This Old-School Tennessee BBQ Joint Serves Southern Breakfasts And Slow-Smoked Meats Worth Trying

Hickory smoke and hot biscuits share the same kitchen here, and the doors open at 7 in the morning most days. That means you can order country ham and grits, then come back for ribs before dinner.

I have to admit, that sounds like my kind of schedule. Breakfast and barbecue under one roof is a rare double feature, even in Tennessee.

The setup stays simple on purpose. You order at the counter, grab a seat, and let the smoked meat do the talking.

The menu leans on Southern classics like catfish, slaw, onion rings, and pulled pork sandwiches.

I’d be tempted to show up hungry twice in one day. Plenty of barbecue spots make you wait until lunch for the good stuff.

So why does this one fire up the griddle so early?

Breakfast And Barbecue Share The Same Counter Here

Most barbecue joints sleep in, but Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q gets moving early. Weekday doors open at 7 a.m., and weekends start at 8.

That early start shapes everything about the place. You can stop in for eggs and grits, or wait a few hours and order a smoky sandwich instead.

The restaurant is a longtime, family-owned counter-serve spot in Memphis. It focuses on hickory-smoked barbecue and sides served all day long.

That all-day idea matters more than it sounds. Your breakfast craving and your barbecue craving don’t have to fight over the same hour.

Closing time is 7 p.m. most nights, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Those two evenings run until 9 p.m., which helps if your week runs long.

The menu mixes classic Southern breakfast plates with smoked meats, burgers, and fried favorites. It’s the kind of lineup that makes a group order easy, even when nobody agrees.

Picky friend wants a cheeseburger? Fine.

Someone else wants ribs? Also fine.

That flexibility gives this Tennessee spot a friendly, no-pressure feel. You just walk up, decide what time of day your stomach thinks it is, and order.

Hickory Smoke Is The Main Character On This Menu

Hickory wood does the heavy lifting in this kitchen. The smoked meats are the heart of the barbecue menu, while breakfast favorites are served separately until 10:30 AM.

Pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and smoked turkey legs all appear on the lineup. Hickory-smoked pork is the restaurant’s specialty, while ribs, chicken plates, and turkey legs offer additional choices.

Ribs might be the headliner for many first-timers. A rib plate comes with sides, so you can build a full meal without much planning.

Chopped chicken offers another route if pork isn’t your thing. Turkey legs make a big, fun option for anyone who likes eating with their hands.

Sauce matters here too. The house barbecue sauce includes options like Memphis style and hot, so you can pick your heat level.

Here’s a smart tip for spice-shy eaters. Start with the regular sauce, then try a little hot on the side before committing.

Smoked meat also sneaks into some of the sides. The baked beans come with bits of barbecue mixed in, which feels like a bonus prize.

That small detail says a lot. Nothing on the smoker goes to waste, and your side dish gets an upgrade.

A Sandwich Piled High With Memphis Tradition

Meat, slaw, sauce, and a bun. That simple stack is the classic Memphis barbecue sandwich, and it’s a star at this counter.

Pulled pork sandwiches are one of the most talked-about items at Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q. The slaw is a big part of the fun, adding crunch and tang on top.

Putting slaw right on the sandwich is a true Memphis habit. If you’re from out of town, try it that way at least once.

You can order the sandwich on its own or as a plate with sides. Jumbo versions are available for bigger appetites.

Sides worth considering include onion rings, fries, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. Onion rings come up often, so they’re a solid pick for crunch lovers.

Got a crew that wants variety? Order a few different sides and share them around the table.

The sandwich also travels well for takeout. That makes it handy if you’re grabbing lunch on a busy workday.

One more tip: ask for extra sauce if you like things messy. A little drip down your wrist is basically part of the experience in Tennessee.

Your Morning Gets Way More Interesting With Country Ham

Country ham, biscuits, grits, and hash browns form the breakfast dream team here. Southern mornings don’t get much more classic than that combo.

The breakfast menu covers the basics you’d hope for in Tennessee. Eggs, bacon, sausage, and ham all have a place on the griddle.

Then there’s the Big Breakfast. The name is honest, and it’s built for people who wake up seriously hungry.

Biscuits are made in-house, which makes them a smart add-on. Get a side of gravy if you want something to dunk them in.

Grits deserve attention too. They’re a Southern staple, and pairing them with salty country ham is a time-tested move.

Hash browns round things out with a crispy, golden touch. They’re a great choice if grits aren’t your style.

Breakfast is available from opening, so early birds win here. Weekday service starts at 7 a.m., perfect before work or a road trip.

I find that especially appealing because it saves a stop. You can fuel up in the morning and order a smoked turkey leg to go for later.

