"Jane meant to order a rib dinner ($8.50), but asked for a rib platter ($17.75) instead. She got this rather large formation of pork ribs that we did our best to denude of all meat. On the side were large bowls of bright yellow slaw, smoky beans, and barbecue spaghetti."
Michael Stern
"As is the case at so many Southern barbecues, Jim Neely's Interstate is advertised by a happy pig."
Michael Stern
"As a rule, we find Sampler Platters slightly frustrating. There's always something you want much more of -- in this case the magnificent chopped barbecue -- and other things you could live without (the too-chewy beef ribs). Still, for those who need to sample some of everything, this immense platter is a good choice. That's a hot link at the very top of the pile to the right."
Michael Stern
"The walls of Jim Neely's place are covered with clippings from newspapers and magazines singing the restaurant's praises, as well as with this gallery of family portraits."
Michael Stern
"Only in Memphis: barbecued spaghetti. The menu here also lists the local favorite, barbecued salad."
Michael Stern
"In a city of great pork barbecue, Interstate represents the peak of excellence. "
Michael Stern
"Sitting in the dining room, you hear a constant thump coming from the kitchen. That is the sound of a cleaver hacking pork shoulder into these lovely shreds, available on a dinner plate or in a sandwich. In our opinion, this is the very best way to savor it."
Michael Stern
Inside and out, Interstate is perfumed by smoke from slow-sizzling barbecue round the clock. That is because proprietor Jim Neely puts his pork shoulders in the pit at 5pm for the next day’s lunch and he starts the day’s ribs every morning. Mr. Neely is a master, and in the city of Memphis, to be a true pitmaster is to be a god.
