The Ultimate 2024 Guide: 7 Top-Rated Memphis BBQ Joints And Their Secret Signature Dishes

The Memphis barbecue scene is a culinary battlefield, steeped in tradition and smoke, where every pitmaster stakes a claim on the title of 'best in the world.' As of December 2025, the competition remains fierce, driven by a unique style defined by slow-smoked pork and the legendary debate between "wet" and "dry" ribs. This guide cuts through the smoke to deliver the seven absolute top-rated BBQ joints you must visit, featuring the classics and the award-winners who continue to define the taste of the Mid-South.

Far beyond the generic pulled pork sandwich, true Memphis BBQ offers a deep dive into regional history, innovative sides like BBQ Spaghetti, and distinct cooking methods. From the downtown tourist staple to the no-frills neighborhood institution, these seven establishments are the current reigning champions of flavor, providing a fresh, authentic taste of the city’s most famous cuisine.

The Defining Pillars of Memphis BBQ Style

To truly appreciate the top-rated joints, one must first understand the fundamental characteristics of the Memphis style. Unlike the vinegar-heavy sauces of the Carolinas or the thick, sweet sauces of Kansas City, Memphis places its primary focus on the quality of the meat and the complexity of the rub. The two main styles are a matter of intense local pride: Dry Ribs and Wet Ribs.

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• Dry Rub Ribs: This is the classic, quintessential Memphis style. The ribs are coated in a complex dry rub—a mixture of salt, pepper, and various spices—and then slow-smoked over hickory or fruitwood. They are served without sauce, allowing the flavor of the smoke and the spice blend to dominate.
• Wet Ribs: These ribs are prepared similarly but are mopped with a tangy, tomato-based barbecue sauce before, during, or after cooking, resulting in a sticky, savory finish. Many establishments, like Central BBQ, offer both options, allowing diners to experience the full spectrum of Memphis flavor.
• The Centerpiece: Pulled Pork Shoulder: While ribs get the headlines, the chopped pork shoulder sandwich, often topped with a signature coleslaw (like the unique mustard slaw at Payne's), is the daily bread of Memphis BBQ.

The Top 7 Must-Visit Memphis BBQ Institutions

These restaurants have earned their place at the top through decades of tradition, recent awards, and a relentless commitment to pit perfection. They represent the best of the city's culinary heritage in December 2025.

1. Charlie Vergos Rendezvous: The Dry Rub Pioneer

Founded in 1948 by Charlie Vergos, Rendezvous is more than a restaurant; it’s a downtown landmark located in a basement alley. It is widely credited as the birthplace of the Memphis-style dry-rubbed rib.

The Unique Twist: While most Memphis BBQ is slow-smoked, Rendezvous ribs are charcoal grilled over a coal chute discovered by the owner, giving them a distinct char and snap. The dry rub itself is a secret blend, famously incorporating Greek spices—a nod to Charlie Vergos' heritage—which sets their ribs apart from every other joint in the city.

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2. Central BBQ: The Modern Award Winner

Consistently voted the #1 barbecue in Memphis in recent years, Central BBQ is the go-to spot for many locals and tourists. Founded by Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp, who met competing on the BBQ circuit in the mid-80s, Central offers a perfect balance of the two rib styles.

Must-Try Dish: Order the Rib Combo (half wet, half dry) to settle the local debate for yourself, and don't skip the BBQ Pork Nachos, a local favorite that piles pulled pork and sauce onto a bed of tortilla chips.

3. The Bar-B-Q Shop: Home of BBQ Spaghetti

Located in Midtown on Madison Ave, The Bar-B-Q Shop is a second-generation institution led by pitmaster Eric Vernon. This joint is famous for its ribs, which were once voted #1 in America by the Food Network's “Top Five Restaurants.”

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The Signature Side: Their true claim to fame is the creation of BBQ Spaghetti. This unique Memphis side dish, based on a recipe by Brady Vincent, blends traditional Italian tomato sauce with the city’s tangy brown barbecue sauce and shredded pork, simmering it into a rich, savory fusion. It is a true Memphis original.

4. Payne's Bar-B-Q: The Chopped Pork Legend

For the purists seeking an authentic, no-frills experience, Payne's Bar-B-Q is the destination. This long-standing, family-owned establishment is celebrated for its mastery of the chopped pork shoulder.

The Iconic Order: The Chopped Pork Sandwich is legendary, smothered in a sweet, Memphis-based sauce and, crucially, topped with their signature, tangy mustard slaw. The combination of the slow-smoked pork and the bright, acidic slaw is a flavor profile unique to Payne's.

5. Cozy Corner Restaurant: The Bird Specialist

Opened in 1977, Cozy Corner is a beloved institution, with owner Bobby Bradley, Jr. continuing the family's barbecue legacy. While they serve excellent ribs and pork, their specialty offers a delicious departure from the standard menu.

The Unique Dish: Cozy Corner is best known for its BBQ Cornish Hen (or game hen). The whole hen is slow-smoked, then dipped in a sweet, vinegar-laden hot BBQ sauce, providing a tender, smoky alternative to traditional pork.

6. Interstate Barbecue: A South Memphis Staple

Founded by Jim Neely in 1979, Interstate Barbecue has long been a top destination for smoked-rib lovers. Located in South Memphis, it is an essential stop for a comprehensive tour of the city's BBQ landscape. Their reputation is built on consistently high-quality, generously sauced ribs and notable chopped-pork sandwiches.

7. A&R Bar-B-Que: The Neighborhood Favorite

Known for its classic, straightforward approach to Memphis BBQ, A&R Bar-B-Que is a cornerstone of the neighborhood scene. They are celebrated for their simple, effective dry rub and tender meat, embodying the spirit of a true local joint that has stood the test of time.

Beyond the Ribs: Essential Memphis BBQ Sides

A true Memphis BBQ experience is incomplete without the proper side dishes. These accompanying flavors provide a necessary contrast to the rich, smoky meat, completing the meal and adding crucial topical authority to the region's cuisine.

• BBQ Baked Beans: Often slow-cooked with leftover pulled pork or rib tips, providing a depth of smoky-sweet flavor.
• Mustard Slaw: The tangy, mustard-based coleslaw found at joints like Payne's is a signature Memphis item, designed to cut through the richness of the pork.
• Southern-Style Greens: Braised with smoked meat, these greens offer a savory, slightly bitter counterpoint.
• Mac 'n' Cheese & Tater Salad: Classic Southern staples that are mandatory at any respectable pit stop.
• Cornbread: Served alongside the meal, often with honey butter, to soak up the remaining sauce and spice.

Whether you prefer the iconic dry rub of Rendezvous, the unique BBQ Cornish Hen from Cozy Corner, or the groundbreaking BBQ Spaghetti from The Bar-B-Q Shop, the best of Memphis BBQ in December 2025 is ready to be explored. The city's dedication to the craft, evidenced by the winners of the 2024 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, ensures the quality and tradition of this American culinary art form remains unparalleled.