The Ultimate Memphis BBQ Roundup

Memphis is known for many things: home of the blues, Elvis, the Pyramid. But for many, there’s nothing like Memphis BBQ. And when visitors visit, probably one of the most asked questions is, “Where’s the best place to get BBQ?” Heck, every May we have a whole week dedicated to it (psst: in case you live under a rock, it’s called “World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest”). We even have whole Instagram accounts like this one dedicated to Memphis BBQ and its deliciousness.

If you live in Memphis, and someone says to you, “let’s eat BBQ,” you know exactly what they’re referring to (again, if you don’t know this, it’s typically pulled pork sandwiches, NOT RIBS). But this questions also varies from city to city. People in Texas say, “Let’s eat BBQ,” they mean brisket, while those in Kansas City think something else. Tangy, sour, or sweet, there’s so much controversy in the sauce too. But let’s all agree right now, “Memphis” style sauce is the BEST.

In alphabetical order, here’s a roundup of BBQ places all over the city:

A & R Bar-B-Que

3721 Hickory Hill Road
Memphis, TN 38115
901-365-9777

1802 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38106
901-774-7444

Baby Jack’s

7610 US 70
Bartlett, TN 38133
901-300-6922

11125 US 70
Arlington, TN 38002
901-300-6922

6540 Hwy 62
Oakland, TN 38060
901-300-6922

Bain Barbecue

* disclaimer — this is “TEXAS Style BBQ” but holy cow, this place is yummy AND locally owned, so we’ll accept it. And they offer Memphis style sauce from a large dispenser. 

Blues City Cafe

Big Bill’s Bar-B-Que

2857 Kirby Rd Suite 119
Memphis, TN 38119
901-529-7798

The Real Brad’s BBQ

2845 Bartlett Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
901-373-6326

Central BBQ

* We’d argue Central BBQ is equally known for their BBQ nachos and their Summer Ave location’s kids eat free deal! (seriously check it out and take a night off from cooking!)

2249 Central Ave (this location is the original and is currently under construction; a food truck is selling meat until the new building is complete)
Memphis, TN 38104
901-272-9377

147 E Butler Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
901-672-7760

4375 Summer Ave
Memphis, TN 38122
901-767-4672

6201 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119
901-417-7962

6547 Getwell Rd
Southaven, MS 38672

 

Corky’s Ribs & BBQ

* A Memphis institution, Corky’s is best known amongst the Memphis mamas because THEY HAVE A DRIVE THROUGH. All the praise hands.

1740 N Germantown Pkwy
Cordova, TN 38018
901-737-1988

5259 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119
901-685-9744

743 W Poplar
Collierville, TN 38017
901-405-4999

6434 Goodman Road
Olive Branch, MS 38654
662-893-3663

Cozy Corner

* try the fried bologna sandwiches here. If you’re not from the south this might sound weird, but trust us, just get it!

735 N Parkway
Memphis, TN 38105
901-527-9158

Fat Larry’s BBQ

7537 US Highway 70
Bartlett, TN 38133
901-386-1900

Germantown Commissary BBQ

Hog Wild BBQ

Leonard’s Pit Barbecue

Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant

Memphis BBQ Company

Neely’s Interstate BBQ

Paynes BBQ

Charlie Vergos Rendezvous

Three Little Pigs Bar B Q

Tom’s Barbecue

Top’s Bar-B-Q