Market and Grill — Review by Brennen Taylor
Summertown, United States — American Barbecue
Market and Grill in Summertown serves decent barbecue and comfort food at an affordable price of $30 per plate, but the execution falls short with dry chicken and mediocre burgers. While the chili and sauce have merit and portions are filling, the overall experience is forgettable and unlikely to warrant a return visit.
What was great: Chili fries were chunky and delicious, barbecue sauce was good, all food for $30, clean and healthy proteins
What could improve: Shredded chicken was very dry, hash brown casserole had minimal flavor, cheeseburger tasted like a frozen patty and was dry, overall food quality was mid
The Dishes
The reviewers ordered four main items to sample. The shredded chicken plate came with a barbecue sauce that was genuinely good with nice undertones and a smoked taste, however the chicken itself was extremely dry and lacked the juiciness expected from quality barbecue. The hash brown casserole was a letdown with minimal flavoring, though it did contain some mildly smoked cheddar that provided slight depth. The chili cheese fries proved to be the standout dish, featuring chunky meat and a delicious chili that reminded the reviewers of Tommy's chili back in California, though the cheese seemed to be missing from the presentation. Finally, the jumbo cheeseburger appeared to be made from a frozen patty and tasted like something you would cook at home, with dry meat that lacked seasoning and juice.
The Experience
Market and Grill is a small roadside barbecue establishment located off the highway in Summertown with a rustic charm. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the owners were planning major renovations including a pavilion for family gatherings, cornhole tournaments, and potentially kakaoke. The atmosphere felt casual and family-oriented, fitting for a small Tennessee town dining experience.
Value and Pricing
All of the food ordered totaled $30, which the reviewers found to be an excellent value. For the price point, the portions were substantial and represented fair value even though the quality was inconsistent. The affordability made the mediocre food more acceptable than it might have been at higher price points.
Notable Moments
That chili is delicious. All this food for 30 bucks.
It's like what you expect at this place. You're not expecting some mouthwatering food.
The Verdict
Market and Grill serves acceptable but ultimately forgettable food in a charming small-town setting. While the value is undeniable and certain items like the chili have genuine merit, the dry proteins and lack of culinary sophistication make this a one-and-done experience rather than a destination restaurant. Best for travelers passing through Summertown looking for an affordable meal without high expectations, or those seeking genuine small-town hospitality over culinary excellence.