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Go Hog Wild — Memphis Is Crazy about Barbeque From North Carolina to Kansas City — and all points in between — towns, cities, states and regions all claim the best barbeque in the world. We in Memphis appreciate their enthusiasm, but ask any of us to concede the title and we’ll say, “When pigs fly.” Any discussion about Memphis barbeque that doesn’t begin with The Rendezvous would be sacrilegious, as this back-alley dining room started in 1948 with a slab of ribs and an old coal chute. Blossoming into a barbeque icon over the years, Rendezvous now ships its famous dry-rub ribs all over the world. But the Neely Brothers (Patrick, Tony, Gaelin and Mark) are closing in quickly as they successfully expand their business (and reputation). In addition to these well-known establishments, Memphis offers Corky’s Bar-B-Q, one of the country’s largest franchises, and Tops Bar-B-Q — proof that, believe it or not, there is a new way to do fast food. But with over 100 barbeque shacks scattered throughout the city, the cult of Q is often best experienced in the city’s hard-to-reach corners. One such corner can be found in an unassuming Midtown strip mall, home to The Bar-B-Q Shop. Frank and Hazel Vernon’s place (now run by son Eric) is home to one of the most original and distinctive sauces in town: their famous Dancing Pigs sauce. Jump across Midtown to Roger Sapp and Craig Blond’s place, Central BBQ, and you’ll find predictably awesome sandwiches and ribs. The tie-dye-adorned staff manages to crank out a few surprises, though, like homemade potato chips sold by the bag and a barbeque portabella sandwich. Cinderblock and fluorescent lighting set the tone at A&R, a no-nonsense dining parlor, just a few blocks north of Graceland. Beyond the outstanding wet (and dry) ribs and chopped-pork sandwiches, A&R also serves up catfish, tamales and meatballs-on-a-stick. But the Cozy Corner challenges all smokers when it comes to nontraditional Memphis barbeque with their most popular sandwich, sliced beef with a thin, vinegary sauce. While the slow-cooked ribs are on any Q-connoisseur’s short list (the rib-tips are to die for), the real innovation at this Downtown staple is the barbequed Cornish hen served with a few slices of the freshest Wonder® Bread anywhere. (The bakery is just blocks away.) For more information, please contact |
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