Memphis-style barbecue is all about pork, especially pork ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Slow-cooked to perfection, the meat is seasoned with a dry rub that combines spices such as paprika, garlic and cayenne pepper, giving it a flavorful and slightly spicy kick. The sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce is equally iconic. Next time you're in Memphis — maybe diving into its music museums — know that trying some of the best Memphis BBQ is a must on your visit.
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The true magic of Memphis barbecue lies in the smoke, as it's cooked low and slow over hardwood coals or hickory wood. This results in meat that's fall-off-the-bone tender, with a smoky, sweet and tangy flavor that's absolutely mouthwatering. It's right up there with Nashville, Austin and Dallas as some of the best BBQ in the South.
The history of Memphis barbecue dates back to the early 20th century. Rendezvous and Payne's Bar-B-Q are among the iconic joints that have played a significant role in shaping the Memphis barbecue scene. These establishments have their own secret rubs and sauces that remain closely guarded family recipes to this day.
In Memphis, barbecue is more than just food; it's a cultural institution. The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a testament to the city's barbecue fervor, attracting pitmasters from around the globe. So, if you're ever in Memphis, be sure to savor the succulent, smoky and soulful delight that is Memphis barbecue. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
Here are 10 of the most essential barbecue joints in Memphis.
A&R Bar-B-Que
A&R Barbecue
A&R Bar-B-Que was founded by Andrew and Rose Pollard in 1983. Their signature chopped pork sandwich is a wonder, with tender meat merging into a warm, soft bun and accompanied by crisp slaw. The rib sandwich is equally enticing, featuring a meaty slab wedged between plain white bread, slaw and their signature sauce.
The dining area, while no-frills, offers a sublime barbecue experience. Other notable menu items include the spicy pork rib sandwich, hickory-smoked wings with house-made tangy sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth rib tips. Classic sides including crunchy coleslaw and fried okra are also available. The peach cobbler, following Rose Pollard's secret recipe, is the perfect sweet finish.
Interstate Barbecue
Interstate Barbecue
Jim Neely, an icon of Memphis barbecue, established Neely's Interstate Barbecue in the 1970s. This old-school barbecue joint is renowned for its fall-off-the-bone barbecue, cooked in custom-built BBQ pits and paired with a secret sauce that balances fabulous tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
The top dishes at Neely's Interstate Barbecue include hickory-smoked pork spare ribs and beef ribs, served ultra-moist with a side of creamy coleslaw. Their unique "Bar-b-que Spaghetti," a delightful mix of barbecue pork and spaghetti in signature sauce, is a stick-to-your-ribs meal. The extensive menu offers over 25 sandwiches, including a distinctive chopped pork shoulder barbecue option. Don't leave without savoring Neely's classic pecan pie, a quintessential Memphis barbecue treat.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
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Nestled in the heart of Memphis' Midtown neighborhood, The Bar-B-Q Shop is celebrated for its ribs, which were voted among the best in America by the Food Network. These ribs are rubbed and slow-grilled to perfection and served with the signature "Dancing Pig" barbecue sauce, available in hot or mild versions.
In addition to the renowned ribs, The Bar-B-Q Shop offers "Half & Half" plates that combine the meaty barbecue spaghetti with your choice of barbecue pork or brisket. And don't forget to indulge in their signature banana pudding cheesecake for dessert. You can even bring a taste of Memphis home by purchasing their signature sauces and seasonings.
Charlie Vergos Rendezvous
Instagram/rendezvousmemphis
For over seven decades, Charlie Vergos Rendezvous has been a Memphis classic, serving up charbroiled pork ribs with their house-made dry rub. It all began when Charlie Vergos transformed an old coal chute into a smoker at his restaurant in downtown Memphis. Today, not much has changed; the air is still filled with the unmistakable smoky aroma of barbecue ribs, and the same top-secret dry rub, created in the 1940s, continues to elevate their dishes.
At Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, you can savor a full slab of charbroiled pork ribs, known for their tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness. To try another house specialty, reserve the sizzling skillet of barbecue shrimp, generously smothered in their signature barbecue sauce and served piping hot, perfect for sharing. And don't miss their delectable barbecue nachos, loaded with slow-cooked pulled pork shoulder, nacho cheese and spicy jalapeños. For barbecue enthusiasts outside of Memphis, Charlie Vergo's sauces and rubs are available to purchase and can be shipped nationwide.
