Karl and Tonya from When It Was Cool recently traveled to Summerville, TN, just north of the Amish communities of Ethridge, TN to a fine little barbeque restaurant nestled just off the side of U.S. 43 highway. Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ hit our radar recently due to social media reports that country music superstar Jelly Roll had randomly stopped by and ate there. By golly, if it’s good enough for Jelly Roll, it’s good enough for us too, so let’s go.
Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ was easy enough to find. A few times per year we travel up to Amish country to buy fresh produce and goods from the fine Amish people in nearby Ethridge, TN just north of Davy Crockett country in Lawrenceburg, TN. I love barbeque and to me, the more smoke the better! Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ did not disappoint.
Besides the small restaurant which, heads-up, only has a few indoor tables, the building also houses a fresh meat market, Amish goods, and local foods store. The restaurant seemed geared more toward carry out foods than a sit-down experience, but even so, Tonya and I ate there and found the experience perfectly fine. The people there were super friendly which is always a big bonus in this day and age (we have had some really poor restaurant experiences recently, let me tell ya!) The prices were also lower than expected another bonus!
Between the two of us, we got a good sampling of multiple smoked meats. The brisket seems to be their specialty with a large sign touting how they prepare and serve it. It was easily some of the best brisket I have ever had outside of Texas, so mission accomplished. We also tried the ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and smoked sausage. Everything was exceptional but we both agreed that the smoked sausage was beyond great. I might even go as far as to say it’s the best smoked sausage I’ve ever had.
A few days before, country music superstar Jelly Roll had stopped by. I don’t know what Jelly Roll ate that day, but I hope he tried the brisket and smoked sausage. Save Me indeed. It was also nice to hear that Jelly Roll was a nice guy and took time to visit with the staff there who were very pleased with the way they were treated by the singer. That makes me happy.
Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ is worth the trip if you are ever around the middle Tennessee / Lawrenceburg area. Again, it does seem that the whole set up is geared towards carry out but don’t be afraid to grab and inside or outside table and eat there either.
Must Have’s: Brisket & Smoked Sausage
Don’t Have’s: It was all good.
Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ is located at: 4 Vaughn Staggs Rd, Summertown, TN 38483 and their phone number is (931) 964-6328. Heads-up: They do close fairly early most days at about 6pm (Central) so plan to get there early.
Food Reviews by When It Was Cool are not paid for. We are not experts, and this is our opinion only. Your experience may differ.
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