“Prater’s is the best barbecue in the area,” one local assured me. I had my hopes set high, since barbecue is a family favorite and I had a Restaurant.com certificate. I wasn’t sure what to do expect, but was surprised when I saw the restaurant. It is nothing fancy, just a plain white building with an inside featuring corrugated metal and a concrete floor. The sign said, “Please seat yourself,” so we found a table and waited for our server. The kids, who had declared themselves, “starving,” had found the bucket of peanuts on the table and were noshing happily. Our waitress arrived within a minute or two, took our drink orders and left us to peruse the menu.
The menu included the house speciality; BBQ, but also an assortment of specialty sandwiches, specialty potatoes, and a few steak, chicken and catfish options. We debated for a few minutes, finally deciding most of the family was going with BBQ, while one settled on brisket and one on the Jumbo Cheeseburger.
The Barbecue plate consisted of a generous helping of pulled pork, two sides and a roll. Barbecue sauce was available on the table to add as desired. And, desire it we did! Their own secret homemade sauce has a vinegar base and just a hint of sweetness. I chose the potato salad and Cole Slaw for my sides, while other members decided on the ranch beans and fries.
I am a huge fan of potato salad, but sometimes at barbecue restaurants it can be “iffy.” I never know if it will be really good or really bad. Prater’s turned out to be “really good.” It tasted so fresh and flavorful I asked the waitress if it was homemade. “Yes,” she said, “We make it all in house, even cutting up and boiling our own potatoes.” The Cole Slaw, fries and Ranch beans earned rave reviews from other members of the family. Even my notoriously picky son was pleased with his cheeseburger, telling me, “It has two different kinds of cheese!”
I didn’t see dessert options listed on the menu, but our waitress did ask if we wanted pie. We were too stuffed to try it. The kids assured me they could eat there anytime we were in the area so maybe next time. The prices are very reasonable, with barbeque plates running around $7.50, the portions were large and the staff was friendly. Praters BBQ is located right off the interstate so it’s a convenient and tasty option if you are in the Manchester, Tennessee area.
I am a member of Restaurant.com review crew, but all opinions are my own.
We had a favorite bbq place where we use to live. I’d love to go back just to eat there again!
Looks like a delicious treat. I love BBQ for sure, and those fries look yummy. Glad you are sharing this place for others to experience!
That looks delicious! I also like BBQ but find it can be iffy as well. Either really awesome or really bad. Glad this one was awesome!
Boy do I miss barbecue in Tennessee. One of my favorite spots is Slick Pig in Murfreesboro.
The food looks amazing. My kids would love it. I am sure if I would have room for dessert too
The food looks great. Wish I was having some for lunch right now.
I’d love to travel the US in search of the best bar-b-que. This one would be on my list as I’ve always wanted to visit TN.
Glad you found homemade potato salad! I agree with you that in restaurants it can sometimes be iffy. Everything looks great!
Those are reasonable prices. Seems like a great place to stop in for a food fill up while on a road trip through Tennessee!
The food looks amazing! BBQ Is my favorite!
Oh my does that look great. I always love a good BBQ sandwich.
Love love love a good BBQ joint. Thank you for sharing about this one.
Nothing like great bbq. I love it and I love trying new places.
Love BBQ. I need to go there.
That is our typical summer dish and I can’t wait for SUMMER!!! That looks so yummy, you can’t get anything like that in the winter here unless you drive an hour.
That looks really good. I haven’t had good BBQ in a while now. Too bad that is too far for me to go.
I can’t say no to some good BBQ! This looks delicious. And the price is right!
I have never had Tennessee BBQ as I’m not a big BBQ person, but my husband would probably love this. Looks like a fun place to eat.
My husband often enjoys a good BBQ place. I don’t do the BBQ thing as much but I will go with him once in a while.
Oh how I love a good ole BBQ, I would have to keep this place in mind if I’m ever this way.
I have never had Tennessee BBQ but it looks amazing! I would have to try some catfish and could not skip the potato salad.
Potato salad is a must! I would ask for an extra side, too 😉
All of the food looks AMAZING. We haven’t mastered the art of the BBQ here in the northeast 🙂