According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, the most popular flavor of barbecue sauce in America is hickory.
Memphis, Tennessee is known for a lot of things, such as their music scene, Graceland tours and hospitality, but Memphis also offers one of the best BBQ scenes in the country. From small back alley dives to high class restaurants, Memphis serves up some of the most succulent beef, pork and chicken you'll find.
Corky's Ribs and BBQ
Yes, Corky's has expanded into seven states, but their succulent BBQ was born in Memphis. And at Corky's they take their BBQ seriously. It's hand rubbed with a dry shake or hand basted with their "world famous BBQ sauce." Then it's smoked for 18 hours. At Corky's, they're proud of their Memphis heritage. After you partake in the restaurant, you can order Corky's sauce, combo packages and apparel online.
Corky's Ribs and BBQ
5259 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38119
901-658-9744
corkysbbq.com
The Bar-B-Q Shop
The Bar-B-Q-Shop claims that while "...we barbeque with perfection, it's our delicious sauce that has aided our restaurant in becoming Number 1." Their hot sauce won The 2005 and 2008 Fiery Food Challenge. And for 50 years they've been making their mild and hot sauces from the same recipe. Order a slab of ribs and get two sides for two people. You can purchase their specialty branded sauces, The Dancing Pigs, both in the restaurant and online.
The Bar-B-Q-Shop
1782 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
901-272-1277
dancingpigs.com
Payne's Bar-B-Q
Located in an old gas station garage on Lamar, Payne's Bar-B-Q started serving ribs in 1972. It's a South Memphis staple. They're known for their smoked sausage sandwich, as well as for their pulled pork sandwich, but not for their atmosphere. It's a little dark. But the service is quick and prices are more than reasonable.
Payne's Bar-B-Q
1762 Lamar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38114
901-272-1523
Central BBQ
Central BBQ just won gold for their BBQ in the Memphis Magazine Readers Poll. They've also won 1st place in the Memphis Flyer Reader's Poll. Open since 2002, Central BBQ offers some of the most succulent meat in Memphis. And if you're up for something a little different, try their BBQ nachos. A slab for two includes 4 sides. Ribs can be served wet (sauce) or dry.
Central Avenue Location
2249 Central Avenue
Memphis,TN 38104
901-272-9377
cbqmemphis.com
Charles Vergos' Rendezvous
Several thousand people on an average Saturday night pour into Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, which has been serving Memphis since 1948. And while they're all about ribs, their menu offers a wide array of dishes and Greek hospitality. Their BBQ is world famous, and everyone from presidents to Elvis -- even the Rolling Stones -- have entered into the giant basement and taken a bite. And if you give them 24 hours notice, they'll have a skillet of BBQ shrimp waiting for you at the table.
Charles Vergos' Rendezvous
52 South 2nd Street
Memphis, TN 38103
901-523-2746
hogsfly.com
Marlowe's Restaurant
Marlowe's Restaurant has been featured on the Food Network, and it's only a mile from Graceland. Inside, you'll get a plateful of southern style food and enough Elvis memorabilia to keep you satisfied until you get to Graceland. Even the food is named after The King. Try an Elvis Burger topped with crisp bacon, smoked ham and American cheese. The rack of ribs for two is a half-slab with sides for two. And to mix things up, try the BBQ Spaghetti, where fresh spaghetti noodles are covered in Marlowe's award winning BBQ pork.
Marlowe's Restaurant
4381 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38116
901-332-4159
marlowesmemphis.com
Tags: Avenue Memphis, Charles Vergos, Charles Vergos Rendezvous, Marlowe Restaurant, Payne Bar-B-Q, Vergos Rendezvous, Avenue Memphis 38104