16 Absolute Must-Try Barbecue Restaurants In Memphis
Trying to find the best Memphis bbq restaurants? I’ve got you covered! I am a Memphis native so I know where the locals go to get their bbq fix so I know where to find the best Memphis bbq restaurants.
If you’re visiting Memphis and looking to indulge in some world-famous slow-cooked barbecue you might as well start with my list of Memphis’s best BBQ restaurants.
Memphis is considered one of the top culinary capitals in North America, Memphis is known all over the world for its slow-cooked barbecue.
Memphians love BBQ and will barbecue anything that moves including beef, pork, chicken, sausage, and turkey.
My personal favorite is bbq bologna served between two pieces of white bread making this sample sandwich into something your tastebuds will thank you for later.
Both professional pitmasters and those who grill at home use a combination of logs and charcoal briquettes, which impart a distinctive juicy and mildly smoky flavor to the meat.
The bbq sauce in Memphis is thick, tangy, and reddish brown, and it can range from mild to hot.
Yellow mustard-laced slaw and sweet but savory beans are the standard side dishes, along with barbecue spaghetti—an eccentric combination of pasta, pork, and barbecue sauce found only in Memphis.
Pork ribs and shoulders are the main ingredients at any bbq restaurant in Memphis – they are slow-cooked and then topped with dry rub and a rich barbecue sauce.
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Here are 16 of the best Memphis bbq restaurants – the big, small, hole-in-the-wall, well-known, and even the most underrated restaurants to try out in Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis also hosts one of the world’s largest BBQ Festivals every May which brings pitmasters from all across the world to Memphis in hopes of taking home the coveted award of Best BBQ Pitmaster!
Keep reading for the list of the best Memphis bbq restaurants.
How Did I Pick These Top 16 Barbecue Restaurants?
There are over 117 barbecue restaurants in Memphis so I had to limit the number of bbq restaurants to taste test for this review.
I started my review of the best Memphis barbecue restaurants in downtown Memphis and then made my way out East so keep reading to find the best of the best Memphis barbecue.
Trying to find the best Barbecue in Memphis? I've got the low down on how Memphis earned its title as Barbecue Capital of the World. Plus a few must-eat restaurants to try during your next visit to the Bluff City. Famous for their hot links, A&R Bar-B-Q is a local favorite. From their pork ribs, pulled pork sammiches, and my favorite; their hot links. The meat at A&R BBQ is cooked to perfection and it’s so tender and juicy that the meat falls off the bone. If you want to experience the flavors of the meat without the sauce masking all of its delicious flavors; order the dry-rub ribs so that you will taste the smokiness of the meat, and you can understand why I have been devouring A&R Barbecue since I was in high school. My old high school is located right next door to A&R Barbecue, and the memories of me sneaking out during lunch and running over to A&R are some of my fondest memories from high school. P & G Rating: 4.5 / 5 Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 3721 Hickory Hill Rd, Memphis, TN 38115-5009 Cozy Corner is the ultimate hole-in-wall BBQ spot and it is located in the hood, but do not let the area deter you from missing your blessing. The brisket will melt in your mouth, and the BBQ Gawds speak to your soul as the flavors dance around in your mouth like a slow love ballad. I am not just saying Cozy Corner has some of the Best Barbecue in Memphis, but based on the long lines I am not the only person who feels that way. The line moves fairly quickly so don’t be discouraged. Cozy Corner has made a name for itself by perfecting classics like ribs, rib tips, wings, and brisket. Most people stand in the long lines to try their famous smoked Cornish hen. You heard me right! Cozy Corner prepares daily the most succulent Cornish hen! Its meat is succulent and tender, the skin is crispy and paired with a glazed tangy sauce; it’s a match made in heaven. P & G Rating: 5/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105 Charlie Vergos is one of Memphis’ most iconic BBQ Spots and they have been serving barbecue since 1948. I will admit I am not a fan of Charlie Vergos BBQ, but I am in the minority on my view of Rendevous BBQ. Rendezvous is legendary in Memphis, and where at any given time you might see celebrities with barbecue sauce running down their chin and enjoying the goodness of Rendezvous. Rendezvous has also been featured on both the Travel Channel and Food Network because of its famous dry-rub ribs. Located directly across from the world-renowned Peabody Hotel; you can follow your nose down the alleyway