Even if you’re not a world-famous pitmaster and entering to win big at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Content, you can still dig into all things BBQ! Just in case you need a little help, we’ve put together the We Are Memphis BBQ Trail to guide you through a handful of the hundreds of spots around the city!
Central BBQ: This Memphis institution is known for its perfectly smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, as well as its delicious sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. Don’t forget to grab some delicious BBQ Nachos (pro tip: get them with the house chips!).
The Rendezvous: The Rendezvous has been serving up dry-rubbed ribs since 1948! The atmosphere is cozy and historic, and the food is some of the best in the city. They’ve recently opened up their “al fresco” dining
Cozy Corner: Cozy is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The barbecue here is cooked with love and served with a variety of homemade sauces and sides!
Payne’s BBQ: Payne’s has got the Southern-style BBQ game down pat. From the bologna sandwiches to some of the best slaw in the city, you don’t want to miss this spot. The pork shoulder is slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours, resulting in incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone.
The Bar-B-Q Shop: The Bar-B-Q Shop is famous for its BBQ spaghetti, a Memphis specialty that combines spaghetti with tender pulled pork and a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce.
These are just a few of the many great BBQ restaurants in Memphis! For even more, be sure to check out even more spots on our BBQ trail!