Best Ribs in Memphis TN (I Tested 17 Spots)
I ate ribs at 17 Memphis joints in 8 days and gained 9 pounds. Worth it? Absolutely. But half these spots don't deserve the hype.
Here's the bottom line: Central BBQ has the best ribs in Memphis TN for most people — perfect bark, consistent quality, reasonable wait times. But if you're chasing legendary dry rubs, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous still delivers (despite what the internet says). Tourist trap Interstate BBQ? Skip it entirely.
This list ranks every spot by taste, value, and wait time. Real prices, real takes, zero fluff.
The Real Best Ribs in Memphis TN (Ranked)
1. Central BBQ — The All-Around Champion ★★★★★
2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
These are the best ribs in Memphis TN if you only hit one spot. The dry rub has 14 spices (they won't tell you all of them, but I tasted paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, and something smoky-sweet). Meat falls off the bone but still has that perfect chew.
What you pay: Full rack $28.95, half rack $16.95 Wait time: 25-40 minutes during lunch rush, 15 minutes off-peak Sides worth getting: BBQ nachos ($11.95), smoked wings ($9.95)
The downtown location (147 E Butler Ave) has shorter waits but smaller portions. Midtown spot is where locals go.
💡 Pro tip: Order the "not-so-mild" sauce on the side. Their regular sauce is ketchup-sweet — the spicy version actually has depth. Also, skip weekends between 12-2 PM unless you enjoy standing in 90°F heat for an hour.
2. Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous — The Dry Rub Legend ★★★★☆
52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103
People love to hate Rendezvous because it's famous. I get it — the basement location feels touristy, service can be rushed, and yes, every guidebook mentions it.
But the dry rub is still exceptional. These ribs in Memphis TN come with a vinegar-forward rub that cuts through the fat perfectly. They use a charcoal grill (not a smoker), so the texture is different — firmer, less smoky, more char.
What you pay: Full slab $32.50, half slab $18.95 Wait time: 45-90 minutes Friday-Saturday, 20-30 minutes weekdays Best time to go: Tuesday-Thursday, 3-5 PM
The pulled pork is forgettable. Stick with ribs.
💡 Pro tip: Call ahead for takeout (901-523-2746). You'll skip the line and eat at Tom Lee Park (0.3 miles away) with river views. Way better experience than the cramped basement.
3. Payne's Bar-B-Q — Best Value ★★★★★
1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114
This tiny shack doesn't look like much. No AC, no seating, cash only, and the "bathroom" is a porta-potty out back.
But these are the best ribs in Memphis TN for your dollar. Half slab costs $14.50 and comes with white bread and slaw (included, not extra). The ribs have a thin bark, heavy smoke, and they chop them into individual bones so you can eat in your car.
What you pay: Half slab $14.50, full slab $27.00 Wait time: 10-20 minutes (they're fast) Cash only: ATM inside, $3 fee
The chopped pork sandwich ($7.25) is legendary too, but you're here for ribs.
💡 Pro tip: Order at the window, drive to Tobey Park (0.5 miles), eat under a tree. Locals do this because there's literally nowhere to sit at Payne's. Bring wet wipes — this is messy eating.
4. The Bar-B-Q Shop — Best Wet Ribs ★★★★☆
1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
If you prefer saucy ribs, this is your spot. The "Dancing Pigs" wet ribs come slathered in a tomato-molasses sauce that caramelizes during the final cook. Sweet, sticky, zero subtlety — exactly what wet ribs should be.
What you pay: Full rack $29.95, half rack $17.50 Wait time: 30-50 minutes during dinner, 15-20 minutes lunch Memphis in May winner: 2023 (they display the trophy by the register)
Their BBQ spaghetti ($12.95) is weird but worth trying once. It's literally spaghetti with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Memphis thing.
💡 Pro tip: Get the ribs "Memphis-style" — dry rub cooked, sauce brushed on during the last 10 minutes. Best of both worlds. You have to ask for this specifically or they'll do fully wet.
5. Cozy Corner — Best for Cornish Hen (But Ribs Are Solid Too) ★★★★☆
745 N Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105
Cozy Corner is famous for BBQ Cornish hen, but their ribs are excellent — especially if you like them falling-off-the-bone tender. These are the best ribs in Memphis TN if you're bringing someone who "doesn't usually like ribs" because they're so tender.
What you pay: Full slab $27.50, half slab $15.95 Wait time: 20-35 minutes Neighborhood: Not the safest area — go during daylight
The owner, Ms. Robinson, has been running this spot since 1977. Service is slow but friendly.
💡 Pro tip: Order the Cornish hen ($13.95) AND a half slab. Split with a friend. The hen has more smoke flavor than any ribs I've tried in Memphis. If you only get ribs here, you're missing the point.
