Demeris Barbecue   

The second generation of the Demeris family now runs this local restaurant and catering business, but the outstanding food and reliable service remain practically unchanged since the first restaurant opened more than 40 years ago. That's a good thing, because the perfectly cooked beef, ribs and link sausage inspire fierce loyalty among longtime fans of their saucy, Texas-style barbecue. Hamburgers, po' boys and fried shrimp are on the menu, too, along with traditional side items of chunky potato salad, creamy cole slaw and barbecue beans. All three locations across the city serve consistently satisfying meals, in large portions, with the same reasonable prices. The catering division, which features not only barbecue but upscale meals as well, handles both large and small parties with equal skill.