Food and Drink Memphis BBQ - who has the best?

sedated · 02:43 PM

I'll be stopping in Memphis on my way back from out of town. I have one chance to grab lunch at the best BBQ joint there.

If anyone here has an opinion as to the best BBQ restaurant there, let me know.

Right now I'm pretty much deciding between Corky's and Rendezvous, but if any of the locals have better suggestions, let me know.

(Sorry if repost)

EDIT: I saw a lot of reviews that said Rendezvous was overrated, so decided not to go there. Corky's was way out of the way, so we went to Interstate.

It was a sit-down place with a server, which was unexpected after years getting used to Gates, Bryants, Zarda, etc. Service was quick, but not the friendliest in the world - but that only added to the atmosphere, which is pretty simliar to Bryants, with the grungy tables and faded pictures on the wall.

The menu was huge! Giant selection of sandwiches, sides, plus unusual items like BBQ spaghetti, onion rings, etc. But since its known for pork, I got the pork ribs and my g/f got pulled pork sandwich (with slaw).

The beans tasted like Bush's out of a can, but with a bit of shredded pork in it. Nothing special, I will take Zarda or Jack Stack beans any day of the week. Grade: D

The slaw was like KFC slaw (which I don't mind), but was expecting something a little more...unique. "Meh" on the slaw. Grade: C

The ribs were excellent. They were cooked near perfect and were the best I can remember from a restaurant. Grade: A

The pulled pork was somewhat dry, but tasty. The slaw on the sandwich was hard to notice. I'm not a pulled pork fan in general, but this was certainly not the best I've had. Grade: I would give this a B- in most other places, but a restaurant known for pulled pork gets dropped to a C-.

The sauce was great! It was thinner than most KC sauces (vinegar-based, duh), and more savory. It had a good amount of kick, not overwhelming, and had a citrusy taste too. I bought a bottle to bring back. Grade: A

BWillie · 07-19-2009, 10:41 PM

I like Rudy's. I've never seen them except in Texas though.

**luv** · 07-19-2009, 10:49 PM

Out of those two, Corky's.

DJ's left nut · 07-19-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedated

I'll be stopping in Memphis on my way back from out of town. I have one chance to grab lunch at the best BBQ joint there.

If anyone here has an opinion as to the best BBQ restaurant there, let me know.

Right now I'm pretty much deciding between Corky's and Rendezvous, but if any of the locals have better suggestions, let me know.

(Sorry if repost)

If you happen to be coming back up 55 to get home (seems like you should) there's a little BBQ joint right off the highway across the street from a Drury inn down in Pemiscot County (the bootheel). The town is called Hayti, I'm wanting to say it's somewhere around mile marker 19. If you're heading north you'll swing a left off the interstate (head west), it's a 10th of a mile off the highway. I can't swear by their hours, but you're out 3 minutes at most if they're closed.

The place is called Chubby's, it's owned by the local Sheriff. It's fantastic. They have the smoker running non-stop, they have fresh stuff every day. For about $6/7 you can get a massive pulled pork sandwich (or any # of other sandwiches or meat platters) with 3 sides and a big ass soda (they also have real sweet tea, so you know you're south of Cape...). If you like hot fries, give 'em a shot down there. I get the slaw and a side salad as well, the beans are also good. It's southern style, lots of smoke and the sauce is in bottles; mostly vinegar or mustard based.

Whenever I draw the short straw and have to head down there for work, that's always the silver lining and in all honesty, pretty much makes the trip worthwhile. You'd be remiss if you passed it without even giving it a shot.

2bikemike · 07-20-2009, 03:53 AM

I heard Interstate is pretty good. Rendevous has some tasty ribs.

**the Talking Can** · 07-20-2009, 04:43 AM

rendezvous is over priced crap...it isn't even bbq....it's grilled ribs

i'd go anywhere in memphis before going back there

the truth is that memphis bbq isn't near as good as kc, unless you really love pulled pork....i bet you'll be disappointed wherever you go, i always was....and make sure you tell them hold the slaw unless you want your sandwich ruined...

there is great fried catfish in memphis though

check out Soul Fish
http://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-fish-memphis

their catfish will blow you away, and they have great fresh vegetable sides...one of the most popular places in town for locals....

if i had one meal in memphis, i'd go here....

Otter · 07-20-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Whenever I draw the short straw and have to head down there for work, that's always the silver lining and in all honesty, pretty much makes the trip worthwhile. You'd be remiss if you passed it without even giving it a shot.