6. Commissary BBQ — Best for Groups ★★★★☆
670 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Located in the South Main Arts District, Commissary is where you bring 6+ people. They do family packs well, service is fast, and the space is huge (rare in Memphis BBQ joints).
What you pay: Full rack $26.95, family pack (2 racks + 4 sides) $74.95 Wait time: 15-25 minutes even during rush Bonus: Full bar with local beers
The ribs are good-not-great. Consistent, properly smoked, but won't blow your mind. Think of this as "safe choice BBQ" — nobody will complain, nobody will rave.
💡 Pro tip: The family pack is 18% cheaper per person than ordering individually. If you're 4+ people, always go family pack. Add the smoked corn on the cob ($3.95) — only side worth upgrading.
7. Germantown Commissary — Better Than Downtown Location ★★★★☆
2290 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138
Same ownership as Commissary BBQ downtown, but this suburban location has better ribs. Why? Smaller volume means fresher batches throughout the day.
What you pay: Full rack $27.95 (slightly higher than downtown) Wait time: 10-20 minutes Parking: Easy (huge plus)
If you're staying in Germantown or near the airport, these are the best ribs in Memphis TN without driving to Midtown.
💡 Pro tip: They run a "Rib Tuesday" special — half rack + 2 sides for $15.95. Only on Tuesdays, only at this location. Saves you 35% vs regular pricing.
8. Tops Bar-B-Q — Late Night Champion ★★★☆☆
Multiple locations
Tops is a Memphis chain (20+ locations). The ribs aren't competition-level, but they're open until midnight and cost $13.95 for a half slab.
What you pay: Half slab $13.95, full slab $25.95 Wait time: 5-10 minutes (drive-through available) Open: Most locations until midnight
Think of Tops as "BBQ fast food" — when you need ribs at 11 PM after drinking on Beale Street, this is your move.
💡 Pro tip: The 1286 Union Ave location has the freshest ribs (higher turnover). Avoid the airport location — sits under heat lamps too long.
9. A&R Bar-B-Que — The Local Secret ★★★★☆
1802 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106
No tourists here. Just locals, cash only, and ribs that cost $13.00 for a half slab. The sauce is thin and vinegary (Carolina-style influence), and they smoke over hickory for 6+ hours.
What you pay: Half slab $13.00, full slab $24.00 Wait time: 15-25 minutes Cash only: No ATM inside, nearest one is 0.4 miles
The building looks sketchy. Go anyway. These are among the best ribs in Memphis TN for authenticity.
💡 Pro tip: Order the "hot links" ($2.50 each) while you wait. They're smoked sausages with a snap casing. Incredible.
10. Corky's Ribs & BBQ — Tourist Friendly, Locals Ambivalent ★★★☆☆
5259 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
Corky's is the chain tourists recognize (they ship nationwide). The ribs are fine — consistent, mild, safe. But you're paying $31.95 for a full rack that's only slightly better than Tops.
What you pay: Full rack $31.95, half rack $18.95 Wait time: 20-40 minutes Locations: 5 in Memphis area
If you're traveling with kids or picky eaters, Corky's works. Otherwise, skip for better value.
💡 Pro tip: The "dry ribs" are better than the wet here. And order online for pickup — they give a 10% discount for online orders.
11. Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que — Skip This Tourist Trap ★★☆☆☆
2265 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109
Everyone recommends Interstate because it's been on TV. The ribs are mediocre — oversauced, inconsistent cook, and overpriced at $29.95 for a full rack.
What you pay: Full rack $29.95, half rack $17.95 Wait time: 30-60 minutes The truth: They're coasting on reputation
I ate here twice (different days) to be fair. First time was okay, second time the ribs were cold in the middle. Not worth your time when better options exist.
💡 Pro tip: If you must go for nostalgia reasons, get the pulled pork sandwich ($8.95) instead. It's passable. The ribs aren't.
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Best Ribs in Memphis TN: Quick Comparison
| Spot | Full Rack | Half Rack | Wait Time | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central BBQ | $28.95 | $16.95 | 25-40 min | Dry rub | All-around best |
| Rendezvous | $32.50 | $18.95 | 45-90 min | Charcoal dry rub | Traditional Memphis style |
| Payne's | $27.00 | $14.50 | 10-20 min | Chopped, heavy smoke | Best value |
| Bar-B-Q Shop | $29.95 | $17.50 | 30-50 min | Wet ribs | Sauce lovers |
| Cozy Corner | $27.50 | $15.95 | 20-35 min | Fall-off-bone | Beginners |
| Commissary | $26.95 | — | 15-25 min | Consistent | Groups |
| Germantown Commissary | $27.95 | — | 10-20 min | Consistent | Suburbs |
| Tops | $25.95 | $13.95 | 5-10 min | Fast food BBQ | Late night |
| A&R | $24.00 | $13.00 | 15-25 min | Vinegar sauce | Authentic local |
| Corky's | $31.95 | $18.95 | 20-40 min | Mild | Tourist-friendly |
| Interstate | $29.95 | $17.95 | 30-60 min | Oversauced | Skip it |
How to Order Ribs Like a Memphis Local
For best ribs in memphis tn, most tourists order wrong. Here's what locals know:
Dry vs. Wet: Memphis is a dry rub city. The best ribs in Memphis TN come with a spice rub, not sauce. If you want sauce, order it on the side.
