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| - This venerable barbecue restaurant reminds me a little of Snappy Lunch in Mt Airy - a following built on a single speciality food item, that is beloved locally by many, should be visited once by most of us for the uniqueness of it, and pretty much left at that.
The Pork Chop Sandwich of Snappy Lunch does seem somewhat more culinarily substantial than Pink Slaw, even an 11 ingredient Pink Slaw, but there is a certain uniqueness, a charming nostalgia, and undeniable character to this 66 year old family operated barbecue joint that somehow manages to draw you back - almost despite the barbecue.
The barbecue sans the famous slaw is tender, relatively moist, with no hint of smokiness - it is cooked in an electric pit; comes minced or very thinly sliced - all in all, rather bland. The addition of "the slaw" removes this barbecue combination forever from the Eastern vs Lexington equation - this is a different pork product now, and not one that I would seek out often - I'm just not a big fan of "the slaw" - it does not combine with the pork, it over powers it, and putting it on burgers or dogs, doesn't improve them either. And the Slaw Sandwich simply leaves the slaw totally on its own.
Still, there is much here to bring you back - the curb service is efficient and totally cool; the burgers here are pretty good (not as good as some found in nearby Cherryville, but pretty good), especially with the home made Pimento Cheese; and the Cherry Lemon Sundrop is definitely different. Unfortunately, the hot dog is not one I care for, the chili just doesn't get it done.
The folks here are friendly, efficient, and part of a family environment - the kitchen manager has been with this operation for 59 years, since he was 15 years old - hard to find that at many places. I'll visit again - probably for a burger, without slaw.
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