When we were looking for Tom’s Barbecue & Deli, we almost drove past it, even while knowing its exact location. However, its small size and hidden location does not affect its quality. While at first only locals knew about the deli, it received national attention after it was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”

Tom’s has been around for about 50 years. According to employee Dennis, Tom’s is always busy, with lines out the door.

“The peak is every day,” Dennis said.

The food was ready immediately, and the staff was very friendly and welcoming towards us. The manager is also known as being social, so he has become friends with many of his regular customers.

We ordered the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and sauce. The sandwich was more on the sweet side, but the coleslaw balanced the sauce’s sweetness. The barbecue was moist and still warm, but it did not have much of the signature smoky flavor that we have tasted at other Memphis barbecue places. But, it was a cheap price for such a packed sandwich.

We also tried the macaroni salad, but do not be fooled, this is not another name for mac and cheese. It tasted more like macaroni noodles coated in mayonnaise. While it was not bad, we do not recommend it, as there are better side items on the menu.

For the veggie lovers, the turnip greens and green beans are a great substitute. Do not expect much spice because they were very mild, but they both were still a pleasant surprise.

Tom’s does not just have barbecue. We tried the chicken tenders and fries as well. They were still hot, and they were on the verge of being spicy. They were thick, so they were pretty substantial. For picky eaters, these are another option. They were not like other chicken tenders, so they were a breath of fresh air.

The atmosphere was casual and comfortable. The rooms were filled with plants, and Christmas lights were hung around the rooms to give it more of a “homey” feel.

Would we travel a long distance to eat at Tom’s? Probably not. But for those located nearby, it’s worth your time.