Let me carefully start this post with some clarification. THIS IS MY OPINION, YOU MUST try all the BBQ joints in Memphis and make your own decision!
Alright...now we can discuss the BEST BBQ Ribs in Memphis.
Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, the quintessential restaurant for BBQ in Memphis. I used to eat at Rendezvous EVERY time I came to Memphis. It was my introduction to Memphis style BBQ. They prepare their ribs without wood smoke, they use charcoal and add some vinegar during the cooking process to keep the ribs juicy. Their sausage/cheese platter is a Memphis tradition (I’m not sure who introduced the sausage/cheese platter to Memphis...hmmm). I know that the BBQ nachos and sausage/cheese platter are now back at the Memphis Redbirds games, and people seem to be happy about that!
Enough yapping...now the VERDICT:
Good classic Memphis style ribs, good sausage/cheese platter, with a great atmosphere. However, this is not my favorite BBQ joint in Memphis. I think Rendezvous continues to the be a staple in the Memphis BBQ community, and they will always be the place where I met Memphis-style BBQ.
Let’s head to midtown, and stop at the BBQ Shop on Madison. Honestly, I don’t know a lot about this one, and I’ve only been there a few times, but they have at least two items on their menu worthy of some serious consideration. BBQ Spaghetti. Yes, they actually claim to be the originator of BBQ Spaghetti, and let me just say...it is GOOD! But we're comparing Ribs on this blog...the dry rub is good, but their glazed ribs are amazing! I haven't found anything like it in Memphis, and it is something worthy of trying when you’re shopping Memphis BBQ. I will note that they smoke their ribs for 8 hours, and they "fall off the bone" without any boiling (which some consider to be cheating).
VERDICT:
Great creativity on BBQ Spaghetti and the very different GLAZED Ribs means some serious flavor. That being said, it’s not a “classic” Memphis BBQ flavor, in my opinion. I will never pass an opportunity to eat at the shop, but it doesn’t excel to my #1 BBQ in Memphis designation.
** SIDE NOTE **
Before I continue, I have not had Payne’s, Interstate or the Cozy Corner. I’m told those are the best BBQ, but all restaurants on this post are considered “the best BBQ in Memphis”. When I go, I will update this post!
Moving on! In Germantown, there’s a tiny little place called the Germantown Commissary. The small dining area, and this rustic restaurant is known for great food! Let’s start with the ribs. After eating the whole rack, I had finally found my new favorite rib stop. The flavor was great showcasing that typical Memphis dry rub. I’m not sure how they prepare their ribs, and I certainly don’t know their seasoning, but they have really good ribs! I absolutely love the little extra you get....they give you a deviled egg with every plate. I know it’s a little thing, but I love deviled eggs.
VERDICT:
I really enjoy eating at the commissary. But we’re only talking ribs here, and they’re really good, but they’re just not my fave. Again, great food, atmosphere and a cool treat with the egg...but it’s not quite #1.
One and Only BBQ is definitely a serious BBQ contender in the epic battle for Memphis BBQ! Upon arriving you smell that rich smokiness that creates flavorful ribs...oh yea, let that sink in. The image here shows their half wet, half dry rack. While the wet ribs aren’t traditional and will not be considered in my decision making process, they were really good! Plus, the dry rub ribs stand up against anyone on this list! This restaurant is a great family restaurant, and honestly my family has been to One and Only BBQ a few times to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and menu.
VERDICT:
Great wet ribs...and the dry ribs were excellent, but they are not my all-time favorite. I would say the dry ribs are tied for my second favorite in Memphis. I definitely recommend the dry ribs...but there are a lot of great options at One and Only BBQ.
THIS IS IT! MY FAVORITE!
Before I go into my favorite, let me just say that ALL of the previous restaurants have great food, and I will eat at any/all of them again, and again! They all serve better BBQ than any other nationwide restaurants I’ve visited.
Now, we must discuss my personal favorite...CENTRAL BBQ!!!
Yes! They, in my opinion, have the best BBQ in Memphis. My favorite dish is the dry rub ribs, but the meal doesn’t stop there. I have had the chopped BBQ chicken sandwich, which was amazing, plus their BBQ nachos are outstanding (by the way, swap the chips for French Fries...change your life good). Back to the ribs, the rich smokey flavor partnered with their dry rub seasoning that isn’t too salty, and has excellent spice without detracting from the smokey meat flavor. Oh, and their sauces are kept in a warmer! Don’t get the sauce until you have your food. They’ve got 4 flavors: mild, hot, mustard and vinegar. Some people don’t like the “order at the counter", but it doesn't bother me. I have been told their banana pudding is amazing, but I haven't tried it yet. Oh snap the wings! I have a friend in North Carolina that craves those wings all the time.