I always thought Memphis was a little hidden gem when it comes to cities to visit. Fairly upscale, nice upbeat party atmosphere at night, friendly people.

Sorry, I've not nothing to offer on BBQ though.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-20-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

If you happen to be coming back up 55 to get home (seems like you should) there's a little BBQ joint right off the highway across the street from a Drury inn down in Pemiscot County (the bootheel). The town is called Hayti, I'm wanting to say it's somewhere around mile marker 19. If you're heading north you'll swing a left off the interstate (head west), it's a 10th of a mile off the highway. I can't swear by their hours, but you're out 3 minutes at most if they're closed.

The place is called Chubby's, it's owned by the local Sheriff. It's fantastic. They have the smoker running non-stop, they have fresh stuff every day. For about $6/7 you can get a massive pulled pork sandwich (or any # of other sandwiches or meat platters) with 3 sides and a big ass soda (they also have real sweet tea, so you know you're south of Cape...). If you like hot fries, give 'em a shot down there. I get the slaw and a side salad as well, the beans are also good. It's southern style, lots of smoke and the sauce is in bottles; mostly vinegar or mustard based.

Whenever I draw the short straw and have to head down there for work, that's always the silver lining and in all honesty, pretty much makes the trip worthwhile. You'd be remiss if you passed it without even giving it a shot.

This.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

rendezvous is over priced crap...it isn't even bbq....it's grilled ribs

i'd go anywhere in memphis before going back there

the truth is that memphis bbq isn't near as good as kc, unless you really love pulled pork....i bet you'll be disappointed wherever you go, i always was....and make sure you tell them hold the slaw unless you want your sandwich ruined...

there is great fried catfish in memphis though

check out Soul Fish
http://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-fish-memphis

their catfish will blow you away, and they have great fresh vegetable sides...one of the most popular places in town for locals....

if i had one meal in memphis, i'd go here....

And absolutely this.

Southern-style catfish >>>>>>> Memphis BBQ

**Fire Me Boy!** · 07-20-2009, 07:51 AM

Never been, but I've always heard Interstate is the place to go.

Extra Point · 07-20-2009, 07:55 AM

The place across the street from BB King's in Beale had really good ribs a few years ago.

ChiefaRoo · 07-20-2009, 08:25 AM

The Germantown Commisary in Germantown is the best. It's about 20 minutes from Downtown right up Poplar. I've had most all of them and it's my fav.

**Manila-Chief** · 07-20-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

If you happen to be coming back up 55 to get home (seems like you should) .

Live down here ... but, honestly, have only eaten at a Corky's one time. It was good, but not extra special. Sorry, I can't be any help to you. We don't eat out very much.

I think bbq. is a matter of your reference point ... i.e. where you acquired the taste will determine what you like. Therefore, if you are a big fan of K.C. style (or any of the others), you may not like N.C., Texas, nor Memphis.

As far as the route back to K.C. ... when we lived there 30 plus years ago ... it was about equal time if we would go via St. Louis or via Springfield. S.F. was a shorter distant (and the thrill of the Ark. "country, curvy, what a thrill" roads), but I-55/I-70 was easier driving. In the last few years, they have improved the roads, speed limits, by-passes, and now it is much faster and shorter to go via Jonesboro, West Plains, S.F., etc. Our last trip we made it to Olathe in less than 8 hours ... used to take us 10 to 12 hours. The only "slow" part of the trip is up in No. Ark. ... because of the roads and a couple of small towns. They have by-passes around most towns and the 2-lane up in MO is nice and wide with a fairly good speed limit.

So, I think he "should" not take I-55. Just my opinion.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 07-20-2009, 08:57 AM

Interstate
Interstate
Interstate

(If you say it looking into a smoker Jim Neely pops out and makes you dinner.)

Great Expectations · 07-20-2009, 09:12 AM

Corky's = Meh, Rendezvous is widely regarded as the best rib place in the world. Interstate has really good pulled pork and ok ribs, they have a BBQ spaghetti that is good.

**mikeyis4dcats.** · 07-20-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great Expectations

Corky's = Meh, Rendezvous is widely regarded as the best rib place in the world. Interstate has really good pulled pork and ok ribs, they have a BBQ spaghetti that is good.

many feel Rendezvous is overrated.

