Finger-Licking Memphis: Where To Find The City’s Best BBQ Ribs
Memphis isn’t just a city, it’s a smoky, saucy pilgrimage site for anyone who takes their ribs seriously. From downtown alleyways to suburban strip malls, the air is thick with hickory smoke and the promise of meat that falls off the bone like it’s been rehearsing for weeks.
Whether you’re team dry rub or you worship at the altar of sticky, tangy sauce, this town has a rib joint with your name on it. I’ve eaten my way through the best of them, and trust me, you’re about to meet your new favorite obsession.
Central BBQ
Where do locals go when they’re craving ribs that don’t mess around? Central BBQ is the answer, and it’s earned every bit of that reputation.
Slow-smoked to perfection, their ribs come in both dry and wet styles, so you can pick your poison or, better yet, order both.
The dry rub is a symphony of spices that clings to tender pork like it was born there. Meanwhile, the wet version gets a glossy coat of sauce that’s tangy enough to make your taste buds do a little dance. Don’t sleep on the pulled pork nachos either, they’re basically a love letter to your stomach.
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
This place has been slinging ribs since 1948, which means they’ve had plenty of time to get it right. Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is an icon, tucked away in an alley downtown like some delicious secret you stumbled upon by accident.
Their dry-rubbed ribs are cooked over charcoal, giving them a smoky depth that’s impossible to replicate. The rub itself is tangy and peppery, with just enough kick to keep things interesting.
You won’t find heavy sauce here, just pure, unapologetic pork perfection. It’s the kind of spot where tourists and locals sit elbow to elbow, united by grease-stained fingers.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
Did you know there’s a place that invented a BBQ sauce so legendary it literally dances? The Bar-B-Q Shop is home to the original Dancing Pigs sauce, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. Their ribs come dressed in either dry rub or that signature wet glaze, and both versions will have you licking your fingers shamelessly.
But here’s the kicker: they also serve barbecue spaghetti, which is exactly what it sounds like and somehow works beautifully. The ribs are tender, smoky, and packed with flavor that builds with every bite.
It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Cozy Corner
Though it’s been family-run since 1977, Cozy Corner still feels like a hidden gem tucked into a quiet neighborhood. Their smoked ribs are the real deal, tender, juicy, and kissed with just the right amount of smoke. What sets this spot apart is the love that goes into every rack.
You can taste the decades of tradition in every bite, and the Cornish hens are an unexpected bonus if you’re feeling adventurous. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, like you’re eating at a friend’s backyard cookout. It’s unpretentious, authentic, and exactly what Memphis BBQ should be.
Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant
Are you ready for an entrance? Marlowe’s has been serving award-winning ribs since 1974, and they’ll even pick you up in a pink limo if you’re feeling fancy. The ribs themselves are showstoppers, meaty, smoky, and glazed to perfection with a sauce that balances sweet and tangy like a tightrope walker.
Every rack is cooked with care, and you can taste the pride in every bite. The atmosphere is fun and a little kitschy, which only adds to the charm. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience, complete with personality and flair.
Payne’s Bar-B-Que
However unassuming it looks from the outside, Payne’s is a powerhouse when it comes to flavor. This humble joint has been slinging some of the best ribs in Memphis, along with their famous chopped pork sandwiches topped with tangy mustard-based slaw.
The ribs are smoky, succulent, and coated in a rub that’s both simple and genius. There’s no pretense here, just honest, delicious BBQ served with a smile.
It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name, and first-timers leave as converts. Don’t let the no-frills vibe fool you; this is world-class BBQ.
Germantown Commissary
Hence its location in a former country store, Germantown Commissary, has a rustic charm that makes every meal feel special. Their ribs are classic Memphis-style, smoky, tender, and served with a side of genuine Southern hospitality.
The meat pulls away from the bone effortlessly, and the flavor is rich without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and soak in the local atmosphere.
The sides are homestyle and hearty, rounding out a meal that feels like Sunday dinner. It’s BBQ with heart, served in a setting that honors tradition.
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
When you walk into Corky’s, you’re stepping back into a 1950s time capsule, complete with nostalgic vibes and the scent of hickory smoke hanging in the air.
Since 1984, they’ve been perfecting their hickory-smoked ribs, and let me tell you, they’ve nailed it. The meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, with a smoky sweetness that lingers long after the last bite.
Pair those ribs with classic Southern sides like baked beans and coleslaw, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s comfort food at its finest, served with a side of genuine hospitality.