to the big red-and-green striped awnings. P & G Rating: 2/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103 Payne’s BBQ is my mom’s favorite barbecue spot and the restaurant is located in a former auto mechanic station. Payne’s may not be luxury dining and doesn’t offer up much in the way of atmosphere, but it’s a foodie's dream come true. Payne’s Original Bar-B-Q dishes is one of Memphis’ best-chopped pork sandwiches and has been serving Barbecue to local residents since 1972. The menu is not elaborate like some of the other BBQ places I have mentioned, but if you love pulled pork then you are in the right place. P & G Rating: 3.5/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114 Fall-off-the-Bone MeatYou might have heard us say, “Smoke is Our Sauce.” That’s because we live in the hardwood capital of the world and use hickory and pecan woods, along with our intricate dry rub and a whole lot of patience, to craft the most tender, delicious piece of meat you’ve ever eaten— with or without the sauce. P & G Rating: 3.0/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 WORLD FAMOUS, MEMPHIS STYLE BBQ: For more than 25 years, The Commissary has been a staple of culture and cuisine in Germantown, Tennessee. Memphis-style BBQ is one-of-a-kind, and we’ve crafted main courses and desserts so delicious, they will make you want to slap your mama. Our food is homemade and our Memphis BBQ slow-cooked, just the way it should be. We strive to serve food fast, not fast food! P & G Rating: 3.0/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 2290 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 Corky’s BBQ is Memphis BBQ. We helped put this city on the map as a culinary capital and BBQ haven. Locals don’t lie, and we’ve been voted the #1 BBQ joint in Memphis 22 times since Don Pelts fired up Corky’s first hickory and charcoal BBQ pit (more than 30 years ago) with one goal in mind: serve the absolute best BBQ possible. P & G Rating: 3.5/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 5259 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119 Leonard’s Pit Barbeque has been serving up BBQ in Memphis since1922. The Deep South Salad at Leonard’s has to be the most popular item on the menu and is said to be the original barbecue salad. Leonard’s barbecue dinner is a classic as well and comes with the pork shoulder sandwich piled high, beans, slaw, and wedge fries. I also love, love, love their fried catfish! P & G Rating: 3.7/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 5465 Fox Plaza Dr, Memphis, TN 38115 While they are known for their Memphis-style hotdogs where are topped with a quarter pound of pulled pork, mild barbecue sauce, coleslaw, barbecue baked beans, hot giardiniera, and French fries; I am in love with their fall off the bone ribs. Don’t forget to try their delicious Brunswick Stew during the winter months and warm up with a steaming bowl of smoked pulled pork, shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables in a richly seasoned, barbecue chicken stock. P & G Rating: 4.4/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 567 Perkins Extd, Memphis, TN 38117 In the early ’90s, Blues City Cafe developed a menu and consistent items that would work for the Memphis and Beale Street locals, tourists, etc. Ribs became the focal point, as they are today, and other items were added over the years, such as our steaks, catfish, and tamales. In October of 1993, investors bought Doe’s and changed the name to Blues City Cafe. Many of the same faces that were with Doe’s in the early 90s remain at Blues City Cafe today. Ty Agee and Bud Chilton for example, their consistency and constant drive to better our food quality and speed of service have made Blues City Cafe what it is today, The #1 business at the #1 tourist attraction in Tennessee. P & G Rating: 3/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 138 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103 The Bar-B-Q Shop voted #1 ribs in America by the Food Network’s “Top Five Restaurants”, located @ 1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, in the heart of Midtown, less than a mile from the Overton Square Entertainment District, is a local Memphis barbecue eatery that opened in November of 1987. It is a place known for a real-pit barbecue with old-fashioned barbecue sauces and coleslaw that are made from scratch. P & G Rating: 2.5/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 Interstate was rated as the second-best barbecue in the nation by People magazine in 1989. Vogue magazine pronounced it the best commercial barbecue in Memphis. After a two-month search of numerous restaurants in Memphis, The Commercial Appeal named Interstate Bar-B-Que as the home of the best all-around pork barbecue sandwich in the city in 1989. P & G Rating: 3.8/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 