Unearth The Voyage
Memphis isn’t just the home of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s also where smoky ribs, tangy pulled pork, and soulful comfort food reign supreme. Whether you crave dry-rubbed ribs or a heaping plate of catfish and greens, this city serves up flavors you won’t forget.
1. Central BBQ (Midtown, Downtown & more)
Memphis locals swear by this spot for a reason: the pulled pork is tender, smoky, and perfectly seasoned. You can choose dry-rubbed ribs or wet ones slathered in tangy sauce, and both options deliver serious flavor.
The BBQ nachos here have earned legendary status, piling chips high with meat, cheese, and all the fixings. Save room for a cup of creamy banana pudding to finish your meal on a sweet note.
2. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous (Downtown)
Hidden down an alley and tucked inside a basement, this place feels like a delicious secret. Charcoal-broiled ribs get coated in a signature dry rub that’s been perfected over decades.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy, and the walls are covered in photos and memorabilia. Don’t leave without trying the sausage and cheese plate alongside your ribs. It’s a Memphis tradition that’s stood the test of time since 1948.
3. The Bar-B-Q Shop (Midtown)
Famous for its Dancing Pigs sauce and wildly creative BBQ spaghetti, this joint captures Memphis soul on every plate. The ribs come half dry and half wet, giving you the best of both worlds in one order.
BBQ spaghetti might sound unusual, but one bite will make you a believer. Tangy sauce coats the noodles, mingling with smoky pulled pork for a dish you won’t find anywhere else. It’s quirky, it’s Memphis, and it’s absolutely worth the visit.
4. Payne’s Bar-B-Que (Lamar Ave)
Walk up to the tiny counter and prepare for big, bold flavors that pack a punch. The chopped pork sandwich piled high with bright green coleslaw is a Memphis rite of passage you can’t skip.
Everything is made fresh to order, so expect a short wait, but it’s always worth it. The meat is juicy, the slaw adds a tangy crunch, and the bun soaks up all that smoky goodness. Grab some ribs on the side if you’re extra hungry.
5. Cozy Corner BBQ (Uptown)
Family-run and full of heart, this spot has been smoking meats the old-fashioned way for years. Cornish game hen and rib tips steal the show, offering tender bites bursting with flavor.
The beans are slow-cooked to perfection, making them the ideal side. Keep in mind they’re closed Sunday and Monday, so plan your visit accordingly. It’s a neighborhood gem that feels like eating at a friend’s backyard cookout.
6. Corky’s BBQ (Multiple locations)
With several locations around town, Corky’s makes it easy to grab great BBQ wherever you are. The pulled pork sandwich served Memphis style comes topped with creamy coleslaw, adding crunch and tang to every bite.
Families love this place because the menu offers something for everyone, including catfish and plenty of kid-friendly options. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and smoky.
7. Germantown Commissary (Germantown)
Small-town charm meets big-time flavor at this beloved neighborhood spot. The deviled eggs are a must-try appetizer, creamy and tangy with just the right amount of paprika.
Ribs come perfectly smoked, and the fixin’s (sides) are just as impressive as the meat. Don’t skip the banana pudding for dessert; it’s homemade and tastes like a hug from your grandma. The laid-back vibe makes it feel like a true local hangout.
8. A&R Bar-B-Que (Hickory Hill & Elvis Presley Blvd)
Since 1983, this neighborhood staple has been serving up smoky meats that keep folks coming back for more. The smoked turkey leg is massive, juicy, and packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Rib sandwiches are another fan favorite, offering all that BBQ goodness in a handheld form. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name.
9. Neely’s/Interstate Barbecue (Winchester Rd / I-55 area)
A Memphis original that’s been dishing out BBQ since way back, this spot is famous for its BBQ spaghetti and pork shoulder sandwiches. The spaghetti is tangy, smoky, and totally unique to the city.
Pork shoulder sandwiches are piled high with tender, flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. The no-frills atmosphere lets the food do all the talking. It’s a true taste of old-school Memphis BBQ culture that hasn’t changed with the times.
10. Blues City Cafe (Beale Street)
Located right on legendary Beale Street, this spot is perfect for grabbing a bite before or after catching live music. The ribs are meaty and fall-off-the-bone tender, while the catfish is fried to golden perfection.
Tamales add a fun twist to the menu, offering a taste of Memphis’s diverse food scene. The cafe stays open late, making it a lifesaver when hunger strikes after a night of blues and dancing.
11. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Downtown)
Okay, so it’s not BBQ, but you absolutely cannot visit Memphis without trying this crispy, cayenne-kissed fried chicken. Each piece is fried to perfection with a spicy kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
The three-piece dark meat combo is a fan favorite, served with classic sides like beans and coleslaw. The chicken is juicy inside and crunchy outside, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. It’s a Memphis essential that’s earned worldwide fame.
12. The Four Way (Soulsville)
Steeped in civil rights history, this landmark has been feeding the community soul food since 1946. Fried catfish is crispy and flaky, while the yams are sweet and buttery.
Turnip greens are slow-cooked with just the right amount of seasoning, offering a taste of true Southern comfort. Eating here feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by photos and memories of a pivotal era. It’s heart and history served up on every single plate.
13. Alcenia’s (Downtown Pinch)
Bright colors, joyful vibes, and warm hospitality greet you the moment you walk through the door. This soul-food cafe serves up meat-and-three plates that change daily, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
The meatloaf is homestyle perfection, and the fried chicken is crispy and flavorful. Hot-water cornbread is a must-try, with a texture and taste you won’t find anywhere else. The legendary preserves are so good, people buy jars to take home.
14. Soul Fish Cafe (Midtown & multiple)
Southern comfort food with a serious fish focus makes this spot a local favorite. The fried catfish plate is crispy, flaky, and served with all the classic sides you crave.
Po’boys are another highlight, stuffed generously with your choice of protein and dressed to perfection. Black-eyed peas and coleslaw round out the meal beautifully. With several locations around Memphis, it’s easy to find one near you when the craving hits.
15. Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken (Winchester Rd)
The Sweet Spicy Love glaze put this spot on the map and even caught the attention of TV food shows. Chicken pieces get tossed in the sticky, tangy, slightly spicy sauce that’s downright addictive.
A new drive-thru makes it easier than ever to grab a two or three-piece dark combo. The chicken is fried perfectly, then coated in that signature glaze for a flavor explosion. It’s Memphis charm served up hot and fast.
