This Tennessee BBQ Spot Serves Fried Pies That Are Simply Out Of This World
Memphis knows barbecue like nobody’s business, but there’s one spot that’s stealing hearts with more than just smoked meats.
A&R BBQ has been serving up finger-licking ribs and tender pulled pork since the 1980s, but it’s their legendary fried pies that have customers lining up for them the moment they hit the menu, even if not literally around the block.
If you haven’t tasted these golden, crispy pockets of heaven, you’re missing out on one of Tennessee’s best-kept secrets.
A Memphis BBQ Staple Serving Tradition Since the 1980s
Walking into A&R BBQ feels like stepping back into authentic Memphis history. Since opening its doors in the 1980s, this family-owned joint has been dishing out real-deal barbecue that keeps generations coming back for more.
The restaurant didn’t just survive the decades—it thrived by sticking to what works best. Old-school smoking techniques meet recipes passed down through the family, creating flavors that can’t be replicated by fancy chains. Local folks trust A&R because consistency isn’t just a goal here; it’s a promise kept daily.
What started as one humble location has grown into a Memphis institution that tourists and locals equally adore.
The Fried Apple Pie That Locals Call the Best in Town
Forget everything you think you know about fried pies—A&R’s version rewrites the rulebook entirely. These hand-held treasures boast a perfectly crispy shell that shatters with each bite, releasing warm apple filling that tastes like grandma’s kitchen.
The secret lies in homemade preparation that refuses to cut corners. Real apples get seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, then tucked into dough that fries up golden and gorgeous. Each pie arrives piping hot, demanding your immediate attention and zero patience.
Locals have crowned these pies the best in Memphis, and one taste explains exactly why that reputation sticks around.
Where Slow-Smoked Meats and Southern Sweets Meet
Savory meets sweet in the most delicious way possible at A&R, where your meal journey doesn’t end with barbecue sauce. After demolishing a plate of fall-off-the-bone ribs or juicy pulled pork, that fried pie becomes the perfect punctuation mark.
Southern cuisine has always understood that balance matters. The smoky, tangy flavors from slow-cooked meats create the ideal contrast for something sugary and comforting. Rib tips might steal the show initially, but dessert steals your heart completely.
This combination represents Memphis food culture at its finest—bold, unapologetic, and guaranteed to leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
A Family-Owned Spot That Keeps Its Recipes Close and Its Customers Closer
Family recipes aren’t just protected at A&R—they’re practically guarded like national treasures. The owners believe that keeping things in the family ensures quality never slips, and their loyal customer base proves that philosophy works wonders.
Community connections run deeper than business transactions here. Regulars know the staff by name, and the staff remembers exactly how you like your order. This personal touch transforms a simple meal into an experience that feels like visiting relatives.
Decades of dedication have built trust that money simply cannot buy, making A&R more than a restaurant—it’s practically a Memphis landmark.
No-Frills Counter Service With Authentic Memphis Flavor
Fancy tablecloths and complicated menus have no place at A&R, where the focus stays squarely on food that speaks for itself. Counter service keeps things moving quickly while maintaining that down-home vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.
The unpretentious atmosphere actually enhances the experience rather than diminishing it. Nobody comes here for Instagram-worthy décor; they come because the flavors deliver every single time. Paper plates and plastic utensils become badges of authenticity rather than shortcuts.
Memphis barbecue culture celebrates honest cooking over pretentious presentation, and A&R embodies that spirit perfectly from start to finish.
Two Memphis Locations, Same Legendary Fried Pies
Success led A&R to expand, but expansion didn’t dilute what made them special in the first place. Both the Hickory Hill and Elvis Presley Boulevard locations serve up identical quality, though availability and hours may vary slightly between them.
Consistency across multiple spots isn’t easy, yet A&R makes it look effortless. The same recipes, techniques, and commitment to excellence transfer seamlessly between locations. Whether you visit one spot or both, those fried pies taste exactly as legendary as advertised.
Having two locations simply means more Memphis residents can access these incredible pies without driving across town—a win for everyone involved.
A Hidden Gem That Even BBQ Purists Can’t Resist
Barbecue snobs can be tough critics, but even the pickiest pit-master types bow down to A&R’s combination of smoked perfection and dessert excellence. This spot earns respect from people who take their meat seriously, which speaks volumes.
The restaurant’s reputation extends far beyond just having good fried pies. Perfectly smoked ribs, tender brisket, and those famous rib tips prove A&R understands barbecue fundamentals completely. Adding exceptional desserts simply showcases their range and dedication to Southern cooking traditions.
Hidden gems shine brightest when discovered by those who truly appreciate quality, and A&R sparkles under that scrutiny beautifully.