The Secret’s in the Sauce… Or is it?
For as long as anyone can remember Brownsville has been turning out some of the region's best barbecue. The approach is genuine, and different, depending on which of the city's barbecue spots you prefer. Experience it for yourself and you'll soon discover that the secret is only partially in the sauce.
Backyard Bar-Be-Cue
703 East Main Street, Brownsville TN
Joe Stephens picked up the “bar-be-cue” business as a supplement to his farming operation over 20 years ago and passed the torch to new owner Earbie Williams this past year. When asked “why BBQ?” both men agree, “It’s the best.” Adding that good BBQ is all in the smoking, which is a slow process if you do it right. “Anyone can cook, but not everyone can smoke,” says Stephens. Williams adds that “BBQ is the heart of the south and key to every West Tennessee menu.” One step inside Backyard Bar-Be-Cue and you will certainly see that his words run true. The most popular item on the menu is a one pound loaded baked potato – served plain, stuffed with BBQ, chicken or chili, and their signature sauce. The business goes through 20,000 potatoes a year!
Helen’s Bar-B-Q
1016 North Washington, Brownsville TN
Helen Turner, dubbed the “Queen of BBQ,” is one of the few women in this country who does pit smoking - all on her own. Drive by her restaurant and the smoky BBQ smell will make your stomach growl. Helen has been a pit-mistress for more than 30 years and she believes the science behind the smoking is what makes hers one of the best. Working only with hickory and oak wood, the open pit is a necessity she says. She also makes her own “secret” sauce, both mild and hot. Helen has been featured in regional and national magazines such as Southern Living and Garden & Gun and is frequently featured on the Cooking and Food channels. Most recently she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Foodways Alliance. Be sure to take cash when you visit Helen’s and don’t forget to try the BBQ bologna, too.
Mr. Baby Back
1451 East Main Street, Brownsville TN
Mr. Baby Back is another great place for some genuine smoked BBQ. For owner James Clark, “BBQ doesn't take a genius, but smoking takes time.” He uses oak, hickory and pine for his smoking, and it is a long process indeed. Not much has changed in his style of cooking over the years, and Clark adds "as the old saying goes - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” According to Clark, there is no need for seasoning when the wood will cook enough flavor into the meat. Clark’s business happened upon him by chance a few years ago where he realized the food he cooked, people loved it, and he wanted to have a chance to share his talent with everyone around him. His bestsellers are catfish, pulled pork sandwiches, and the incredible deep fried ribs!
Raisin' Cain BBQ
1499 Anderson Avenue, Brownsville TN
This little drive-thru restaurant packs a big punch! Raisin' Cain is a family business and has been passed down from father to son. Jonathan Cain has been smoking pork for as long as he can remember. He believes good BBQ is in the meat, the wood and time spent cooking it. His BBQ stands out by putting in the time and effort as well as his dedication to each loyal customer. The sauce he uses is his father’s recipe and "won’t be changing any time soon" and what a good thing that is. It is a sweet sauce, both hot and mild. His most popular item on the menu is the BBQ nachos. I recommend trying the brisket, too.