VERDICT: Please...didn’t you read the last paragraph? Come on.
Alright, I’ve talked way to long about BBQ in Memphis, but hey, it’s a BIG DEAL here! If you think I need to check out a different local BBQ joint, comment here, and I'll try it out!
***NEW RESTAURANT****
One night Tory and I were heading to a game (Tigers or Grizzlies, not sure which) and thought we would stop in at Pig on Beale. First of all, we were the second group in the restaurant and that always scares me, but we proceeded with ordering to give it a fair shot.
Now let's talk food...of course, I had to order some ribs to add them to this blog post, and Tory had her traditional pork sandwich. By the way, Memphis doesn't put the slaw on the side...it's just not how they do it here. First off, we started with pork rinds...those suckers were still popping when they landed on the table. IT WAS ON! While we enjoyed these lovely morsels, i took in the atmosphere of this Beale Street BBQ joint. The smell was amazing! That familiar smokey aroma was easily detected while waiting on my ribs.
My ribs made their way to my table. The meat had a good flavor, but the sauce consumed me. I know you're thinking...WAIT...this is a dry rub comparison...no sauce allowed! You are correct, and that will come out in the verdict. Moving on...the sauce was a bit caramelized on the ribs...this only happens when there's an ample supply of sugar in that BBQ sauce. My half rack was consumed like a pro, and I didn't let the sauce keep me from eating and preparing this verdict.
VERDICT: Too much sweet sauce covering the ribs for me, but some people might love that...it just isn't for me. Tory's pork sandwich looked amazing, I would probably try that next time.
Alright...now we can discuss the BEST BBQ Ribs in Memphis.
Enough yapping...now the VERDICT:
Good classic Memphis style ribs, good sausage/cheese platter, with a great atmosphere. However, this is not my favorite BBQ joint in Memphis. I think Rendezvous continues to the be a staple in the Memphis BBQ community, and they will always be the place where I met Memphis-style BBQ.
VERDICT:
Great creativity on BBQ Spaghetti and the very different GLAZED Ribs means some serious flavor. That being said, it’s not a “classic” Memphis BBQ flavor, in my opinion. I will never pass an opportunity to eat at the shop, but it doesn’t excel to my #1 BBQ in Memphis designation.
** SIDE NOTE **
Before I continue, I have not had Payne’s, Interstate or the Cozy Corner. I’m told those are the best BBQ, but all restaurants on this post are considered “the best BBQ in Memphis”. When I go, I will update this post!
VERDICT:
I really enjoy eating at the commissary. But we’re only talking ribs here, and they’re really good, but they’re just not my fave. Again, great food, atmosphere and a cool treat with the egg...but it’s not quite #1.
VERDICT:
Great wet ribs...and the dry ribs were excellent, but they are not my all-time favorite. I would say the dry ribs are tied for my second favorite in Memphis. I definitely recommend the dry ribs...but there are a lot of great options at One and Only BBQ.
THIS IS IT! MY FAVORITE!
Before I go into my favorite, let me just say that ALL of the previous restaurants have great food, and I will eat at any/all of them again, and again! They all serve better BBQ than any other nationwide restaurants I’ve visited.
Yes! They, in my opinion, have the best BBQ in Memphis. My favorite dish is the dry rub ribs, but the meal doesn’t stop there. I have had the chopped BBQ chicken sandwich, which was amazing, plus their BBQ nachos are outstanding (by the way, swap the chips for French Fries...change your life good). Back to the ribs, the rich smokey flavor partnered with their dry rub seasoning that isn’t too salty, and has excellent spice without detracting from the smokey meat flavor. Oh, and their sauces are kept in a warmer! Don’t get the sauce until you have your food. They’ve got 4 flavors: mild, hot, mustard and vinegar. Some people don’t like the “order at the counter", but it doesn't bother me. I have been told their banana pudding is amazing, but I haven't tried it yet. Oh snap the wings! I have a friend in North Carolina that craves those wings all the time.
VERDICT: Please...didn’t you read the last paragraph? Come on.
Alright, I’ve talked way to long about BBQ in Memphis, but hey, it’s a BIG DEAL here! If you think I need to check out a different local BBQ joint, comment here, and I'll try it out!
***NEW RESTAURANT****
One night Tory and I were heading to a game (Tigers or Grizzlies, not sure which) and thought we would stop in at Pig on Beale. First of all, we were the second group in the restaurant and that always scares me, but we proceeded with ordering to give it a fair shot.
VERDICT: Too much sweet sauce covering the ribs for me, but some people might love that...it just isn't for me. Tory's pork sandwich looked amazing, I would probably try that next time.
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