Central BBQ
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Central BBQ has earned its place as a Memphis favorite with four local restaurants and two in Nashville. Its reputation for slow-smoked Memphis-style ribs is well-deserved, and its Barbecue Nachos are bestsellers. These nachos feature tortilla chips or house-made barbecue chips, topped with two kinds of cheese, sauce and your choice of pulled pork, smoked chicken or a smoked portobello mushroom.
At Central BBQ, the meats are marinated for 24 hours before slow-smoking. The loin back ribs are a standout, arriving perfectly charred, tender and seasoned with their signature, smoky, dry rub. You can enhance your barbecue experience by choosing from their four house-made barbecue sauce varieties: mild, hot, mustard or vinegar. Central BBQ offers a quintessential Memphis barbecue experience that you won't want to miss.
Payne's Bar-B-Q
Payne's BBQ/Facebook
Payne's Bar-B-Q is a modest yet renowned barbecue joint in Memphis. Established by the Payne family, it has been serving exceptional barbecue for four decades. Its specialty is chopped pork sandwiches, piled high with finely chopped pork, golden slaw and a generous helping of sweet sauce, creating a delectable, messy delight. The menu is a minimalist's dream, focusing on chopped pork, ribs, sausage and bologna.
The secret to Payne's success is its chopped — rather than pulled — pork, resulting in crispy, smoky bits in the meat. The sweet and tangy dressing adds a unique flavor to the sandwiches, making them stand out. Payne's Bar-B-Q is a must-visit for those who appreciate classic Memphis barbecue.
Cozy Corner Restaurant
Cozy Corner BBQ/Facebook
Cozy Corner Restaurant is a local favorite in Memphis, known for ribs that burst with intense wood-smoke flavor. Beneath a sweet and tangy glaze of sauce, the meat is pleasantly firm and chewy. Guests can choose the brown sauce in mild, medium or hot, but even the medium can leave your lips tingling.
A distinct feature at Cozy Corner is its barbecue sandwich, where thin-sliced pork or beef is tucked inside sesame-topped sub rolls and accompanied by bright yellow slaw. In addition to the ribs and sandwiches, the barbecued Cornish hens are a must-try specialty. This iconic Memphis establishment has been run by four generations of Robinsons since 1977 and is celebrated for its unique and flavorful barbecue offerings.
Elwood's Shack
Elwood's Shack/Facebook
Elwood's Shack is a beloved Memphis deli that offers a warm, neighborhood cookout atmosphere. It's famous for Southern comfort food centered on barbecue. It uses a not-too-sweet barbecue sauce made with molasses, maple syrup and Old Charter 8, which is more affordable than the original Maker's Mark.
At Elwood's Shack, a four-chef team prepares about 25 gallons of sauce every week to cater to hundreds of customers. On busy Saturdays, up to 800 people visit the restaurant for dine-in or takeout. Whether it's barbecue ribs or sandwiches, Elwood's Shack delivers a delightful fusion of flavors and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more.
Ball Hoggerz
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Ball Hoggerz is a barbecue gem located in Orange Mound, Memphis, owned and operated by pitmaster Merritt Bailey since 2018. Bailey has the trophies to back up his barbecue expertise, and Ball Hoggerz is known for crafting its seasonings and sauce in-house. They smoke their meats on-site throughout the day, ensuring freshness and flavor.
While the ribs and chicken wings are highlights, the jumbo turkey leg at Ball Hoggerz is a local favorite. It's known for its tenderness and perfect seasoning. Accompanied by house-made baked beans, potato salad and grilled corn, this meal delivers the essence of a fine Thanksgiving feast. For a comprehensive barbecue experience, try their belly-busting plate featuring barbecue rib tips, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, sausage and your choice of side for $20.
Germantown Commissary
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Germantown Commissary started as a small country store over 90 years ago and was transformed into a barbecue restaurant by Walker Taylor in 1981. It's celebrated for creating barbecue nachos in 1982, which earned widespread recognition and are now a common offering at many Memphis restaurants. The barbecue nachos feature a combination of pork, cheese and barbecue sauce on tortilla chips.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu, from pulled pork to smoked chicken and brisket, with each plate accompanied by a deviled egg and classic sides such as coleslaw and beans. With a second location in Collierville, Germantown Commissary continues to satisfy locals and visitors with its authentic barbecue fare.
