Hickory-smoked pork shoulder pulled into shreds and plated with slaw, beans and white bread, the Tennessee valley barbecue default served in Chattanooga's picnic cafes at the mountain's foot.
Where to eat it: 1 restaurant across 1 city.
Pork shoulder is upland South barbecue orthodoxy, and Chattanooga sits on the seam between Memphis-style sandwiches, Georgia sauces and Alabama picnic plates. The city's version is unfussy: smoked shoulder pulled to order, a vinegar-edged tomato sauce, slaw that goes on the sandwich as often as beside it. St. Elmo's picnic cafes have served the format for decades to Incline Railway crowds, which is why the plate still comes with the feel of a church picnic.
Tip from the editors. Pull with forks while the meat is hot; once shoulder cools it sets, and reheating never quite restores the first pull's texture.
The Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe plates barbecue and picnic fare at the base of Lookout Mountain in St. Elmo, Chattanooga, next to the Incline Railway.
Order: The BBQ plate, or the Rainbow sandwich if you want the local cult order.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Order at the counter and take the side garden; it is the natural lunch stop after riding the Incline down.
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