Memphis, TN, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Memphis has introduced an official BBQ Trail highlighting 15 essential spots for BBQ enthusiasts. This initiative showcases both local favorites and popular chains, offering special deals through a free downloadable passport. The trail features iconic establishments like Rendezvous, known for its dry-rub ribs, and Blues City Cafe, where hickory-smoked ribs are complemented by live music. With its blend of family-run eateries and renowned chains, the BBQ Trail promises a flavorful experience for everyone interested in the unique Memphis BBQ scene.
Memphis Unveils Official BBQ Trail Featuring 15 Must-Try Spots
Memphis, a city renowned for its unique BBQ style, has launched the Memphis BBQ Trail, featuring 15 essential spots for both locals and visitors to indulge in the city’s famed culinary offerings. This initiative by Memphis Travel aims to highlight legendary establishments that serve up the rich flavors of Memphis-style barbecue.
Accessible via a free downloadable passport, the BBQ Trail offers visitors special discounts and promotions at various BBQ locations. This mix of family-operated gems and popular regional chains ensures that there is something for everyone looking to savor authentic Memphis BBQ.
Highlighting Iconic BBQ Joints
The BBQ Trail includes a diverse lineup of restaurants known for their signature barbecue dishes. Rendezvous, located in Downtown Memphis, is famous for its dry-rub ribs cooked over charcoal with a unique Greek-inspired seasoning. Blues City Cafe sits in the lively Beale Street district where guests can enjoy hickory-smoked ribs paired with live music.
Meanwhile, Corky’s BBQ exemplifies consistency as a well-known chain that serves ribs, pulled meats, and classic sides. Cozy Corner BBQ, a family-run establishment, offers a front-row seat to their BBQ pits, showcasing their highly praised smoked ribs and BBQ Cornish hen.
More Memorable BBQ Locations
For a polished suburban BBQ experience, Germantown Commissary features Memphis staples and desserts like banana pudding that fans admire. Known for its chopped pork sandwiches, Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que enjoys heavy local patronage and has become a beloved stop for BBQ enthusiasts.
Marloweโs BBQ appeals particularly to tourists visiting Graceland, showcasing BBQ offerings amid an atmosphere rich in musical heritage. Payneโs BBQ opts for a no-frills approach, delighting patrons with pork sandwiches and remarkable crusty ribs.
Smoky City BBQ provides a diverse menu that includes non-BBQ options such as burgers and fish. Foodies can also enjoy The Bar-B-Q Shop, known for its unique Barbecue Spaghetti in a casual setting, while The Pig on Beale serves popular staples like pulled pork and ribs right by Beale Street.
Notable BBQ Chains
Tops BBQ operates as a fast-casual chain with multiple locations, specializing in signature pork shoulder sandwiches, whereas Central BBQ has established itself as a local institution boasting a variety of smoked meats and creative specials.
Acknowledged BBQ Excellence
Three Memphis BBQ establishments have been recognized among Southern Living’s 50 best BBQ joints in the South. A&R Bar-B-Que stands out as the highest-ranked Memphis restaurant, landing the No. 17 spot for its remarkable pork sandwiches. Cozy Corner and Rendezvous also made the list, ranked at No. 26 and No. 50, respectively.
In addition to Memphis favorites, B.E. Scott’s BBQ in Lexington, TN, and City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia, SC, were highlighted, showcasing the competitive landscape of Southern BBQ cuisine.
FAQ
What is the Memphis BBQ Trail?
The Memphis BBQ Trail is an official initiative by Memphis Travel that features 15 must-try BBQ spots in the city, showcasing a mix of family-run favorites and popular regional chains.
How can visitors benefit from the BBQ Trail?
Visitors can download a free Memphis BBQ Trail passport for special offers and discounts at various BBQ locations.
Which BBQ joints are highlighted on the Memphis BBQ Trail?
The BBQ Trail includes locations such as Rendezvous, Blues City Cafe, Corky’s BBQ, Cozy Corner BBQ, Germantown Commissary, Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que, Marloweโs BBQ, Payneโs BBQ, Smoky City BBQ, The Bar-B-Q Shop, The Pig on Beale, Tops BBQ, and Central BBQ.
Are there any BBQ restaurants from Memphis on the Southern Living’s best BBQ joints list?
Yes, three Memphis BBQ restaurants are ranked among Southern Living’s 50 best BBQ joints in the South, including A&R Bar-B-Que, which is the highest-ranked Memphis restaurant at No. 17.
Key Features of the Memphis BBQ Trail
| Restaurant Name | Specialty | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous | Dry-rub ribs | Downtown Memphis |
| Blues City Cafe | Hickory-smoked ribs | Beale Street |
| Corky’s BBQ | Consistent quality ribs and pulled meats | Multiple locations |
| Cozy Corner BBQ | Smoked ribs and BBQ Cornish hen | Memphis |
| Germantown Commissary | Memphis classics and banana pudding | Germantown |
| Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que | Chopped pork sandwiches | Two locations, one on BBQ Trail |
| Marloweโs BBQ | BBQ and musical nods | Near Graceland |
| Payneโs BBQ | Pork sandwiches | Memphis |
| Smoky City BBQ | Diverse menu including burgers and fish | Memphis |
| The Bar-B-Q Shop | Barbecue Spaghetti | Memphis |
| The Pig on Beale | Pulled pork and ribs | Near Beale Street |
| Tops BBQ | Pork shoulder sandwiches | Multiple locations |
| Central BBQ | Variety of smoked meats | Multiple locations |
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Memphis BBQ Trail Launch
- MSN: Biggest BBQ Styles in the US
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis BBQ Restaurants
- WREG: Memphis BBQ Spots on Southern Living List
- Daily Memphian: The Origin of BBQ Nachos
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: Memphis Barbecue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
