Leonard's Pit Barbecue — Restaurant in Memphis

I consider myself to be somewhat of a BBQ connoisseur. I've traveled the country and tasted the drop-dead delicious, the absolutely revolting, and everything in between. There's huge diversity across the nation as far as BBQ is concerned so I often have to step back and consider when my tastes simply don't align with the local flavors. But, in this case, I have tasted a ton of Tennessee BBQ and have even sampled multiple tastes from different places in Memphis.

Leonard's was my pick for my short stay in Memphis this time because it is a few blocks from my hotel and seemed to rummage up some relatively good reviews on Yelp. Walking in, the decor is old-timey and fun and has a good vibe. I had decided ahead of time that I would just jump on the buffet as people had mentioned that it was cheap and had a good sampling of everything... and I will respond to those thoughts later. I sat down and told my waitress that I would be enjoying the buffet tonight and she stared at me with a blank look like I was a moron. She responded, "so you're going to wait for it to start?" I looked down at my watch and considered that I was only 4 minutes early for buffet kick-off time (it begins at 4 pm) and felt slightly confused - all of the food was sitting in its place in the buffet so there was no reason it shouldn't be accessible. However, I was a good little boy and waited to dig in even though I had been traveling all day and this was the first food that would hit my lips.

As I made the rounds I have to admit that I could tell from the get-go that I wasn't going to be impressed. The food didn't look very good and there was absolutely no BBQ smell wafting up from the steamers... In fact, in retrospect, I think it's notable that I couldn't smell the BBQ when I drove up to the place, or even when I walked inside. That tells me that they are doing something wrong. Every good BBQ joint I've been to can be caught in your nostrils from a mile away.

Nevertheless, I filled my plate with a little bit of everything and took my seat. Looking back on it all, I wish I would have just told them that the food was terrible and left. Everything was bad - even the peach cobbler (as if that were even possible!). The meat was devoid of flavor and dry and the sauce was indescribably unappetizing.

As I reread some of the reviews on here I feel like I may be living in crazy town. Maybe I've lost my mind or tastebuds because my experience was nothing like those who are raving about this place. This is Memphis - one of the pillars of BBQ culture. You people should know better!

To add to everything, my server was terrible - hardly acknowledging me the entire time I was there. When she did, it was with a bored disdain. This is one of only 3 times in my entire life that I didn't leave a tip. I didn't even feel bad afterward like I did the other times.

Before I can end my review, I have to make something crystal clear to people who may decide to ignore me and go to Leonard's anyways: the buffet costs $18!!! Yes, that says eighteen dollars!! I wasn't smart enough to look at the price before I sat down and ate so I suppose I can only blame myself for my stupidity. However, to put this in perspective, you can get a duck confit at L'Albatros (one of the finest restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio) or stuffed quail and dumplings from Memphis's very own 'Flight' and get 5-star service for pretty much the exact...

This place has been on my radar for a while, I finally had the time to check it out and I was not disappointed.

When I walked in I was greeted by friendly hosts and promptly seated, my server came by shortly and took my drink order. His name was Curtis, he was friendly, well dressed, professional, and knowledgeable of the menu. I ordered a sweet tea and when he brought it he brought two! Very nice (I'm a thirsty guy)

I ordered the jumbo BBQ sandwich plate(don't judge me I skipped breakfast) which came with a cup of BBQ beans, potato wedge fries, and last but not least The Big Leonard BBQ sandwich.

The food came to my table piping hot and everything tasted freshly made, starting with the beans they were amazing! It had pulled pork in it and had a good flavor, it reminded me of homemade baked beans my grandma would make.

The potato wedge fries are what you would expect, lightly seasoned, crispy, and big. Try dipping them in the beans, you won't regret it.

I was given the choice of coleslaw on the sandwich or on the side, I chose on the side so I could taste it on its own and it was good and again it reminded me of homemade food. It reminded me of yellow mustard potato salad which is different but I liked it.

And last but not least The Big Leonard! It lives up to it name, most other BBQ joints that serve a large sandwich just pile the meat on higher than the regular. The Big Leonard is very wide, it uses a large bun to evenly spread out all the meat. So that way you still get a lot of meat but its not so tall it might fall over or they have to use use a burger pick.

Now on to the meat and BBQ sauce, the meat had a good flavor and was well smoked but not to the point of being dried out. The sauce was very interesting and different from any other sauce I've tasted at other places. It had a distinct tang to it followed by a rush of spices with a touch of sweetness, not bad.

The only negative I can think of is its not open long enough, I'd love to take my friends or family here for dinner, that's usually when their available.

This place is a true hole in the wall, dive, BBQ joint! Cozy atmosphere, good service, and great food that won't have you leaving hungry. Highly recommended

*UPDATE! I'm happy to report that the quality hasn't changed since they moved. Same great food but in a much...

I hate to be "that guy" but here goes: Extremely disappointing! Do the people that own these places not taste their product? Beautiful restaurant & great space. Huge portions. I had BBQ & Ravioli & wife had small BBQ sandwich w/ beans & slaw. Meat was finely chopped & must have sat in a steam pan as it was wet & tasteless, SMOTHERED in a nasty sauce- worst I've ever tasted bitter burned & dark. I've had a few hundred sauces & this is the worst. Onion rings looked good but were doughy & chewy- frozen food service stuff. Beans were terribly overcooked, dry and BLAND/no flavor. Slaw was bland/needed mustard added. Ravioli was good typical probably frozen rav and gravy/sauce was pretty good. It was much better on the bbq than their bbq sauce. Couldn't eat much of our meals. Waiter Mike L. was great. Fix the problems and put sauce on the side. I know many people posted positively early on but look at the pictures. Based on last night I probably will never go back. There over 150 BBQ restaurants around Memphis- 99.8% way better than this. You have to be top-tier to succeed here. If last night was any indication Leonard's won't last long term without refocusing. Look at the pictures. Nasty dark sauce, dry beans, mushy onion ring batter. Terrible performance. The saddest part is there are thousands of guys around town that cook way better than this BBQ at home every day. You can't make it in this town being subpar or mediocre. Worth noting there were only 4 other people in the place. Every friend who has been warned me against going (several). I used to go to the old Fox Plaza place and it was pretty good. This place really is not as good as that. Need...