Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint — Restaurant in Louisville

The meats offered at this place are made fresh every day, and when they run out, they're out "until tomorrow". Fortunately, one never had this happen to me, not so I know anyone who has seen a shortage. You can usually smell the 'cue from this joint the moment you get off the interstate if you have a good nose and the wind is right, so it's kind of like a smokey pied piper calling you toward Martin's.

Barbecue pulled pork: tender, melt in your mouth, with near perfect smoky flavor. Hard to beat.

Beef brisket: this is by no means the best brisket I've ever had, but just like the pork, on a good day (every day I've tried it) the brisket melts in your mouth, and has just the right amount of charred fat rendering on the outside edge. Fully infused with hickory smoke flavor.

Oddly enough, the only things I can complain about at this place are the sauce and the sides.

The sauce is good enough in its own, but there simply isn't enough "spice" (really, flavor differential from the meat) to it for my taste. Rather than complement and enhance the flavor of their meats with a good sauce, they simply give you more of the same runny sauce that was used in smoking the meat. This is fine overall, especially if you really want to just appreciate the meat (unquestionably the star of the show here), but being raised in the deep south, there's just something missing from most any barbecue joint further north than Bowling Green (or maybe even Nashville?).

The sides are a mixed bag. I've had the Mac and cheese a few times and been surprised at the lack of consistency. Once it was like runny "easy Mac", once it was great, and another time it was just OK. The potato salad is probably the most lackluster item on the menu, as it is quite bland (just tastes like cold potatoes and celery) and requires either the on-table Tabasco or their homemade BBQ sauce to make it palatable. The French fries are great, and the baked beans are honestly not that special. The hush puppies are probably the best side item on the menu, so if you like that sort of thing, you probably shouldn't waste your time trying anything else unless you know you'll be back again.

Overall, FANTASTIC BBQ, highly recommended. Just don't expect anything life-changing from the sauce...

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint in Louisville, KY, is a delightful slice of Southern charm and culinary excellence. A Nashville native, Martin's has successfully exported its beloved family recipes and smoking techniques to the heart of Louisville, creating a BBQ haven that is both authentic and inviting.

The restaurant's dedication to the art of BBQ is evident in their meticulous smoking process. Every single day, the BBQ is smoked for over 20 hours, a testament to the 'low and slow' philosophy that is the cornerstone of their operation. This commitment to quality and tradition is palpable in every bite.

The Ribs at Martin's are a standout, with a smoky, tender, and flavorful profile that is hard to resist. The meat falls off the bone, and the sauce is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of heat. It's clear that these ribs are the product of time, patience, and a whole lot of love.

The Brisket Burger is another favorite, and for good reason. The brisket is succulent and juicy, with a rich, deep flavor that is perfectly complemented by the fresh bun and crisp toppings. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that leaves you feeling content and craving more at the same time.

While the food is undoubtedly the star of the show, the ambiance of Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is also worth mentioning. The restaurant exudes warmth and charm, making it a great place to gather with friends and family. The staff is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

However, it's worth noting that the closure of the Germantown location was a disappointment. The convenience and familiarity of that location are missed, and it would be great to see Martin's expand their presence once again...

You know, when my fiancée and I decided to tackle Martin's BBQ in Louisville, we didn’t expect what unfolded. This wasn't going to be some dainty "try a little bit of this, a little bit of that" kind of meal. No, dear reader, this turned out to be an expedition. A culinary quest. A delicious demolition derby of smoked meats and tantalizing sides.

We were warmly greeted the moment we stepped through the door, which immediately set a fantastic tone. And then we met Eric, the manager and our host for the evening. Let me tell you, Eric wasn't just a server; he was a gracious and excellent tour guide! His service was top-notch, a masterclass in attentiveness without being intrusive. He genuinely seemed excited for us to experience their menu, and that enthusiasm was contagious.

Now, we didn't exactly plan to eat nearly every option on the menu. But then the opportunity presented itself. You see, when Eric was describing the different offerings, each one sounded better than the last. "Oh, pulled pork? Yes, please. Ribs? Obviously. Brisket? Don't be ridiculous, that's a given. And the turkey too? Sounds dangerous." Our table quickly resembled a particularly well-stocked (and incredibly aromatic) Jenga tower of barbecue perfection.

It was a Symphony of Smoke and Flavor!

Even the sides, often the unsung heroes of a BBQ joint, were rockstars. The mac and cheese was so creamy and cheesy it should have its own fan club. The fries were fire too!

If you're in Louisville and you're looking for BBQ that will make you question your life choices (in the best possible way), do yourself a favor and go to Martin’s. And don’t forget to order the banana pudding and say hello to our new...