Who doesn’t love some good barbecue? From pork to chicken, brisket to pork rinds, there are so many different ways you can make your meat. You couldn’t imagine a barbecue without coleslaw, mashed potato, and corn and bread. In order to have a perfect barbecue, you need the right ingredients — and that is exactly what the barbecue restaurants near Memphis offers.
Memphis barbeque restaurants have always been one of the most popular attractions of the city. In fact, there are more than 200 barbecues in the Memphis area serving barbecue to patrons each day. With so many barbecue restaurants in the city, it can be difficult to decide where to go for your favorite food.
Memphis has some of the top restaurants that serve mouthwatering barbecue, and here is a list of the best BBQ in Memphis places you must try.
Top Memphis Barbeque Restaurants –
A&R Bar-B-Que
Everything on the menu at the A&R Bar-B-Que is just right. From crisp iceberg lettuce lightly covered in vinegary buttermilk dressing and a dash of cayenne pepper to tenderly smoked pork ribs that melt like butter on your tongue (and even better the ribs are sitting inside an oven-baked tomato). An array of Southern country classics like fried okra, turnip greens cooked to perfection, smoked pork, meaty corn niblets, and crispy tater wedges add to the delight. Did we say the food is finger-licking good?
Address: 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm| Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/h4ymaNZtY5Vs3K2R6 | Phone Number: +19017747444
Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Q
Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Q is a small building with a big reputation as a barbecue restaurant. Jim Neely has been doing this for more than 40 years. It’s where the locals go to get their barbecued chicken and pork. His philosophy started in 1966 when he made his first batch of barbecue chicken with Jack Daniels bourbon, wine, lemon juice, and garlic salt.
Address: 2265 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/po4bhNF27NTRcZYC9 | Phone Number: +1 901-775-2304
Payne’s Bar-B-Que
If you crave a good “low and slow” smoked barbecue that will transport you to the South, then Payne’s Bar-B-Que is where you need to be. Payne’s Bar-B-Que is a very famous restaurant located in Tennessee. The chicken and peach cobbler are among the most recommended foods in this establishment. It also serves pork ribs, barbeque (a specialty), and other side dishes for the customers.
Address: 1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6wUr3EsxjmnwURyh6 | Phone Number: +1 901-272-1523
Central BBQ
Central BBQ is an old-school joint serving some hot, delicious pork that will have you licking your fingers. With a menu this good, you can be sure that this barbecue joint is packed with hungry Stockyard District locals and office workers from downtown Memphis. Opened in June 2013, Central BBQ has already garnered national recognition, including a spot in The Daily Meal’s round-up of the 101 Best Places to Pig Out in America and several nods from celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern.
Address: 147 E Butler Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm |
Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/L8VnieUNjiEjotHm7 | Phone Number: +1 901-672-7760
Top’s Bar-B-Q
Top’s Bar-B-Q (Top’s for short) has been a staple in the area. It is known for serving an award-winning menu with smoked pork ribs and chicken, just like the rest of the Memphians have come to expect. Top’s is more than just a barbecue restaurant — it works to be part of the community and supports many local charities that give back to those in need in the city.
By Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: 1383 Jackson Ave #4334, Memphis, TN 38107, United States | Timings: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4Sh7gL7xeJsSRdDG7 | Phone Number: +1 (901) 274-8600
Ballhoggerz
Ballhoggerz is the best bbq in Memphis, Tennessee. It has Memphis BBQ sauce, chicken, ribs, beef brisket, and pork ribs on the menu. The prices are highly affordable with every type of smoked meat you want on your sandwich. The sides’ prices range from $0.50 to $1.50 for each side.
Address: 1404 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38114, United States | Timings: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/F3FrFE3TBXtmrhPcA | Phone Number: +1 901-279-1758
The Bar-B-Q Shop
The Bar-B-Q Shop has been in the area since 1937. It was founded by Joe Malone in the days when barbecue shops were mostly found anywhere there was a gathering. In that time, The Bar-B-Q Shop has won numerous awards and is thought to be the best barbecue in Memphis. It isn’t hard to see why either.