Planning ahead never tasted so good.

Catfish And Burgers Keep Everyone At The Table Happy

Not every member of the family wants barbecue, and that’s okay. This menu has backup plans that hold their own.

Fried catfish is a Southern favorite that shows up on the lineup. A catfish plate comes with sides, making it a full meal for seafood fans.

Burgers are another strong option. The cheeseburgers and double cheeseburgers have an old-school style that fits the diner mood.

Kids often love having a burger choice. It keeps dinner simple when little eaters aren’t ready for smoky flavors.

Nachos also appear on the menu for snackers. They’re a fun pick for sharing while everyone waits on bigger plates.

The point is simple. Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q doesn’t force anyone into a single lane.

That makes it a handy stop for mixed groups. Grandparents, teens, and that one friend who only eats fried fish can all find something.

Here’s a practical idea for families. Order one barbecue plate, one catfish plate, and one burger combo, then swap bites.

Everybody gets to taste a little of what makes this place tick, and nobody leaves grumpy.

Counter Service Keeps Things Refreshingly Simple

No reservations, no fancy menus, no fuss. You walk up to the counter, place your order, and find a seat.

That counter-serve style is a big part of the charm. It feels old-school in the best way, like a neighborhood diner that never needed to change.

The building can look small from outside. Inside, though, the dining room offers more room than many first-timers expect.

The mood leans relaxed and casual. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in work clothes or weekend sweats.

Fountain drinks and sweet tea round out the order. Sweet tea with barbecue is practically a rule in the South.

Need a quick tip? Look over the menu board before you reach the counter, especially during busy lunch hours.

Knowing your order ahead keeps the line moving. It also gives you time to decide between ribs and a sandwich, which is honestly the hardest part.

Takeout is another popular option. If you’d rather eat at home or in the car, the food packs up easily for the road.

Family Roots Run Deep In This Memphis Kitchen

Some restaurants chase trends. This one has stuck around by doing the same comforting things for a long time.

Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q is described as a longtime, family-owned barbecue joint. That kind of staying power is a big deal in a barbecue city like Memphis.

Memphis has no shortage of competition when it comes to smoked meat. Surviving for years here means people keep coming back.

That loyalty shows in the friendly, repeat-customer vibe. It feels like a spot where the staff knows faces as well as orders.

Management also responds to feedback directly. Owners stepping up to fix problems is a good sign for any small restaurant.

Think of it as a neighborhood anchor more than a tourist trap. It serves everyday folks looking for honest, filling Southern food.

That’s what gives this Tennessee spot its personality. It doesn’t try to be trendy, and it doesn’t need to.

If you love places with history and heart, this one checks both boxes. Some of the best meals in town come from kitchens that simply kept their fire going, year after year.

Finding It In East Memphis Is Easier Than Choosing A Side

East Memphis is home base for this smoky little operation. You’ll find it at 5145 Quince Rd, Memphis, TN 38117.

Quince Road sits in a busy part of the city with plenty of shopping and neighborhoods nearby. That makes the restaurant a convenient stop during errands.

The location works well for a quick lunch break. It’s also handy if you’re heading across town and want breakfast before the drive.

Parking is available right at the restaurant. Pulling in and out is simple compared with crowded downtown barbecue spots.

Visitors exploring Memphis often head straight to Beale Street. This spot offers a calmer, more local taste of the city’s food culture.

That neighborhood feel is part of the appeal. You get Memphis barbecue without battling tourist crowds or hunting for a parking garage.

Plan around the hours to get the most out of your trip. Arrive early for breakfast, or come Friday or Saturday evening when doors stay open until 9 p.m.

Either way, the address is worth saving in your phone. You never know when a sudden craving for ribs and slaw will strike.

Save Room Because Dessert Gets A Spot Too

Banana pudding and barbecue go together like grits and butter. Luckily, the menu here includes this sweet Southern finish.

Banana pudding is listed as homemade at Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q. It’s a classic way to cool down after a plate of saucy, smoky meat.

Dessert is often an afterthought at barbecue joints. Still, a little sweetness can make the whole meal feel complete.

Want a smart strategy? Order a lighter sandwich instead of a jumbo plate, leaving space for pudding.

Another option is grabbing dessert to go. It makes a nice treat later in the day, especially after an early breakfast visit.

Pair it with sweet tea if you truly want the full Southern experience. Fair warning, that’s a lot of sugar in one sitting.

This final stop sums up what makes the place fun. It covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert without ever getting complicated.

For anyone exploring Tennessee food, that’s a pretty great lineup. Come for the hickory smoke, stay for the biscuits, and leave with a spoon in your hand and a plan to return.