Few cities do barbeque like Memphis. This West Tennessee hotspot is packed with bold flavors, slow-smoked meats, and legendary BBQ joints.
If you’re craving the must-try BBQ in Memphis or searching for the best barbeque spots, you’re in the right place.
From dry rubs to tangy sauces, Memphis delivers. Barbeque here isn’t just food—it’s community, culture, and unforgettable flavor.
Check out our Food & Drink in Tennessee page HERE for even more flavorful finds across the state!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
From Smoke to Sauce: A Tasty History of Memphis Barbeque
Every bite of Memphis barbeque tells a story. This city’s BBQ traditions run deep.
In the early 1900s, pitmasters built a legacy of flavor. Slow smoking, dry rubs, and vinegar-based sauces became local favorites.
Ribs and pulled pork lead the way, with sides like slaw and BBQ spaghetti adding soul.
Whether it’s from a food truck or a family-run joint, the best barbeque spots in Memphis stay true to their roots. The must-try BBQ in Memphis is more than a meal—it’s a Memphis legend.
5 Must-Try BBQ Spots in Memphis
Ready to dive into some smoky, saucy goodness? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned BBQ traveler, these picks deliver on all fronts. From downtown favorites to local legends, each of these barbeque spots in Memphis brings something unforgettable to the table.
So, let’s kick off your flavor tour!
Central BBQ – Midtown & Downtown
A Memphis favorite, Central BBQ smokes meats low and slow. Their dry rub packs bold flavor in every bite. Located in both Midtown and Downtown, it’s a go-to for Memphis barbeque lovers.
- Must-try dishes: Pulled pork sandwich, dry-rub ribs, and also their BBQ nachos
- Don’t miss this: Try their house-made sweet heat sauce—it’s a fan favorite.
- Check out their menu HERE
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous – Downtown
Hidden in a downtown alley, this spot certainly serves up legendary charcoal-grilled ribs. Their bold, tangy sauce defines Memphis barbeque for many visitors.
- Must-try dishes: Dry-rub ribs, brisket, smoked sausage & also their cheese plate
- Don’t miss this: The vinegar-based BBQ sauce brings serious kick.
- Check out their menu HERE
Cozy Corner – Uptown/North Memphis
This North Memphis staple is full of character and flavor. It’s one of those barbeque spots in Memphis that locals treasure. The Cornish hen is a unique and delicious surprise.
- Must-try dishes: Ribs, BBQ Cornish hen, and also their bologna sandwich
- Don’t miss this: Their homemade sweet potato pie is certainly unforgettable.
- Check out their menu HERE
The Bar-B-Q Shop – Midtown
This Midtown gem stands out with their signature Dancing Pigs sauce. If you’re seeking the must-try BBQ in Memphis, start here.
- Must-try dishes: BBQ spaghetti, ribs, smoked turkey sandwich
- Don’t miss this: Add their BBQ deviled eggs to your order.
- Check out their menu HERE
Payne’s Bar-B-Q – South Memphis
This no-frills South Memphis icon is all about flavor. It’s a certainly must for anyone craving bold and classic Memphis barbeque.
- Must-try dishes: Chopped pork sandwich, ribs, and also BBQ bologna
- Don’t miss this: Their tangy slaw is the perfect BBQ companion.
- Check out their Facebook page HERE
Explore More Barbeque Hotspots
Craving even more Memphis barbeque? You’re in luck. Beyond the must-visit picks, Memphis has even more flavorful finds worth checking out.
Here are a few more local favorites to check out:
- A&R Bar-B-Que (South Memphis)
- One & Only BBQ (East Memphis)
- Elwood’s Shack (East Memphis)
- Ballhoggerz BBQ (South Memphis)
- Leonard’s Pit Barbecue (East Memphis)
So, no matter where you go in the city, there’s always more delicious barbeque to discover.
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
So, if you’re serious about barbeque, May is the month to be in Memphis. That’s when the city hosts the legendary World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest during Memphis in May.
This isn’t just any food event—it’s certainly one of the biggest BBQ competitions in the world. Teams come from around the globe to compete, and the smell of slow-smoked pork fills the riverfront air.
You can sample award-winning bites, meet pitmasters, and learn what makes Memphis barbeque world famous. It’s certainly the ultimate celebration of smoke, sauce, and Southern flavor.
Planning your visit around this event? Bring your appetite—and maybe some stretchy pants.
Quick Tips for Memphis BBQ Spots
- Go early: The best spots often sell out fast.
- Try both dry and wet ribs: Memphis does both beautifully.
- Expect to get messy: It’s all part of the fun!
When the ribs are tender and the sauce is dripping, you’re tasting Memphis BBQ the way it’s meant to be.
Other Fun Things to Do in Memphis
So, once you’ve had your fill of Memphis barbeque, don’t pack up just yet. Music, history, and outdoor fun are waiting to be explored. Check out these experiences in Memphis that will certainly make your visit even more memorable.
Memphis Barbeque: Smoked, Sauced, and Here to Stay
Memphis is more than a barbeque city—it’s a barbeque legend. Generations have perfected the craft, and you can certainly taste that history in every bite. From neighborhood joints to downtown institutions, the flavors are deep, the smoke is real, and the community pride runs strong. While Nashville has hot chicken and East Tennessee offers mountain trout, Memphis proudly holds the BBQ crown.
Tell Us Your Saucy Memphis BBQ Story
So, now it’s your turn! We’ve covered smoky ribs, saucy sandwiches, and the best barbeque spots in Memphis—but everyone’s BBQ journey is different.
Have a favorite place? A sauce you swear by? A pulled pork memory that made you fall in love with Memphis barbeque?
Drop your go-to spots, unforgettable bites, or tasty tips in the comments below. Everyone here at Tennessee Trekkn wants to hear about it!
Happy tastin’ as you trek your way through the best BBQ spots in Memphis!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!