15 Iconic Memphis Sandwiches That Prove The City Knows Flavor

Memphis has always been a city where food tells stories, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its incredible sandwich scene. From smoky barbecue creations to crispy fried delights, the sandwiches here carry generations of tradition and bold flavor.

Whether you’re craving something classic or adventurous, Memphis sandwiches deliver every single time, proving this city truly understands what makes great food unforgettable.

1. Central BBQ’s Pulled Pork Sandwich

If you want to experience Memphis barbecue at its finest, this sandwich is where your journey should begin. Central BBQ smokes their pork for a full 14 hours, which means every bite is incredibly tender and packed with deep, smoky goodness. The signature dry rub they use caramelizes beautifully during the smoking process, creating that amazing crust called bark.

It’s not just meat on bread it’s a masterpiece of patience and technique. The bark adds a sweet, spicy crunch that contrasts perfectly with the juicy interior. When you take that first bite, you’ll understand why locals line up for this sandwich day after day.

Central BBQ has mastered the art of balancing smoke, spice, and tenderness in one unforgettable package.

2. The Bar-B-Q Shop’s Texas Toast Sandwich

When you bite into this sandwich, the first thing you notice is the bread thick, buttery Texas toast grilled until it’s perfectly golden. The Bar-B-Q Shop doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes either; they pile on hand-pulled pork that’s been smoked to perfection. Their famous Dancing Pigs sauce brings everything together with a tangy sweetness that enhances the smoky meat.

This isn’t your average sandwich experience. The grilled bread holds up beautifully against all that juicy pork, giving you texture and flavor in every mouthful. Locals have been coming here for decades, and once you try it, you’ll see why.

It’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug from Memphis itself.

3. Cozy Corner’s Smoked Cornish Hen Sandwich

How often do you see Cornish hen on a sandwich menu? At Cozy Corner, they’ve turned this poultry into something truly special. The hens are smoked until the meat practically falls off the bone, staying incredibly juicy while absorbing all that wonderful smoky flavor. Their classic Memphis BBQ sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the delicate meat perfectly.

This sandwich stands out because it offers something different from the usual pork and beef options. The smaller bird means more concentrated flavor, and the smoking process gives it a richness you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a hidden gem that adventurous eaters absolutely love.

Cozy Corner proves that thinking outside the box can lead to absolutely delicious results.

4. The Beauty Shop’s Fried Fish Sandwich

Are you a seafood lover looking for something extraordinary? The Beauty Shop delivers with their panko-crusted flounder that’s fried to absolute perfection. The crust is incredibly crispy, giving way to tender, flaky fish that melts in your mouth. They top it with cheese and a generous helping of tartar sauce that adds creamy tang to every bite.

This restaurant operates in a renovated beauty parlor, which adds quirky charm to your dining experience. The fries that come alongside are crispy and hot, making this a complete meal. It’s upscale comfort food that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

When you need a break from barbecue, this sandwich shows Memphis knows how to handle seafood brilliantly too.

5. Bogie’s Delicatessen’s Reuben Sandwich

Though Memphis is famous for barbecue, Bogie’s proves the city can nail classic deli sandwiches too. Their Reuben is built the traditional way: tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all pressed between slices of marble rye. The bread gets toasted until it’s crispy on the outside but still soft enough to bite through easily.

Every ingredient plays its part perfectly here. The salty corned beef balances the sour kraut, while the cheese adds richness and the dressing ties everything together. It’s comfort food that reminds you why classics become classics in the first place.

Bogie’s brings New York deli tradition to Memphis with authentic flavor and generous portions.

6. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich

Did you know Gus’s started in a small Tennessee town before becoming a Memphis legend? Their fried chicken sandwich features that same secret spicy recipe that made them famous. The chicken is marinated, hand-breaded, and fried until the coating is shatteringly crisp. It’s got a kick that sneaks up on you, leaving your taste buds tingling in the best way possible.

The pickles add a cool crunch that cuts through the richness, while the soft bun keeps everything manageable. This isn’t a mild sandwich it’s for people who appreciate real heat and real flavor. The chicken stays incredibly juicy inside despite that crispy exterior.

When Memphians crave fried chicken on bread, Gus’s is where they turn without hesitation.

7. The Arcade Restaurant’s Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

It’s impossible to talk about Memphis sandwiches without mentioning The King himself. The Arcade, Memphis’s oldest cafe, serves the sandwich Elvis Presley made famous: grilled peanut butter and banana. They spread creamy peanut butter and add sliced bananas between white bread, then grill it until everything gets warm and gooey. The outside turns golden and slightly crispy while the inside becomes a sweet, melty dream.

This might sound simple, but the combination is surprisingly satisfying. The warm banana becomes almost caramel-like, and the peanut butter gets even creamier. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and uniquely Memphis.

Sitting in the same booth Elvis once did makes this sandwich taste even more special and historic.

8. Payne’s Bar-B-Que Chopped Pork Sandwich

Where can you find barbecue so good that people drive across the city just for lunch? Payne’s has been smoking pork since 1972, and their chopped pork sandwich remains legendary. Unlike pulled pork, this meat is chopped fine, creating a different texture that soaks up sauce beautifully. They top it with tangy coleslaw that adds crunch and coolness to balance the smoky richness.