Address: 1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dQ15wHzqtt55JSgBA | Phone Number: +19012721277
One & Only BBQ
One & Only BBQ serves the best barbecue in Memphis and other treats from around the south. Their Van has on their menu slowly smoked meats to perfection for over a decade. Its unique and authentic flavor is second to none. Come on by and try their award-winning smoked pork, ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, hot links, turkey, stuffed baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, southern sides, desserts, and more!
Address: 1779 Kirby Pkwy #1A, Memphis, TN 38138, United States | Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QQqQWoyQXHidFQn46 | Phone Number: +1 901-751-3615
Germantown Commissary
Fried chicken is the king, but the pork ribs at Germantown Commissary Barbeque have a league of their own. Bordering on the edge of Collierville and Germantown, this barbecue restaurant has two specialties — slow-cooked pork ribs and weekly barbecue dinners. The meat is fatty and dripping with sauce — there’s something here for everyone who enjoys meat!
By Biskuit, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 2290 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138, United States | Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2RMo8o69TXx5ajpB7 | Phone Number: +1 901-754-5540
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
Well-aged, premium quality dry pork ribs in a variety of styles are the signature dish of this Memphis hole-in-the-wall. One of the best Memphis bbq restaurants, it is named after its founder. As legend has it, Charlie Vergos wandered around New York looking for a Greek gyro, but couldn’t find one. He then settled in Memphis and opened his own place – a Memphis BBQ restaurant! The pork dishes that Vergos created are said to be the inspiration behind the area’s well-known dry rub pork ribs: no sauce!
Address: 1779 Kirby Pkwy #1A, Memphis, TN 38138, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/naGSF7NG9FW8c8ev6 | Phone Number: +19015232746
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
Corky’s Ribs and BBQ is a well-known small barbecue restaurant that sells bone-in barbecue pork ribs, fresh hot rolls, and traditional Southern sides. It has recently been rated the top barbecue restaurant in Memphis by renowned publications such as USA Today, Thrillist, and Yelp.
Address: 5259 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119, United States | Timings: 10:45 am to 9:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/w31Tezhh7eCyPox69 | Phone Number: +1 901-685-9744
Cozy Corner
Cozy Corner Bar & Lounge is a quintessential and beloved part of Tennessee. It is located on historic Victorian Avenue in the Midtown area. The atmosphere and the upscale comfort food menu transport guests back to simpler and good times with delicacies like pork, ribs, and more.
Address: 735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/W3UbzmBNbsuczSap9 | Phone Number: +1 901-527-9158
Coletta’s Restaurant
Coletta’s Restaurant is an old-school family restaurant located in Tennessee. It is a few doors down from the famous Rendezvous Cafe. The goal at Coletta’s is to give you good food and a memorable experience through dishes like chicken, pork, and more.
Address: 2850 Appling Rd, Memphis, TN 38133, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fs1SCcvYeE58w3Ji7 | Phone Number: +1 901-383-1122
Elwood’s Shack
Elwood’s Shack has been a landmark destination since 1959. Visitors have flocked from all over for the famous barbecue sandwich, Jamocha Shake, and of course – Elvis Presley! If you haven’t stopped in yet, today is the day to make your way down to Elvis’ favorite neighborhood spot.
Address: 4523 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122, United States | Timings: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wqFkb4Hd9MTwJbvu6 | Phone Number: +1 901-761-9898
During the Civil War, Memphis was known as the “Barbecue Capital of the Confederacy.” Today, Memphis is known for its rich barbecue history and great barbeque restaurants. Memphis barbeque restaurants have a unique flavor that is unlike any other in the world.
Memphis has been in the barbeque business for about 200 years now and has perfected the art of barbeque along with making good music. Every year during the BBQ season, people from all over the USA and the world stop by to sample the great food. The list of BBQ in Memphis restaurants above highlights some of the top places to get some grub before you head back home.