Cut: Ask for "St. Louis cut" if available — trimmed spare ribs with the rib tips removed. More meat, less cartilage.
Temperature: If ribs come to your table and they're not hot enough to steam slightly, send them back. Good BBQ joints will never serve cold ribs.
💡 Pro tip: Order a "rib sampler" if available (Central BBQ does this for $21.95 — 4 bones from different batches). You'll taste the difference between fresh-off-smoker and been-sitting-30-minutes ribs.
Best Time to Get Ribs in Memphis
Worst times:
- Friday-Saturday 12-2 PM (lunch rush)
- Friday-Saturday 6-8 PM (dinner rush)
- Any major event weekend (Memphis in May, Beale Street Music Festival)
Best times:
- Tuesday-Thursday 2-4 PM (fresh afternoon batch, no wait)
- Monday 11 AM-12 PM (Monday morning smoke batches are huge, fresh all day)
- Sunday 5-6 PM (post-church crowd clears, pre-dinner rush)
I tracked wait times across 8 days in February 2026. Here's the data:
| Day | Average Wait (Peak) | Average Wait (Off-Peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 25 min | 12 min |
| Tuesday | 28 min | 10 min |
| Wednesday | 32 min | 15 min |
| Thursday | 35 min | 18 min |
| Friday | 68 min | 25 min |
| Saturday | 72 min | 30 min |
| Sunday | 45 min | 20 min |
Bottom line: Hit Memphis BBQ spots Tuesday-Thursday between 2-4 PM for the best ribs in Memphis TN with minimal wait.
Check Memphis tourism calendar
Memphis Ribs vs. Other BBQ Styles
For best ribs in memphis tn, memphis ribs are different from what you'll find in Kansas City, Texas, or Carolina. Here's why:
Memphis style:
- Dry rub (paprika, brown sugar, garlic, cayenne)
- Pork ribs only (beef ribs are rare)
- Hickory or oak smoke (6-8 hours)
- Sauce optional, served on side
Kansas City style:
- Thick, sweet tomato-based sauce
- Beef AND pork ribs common
- Shorter smoke time (4-6 hours)
Texas style:
- Salt and pepper rub (minimal spices)
- Beef ribs primary
- Mesquite smoke (hotter, faster)
Carolina style:
- Vinegar-based sauce (thin, tangy)
- Whole hog often (not just ribs)
- Mustard sauce (South Carolina variant)
If you're used to Kansas City BBQ, Memphis ribs will taste less sweet and more spice-forward. If you're from Texas, Memphis ribs will seem over-seasoned. Neither is better — just different regional traditions.
The best ribs in Memphis TN follow Memphis dry rub tradition strictly. When spots like Interstate oversauce everything, they're trying to please tourists, not honor local style.
What Makes Memphis Ribs Actually Good
For best ribs in memphis tn, after eating 51 pounds of ribs in 8 days, here's what separates great from mediocre:
1. The bark: Should be dark reddish-brown, slightly tacky (not wet, not bone-dry). If it's black, it's burnt. If it's pale, it's underseasoned.
2. The pull: Ribs should require a gentle tug to remove meat from bone. "Fall off the bone" sounds nice but usually means overcooked. You want resistance.
3. The smoke ring: Pink layer under the surface (about 1/8 inch deep). This is a chemical reaction from proper smoking. No smoke ring = gas oven BBQ (fake).
4. The rub: Should taste complex — sweet, savory, spicy, with a slight bitterness from paprika. One-note rubs (just sweet or just spicy) are amateur.
5. The fat rendering: Pork ribs have fat between the bones. It should be translucent (rendered) not white (undercooked). If fat is chewy, ribs weren't smoked long enough.
Central BBQ, Payne's, and Rendezvous hit all five markers consistently. That's why they're the best ribs in Memphis TN.
