City Barbecue — Review by Brennen Taylor
Murfreesboro, United States — Barbecue
City Barbecue in Murfreesboro, Tennessee just opened and impressed the reviewers with authentic Texas-style barbecue smoked on-site. The jumbo wings, pulled pork, brisket, and cornbread were exceptional, though the ribs were slightly underwhelming. The restaurant offers a genuine barbecue experience with open kitchen visibility and creative menu items like the More Cowbell sandwich.
What was great: Jumbo wings with city sauce, pulled pork, brisket, cornbread, mac and cheese, corn pudding, fresh smoking on-site, authentic Texas barbecue atmosphere, excellent customer service, creative sandwiches like More Cowbell
What could improve: Ribs were good but not exceptional despite being sold out the day before, sausage was not a standout, nachos chips were thin oven-baked style, fried chicken sandwich was average without the peach sauce
The Dishes
City Barbecue delivered an impressive spread through their Mother Load platter, which serves 4-6 people and contains 7,700 calories. The jumbo wings were absolutely massive and incredibly juicy, coated with a dry rub that was exceptional even without sauce. The pulled pork was described as top-tier with incredible juiciness that stood out as fresher than comparable barbecue from other locations. The brisket showed excellent smoke rings and bark, with tender meat that melted in the mouth, particularly when paired with the More Cowbell sandwich featuring Texas toast and shallots. The cornbread was moist, crumbly, and among the best the reviewers had ever tasted. The mac and cheese and corn pudding lived up to their reputation as signature sides. The corn pudding particularly impressed with its rich flavor and unique presentation. The fried okra, coleslaw, and potato salad were all solid accompaniments. The peach barbecue chicken sandwich was elevated by its unique peach barbecue sauce, creating summery Georgia vibes. The ribs were competent but less impressive than expected, lacking substantial meat on the bone. The sausage was acceptable but not memorable.
The Experience
The atmosphere felt like stepping into an Austin, Texas barbecue restaurant rather than Tennessee. The open kitchen setup with visible smokers gave authentic vibes with all preparation happening transparently. Staff provided excellent customer service with warm welcomes and attentive service. The restaurant was busy despite opening just 3 days prior, with customers already returning. An amusing touch was the cowbell that rings when ordering the More Cowbell sandwich, adding personality to the experience. The restaurant had a good location on a busy street with excellent visibility from the road.
Value & Pricing
The Mother Load platter was priced at $75 and provided substantial value for the quantity and quality of food. The extensive menu offered various price points with sampling available for most items. The quality of ingredients and preparation justified the pricing, with house-made everything from meats to sides.
Notable Moments
These wings are phenomenal. The sauce is incredible. Oh my god. Like how do you make chicken so juicy?
I feel like this is probably the most fresh barbecue we could have. I feel like this is better than Hutchkins barbecue so far.
Murphy'sboro has just been blessed with this place.
The Verdict
City Barbecue represents an exciting addition to Murfreesboro with authentic Texas-style barbecue smoked fresh on-site. The exceptional quality of their signature items like jumbo wings, pulled pork, and cornbread makes this a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts. While the ribs were slightly disappointing and some sides were standard fare, the overall experience and quality of the main proteins make this a strong recommendation. Best for those seeking genuine smoked barbecue without the fried offerings typical of fast-casual chains.