Prepare yourself for the best traditional Memphis-style ribs ever—flat-out sensational. The velvety, succulent meat at A&R simply glides away from the bone. Go for the dry (not basted in sauce) version so you can appreciate the complexity of seasoning, primarily a result of the residual smoke lingering in the pits out back. The rib-tip sa... Morendwich here is moist, with lingering smoke, and all too easy to eat. As a palate cleanser, get a square of Technicolor sheet cake, available in chocolate, lemon, or strawberry with matching or contrasting frosting. You won’t be sorry.

Address:
1802 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

Phone:
(901) 774-7444Less

Open since 2002, and full of students from nearby colleges, Central has a breezy, spring-break feel and outdoor deck seating to match. Order a pork plate with extra “bark” (the dark, heavily smoked crust). As you leave, be sure to pick up a brown bag of thick-cut potato chips, sprinkled with Central’s special seasoning blend. You&... Morersquo;ll be licking your fingers for hours.

Address:
2249 Central Ave.
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

Phone:
(901) 272-9377Less

They’re not wet; they’re not dry. They’re “’Vous-style” ribs and they’re famous. Basted just before serving with a vinegar solution and followed by a dusting of spices (including bay leaf and oregano), the savory ribs’ bright flavor is a nod to the founding family’s Greek heritage. Rendezvous, i... Moren an alleyway basement in the business district, is a cavernous maze of dining rooms (tablecloths! lots of napkins!) packed with fascinating bric-a-brac and Memphis memorabilia.

Address:
52 S. Second St.
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

Phone:
(901) 523-2746Less

Mention to locals that you’re heading to Cozy Corner for barbecued Cornish hen—rich and moist all the way through—and you’ll get plenty of head-nodding approval. Although the grilled rib-tips get their share of attention, it’s the burnished little bird that rules this roost. Jonesing to try barbecue spaghetti? Cozy&rsq... Moreuo;s is the place to do it: sweet, tangy barbecue sauce-coated noodles actually make sense after you’ve spent a few days eating in Memphis.

Address:
745 N. Parkway
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

Phone:
(901) 527-9158Less

The dark wood paneling and oversize booths make it seem like a roadhouse tavern, until the aroma sets you straight: Neely’s means business. Don’t miss the succulent pulled-pork platter, served with amazingly rich beans—dark, sweet, and thick with threads of caramelized meat. If you have the stamina, add a helping of beef ribs, a h... Moreeap of bones worthy of Fred Flintstone that’s loaded with tantalizingly tender meat.

Address:
5700 Mt. Moriah Rd.
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

Phone:
(901) 795-4177Less

A local chain that’s been around since 1952, Tops makes for a nice introduction to Memphis eats. No matter where you are in the city, you’re near one. The hickory-flavored chopped sandwich combo with mustardy slaw and beans will fortify you while you plan the rest of your ’cue odyssey.

Address:
1286 Union... More Ave.
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

Phone:
(901) 725-7527Less