When it comes to barbecue, there’s no place quite like Memphis. Known as the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” this vibrant city is home to some of the best BBQ restaurants in the country. From dry-rub ribs to succulent pulled pork, Memphis offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will satisfy any BBQ lover’s cravings. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the city and explore the top 6 BBQ restaurants that every foodie must try in Memphis.
The History of Memphis Barbecue: A Delicious Tradition
Before diving into the best BBQ restaurants in Memphis, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved cuisine. The roots of Memphis barbecue can be traced back to the early 20th century when African American pitmasters started cooking up slow-smoked meats in the city’s black neighborhoods. Over the years, Memphis-style barbecue has evolved, but its traditional elements have remained intact.
Memphis barbecue is known for its dry rubs and sauces, which are made with a unique blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, chili powder, and cumin. The meat is cooked low and slow over open pits or in specially designed smokers, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes that are synonymous with Memphis cuisine.
Now that we have a better understanding of Memphis barbecue’s origins, let’s explore the best BBQ restaurants in the city and experience this delicious tradition for ourselves.
1. Central BBQ: The Best of Both Worlds
Central BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in some authentic Memphis-style barbecue. With three locations across the city, this restaurant has become a staple in the local food scene. What sets Central BBQ apart from other restaurants in Memphis is its unique approach to barbecue – combining traditional methods with new and innovative flavors.
The Menu: A Fusion of Classic and Modern
Central BBQ’s menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked sausage. However, what makes this restaurant stand out is its unconventional items, such as BBQ nachos, barbecue bologna, and smoked wings. For sides, you can choose from classic options like mac and cheese and coleslaw or try their famous BBQ spaghetti – a local favorite.
How to Use: Order the Sampler Platter
If it’s your first time visiting Central BBQ, we recommend ordering the sampler platter. It includes a little bit of everything, giving you a taste of all the delicious meats and sides the restaurant has to offer.
Our Example: The BBQ Nachos
One dish that we highly recommend trying at Central BBQ is their BBQ nachos. This unique combination of crispy tortilla chips, smoked pork, and tangy sauce will leave your taste buds craving for more. It’s the perfect appetizer to start your meal at this top-rated BBQ joint.
Comparing with Others: A Unique Twist on Traditional BBQ
What sets Central BBQ apart from other restaurants in Memphis is its modern twist on traditional BBQ. With an extensive menu and a fusion of flavors, this restaurant appeals to both traditionalists and those looking for something new and exciting.
Our Advice: Arrive Early
Due to its popularity, Central BBQ can get pretty busy during peak hours. To avoid long waiting times, we recommend arriving early or calling ahead to place your order for takeout.
2. The Bar-B-Q Shop: A Local Institution
Founded in 1987, The Bar-B-Q Shop is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has become a beloved institution in Memphis. Located in the heart of Midtown, this unassuming eatery may not look like much from the outside, but don’t let its appearance fool you – the food here is out of this world.
The Menu: A Classic Approach
The Bar-B-Q Shop’s menu is a tribute to classic Memphis-style barbecue. Their signature dishes include ribs, pulled pork, and sausage, all cooked to perfection using traditional methods. Their sauces are also made in-house, adding a unique touch to each dish.
How to Use: Try the “Dancing Pigs” Ribs
If you’re a fan of ribs, then you can’t leave The Bar-B-Q Shop without trying their famous “Dancing Pigs” ribs. These dry-rubbed ribs are slow-cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, making them a crowd favorite.
Our Example: The BBQ Spaghetti
A standout item on the menu is the BBQ spaghetti – a dish that has put The Bar-B-Q Shop on the map. This unconventional combination of spaghetti noodles and smoked pulled pork topped with tangy sauce may sound strange, but trust us, it works. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience a true taste of Memphis.
Comparing with Others: Traditional Meets Unconventional
The Bar-B-Q Shop stays true to its roots by sticking to traditional cooking methods and flavors. However, their unique dishes, like BBQ spaghetti and BBQ pizza, add a fun and unconventional twist to their menu.
Our Advice: Save Room for Dessert
Don’t forget to save room for dessert at The Bar-B-Q Shop. Their homemade banana pudding and peach cobbler are the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
3. Payne’s Bar-B-Que: A Hidden Gem
Located off the beaten path, Payne’s Bar-B-Que may not have the same hype as other BBQ restaurants in Memphis, but what it lacks in popularity, it more than makes up for in flavor. This hidden gem has been serving up some of the best BBQ in the city since 1972.
The Menu: A Limited But Delicious One
Payne’s Bar-B-Que may have a limited menu, but what they do offer is top-notch. Their specialty is chopped pork sandwiches, but you can also find ribs, sausage, and beef brisket on the menu. All the meats are slow-cooked over wood-fired pits, giving them a unique and smoky flavor.
How to Use: Order a Double Sandwich
If you’re feeling extra hungry, we recommend ordering a double sandwich at Payne’s Bar-B-Que. This hefty sandwich comes with two layers of chopped pork piled high and topped with their signature sauce. It’s a popular option among locals and for a good reason – it’s delicious.
Our Example: The Rib Sandwich
While most people come to Payne’s for their famous chopped pork, one item that often gets overlooked is the rib sandwich. These fall-off-the-bone ribs are tender and flavorful, making for a satisfying meal.
Comparing with Others: Simple Yet Flavorful
Payne’s Bar-B-Que may not have an extensive menu like other BBQ joints in Memphis, but its simple approach to cooking results in some of the most flavorful and mouth-watering dishes in the city.
