Most people already know to turn to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint — which has half a dozen locations in Middle Tennessee — for food as dependable as it is delicious. For those looking for an affordable yet filling option, check out the sandwich section of the menu. Though its several offerings vary in price, the pulled-pork sandwich and fried chicken sandwich sit at the lowest end of the spectrum at $10.99 — and that includes a side. The fried chicken sandwich is solid, topped with pickles and honey mustard. But when in Rome (Martin’s), do as the Romans do (eat West Tennessee-style whole-hog barbecue).
I’ve had a lot of stringy, soggy, mushy pulled-pork sandwiches in my life. So many that I’m typically averse to ordering them. But Martin’s has restored my faith in what a pulled-pork sandwich can be. The hearty helping of pulled pork that’s placed between two perfectly baked buns has a deep, smoky flavor. The slaw it’s topped with adds color, texture and variety of flavor. While Martin’s adds barbecue sauce to the sandwich, they don’t douse it. (Though no one is stopping you from adding extra sauce to yours.) With seven different sauces, you’ve got options. My go-to is the Devil’s Nectar, which hits the palate like a regular barbecue sauce but rounds out with a significantly spicy finish.
There are also lots of side options to accompany your sandwich. I prefer the homemade chips, which — dusted with a delicious seasoning blend — offer a lovely, crunchy element. I add the chips to my sandwich. If this is sacrilege, I don’t care, because it’s awesome. If you have extra chips, they keep surprisingly well, which is rare when it comes to fried potatoes.
Owner Pat Martin started something special when he first decided to share his barbecue expertise with Nashville nearly 20 years ago. We’re lucky to still have access to it through Martin’s expanding empire.
