6 Memphis BBQ Buffets That Prove Pulled Pork Will Never Go Out Of Style
When it comes to barbecue, Memphis has no equal – and nothing captures its spirit quite like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Picture plates piled high with smoky pulled pork, ribs so tender they fall apart at a touch, and sauces ranging from tangy vinegar to sweet molasses.
This city lives and breathes barbecue, and locals and visitors alike know there’s no better way to taste it all than at a buffet line built for BBQ lovers.
From long-standing institutions to modern twists, these six spots prove why Memphis pulled pork will never go out of style.
1. Brickhouse Buffet & Carry Out: Pork Paradise Found
Last summer, I stumbled upon this hidden gem while dodging a rainstorm, and boy was that a lucky downpour! The pulled pork at Brickhouse practically dissolves on your tongue, with that perfect bark-to-meat ratio that only comes from hours in a proper smoker.
Their buffet line stretches impressively long, featuring not just their award-winning pulled pork but also ribs that fall off the bone with a gentle tug. The meat sweats are real here, folks!
What sets Brickhouse apart is their three homemade sauce options – tangy vinegar-based, sweet molasses, and their famous spicy bourbon blend that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. Load up your plate as many times as you want, but save room for their banana pudding.
2. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ: The All-You-Can-Eat Smoke Show
My uncle from Chicago refuses to visit Memphis without a pilgrimage to Corky’s buffet. This iconic spot has been smoking meat since 1984, and their pulled pork has a distinctive hickory flavor that’s impossible to replicate at home.
The buffet setup at Corky’s feels like a BBQ fantasy come to life. Mountains of hand-pulled pork shoulder sit alongside their famous dry-rubbed ribs, with steam rising gently from the serving trays. Their cornbread is good too – sweet, crumbly, and perfect for sopping up sauce.
I’ve watched pitmasters here tend to the smokers with the care of artists, rotating and spritzing the meat throughout the day. This attention to detail explains why their pulled pork maintains that perfect texture and moisture even on a buffet line.
3. HQ BBQ & Hotpot: Where East Meets Southern Smoke
Who would’ve thought combining Asian hotpot with Memphis BBQ would create such magic? The first time my buddy dragged me to HQ, I was skeptical – until I tasted their fusion pulled pork with five-spice rub.
This place breaks all the rules in the best possible way. Their buffet features traditional Memphis pulled pork alongside Asian-inspired versions that incorporate ginger, star anise, and other unexpected but delicious flavor profiles. The meat still maintains that signature smoke ring and tenderness.
What I love most is building my own flavor combinations from their sauce bar. Twenty different options range from traditional Memphis sweet to Szechuan peppercorn heat! The all-you-can-eat format encourages culinary adventure, and I’ve discovered flavor combinations here I never would have tried otherwise.
4. The Kitchens Buffet At Southland Casino: Jackpot Of Flavors
Gambling has never been my thing, but I’ll happily roll the dice on The Kitchens Buffet at Southland Casino any day of the week. Their Thursday ‘Memphis BBQ Night’ transforms this already impressive buffet into a pork lover’s paradise.
The casino spares no expense with their pit masters. These guys smoke whole pork shoulders for 14+ hours before hand-pulling the meat into those perfect strands we all crave. I’ve watched them work their magic through the display window – it’s mesmerizing!
Beyond the standard pulled pork, they offer specialty versions like apple-brined and coffee-rubbed variations that’ll expand your BBQ horizons. The upscale atmosphere makes this buffet feel like a special occasion, but the prices remain reasonable for unlimited access to such quality ‘cue.
5. Chow Time Buffet & Grill: Homestyle Heaven
Grandma’s kitchen meets professional BBQ pit at Chow Time. My first visit happened by accident when my car broke down nearby, but now I deliberately plan trips to this unassuming spot for their pulled pork that tastes like it came straight from a backyard family reunion.
The no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking. Their pulled pork has that perfect balance of meat and fat, with edges that get just crispy enough to add textural contrast. The ladies working the buffet line often throw in an extra scoop “for good measure” with a wink.
What makes Chow Time special is how they rotate different regional BBQ styles throughout the week. Tuesdays feature Memphis-style (vinegar forward), while Fridays showcase their sweeter Kansas City-inspired sauce. At these prices, you can afford to sample them all!
6. Blues City Cafe: Musical Flavors In Every Bite
Located just off Beale Street, Blues City Cafe combines two Memphis traditions – great music and greater BBQ. I’ve spent countless Saturday afternoons here, tapping my foot to live blues while loading my plate with their apple-wood smoked pulled pork.
The pitmasters here have a theatrical flair, occasionally bringing freshly smoked pork shoulders to the buffet line and pulling them apart right before your eyes. That sizzle and steam creates an anticipation that makes the food taste even better! Their signature vinegar-pepper mop sauce cuts through the richness perfectly.
What keeps me coming back is their rotating “BBQ from Around the World” station. Last month they featured Korean gochujang-glazed pulled pork that nearly made me weep with joy. The all-you-can-eat format lets you compare traditional Memphis style with these global inspirations.