Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue
South Memphis, Memphis
Restaurant in Memphis, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Casual
Why go
Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue is a practical Memphis barbecue pick for casual meals, solo stops, informal groups rather than polished special occasions. Lunch is the cleaner move for a tight schedule, while dinner works when the group wants a relaxed barbecue stop without a dressed-up room.
About Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue
In Memphis, Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue is best framed as a casual stop with straightforward posted hours. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, closed Sunday. That makes it easier to plan as an informal stop than as a dressed-up occasion.
Book it for casual plans, not a dressed-up occasion
The dress code is casual. That makes Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue a better fit for low-formality plans than for a visit where formal attire is the priority. If you are comparing choices, Loflin Yard, Delta's Kitchen, The Arcade, E.P.'s Bar & Grill, Shake, Rattle & Go are other venues to review.
For a simple visit, the decision is practical: go when the posted hours work for your schedule. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, with later closing on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is the day to plan around, since it is closed.
The smart use case is a casual daytime or evening stop
The hours make Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue usable from late morning through evening on its open days. Monday through Thursday it closes at 9 PM, while Friday and Saturday extend to 10 PM. For private-room, reservation, or special-occasion arrangements, confirm details directly; this works best as a casual visit rather than a private dining plan.
Expect a Memphis location, casual dress, the posted weekly schedule. If the group needs a more defined occasion setting or a different style of outing, compare it with other options before committing.
Quick reference: best for casual visits, flexible weekday planning, informal plans; skip it when the plan requires a confirmed formal setting.
Planning details
- Location
- 2265 S Third St, Memphis, TN 38109
- Website
- interstatebarbecue.com
- Phone
- +19017752304
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue sits squarely in the working South Memphis tradition: unvarnished, utilitarian signage, function-first parking lots and a direct relationship between pit and plate. The restaurant reads less like a designed dining room and more like a community pit operation where the smoke line and the street define the atmosphere. Expect an uncurated, honest experience that emphasizes slow pit smoking and dry-rubbed pork over presentation or frills. The place feels like a neighborhood institution—rooted, pragmatic and deeply tied to the local barbecue lineage rather than tourist-facing theatrics.
Best For
Interstate is best for casual get-togethers where the food, not the decor, is the draw. It suits families and groups who want straightforward, authentic Memphis barbecue—plates and sandwiches built around pit-smoked meats. The location on South Third draws locals and anyone interested in the city’s deeper barbecue tradition rather than the Beale Street tourist scene. Plan visits for relaxed lunches or hearty dinners when you want to experience a pit-first operation that embodies the regional smoking techniques and neighborhood character.
Ordering Tips
Order with the pit in mind: go for the signature smoked meats that define the menu. The beef ribs and pulled pork sandwich are highlighted specialties, and other standouts include the pork shoulder sandwich, California beef links sandwich and the regionally idiosyncratic BBQ spaghetti. The description emphasizes dry-rubbed pork and slow pit smoking, so prioritize smoked-meat items to get the clearest sense of the house style. Expect unfussy plating and focus on the smoke-forward flavors rather than elaborate sides or presentation.
Venue details
Ambiance
Bright, clean, and inviting serving area with interesting photos and memorabilia on the walls; traditional Southern BBQ joint atmosphere with casual, unpretentious decor.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Quick Bite
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- beef ribs
- pulled pork sandwich
- BBQ spaghetti
- pork shoulder sandwich
- California beef links sandwich
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Where to go if this does not fit
For a livelier group plan, choose Loflin Yard. For a more polished special-occasion meal, choose Delta's Kitchen.
Restaurant context
How it compares in Memphis
Choose Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue when the priority is a direct barbecue meal with easy logistics. Loflin Yard is the better call for a social group night where atmosphere matters more than a focused barbecue stop, especially if the plan needs to feel like an outing rather than a quick meal.
Delta's Kitchen is the safer alternative for a cleaner special-occasion setting, while The Arcade fits diners who want a more classic daytime Memphis stop. Shake, Rattle & Go and E.P.'s Bar & Grill are better cross-shops when the group wants a broader casual meal instead of committing to barbecue.
Explore Memphis
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue | Memphis | No published awards |
| Loflin Yard | Memphis | No published awards |
| Delta’s Kitchen | Memphis | No published awards |
| Shake, Rattle & Go | Memphis | No published awards |
| E.P.’s Bar & Grill | Memphis | No published awards |
| The Arcade | Memphis | No published awards |
How Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue Memphis compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue good for solo dining?
It can work for a simple casual stop in Memphis if the hours fit your schedule. The hours are Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday closed.
Can Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue work for groups?
Is daytime or evening better at Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue?
Either can work depending on your schedule. The restaurant opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday, closes at 9 PM Monday through Thursday, closes at 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday.
What should I order at Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue?
Is Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue good for a special occasion?
It is better framed as a casual Memphis stop than a formal special-occasion venue. If you need a different fit, compare it with other options before choosing.
What are alternatives to Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue in Memphis?
Loflin Yard, Delta's Kitchen, The Arcade, E.P.'s Bar & Grill, Shake, Rattle & Go are other venues to compare, depending on the type of outing you want.
What should I wear to Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue?
Casual clothes are fine here. The dress code is casual, so there is no need to dress up for a visit in Memphis.