2265 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109 They have all the regular barbeque things—the aforementioned tips, ribs, sandwiches, meat by the pound—as well as catfish, hamburgers, and daily specials. Not to mention, country-style breakfast on Saturdays until 2 p.m. P & G Rating: 4.8/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 337 Madison Ave #2, Memphis, TN 38103 Coletta's debuted pizza with a Southern flair by topping it with BBQ, a classic Memphis staple, to encourage hesitant customers to give this dish a try. It quickly became a best-seller and one of Elvis Presley’s favorite foods. To this day, the BBQ pizza is one of our signature items. P & G Rating: 3.5/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 1063 S Pkwy E, Memphis, TN 38106 TOPS Bar-B-Q is proudly celebrating its 67th anniversary. All because of you, our loyal customers, who recognize the quality taste of slow-cooked, real pit bar-b-q. Now serving our third generation of Mid-Southerners, we still cook our pork shoulders just the way we did 60 years ago – with hardwood, charcoal, and green hickory wood. Whether it is the perfect pork sandwich, scrumptious ribs, or the best burger or brisket, TOPS has you covered. And of course, no meal from TOPS would be complete without the sides, whether you have a taste for beans, slaw, potato salad, fries, or chips. P & G Rating: 3.5/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 5144 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117 Pulled pork, rib tip sandwich, fried okra, onion rings, baked beans, and fried pickles. Truly, all were amazing! The meat was "clean" not fatty. The fried pickles were super thin, like a chip. And the baked beans had little bits of pork in them. Highly recommend! P & G Rating: 3.7/5 / Type of cuisine: Barbecue – Price: $$ – $$$–Address: 4560 Elvis Presley Blvd Memphis, TN 3811616 Absolute Must Try Barbecue Restaurants In Memphis
A & R BBQ - Memphis, TN
Cozy Corner BBQ Restaurant
Charlie Vergos Rendezvous
Payne's Bar-B-Que
Central BBQ - Slow Smoked Memphis Style BBQ
Germantown Commissary | Memphis Style BBQ & Ribs
Corky's Memphis Style BBQ and Ribs
Leonard's Pit Barbecue
One & Only BBQ
Blues City Cafe
Memphis Barbecue, Sauce & Seasoning | The best barbecue in Memphis
Interstate BBQ | World Famous Neely BBQ
Arnold's BBQ Memphis | Downtown Memphis BBQ
Coletta Pizza
Tops Bar-B-Q
Pollard's BBQ
Memphis Barbecue is always cooked low and slow!
Authentic bbq in Memphis is cooked low and slow using indirect heat.
Whether you call it barbecue, barbeque, ‘que, bbq, or bar-b-q if you are from Memphis, it means “fall off the bone” with ooey-gooey sticky molasses-based bbq sauce.
The best bbq in Memphis will have you licking your fingers instead of using a napkin. Because who uses a napkin when eating BBQ?
Pulled pork and ribs are what most Memphians order but I personally love brisket, especially the brisket from the one and only Cozy Corner Memphis BBQ!
Most Memphis restaurants include coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad as the side dish.
What is my favorite Memphis bbq restaurant?
This is almost an impossible question to answer but I am going to say it’s a tie between A & R bbq and Cozy Corner bbq.
Cozy Corner bbq was just recently inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, September 19 during the 2020 American Royal World Series of Barbecue at the Kansas Speedway.
Click Here To Watch The Memphis In May BBQ Cook-Off 2019!
Memphis In May BBQ Festival
Memphis In May is one of the world’s most recognized and Prestigious Barbecue Contests.
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held in Tom Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis, TN.
Update: The 44th edition of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will be held May 17-20, 2023, at the Memphis Fairgrounds.
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is the largest pork barbecue contest in the world and promises to be fiercely competitive in 2022, as teams vie for the World Championship crown, and the largest prize purse in the event’s history totaling over $145,000 in prize money.
Single-day advance, General Admission tickets are $13 each*
VIP tickets are $495 each* ($595 each with parking*) limited quantities are available
The World Championship will be somewhat different and smaller with capacity restrictions that may be in place at that time.
Nearly 250 teams travel from around the world and across the U.S. to compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $115,000 in prize money.
The Contest draws more than 75,000 attendees, including teams from twenty-six states and six countries, from as far away as Japan and the Czech Republic to compete in the championship.
Categories include – Ribs, Shoulder, and Whole Hog, as well as the ancillary competitions of Hot Wings, Sauce, and “Anything But Pork.”
