Memphis, Tennessee’s Best BBQ Joints Everyone Is Talking About
Memphis lives and breathes barbecue. The scent of smoked meat drifts through neighborhoods, rising from pits that have been burning for generations.
Tennessee’s Ribs are cooked until tender, pulled pork is stacked high, and sauces range from sweet to tangy with just the right kick.
These meals are more than food, they’re part of the city’s rhythm, served in joints where the walls tell stories and the smoke never fully clears. Each spot on this list carries a piece of that tradition, shaped by time, fire, and deep local pride.
1. Central BBQ (Memphis)
Walking into this place feels like coming home to Sunday dinner. The pulled pork sandwich here is legendary, topped with tangy slaw that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Ribs come out glazed and tender, practically melting before you can get them to your mouth. The nachos loaded with barbecue are a fun twist that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.
Multiple locations across town mean you’re never too far from your next fix. Grab extra napkins because things get messy in the best possible way.
2. The Bar-B-Q Shop (Memphis)
Since 1982, this spot has been slinging some of the juiciest ribs you’ll ever taste. Their secret? A special basting sauce that gets brushed on during the smoking process.
The result is meat that’s caramelized on the outside and impossibly moist inside. Sides like baked beans and coleslaw are homemade daily and never feel like an afterthought.
Portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. Cash or card both work here, so no excuses for skipping out.
3. Payne’s Bar-B-Q (Memphis)
Don’t let the tiny building fool you. This unassuming shack serves up chopped pork sandwiches that have made grown adults weep with joy.
Everything gets cooked over charcoal, giving the meat a smoky depth that electric smokers just can’t match. The sauce is thin and vinegary, letting the pork’s natural flavor shine through without drowning it.
Seating is limited, so most folks grab their order and eat in the car. Trust me, you won’t mind one bit when you take that first bite.
4. Cozy Corner Restaurant (Memphis)
Cornish hen might sound fancy, but here it’s pure comfort food done right. Each bird gets smoked until the skin crisps up and the meat stays juicy underneath.
Ribs are another star player, seasoned with a dry rub that packs serious flavor without overwhelming heat. The bologna sandwich is a local favorite that sounds weird but tastes incredible once you try it.
Service is friendly and quick, even when the lunch rush hits hard. Cash is preferred, so hit the ATM before you go.
5. A&R Bar-B-Que (Memphis)
My cousin dragged me here on my first Memphis visit, and I’ve been grateful ever since. The hot tamales are unlike anything you’d expect at a barbecue joint, spicy and wrapped in cornmeal perfection.
Ribs come out sticky and sweet, with a sauce that balances tomato and molasses beautifully. The spaghetti might raise eyebrows, but locals swear by it as the perfect side dish.
Prices stay reasonable even as quality remains sky-high. Grab a booth and settle in for a meal you won’t forget anytime soon.
6. Interstate Barbecue (Memphis)
This place has been a Memphis staple since 1978, and one taste explains why. The pork ribs are dry-rubbed and smoked low and slow until they develop a beautiful bark.
Barbecue spaghetti is their signature dish, mixing two comfort foods into something uniquely Memphis. The sauce leans sweet with hints of tang, coating everything in finger-licking goodness.
Takeout moves fast if you’re in a hurry, but the dining room has a relaxed vibe worth experiencing. Either way, you’re leaving happy and full.
7. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Memphis)
Hidden in a downtown alley since 1948, this basement joint does ribs unlike anywhere else in town. They’re charcoal-grilled instead of smoked, then dusted with a Greek-inspired dry rub that’s become iconic.
The result is ribs with a slight char and spices that dance on your tongue. Beans come loaded with meat, turning a simple side into a meal on its own.
Tourists and locals pack the place nightly, so expect a wait during peak hours. The atmosphere alone makes it worth your time.
8. Corky’s Ribs & BBQ (Memphis)
Consistency is king at this Memphis institution that’s been around since 1984. Ribs are slow-cooked over hickory and oak, developing layers of smoky flavor that barbecue fans dream about.
The pulled pork is hand-pulled daily and stays moist without needing tons of sauce. Sides like mac and cheese and green beans taste homemade because they are.
Multiple locations and catering options make Corky’s a go-to for parties and family gatherings. You can even order their sauce online if you get hooked.
9. Tops Bar-B-Q (Memphis)
Fast food meets real barbecue at this Memphis chain that’s been serving since 1952. Drive-through service means you can grab ribs and pulled pork without leaving your car.
The sauce is thinner than most, with a vinegar base that complements rather than covers the meat. Burgers also make an appearance on the menu, offering variety for picky eaters in your group.
Prices stay budget-friendly, making this a solid choice for feeding a crowd. Quality never suffers despite the quick service model they’ve perfected.
10. Elwood’s Shack (Memphis)
This newer spot has quickly earned respect among Memphis barbecue purists. Brisket gets smoked for hours until it achieves that perfect pink smoke ring and tender texture.
The pork belly burnt ends are a menu highlight, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth inside. Sides rotate seasonally, keeping regulars interested and coming back to try new combinations.
The relaxed patio is perfect for warm evenings when you want to eat outside. Craft sodas and sweet tea round out the menu nicely.