Memphis is in the southwestern corner of Tennessee, and has its own style of barbecue, most notably the "wet" and "dry" ribs. The Memphis-style barbecue sauce is sweet and tangy, primarily using vinegar and tomato-based sauces. Barbecue restaurants in Memphis can be found in major hubs, including the downtown area and Beale Street, but they are also in less tourist-condensed areas of the "Bluff City" as well.
Founded in 1948, the Rendezvous Restaurant is still in its basement location off Second Street in downtown Memphis, and it is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. Rendezvous was in Southern Living and Esquire magazines. This festive restaurant serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. The restaurant has space to accommodate large groups. Any party over 15 must reserve their table prior to their arrival to the restaurant. Common dinner entrees include the "World Famous Rendezvous Charcoal-Broiled Pork Ribs," which is a form of dry rib and the pork shoulder plate.
The Rendezvous Restaurant
52 S. Second Street
Memphis, TN 38103
901-523-2746
hogsfly.com
Cozy Corner is a family-owned and operated restaurant in uptown Memphis, less than 10 minutes from the downtown area. This casual, cafe-style dining establishment serves lunch every day of the week, and has been featured in magazines such as Bon Appetit and Gourmet. The restaurant also sells meat for take-out, including rib slabs, whole chickens, cornish hen and turkey. Two days notice must be given for turkey orders. Dinner plates include the "Four-bone Rib," which includes four pieces of rib, and a bologna sandwich with Memphis-style barbecue sauce. Reservations are not required but seating is limited.
Cozy Corner Restaurant
745 N. Parkway
Memphis, TN 38105
901-527-9156
cozycornerbbq.com
Situated in the heart of the Beale Street district, the Blues City Cafe is a cafe-style restaurant with menus for lunch and dinner every day of the week. Tourists come for a Memphis-style barbecue dinner and the Band Box, the performance stage in the restaurant. This smallish stage has hosted famous blues and country musicians, including B.B King, Hank Williams, Jr. and Big Jack Johnson. The restaurant facilitates events and parties in its private dining space, the Cadillac Room. Menu entrees include "Beale Street's Barbeque Ribs," a form of wet ribs where the meat marinates with sauce while it is cooking and "Oven-broiled Steaks," which includes porterhouse and ribeye steaks.
Blues City Cafe
138 Beale St.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-526-3637
bluescitycafe.com
The Central BBQ on Central Avenue is in western Memphis and serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. This casual restaurant is in a rustic, country-style building, and offers indoor and outdoor patio seating. In 2009, Central BBQ received a "Gold Award" from the Memphis Magazine's Reader Poll. Central BBQ offers catering service for off-site events. Dinner items include the pork plate and "wet style" rib slabs, while the dessert menu offers cheesecake and five-layer cake. Central has another location on Summer Avenue in western Memphis, right off Sam Cooper Boulevard.
Central BBQ
2249 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
901-272-9377
cbqmemphis.com