If you are looking to enjoy Memphis BBQ make sure you check out the Memphis In May BBQ Festival.
Best BBQ In Memphis
WHAT TO SEE IN DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS
If you’re visiting downtown Memphis here is a list of things to do after you have devoured all of the BBQ in Memphis.
- Watch the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park
- Catch NBA action with the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum.
- Catch NCAA action with the Memphis Tigers at the FedEx Forum.
- Learn about our civil rights pioneers at the acclaimed National Civil Rights Museum
- Say “Hi” to the ducks at the Peabody Hotel.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEMPHIS
Canopy by Hilton is the best hotel in downtown Memphis. Creative, atmospheric, and historically layered, Canopy Hotel is located in the oldest area in the city, and within walking distance lies America’s most iconic road, Beale Street.
You can walk everywhere during your stay at Canopy including Beale Street, I AM Man Plaza, MLK Reflection Park, Ernest Withers Museum, First Baptist Church, and many more attractions.
The hotel is located next to Autozone Park and a half-mile from FedEx Forum Arena. The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is five minutes away and they are under a mile from Mississippi River Park and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
If you want to venture outside of downtown you can catch a taxi to anywhere in Memphis in under 20 minutes.
Canopy offers a clean stay program which means there is a seal on each and every door to ensure no one has entered the room prior to you checking in and you also have the option of digital check-in.
The rooms are AMAZING y’all!
Beautifully decorated in contemporary 70’s music themes that include rhythm and blues influences of the South.
The rooms are locally inspired by the music that was created by legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and many more.
They also included a cozy bathrobe, slippers, and a pair of colorful and branded socks to kick back and relax.
If you’re spending the weekend in Memphis check out these additional hotels in Memphis:
- Hotel Napoleon – Boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Memphis
- Peabody Hotel – The grand dame of Memphis
- Madison Hotel – Chic boutique hotel up Main Street on Madison
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Centrally located near Beale Street
- Westin Memphis Hotel – Located steps from Beale Street FedEx Forum
Ready to plan your trip, grab my FREE Vacation Planner to help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show!
I have come to the end of my ultimate Memphis barbecue guide!
Hopefully, your mouth is watering and your taste buds are singing and dancing for some fall-off-the-bone ribs and savory pulled pork.
What do you think about my list of the 16 best Memphis bbq restaurants?
Additional Travel Articles
Slave Haven – Underground Railroad In Memphis
50 Fun Things To Do In Memphis with the Kiddos
Ultimate Amtrak Getaway – Memphis to New Orleans
What are your favorite BBQ restaurants in Memphis? Let me know in the comments, and I will update as needed.
I would love to hear about any other barbecue restaurants I should check out in Memphis! Leave me a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
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I totally agree with you, I’ve had a variety of good BBQ while in Memphis. This list is a total and complete hype. Now my mouth is watering and I want more BBQ, and I need to visit Memphis again.
I totally agree with you, I’ve had a variety of good BBQ while in Memphis. This list is a total and complete hype. Now my mouth is watering and I want more BBQ, and I need to visit Memphis again.
I must admit that this looks good although I am Vegan. I’ll spread the word to y Memphis people.
How long have you been vegan?
I must admit that this looks good although I am Vegan. I’ll spread the word to y Memphis people.
How long have you been vegan?
Memphis is on my list of cities to travel to! It’s not super far from Chicago and I have family that lives there. A bbq adventure sounds delicious!
Kendro
Memphis really does have the best BBQ. I cant believe travel and leisure did not include one bbq joint from memphis
Memphis is on my list of cities to travel to! It’s not super far from Chicago and I have family that lives there. A bbq adventure sounds delicious!
Kendro
Memphis really does have the best BBQ. I cant believe travel and leisure did not include one bbq joint from memphis
Oooh girl I love me some barbecue ! Thank you for these helpful tips.
I will admit I am a BBQ Junkie and Memphis has some of the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten!!!
Oooh girl I love me some barbecue ! Thank you for these helpful tips.
I will admit I am a BBQ Junkie and Memphis has some of the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten!!!
OMG, mouth-watering, literally I am so hungry and wish I could visit any of these places. I love being able to hit up all the best places first, great guide!
OMG, mouth-watering, literally I am so hungry and wish I could visit any of these places. I love being able to hit up all the best places first, great guide!
