The mac & cheese was good but quite salty depending on the bite so it wasn't our favorite. The gumbo was very tomato based and quite yummy overall. The ribs were fall off the bone tender that you don't need a knife at all! Absolutely delicious with a touch of smokiness that goes so well with the BBQ sauce.

Service: 5/5 - super friendly owners but it does depend on who you get. The gentleman was chatting with the other table and interacting with their children providing samples of drinks and sides for them to try. The lady was to the point and really quick on the service but think she was juggling the cooking as well.

Ambiance: 4/5 - scary looking place from the outside but cozy once you walk in. It was a tiny place with only 6 tables. And while it's worn, the tables are cleaned and wiped down (but the windowsills are quite dusty with dead flies). It can get quite smokey in the restaurant depending on what's being cooked

Value for price: 5/5 - delicious food at a reasonable price point. So happy we gave this...