Leatha's Bar-B-Que Inn - Hattiesburg, MS

Posted By Ann Mitchell on November 11, 2012 4:30 PM

This is the place for BBQ that should be on any and all lists for its incredible taste, lean meats, fabulous side orders and the SAUCE. The secret weapon is its home-style personality and the most delightful people.

The pork is perfectly smoked, so lean yet moist. But it is the BBQ sauce, served warm, that is amazing. Do not overlook the potatoes, fried to perfection. They are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. Yes to the coleslaw, sweet and mustardy.

Overall Rating

Pulled Pork/Ribs Combo

Fried Potatoes

BBQ Sauce

Coleslaw

Potato Salad

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Posted By Robert & Mary Carpenter on September 10, 2011 2:05 PM

Leatha's offers Southern hospitality at its finest. Not only was the food wonderful, the service was impeccable. The ribs fell off the bone and I can't remember a more tender ribeye.

Other reviews made mention of problems finding Leatha's, but with a little help from a common GPS there were no issues at all. We arrived right at closing time and were welcomed with open arms. I have to give Leatha's top honors for food, service, and all-around enjoyment.

By the way, out of lack of a better way to put it, the potato salad will make ya wanna slap your momma, it's that good. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating

Potato Salad

Ribeye Steak

Pork Ribs

Baked Beans

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Posted By Carol Bayer on May 5, 2011 10:10 AM

After making four u-turns, we finally found Leatha's and were very glad we did. We arrived at 10:57 AM to see smoke billowing from the smoke house and a closed sign on the door. At exactly 11 AM, the door was opened and the customers waiting in their cars all filed in.

We were warmly greeted and asked if we would wanted sweet tea or regular tea. The lunch menu is simple: a number of different meats and a choice of two sides. The mustardy cole slaw was served with fresh rolls and a pitcher of delectable BBQ sauce. Shortly thereafter, we drooled as our plates of ribs, chicken, and pulled pork sandwiches surrounded by rich, sweet beans were served. The food was nothing short of perfect.

While there are a number of smaller tables, many customers will grab a seat at one of the long community tables to enjoy their meals.

Two things to note about finding Leatha's: our GPS needed to know that the actual address is WEST-US 98, not just US 98. Also, look for the big yellow sign, because you cannot see the restaurant from the road.

Overall Rating

Pulled Pork/Ribs Combo

Pork Ribs

Coleslaw

BBQ Chicken

Baked Beans

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Posted By Cliff Strutz on January 11, 2009 1:55 PM

A t-shirt on an employee at Leatha's Bar-B-Que Inn read, "Muddy Waters invented the electric guitar, Mrs. Leatha invented barbecue." Although it is doubtful Mrs. Leatha invented barbecue, she just may have perfected it!

Be prepared to have difficulty finding Mrs. Leatha's, but this place is worth getting a little lost for. It is located behind an RV dealership on busy US-98 west of Hattiesburg. The first thing you see when you get past the RVs is a building with lots of wood and smoke pouring out of the vent in the roof. This is what I want to see at a BBQ parlor. The restaurant is in a separate old building next door.

You can get beef, chicken, and turkey, but Mississippi is pork country, so I stuck with that. The ribs are baby backs and are served heavily sauced, with the tender meat easily separating from the bone. The incredibly moist pulled pork came with only a modicum of sweet, thin sauce, which really allows you to enjoy the porky flavor. As good as the meat is, the sides are even better. The coleslaw is fresh and crisp, with a solid mustard taste. The spectacular potato salad uses large chunks of skin-on potatoes and is even more mustardy. I didn't try the hand-cut fries, but what I saw on the table next to me looked plenty good enough for sampling on the next visit.

Service is friendly and prompt. When I got up to get a to-go box for the very little amount of food I had left, the overly efficient busboy threw the food out. Despite my protests, they replaced the entire order.

Overall Rating

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