When it comes to barbecue, turns out Justin Timberlake is lovin’ it: The pop-star-turned-budding-restaurateur dives into New York’s resurgent ‘cue scene with Southern Hospitality, an Upper East Side ode to his Memphis roots. It’s the singer’s sophomore release in Manhattan—he’s also a partner at the Italian eatery Destino—and it features Memphis-style pit-smoked meats, in addition to a barrage of all things fried, fried, fried. Metromix swung by on opening day to see whether or not Timberlake has another hit on his hands.

Food: There’s nothing here that you won’t find on any adequate ‘cue-joint menu: pulled pork, pulled chicken, barbecued chicken and—yes, our pun does have a purpose—baby back ribs. Whether or not they’re sexy, we’ll leave that up to you. We tried to order the brisket, only to be told that it wasn’t being offered yet. The usual suspects rounded things out: wings, chicken fingers, fried catfish, fried green tomatoes.

Booze: Our amiable server said she didn’t have a drinks menu to show us yet, although she valiantly recited a phalanx of beers that they had—mostly domestics—plus Mike’s Hard Lemonade. A drinks menu is reportedly in the works, which only seemed fitting: The place is set up to be a bar scene, with a huge open bar area up front.

Digs: They take the “southern” part of their name seriously here: It does have an inviting, if somewhat canny, evocation of down-home dining, with wooden booths and tables, as well as wooden wall paneling and exposed brick. Neon liquor signs share wall space with Route 66 memorabilia and photos of music greats like Aretha and Johnny Cash, and a massive, red-tinted collage of Memphis’ original King of Rock is splashed across one wall.

Vibe: Think roadhouse meets fratboy sports bar, with a little bit of G-rated Hooters thrown in. We noticed that all the main servers were women in red tank tops, and by the time we left, the bar area—with its huge flat-screen TVs—had quickly filled up with a bustling crowd wearing everything from flip-flops to suits.

Tunes: We were waiting for “Rock Your Body,” but it’s strictly Eagles-style classic rock here.

Net results: what people are saying online

[Grub Street] Not so hospitable on opening night, apparently
[GirlsTalkinSmack] “Bleck, that food looks gross, but I’m not a fan of Southern cooking.”
[Page Six] Maybe JT will have better luck in the resto biz than ex-flame Britney
[US Magazine] Timberlake’s fave items: fried green tomatoes and pulled pork

Southern Hospitality
1460 Second Ave. at 76th St.
212-249-1001
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Entrees: $12-$24

Bottom line: What do you think of Southern Hospitality? Is it coasting on JT’s celebrity, or does it have serious ‘cue chops? Post your comments below:

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