Tommy’s Bar-B-Que – South of Atlanta, Texas

Address	Hwy. 59 - 5.5 miles south of Atlanta, TX (map)
Phone	903-796-5719
Open	Monday – Friday 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Web Site	None
Date Visited	July 27, 2006
Reviewer	Doc

I was in Texarkana on business and I had heard of this place called Tommy’s just south of Atlanta so after business I decided to head south for a little pleasure.

When I pulled up to the parking lot at 11:45 the place was packed with cars (a good sign). I walked inside the brick building ready to eat some good Q. When you first walk in you notice the red floor, the tin roof and various objects on the walls. You stand in line, pick up your tray, utensils and you get your drink. When you arrive at the counter the lady asks you what you want. I ordered the three meat combo with okra and potato salad. I was told the potato salad was the world’s best. They ask you if you want corn bread or regular. Since the corn bread was apparently fresh I requested it.

I asked the person at the register and he told me they smoke their meat with hickory wood. I paid for my meal and headed to the table. The ribs were very tender. You could easily pull them off the bone with your fingers but they lacked taste. The brisket was also very tender and could be cut with a fork but again it was lacking the smoky taste you expect with the meat. The sausage was about as average as it comes. The sauce tasted as if you could buy something as good if not better in a grocery store. The sides were good. The okra wasn’t as crispy as I would have liked but it had a good taste.

The potato salad was very good but not the world’s best. I have to give my mom the nod on that one. The corn bread had a great taste but it was a little tough. I am not sure if it was the hickory smoke or not but the barbeque was bland. I seem to enjoy the taste of post oak, mesquite and pecan better than the hickory wood used at Tommy’s.

Ribs	Brisket	Sausage	Sauce	Sides	Atmosphere	Overall Score
3.00	3.50	2.50	2.50	3.50	3.50	3.00

Bottom Line

After visiting Tommy’s I almost wish I had tried another place. It wasn’t terrible at all but none of the meat stood out and that was disappointing.