The Ultimate Guide to Memphis BBQ

As the grills are fired up for the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest currently taking place in Memphis until 16 May, there’s no better time to celebrate one of America’s culinary capitals. In Memphis, barbecue is more than just food - it’s woven into the city’s cultural identity. Defined by its pork-focused style, Memphis barbecue is centred around pulled pork, pork shoulder and ribs, traditionally served either “dry” with a seasoned spice rub or “wet” and drenched in tangy BBQ sauce, all slow-smoked to perfection.

But Memphis isn’t just known for its barbecue, it also proudly claims the title of Hot Wing Capital of the World. Alongside more than 100 BBQ restaurants, the city is home to over 200 chicken wing spots, its own dedicated hot wing festival and championship events celebrating the city’s signature flavours. One of the most iconic is Memphis Honey Gold sauce: a sweet, buttery and peppery glaze that has become synonymous with the city’s wing scene and can now be found everywhere from local BBQ institutions to neighbourhood wing joints.

For those seeking inspiration ahead of National BBQ Week (25th - 31st May) and the UK's own BBQ season, here's nine of the city's most iconic locations for a taste of Memphis style Barbecue:

Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous - for Memphis BBQ legacy 

Hidden down an inconspicuous alleyway across from the historic Peabody Hotel, Rendezvous has remained one of Memphis’ most legendary barbecue institutions since it opened in 1948. Famous for its charcoal-grilled dry-rub ribs, which are smoked in an old elevator shaft, the restaurant has become a rite of passage for visitors wanting an authentic Memphis BBQ experience. Alongside the ribs, locals swear by the sausage and cheese plate and BBQ nachos, still served today by founder Charlie Vergos and his family.

Central BBQ - for the local’s favourite 

A favourite among locals, Central BBQ has built its reputation on slow-smoking meats over hickory wood until perfectly tender. Their famous slogan, “Smoke is our Sauce,” captures the rich flavour found across the menu, from pulled pork sandwiches to ribs and their hugely popular BBQ nachos topped with pickled jalapeños. Central is also renowned for its smoked chicken wings, available in flavours including Memphis’ own Honey Gold.

The Bar-B-Q Shop - for famous Memphis BBQ spaghetti

One of the city’s most beloved local institutions, The Bar-B-Q Shop is best known for its famous BBQ spaghetti, a uniquely Memphis dish combining spaghetti noodles with smoky pulled pork and sweet, tangy BBQ sauce. The restaurant’s signature Dancing Pigs BBQ Sauce has become so popular it’s now sold across the region, while their glazed ribs continue to attract devoted fans.

Payne's Bar-B-Que - for the ultimate chopped pork sandwich

For a Memphian favourite, Payne’s Bar-B-Q delivers one of the most authentic Memphis BBQ experiences in the city. Known for its chopped pork sandwiches piled high with slaw and spicy house sauce, Payne’s slow-cooks its meat over wood chips for hours until perfectly tender. Owner Flora Payne was recently inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame, further cementing the restaurant’s legendary status among barbecue lovers.

Cozy Corner Restaurant - for the famous Cornish hen

Cozy Corner has become a cult favourite thanks to its smoky Cornish hens, coated in dry rub, slow-cooked in the pit and glazed with the restaurant’s signature sauce. The no-frills restaurant regularly draws queues out the door, with many visitors pairing their meal with classic sides like slaw, BBQ beans and white bread for the full Memphis experience.

Blues City Cafe - for blues n barbecue on Beale Street

Located on the iconic Beale Street, Blues City Cafe perfectly combines two of Memphis’ defining traditions: live blues music and unforgettable barbecue. Featured multiple times on the American Food Network, the lively restaurant is known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, catfish and tamales, making it the perfect place to soak up the sounds and flavours of the city in one sitting.

Corky's Ribs & BBQ - for classic family-style Memphis BBQ

Not only has Corky’s perfected its ribs and pulled pork, but the restaurant is equally loved for its Delta-style hot tamales and hearty homemade chilli. The hand-rolled tamales are filled with spicy beef, topped with cheddar cheese and jalapeños, and served on a bed of rich chilli. Alongside its famous wet and dry ribs, Corky’s is also known for generous party platters piled high with BBQ staples, making it a go-to spot for gatherings and celebrations with a true Southern feel.

Elwood's Shack - for creative barbecue

Not every restaurant could make a location in a parking lot work, but Elwood’s Shack has turned it into part of its charm. Beloved by locals for its laidback atmosphere and huge, crowd-pleasing menu, this quirky Memphis favourite serves up everything from BBQ slaw dogs to trout fish tacos. Diners can expect inventive takes on Southern comfort food, including barbecue quesadillas, BBQ bologna and smoked sliders.

All Star Hot Wings - for Memphis Honey Gold wings

Famous for its Memphis Honey Gold sauce, the uniquely Memphis blend of buttery sweetness, smoky flavour and peppery heat, All Star Hot Wings has become a city favourite for perfectly crispy wings packed with flavour. Alongside classic buffalo and lemon pepper varieties, their signature Honey Gold wings offer an authentic taste of one of Memphis’ most iconic culinary creations and showcase exactly why the city proudly claims the title of Hot Wing Capital of the World.

For more information visit memphistravel.com.