…And now you got me wanting barbeque! I see I need to add Memphis to my places to visit and Eat.
…And now you got me wanting barbeque! I see I need to add Memphis to my places to visit and Eat.
I used to live in TN, but I was a vegetarian then, and I remain one now so I haven’t heard of this spot. I will keep it in mind though because I have a lot of friends who would love to learn more about the best BBQ in Memphis.
I used to live in TN, but I was a vegetarian then, and I remain one now so I haven’t heard of this spot. I will keep it in mind though because I have a lot of friends who would love to learn more about the best BBQ in Memphis.
I need to make another trip to TN because Memphis was one of the best places I had BBQ! Maybe I will take a trip this year and keep these spots in mind!
I need to make another trip to TN because Memphis was one of the best places I had BBQ! Maybe I will take a trip this year and keep these spots in mind!
I needed to see this list. Planning a trip to Memphis soon. I’ll be going to some of these places.
I needed to see this list. Planning a trip to Memphis soon. I’ll be going to some of these places.
Oh I wish I had this list during my work trip to Tennessee last year. I ended up sitting in my hotel room every night eating bad take out and room service. LOL Great post!
OH NO! The next time you are in memphis make sure you let me know! I will take you around
Oh I wish I had this list during my work trip to Tennessee last year. I ended up sitting in my hotel room every night eating bad take out and room service. LOL Great post!
OH NO! The next time you are in memphis make sure you let me know! I will take you around
One of the main reasons I like to go to Memphis is for the BBQ periodt. Great post. Will def check some of these places out next time I go. I hadn’t heard of some of them.
Go to Payne’s on Lamar get a regular Q sandwich and a smoke sausage the bomb
One of the main reasons I like to go to Memphis is for the BBQ periodt. Great post. Will def check some of these places out next time I go. I hadn’t heard of some of them.
Go to Payne’s on Lamar get a regular Q sandwich and a smoke sausage the bomb
I love me some TX bbq~ I wonder if Memphis will give us a run for our money!
you know Texas BBQ does not even compare to Memphis. Nice try though
I love me some TX bbq~ I wonder if Memphis will give us a run for our money!
you know Texas BBQ does not even compare to Memphis. Nice try though
Great list!!! I’m from Memphis and didn’t even know about some of these! A&R is on point tho!!
Great list!!! I’m from Memphis and didn’t even know about some of these! A&R is on point tho!!
Thanks for sharing. Definitely will be potting this list to use when my sister heads back to school
Thanks for sharing. Definitely will be potting this list to use when my sister heads back to school
I feel the need for a road trip one weekend so the girls and I can hit up some of these places!
I cant believe Memphis wasnt included in Travel and leisure list. I cant even take them serious now
I feel the need for a road trip one weekend so the girls and I can hit up some of these places!
I cant believe Memphis wasnt included in Travel and leisure list. I cant even take them serious now
I have never been to Nashville, but we were in North Carolina 3 Summers ago. As someone from the North, I had no idea what real BBQ was until we were there. Now I have a few new places I will have to visit the next time we travel South!
I have never been to Nashville, but we were in North Carolina 3 Summers ago. As someone from the North, I had no idea what real BBQ was until we were there. Now I have a few new places I will have to visit the next time we travel South!
The racism in this article ruined anything of value you might have said. Anyway, I’ve been to 48 states, had more ‘que than you could wrap your head around. Germantown Commissary has the best flavor.
What is actually racism in this article? The fact I called out Travel + Leisure or the fact I stated someone who puts raisins in their potato salad wrote it. I assume you put raisins in all of your food which is why you are pissed.
The racism in this article ruined anything of value you might have said. Anyway, I’ve been to 48 states, had more ‘que than you could wrap your head around. Germantown Commissary has the best flavor.
What is actually racism in this article? The fact I called out Travel + Leisure or the fact I stated someone who puts raisins in their potato salad wrote it. I assume you put raisins in all of your food which is why you are pissed.
You need to try Smokin D’s in Millington. It’s not Memphis but still in Shelby County. Besides the barbecue you need to try the barbecue bologna. You can’t go wrong with anything you order. And super nice staff as well.
You need to try Smokin D’s in Millington. It’s not Memphis but still in Shelby County. Besides the barbecue you need to try the barbecue bologna. You can’t go wrong with anything you order. And super nice staff as well.