07-19-2009, 10:40 PM
sedated Like I woke up in Wonderland.. Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $4056558	Memphis BBQ - who has the best? I'll be stopping in Memphis on my way back from out of town. I have one chance to grab lunch at the best BBQ joint there. If anyone here has an opinion as to the best BBQ restaurant there, let me know. Right now I'm pretty much deciding between Corky's and Rendezvous, but if any of the locals have better suggestions, let me know. (Sorry if repost) EDIT: I saw a lot of reviews that said Rendezvous was overrated, so decided not to go there. Corky's was way out of the way, so we went to Interstate. It was a sit-down place with a server, which was unexpected after years getting used to Gates, Bryants, Zarda, etc. Service was quick, but not the friendliest in the world - but that only added to the atmosphere, which is pretty simliar to Bryants, with the grungy tables and faded pictures on the wall. The menu was huge! Giant selection of sandwiches, sides, plus unusual items like BBQ spaghetti, onion rings, etc. But since its known for pork, I got the pork ribs and my g/f got pulled pork sandwich (with slaw). The beans tasted like Bush's out of a can, but with a bit of shredded pork in it. Nothing special, I will take Zarda or Jack Stack beans any day of the week. Grade: D The slaw was like KFC slaw (which I don't mind), but was expecting something a little more...unique. "Meh" on the slaw. Grade: C The ribs were excellent. They were cooked near perfect and were the best I can remember from a restaurant. Grade: A The pulled pork was somewhat dry, but tasty. The slaw on the sandwich was hard to notice. I'm not a pulled pork fan in general, but this was certainly not the best I've had. Grade: I would give this a B- in most other places, but a restaurant known for pulled pork gets dropped to a C-. The sauce was great! It was thinner than most KC sauces (vinegar-based, duh), and more savory. It had a good amount of kick, not overwhelming, and had a citrusy taste too. I bought a bottle to bring back. Grade: A Last edited by sedated; 07-21-2009 at 02:43 PM..
Posts: 18,623

07-19-2009, 10:41 PM	#2
BWillie Future NBA Finals MVP Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2471241	I like Rudy's. I've never seen them except in Texas though. __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
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07-19-2009, 10:49 PM	#3
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $6269600	Out of those two, Corky's.
Posts: 63,425

07-20-2009, 03:53 AM	#5
2bikemike Born to Ride Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NWA Casino cash: $2495377	I heard Interstate is pretty good. Rendevous has some tasty ribs.
Posts: 16,302

07-20-2009, 04:43 AM	#6
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	rendezvous is over priced crap...it isn't even bbq....it's grilled ribs i'd go anywhere in memphis before going back there the truth is that memphis bbq isn't near as good as kc, unless you really love pulled pork....i bet you'll be disappointed wherever you go, i always was....and make sure you tell them hold the slaw unless you want your sandwich ruined... there is great fried catfish in memphis though check out Soul Fish http://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-fish-memphis their catfish will blow you away, and they have great fresh vegetable sides...one of the most popular places in town for locals.... if i had one meal in memphis, i'd go here.... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

07-20-2009, 07:51 AM	#9
Fire Me Boy! Cast Iron Jedi Join Date: Nov 2004 Casino cash: $9999900 VARSITY	Never been, but I've always heard Interstate is the place to go.
Posts: 35,253

07-20-2009, 07:55 AM	#10
Extra Point MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Prairie Village, KS Casino cash: $10004900	The place across the street from BB King's in Beale had really good ribs a few years ago. __________________ "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." --Satchel Paige
Posts: 7,845

07-20-2009, 08:25 AM	#11
ChiefaRoo MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Austin,TX Casino cash: $5187505	The Germantown Commisary in Germantown is the best. It's about 20 minutes from Downtown right up Poplar. I've had most all of them and it's my fav.
Posts: 11,849

07-20-2009, 08:57 AM	#13
mikeyis4dcats. Scarlett Johansson's boytoy Join Date: Nov 2006 Casino cash: $9555998	Interstate Interstate Interstate (If you say it looking into a smoker Jim Neely pops out and makes you dinner.)
Posts: 12,526

07-20-2009, 09:12 AM	#14
Great Expectations MVP Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Joplin, MO Casino cash: $13722338	Corky's = Meh, Rendezvous is widely regarded as the best rib place in the world. Interstate has really good pulled pork and ok ribs, they have a BBQ spaghetti that is good.
Posts: 7,217