The no-frills atmosphere means all the focus stays on the food, exactly where it should be. This sandwich is messy in the best way possible you’ll need plenty of napkins. The combination of smoke, tang, and crunch makes every bite exciting.

Payne’s proves that sometimes the simplest places serve the most unforgettable food in Memphis.

9. Elwood’s Shack’s Fried Bologna Sandwich

When you think gourmet, fried bologna probably doesn’t come to mind but Elwood’s Shack changes that assumption completely. They use thick-cut bologna that gets fried until the edges crisp up and curl, creating amazing texture. The center stays tender while the outside develops a savory crust that’s absolutely addictive. Add melted cheese, tangy mustard, and crunchy pickles, and you’ve got pure comfort.

This sandwich takes a humble ingredient and elevates it into something crave-worthy. It’s the kind of food that reminds you not to judge by appearances or ingredients alone. The casual atmosphere makes it even better no pretense, just great flavor.

Elwood’s proves Memphis can make even simple ingredients taste extraordinary with proper technique and love.

10. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous Dry Rub Pork Sandwich

Have you ever experienced barbecue that’s more about spice than sauce? Rendezvous, located in a downtown alley since 1948, specializes in dry rub ribs and sandwiches. Their pork sandwich comes coated in that famous Greek-inspired spice blend that’s been a secret recipe for decades. The meat is charcoal-grilled rather than smoked, giving it a different flavor profile than most Memphis barbecue.

The dry rub creates a flavorful crust that’s slightly sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. You don’t need much sauce here the seasoning does all the heavy lifting. The atmosphere downstairs feels like stepping back in time to old Memphis.

Rendezvous shows that Memphis barbecue isn’t just one style; it’s a whole spectrum of delicious possibilities.

11. Huey’s Famous Burger

It’s been named one of the best burgers in America for good reason. Huey’s doesn’t overthink their burger they just do everything right. The beef patty is thick, juicy, and cooked exactly how you order it. Fresh toppings and their special sauce create layers of flavor that complement rather than overwhelm the quality meat. The toasted bun holds everything together without getting soggy.

This local chain has been serving Memphis since 1970, and their burger remains consistently excellent. The casual atmosphere encourages you to relax and enjoy your meal without rushing. They’re also famous for customers shooting toothpicks into the ceiling quirky Memphis tradition at its finest.

Sometimes the best sandwich is simply a perfectly executed classic burger done with care and quality ingredients.

12. Soul Fish Cafe’s Catfish Po’ Boy

When Memphis meets New Orleans cuisine, magical things happen. Soul Fish Cafe brings authentic po’ boy tradition to Tennessee with their catfish sandwich. The catfish is coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until perfectly crispy, then piled onto crusty French bread. Creamy remoulade sauce adds tangy richness, while fresh vegetables provide crunch and brightness.

The bread makes a huge difference here it’s sturdy enough to hold all those ingredients but still has that slight chew good French bread should have. This sandwich captures the best of Southern seafood traditions. The casual, colorful atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s place.

Soul Fish proves Memphis welcomes culinary influences from neighboring cities and makes them deliciously their own.

13. Commissary BBQ’s Smoked Turkey Sandwich

Are you looking for a lighter barbecue option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? Commissary BBQ smokes their turkey until it’s incredibly moist and flavorful, nothing like dry deli turkey. Thick slices get piled high with cheese, fresh vegetables, and mayo on hearty whole wheat bread. The smoke flavor is present but not overwhelming, letting the turkey’s natural taste shine through.

This sandwich works perfectly for people who want barbecue flavor without the heaviness of pork or beef. The whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition. It’s become a favorite for the lunch crowd who need something satisfying but not sleep-inducing.

Commissary shows that smoked turkey deserves just as much respect as the more traditional barbecue meats in Memphis.

14. Memphis Made Brewing Co.’s Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

How do you make grilled cheese even better? Add Memphis barbecue, of course. Memphis Made Brewing Co. combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible sandwich. Pulled pork gets layered with multiple cheeses between thick bread slices, then everything gets grilled until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The bread turns golden and crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the tender pork and creamy cheese.

This sandwich pairs beautifully with their craft beers, making it ideal for a casual dinner out. The smokiness of the pork plays surprisingly well with the richness of melted cheese. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and uniquely Memphis.

Sometimes fusion food works brilliantly, and this sandwich proves Memphis knows how to innovate while respecting tradition beautifully.

15. The Four Way’s Hot Tamale Sandwich

It’s one of Memphis’s most unusual sandwiches, and you absolutely need to try it. The Four Way, a soul food institution since 1946, serves hot tamales on white bread with mustard and pickles. The tamales are the Delta-style variety smaller, spicier, and different from Mexican versions. Putting them on bread might sound strange, but it’s pure Memphis tradition that locals have enjoyed for generations.

The bread soaks up the flavorful oils from the tamales while the mustard adds tang. The pickles provide acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully. This sandwich represents the unique food culture where different traditions blend into something entirely new.

The Four Way serves history on a plate, showing how Memphis creates its own rules when it comes to delicious food.