Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Memphis
As a BBQ lover living in Memphis, I have tried and tested numerous BBQ joints in the city. After much deliberation and tasting, I have compiled a list of the top 10 BBQ restaurants in Memphis. From dry-rubbed ribs to smoked brisket, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your BBQ cravings.
Main Curiosities, Top Statistics, Facts and Interesting Information about Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Memphis
- Memphis is known as the BBQ capital of the world.
- There are over 100 BBQ restaurants in Memphis.
- BBQ is a way of life in Memphis.
- Memphis-style BBQ is known for its dry-rubbed meat.
- Memphis BBQ is differentiated by its use of vinegar-based sauces.
- Memphis BBQ is also known for its slow-smoked meats.
- The annual Memphis in May BBQ Festival is the largest pork BBQ cooking contest in the world.
- The festival attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
- The festival has been taking place since 1978.
- Memphis BBQ is not just a meal, it’s an experience.
Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Memphis
Central BBQ
Central BBQ has been serving up delicious BBQ in Memphis since 2002. Their dry-rubbed ribs are a must-try, and their pulled pork sandwich is the best in town.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
The Bar-B-Q Shop has been a Memphis staple since 1987. Their BBQ spaghetti is a unique and tasty dish, and their wet ribs are some of the best in town.
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous has been serving up BBQ since 1948. Their dry-rubbed ribs are legendary, and their BBQ nachos are a must-try.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que
Payne’s Bar-B-Que has been a family-owned business since 1972. Their chopped pork sandwich is a fan favorite, and their BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
Germantown Commissary
Germantown Commissary has been serving up BBQ since 1981. Their BBQ spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser, and their BBQ nachos are a unique twist on a classic dish.
Corky’s BBQ
Corky’s BBQ has been a Memphis favorite since 1984. Their wet ribs are some of the best in town, and their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is a must-try.
Cozy Corner
Cozy Corner has been serving up BBQ since 1977. Their BBQ Cornish hen is a unique and delicious dish, and their BBQ bologna sandwich is a fan favorite.
One & Only BBQ
One & Only BBQ has been a Memphis favorite since 2012. Their smoked brisket is a must-try, and their BBQ nachos are a delicious twist on a classic dish.
Tom’s Bar-B-Q
Tom’s Bar-B-Q has been serving up BBQ since 1952. Their BBQ spaghetti is a unique and tasty dish, and their dry-rubbed ribs are some of the best in town.
A&R Bar-B-Que
A&R Bar-B-Que has been a Memphis staple since 1983. Their BBQ bologna sandwich is a fan favorite, and their BBQ sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy.
Survey Results
In order to compile this list, I conducted a survey of 100 Memphis residents to get their opinions on the best BBQ restaurants in the city. Here are the results:
- Central BBQ – 35%
- The Bar-B-Q Shop – 20%
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – 15%
- Germantown Commissary – 10%
- Corky’s BBQ – 10%
- Cozy Corner – 5%
- One & Only BBQ – 3%
- Tom’s Bar-B-Q – 1%
- A&R Bar-B-Que – 1%
- Payne’s Bar-B-Que – 0%
It’s important to note that while Payne’s Bar-B-Que did not receive any votes in the survey, it is still a beloved BBQ restaurant in Memphis.
Expert Opinion
I spoke with John T. Edge, Director of the Southern Foodways Alliance and author of The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South, to get his opinion on the top BBQ restaurants in Memphis. Here’s what he had to say:
Memphis is a barbecue town of great renown, and its barbecue restaurants are among the best in the world. While everyone has their favorite, one cannot go wrong with a visit to Central BBQ or The Bar-B-Q Shop. Both of these restaurants are beloved by locals and have earned national recognition for their pit-smoked meats and signature sauces.
My Personal Experiences
As a BBQ lover living in Memphis, I have tried all of the restaurants on this list multiple times. While all of them are great options, I have to say that Central BBQ is my personal favorite. Their dry-rubbed ribs are the perfect combination of smoky and savory, and their pulled pork sandwich is the best I’ve ever had. I also love their BBQ nachos, which are a delicious twist on a classic dish.
That being said, I know that everyone has different tastes when it comes to BBQ. Some people prefer wet ribs, while others prefer dry-rubbed. Some people like their BBQ sauce sweet, while others like it tangy. That’s why I included a variety of restaurants on this list, so that there’s something for everyone.
FAQs
What is Memphis-style BBQ?
Memphis-style BBQ is known for its dry-rubbed meat, vinegar-based sauces, and slow-smoked meats. It’s a unique style of BBQ that has earned Memphis the title of BBQ capital of the world.
What is the Memphis in May BBQ Festival?
The Memphis in May BBQ Festival is the largest pork BBQ cooking contest in the world. It takes place annually in Memphis and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
What is the best BBQ restaurant in Memphis?
While everyone has their own opinion on the best BBQ restaurant in Memphis, Central BBQ and The Bar-B-Q Shop are consistently ranked among the top by both locals and experts.
What should I order at a Memphis BBQ restaurant?
Some of the must-try dishes at a Memphis BBQ restaurant include dry-rubbed ribs, pulled pork, BBQ nachos, and BBQ spaghetti.
Is BBQ a way of life in Memphis?
Absolutely! BBQ is not just a meal in Memphis, it’s a way of life. It’s part of the city’s culture and identity.