Our Advice: Bring Cash
One thing to keep in mind when visiting Payne’s Bar-B-Que is that they only accept cash. Make sure to bring some with you so that you don’t miss out on this hidden gem.
4. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ: A Tourist Favorite
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ has been serving up traditional Memphis-style barbecue to locals and tourists alike since 1985. With four locations across the city, this restaurant has become a go-to spot for those looking to experience authentic BBQ in Memphis.
The Menu: A Variety of Options
Corky’s offers a variety of dishes on their menu, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken. Their sauces are also made in-house and can be purchased to take home. For those looking for something a little different, they also offer BBQ pizza and BBQ tamales.
How to Use: Try the BBQ Pizza
Corky’s BBQ pizza is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a fusion of flavors. It’s topped with their famous pulled pork, sauce, and cheese, creating the perfect combination of BBQ and pizza.
Our Example: The Rib Combo Platter
One dish that stands out at Corky’s is their rib combo platter. It comes with a half rack of ribs, your choice of pork or beef, and two sides. It’s the perfect option for those looking to try a variety of meats.
Comparing with Others: A Tourist Favorite
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ may not be as popular among locals, but it’s a favorite among tourists thanks to its convenient locations and tasty traditional BBQ dishes.
Our Advice: Try the Sweet Heat Sauce
Corky’s offers a variety of sauces, but one that we highly recommend trying is their Sweet Heat sauce. It adds a nice kick to any dish and pairs well with their ribs.
5. The Commissary: A Unique BBQ Experience
Located inside an old country store, The Commissary offers a unique dining experience that combines delicious BBQ with Southern hospitality. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up some of the best BBQ in Memphis since 1981.
The Menu: A Large Selection of Dishes
The Commissary offers a wide selection of dishes on their menu, including ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and chicken. They also have a variety of sides to choose from, such as baked beans, potato salad, and coleslaw.
How to Use: Try the BBQ Spaghetti Pie
One dish that stands out at The Commissary is their BBQ spaghetti pie. This unique twist on Memphis-style BBQ is made with layers of spaghetti, pulled pork, and tangy sauce, all baked together and topped with cheese. It’s a delicious and filling meal that you won’t find anywhere else.
Our Example: The Pulled Pork Sandwich
While The Commissary offers a variety of dishes, one that we highly recommend trying is their pulled pork sandwich. The meat is tender and juicy, and the sauce adds the perfect amount of flavor to this classic BBQ dish.
Comparing with Others: A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The Commissary’s warm and inviting atmosphere is what sets it apart from other BBQ restaurants in Memphis. It’s the perfect spot for a family dinner, where you can enjoy delicious food and Southern hospitality.
Our Advice: Save Room for Dessert
Just like any good Southern restaurant, The Commissary offers homemade desserts that are not to be missed. Make sure to save room for a slice of their famous pecan pie or banana pudding.
6. Rendezvous: A Memphis Institution
No list of the best BBQ restaurants in Memphis would be complete without mentioning Rendezvous. This iconic eatery has been serving up mouth-watering BBQ since 1948 and has become a must-visit for anyone looking to experience true Memphis-style barbecue.
The Menu: A Focus on Ribs
Rendezvous is known for its dry-rub ribs, which have become a signature dish in the city. Their menu also includes other traditional BBQ items such as pulled pork, brisket, and sausage. For sides, they offer classics like baked beans and coleslaw, but their Greek salad is also a popular option.
How to Use: Order the Full Slab of Ribs
If you’re a fan of ribs, then you can’t leave Rendezvous without trying their full slab of ribs. These dry-rubbed ribs are cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
Our Example: The BBQ Pork Plate
While most people come to Rendezvous for their famous ribs, one dish that shouldn’t be overlooked is their BBQ pork plate. It comes with pulled pork, beans, and slaw, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Comparing with Others: A Memphis Staple
Rendezvous has become a staple in the Memphis food scene, attracting both locals and tourists alike thanks to its delicious BBQ and vibrant atmosphere.
Our Advice: Make a Reservation
Due to its popularity, Rendezvous can get pretty busy, especially on weekends. To avoid long waiting times, we recommend making a reservation before your visit.
FAQ about Best BBQ Restaurants in Memphis
Q: What makes Memphis-style barbecue unique?
A: Memphis-style barbecue is known for its dry rubs and sauces, which are made with a blend of herbs and spices. The meat is also slow-cooked over open pits or in specially designed smokers, giving it a unique and smoky flavor.
Q: Are there any vegetarian options at these BBQ restaurants?
A: While these restaurants specialize in BBQ, they also offer some vegetarian options, such as BBQ nachos, salads, and sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw.
Q: Can I order takeout from these restaurants?
A: Yes, all of these restaurants offer takeout options. Some also have online ordering available for added convenience.
Q: Are these restaurants family-friendly?
A: Yes, all of these restaurants have a family-friendly atmosphere and offer menu options for kids.
Q: Do these restaurants accept credit cards?
A: Most of these restaurants accept credit cards, but some may only accept cash. It’s best to check beforehand or bring some cash just in case.
Conclusion: Experience the Best of Memphis Barbecue
Memphis is a city that takes pride in its barbecue, and for a good reason. The top 6 BBQ restaurants mentioned in this article offer a variety of dishes that showcase the unique flavors and traditions of this beloved cuisine. From traditional methods to modern twists, these restaurants have something for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you find yourself in Memphis, make sure to add these must-try BBQ joints to your itinerary and experience the best of what the city has to offer.
