There's no debate: Memphis has the best barbecue. These 10 must-try restaurants show why.
Though there are plenty of pretenders out there, let's get one thing straight: Memphis is the barbecue capital of the world.
Sure, other cities have great barbecue, but nothing like the quality and quantity of top-of-the-line restaurants found right here in this corner of West Tennessee. If anyone tries tells you different, remind them where the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is held.
If somehow that's not enough and you need to prove it, or you're just in the mood for some ribs, then here are 10 of the very best barbecue joints in Memphis.
A&R Bar-B-Que
Two locations: 3721 Hickory Hill Road and 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd.; aandrbbq.com
Founded in the early 1980s, A&R Bar-B-Que (named for its founders Andrew and Rose Pollard) continues to serve the community freshly cooked and smoked meats. While their pulled pork sandwiches and rib sandwiches are particularly good, A&R serves up a plethora of options.
Patrons can choose from a variety of pork, chicken and beef options. There's also cheeseburgers, turkey burgers and hotdogs. Or if you want to play it safe, try A&R's whole slab of ribs or even its catfish plate, which is the most popular dish. End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of pie, like pecan, peach or apple.
Central BBQ
Multiple locations in the Memphis area; eatcbq.com
A classic Memphis barbecue place, Central BBQ's hickory and pecan smoked meats are top of the line. Choose from the usual pork, chicken, brisket or turkey for plates and sandwiches, or give their portabella sandwich a shot. It's an 8-inch mushroom topped with gouda cheese and marinated in olive oil, spices and balsamic vinegar. As for appetizers, Central's BBQ nachos with jalape?os are sure to warm up your tastebuds.
Corky's Ribs & BBQ
Multiple locations in the Memphis area; corkysbbq.com
Corky's Ribs & BBQ is simply unforgettable. Founded in the 1980s, it's got all the classics: pulled pork sandwiches, nachos and, of course, ribs to die for, as well as other fun dishes to try like a pulled pork salad, tamales and catfish nuggets.
Corky's continues to be a Memphis barbecue staple. Not even a fire, which destroyed the interior of the original location at 5259 Poplar Ave. in East Memphis, could keep Corky's from creating great barbecue for Memphis to enjoy. Just don't forget to get an extra order of rolls on your way out.
Cozy Corner
735 North Parkway; cozycornerbbq.com
For nearly 50 years, Cozy Corner has cooked up some of the best barbecue in Memphis. Cozy Corner mixes it up by offering BBQ sandwiches on hoagie rolls alongside other classic BBQ foods. Not in the mood for pork or beef? Then try the BBQ bologna instead. Though there's still only one location, Cozy's not going away anytime soon. Try it, and you'll understand why.
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Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que
Multiple locations in the Memphis area; interstatebarbecue.com
If you're heading in or out of Downtown, this is a pit stop you can't miss. With one of its locations just off Interstate 55 in South Memphis, it's perfect for anyone on the road looking for some good BBQ. They've got a varied menu, like smoked turkey and BBQ spaghetti, alongside what they're best known for: their BBQ sandwich. If you're looking for a giant BBQ sandwich, order the jumbo for one dollar more than the regular. It's sure to fill anyone up.
One & Only BBQ
Multiple locations in the Memphis area; oneandonlybbq.com
Though it was only founded in the early 2010s, One & Only BBQ has made its mark on the city's barbecue scene. Its hickory-smoked meats have a rich taste, and the 24-hour marinated ribs are hard to forget. Give One & Only's BBQ quesadillas a try, and consider finishing the meal off with Millie's banana pudding. The sausage and cheese plate works great for a party too. If you want high-quality barbecue, One & Only has got it.
Payne’s Bar-B-Q
1762 Lamar Ave.
Payne's knows a huge menu doesn't make a great restaurant — great food does. Not that it's easy to make great food, though Payne's does make it look that way. Their primary dish is the chopped pork sandwich, which comes with bright-yellow mustard infused coleslaw that will definitely leave an impression. It doesn't hurt to try the ribs either. Whatever you pick, this small restaurant can feed a big appetite.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
1782 Madison Ave.; thebar-b-qshop.com
There are a few options on The Bar-B-Q Shop's menu that you won't find in many other spots. Its Texas toast BBQ sandwiches, pork or beef, are something everyone needs to test out. Try one with a side of BBQ spaghetti if you're in the mood for something out of the norm. Of course, it's always a good idea to grab a slab of their glazed ribs, voted No. 1 in the country by Food Network.
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Tops Bar-B-Q
Multiple locations in the Memphis area; topsbarbq.com
Tops Bar-B-Q has become one of the most widespread and recognizable barbecue brands in Memphis. It's less expensive than other barbecue joints, but still undeniably good. With the usual selection of sandwiches, ribs, burgers and BBQ nachos, there's something for everyone. And with 17 locations in the Mid-South, it's pretty easy to find a Tops to try.
The Rendezvous
52 S. Second St.; hogsfly.com
One of the more iconic restaurants in Memphis, The Rendezvous is one-of-a-kind. Its signature Charbroiled Ribs are renowned across the globe as the signature Memphis-style rib. And Memphians and visitors from around the world flock to the restaurant for its ribs — The Rendezvous cooks more than 5,000 pounds of ribs at the restaurant each week. Of course, you could always try the pork shoulder, beef brisket, lamb riblets or any other delicious staples, but why pass up those ribs?
Jacob Wilt is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What is the best BBQ restaurant in Memphis? 10 spots you have to try
