by Janet Wilson
posted May 23, 2008
) Photo by Janet Wilson Nooga-Q Smoke House & Grille is in the old Sportsman’s location at 301 Signal Mountain Road. |
Nooga-Q is a small restaurant, very clean and they offer table service, as well as a drive-thru. I did almost slide off the stool, as the tall seats are backless and very slick!
They offer quite a few appetizers including a Bar-B-Que Quesadilla (toasted flour tortilla filled with smoked pork, cheese and barbeque sauce - $6.50), Pig Pickles (dill pickle spears battered and deep fried, served with ranch dipping sauce - $5), and Fried Green Tomatoes (served with ranch dipping sauce - $5).
From the list of nine appetizers, Wayne wanted to try the Ultimate Bar-B-Que Nachos (tortilla chips topped with smoked pork, barbeque sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream), priced at $5.50. This is a standard, round, paper plate full of chips. We both thought it was quite good, although Wayne felt the meat needed to be heated a bit more, as it was on the cool side. But, nevertheless, we both agreed it is something to order again.
Nooga-Q has a list of fourteen sandwiches, where you should be able to find something for everyone in your group. They have smoked ham ($3.75/$4.50), a vegetarian Black Bean Burger ($4.50), Chili Dog ($3), and Smoked Turkey ($3.75/$4.50). Maybe it’s just me, but why does anyone want a Rib Sandwich with the bones in? Seems like that would be fairly difficult (or at least messy) to eat.
Most all the plates are smoked or barbequed, with the exception of chicken tenders and catfish. From what I understand, all the sides are homemade and include baked beans, fries, okra, and white beans, along with several others.
Wayne ordered the smoked barbeque pork (hand-pulled) plate ($6.75) and I decided to get the combo plate (pork, chicken and 2 ribs), so I would have enough left over for a couple of lunches during the next few days. We both ordered cole slaw and potato salad as our two sides. Plates are also served with Texas Toast.
Both of us thought the meat was moist and delicious. The only thing I would have preferred would have been for the sauce to be left off. I prefer the smoky flavor of barbeque and to add a small bit of sauce if I want it. This was served with the sauce already poured over the meat after it was placed on the plate. I will say that the ribs were quite good and very tender.
The potato salad wasn’t that great for me, but I really liked the cole slaw. It was creamy with a bit of sweetness to the flavor, and I would not hesitate to order it again.
Nooga-Q also offers an Idaho Baker (baked potato with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, meat and barbeque sauce, served with toast). Pork, chicken or beef is $5.95 and you can get extra meat for $2 more. There are a couple of salads, along with homemade chili ($3.50) and Brunswick Stew (in season - $3.95). I have Brunswick Stew all year ‘round, not realizing it is supposed to be a special season.
They do offer a kids menu (although no barbeque items are listed), domestic beer, and desserts – banana pudding ($2.25) and a homemade brownie ($1.50). You can add ice cream to your brownie for $.75.
Hours for Nooga-Q Smoke House & Grille are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM and on Sunday from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Check them out!
READER PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK:
“serving the check before dishes are picked up”
Send us your comments/suggestions and pet peeves – cdojanet@Chattanoogadineout.com or at http://www.chattanoogadineout.com (in response to all those E-mails we’ve received asking to have our Directory back).
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