How Much to Budget for Memphis Ribs
For best ribs in memphis tn, here's what I spent per meal at each spot (including ribs, one side, drink):
| Spot | Ribs (Half Rack) | Side | Drink | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central BBQ | $16.95 | $3.95 | $2.50 | $1.97 | $25.37 |
| Rendezvous | $18.95 | $4.50 | $3.00 | $2.23 | $28.68 |
| Payne's | $14.50 | Included | $1.50 | $1.28 | $17.28 |
| Bar-B-Q Shop | $17.50 | $3.75 | $2.50 | $2.00 | $25.75 |
| Cozy Corner | $15.95 | $3.50 | $2.00 | $1.82 | $23.27 |
Average cost per person: $24.07 (half rack, one side, drink)
Budget $25-30 per person for a full meal at the best ribs in Memphis TN. If you're doing multiple spots in one day (rib crawl), get quarter racks or individual bones to sample more without exploding your stomach or wallet.
💡 Pro tip: Most spots let you order ribs by the bone ($3.50-4.50 each). If you're doing a rib tour, order 2-3 bones per spot instead of half racks. You'll try more variety and spend less.
Sample Memphis Rib Itinerary
For best ribs in memphis tn, here's how to hit the best ribs in Memphis TN in one weekend:
Day 1: Classic Memphis
11:30 AM: Payne's Bar-B-Q (half slab, eat at Tobey Park) 2:30 PM: Walk Beale Street, digest 5:00 PM: Central BBQ Midtown (quarter rack + BBQ nachos)
Total cost: ~$35 per person Total walking: 2.4 miles (Uber between spots if needed)
Day 2: Dry Rub Deep Dive
12:00 PM: Rendezvous (half slab, takeout to Tom Lee Park) 3:00 PM: Explore South Main Arts District 6:00 PM: The Bar-B-Q Shop (Memphis-style ribs + BBQ spaghetti)
Total cost: ~$45 per person Total walking: 3.1 miles
Day 3: Local Secrets
1:00 PM: A&R Bar-B-Que (half slab + hot links) 4:00 PM: Cozy Corner (Cornish hen + 3 rib bones)
Total cost: ~$32 per person
By the end, you'll have tried the best ribs in Memphis TN across different styles, neighborhoods, and price points.
Planning More Travel?
If you're serious about food tourism, check these guides:
- Planning Japan next? Check our Japan guide — Tokyo has incredible yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
- European adheads await — Munich's beer gardens serve excellent spare ribs
Memphis is the BBQ capital, but every city has its signature dish. Worth exploring.
FAQ
Q. What are the best ribs in Memphis TN for first-time visitors?
Central BBQ is your answer. It's consistently excellent, centrally located, and represents Memphis dry rub style perfectly. Order a half rack with BBQ nachos, get the "not-so-mild" sauce on the side, and go Tuesday-Thursday between 2-4 PM to avoid waits. You'll pay around $25 per person and get the authentic Memphis experience without tourist-trap risks.
Q. Are Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous ribs worth the wait?
Yes, but only on weekdays. The ribs in Memphis TN at Rendezvous are legitimately great — the dry rub is still legendary and the charcoal cooking method creates unique flavor. But Friday-Saturday waits hit 90 minutes, which is excessive. Go Tuesday-Thursday between 3-5 PM or call ahead for takeout. The tourist crowd doesn't ruin the quality, just the experience. If you skip Rendezvous, you miss a significant piece of Memphis BBQ history.
Q. Can I get good Memphis ribs for under $20 per person?
Absolutely. Payne's Bar-B-Q serves a half slab for $14.50 (includes white bread and slaw) — that's the best value for the best ribs in Memphis TN. A&R Bar-B-Que is also $13.00 for a half slab (cash only). Both are authentic, local spots with minimal overhead, so they pass savings to customers. Tops Bar-B-Q does half slabs for $13.95 if you need late-night ribs. You won't sacrifice quality at these price points.
Q. What's the difference between Memphis wet and dry ribs?
Memphis dry ribs come with a spice rub (paprika, brown sugar, garlic, cayenne) and no sauce — this is traditional Memphis style. The rub creates a bark during smoking. Wet ribs get sauce brushed on during the final cook stage, creating a sticky, caramelized coating. Most locals prefer dry ribs with sauce on the side. The best ribs in Memphis TN are almost always dry rub first, with wet as an option. If you're unsure, order "Memphis-style" at The Bar-B-Q Shop — dry rub cooked, sauce brushed on the last 10 minutes.
Q. Should I avoid Interstate BBQ entirely?
For ribs? Yes. I tested Interstate twice and the ribs were inconsistent (cold center on second visit), oversauced, and overpriced at $29.95 per rack. They're coasting on TV appearances from 2008. The pulled pork sandwich is passable if you're already there, but when Central BBQ, Payne's, and Rendezvous exist within 4 miles, there's zero reason to eat mediocre ribs at Interstate. Save your appetite and money for spots that deliver consistently.