Sher

My husband and I will be spending three nights in Memphis, TN while he attends a conference.

I have been reading guidebooks but would really like some feedback from any of you about Memphis BBQ.

We live in Western PA and really don't have the kind of bbq that is served in TN which I understand really means pulled pork and dry rub. Correct me if I am wrong.

Anyway. Can anyone suggest two restaurants in the Memphis area where we can really enjoy this local cuisine? The place does not have to be fancy, just good.

We have a car, so that is not a problem although we are staying close to the center of town.

Thanks.

poochie

Sher,
I have not been to Memphis in
years. The few times I was there
I always enjoyed The Rendezvous.
www.hogsfly.com

mclaurie

The Rendezvous is the most famous but people either love it or hate it. They do dry ribs and many people prefer wet ribs. When I was going to Memphis regularly, Gridley's was the place to go but I think it's become too commercialized.

Blues City Cafe, Corky's, Neely's and Germantown Commissary are other places that get mentioned. Here's a thread with lots of debate
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34945182

Make sure to see the ducks and maybe have brunch at the Peabody Hotel.

Here are a few good threads for info
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35104618

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35070739

If you're going after Oct. 19, there's a Botero exhibit at the Brooks Art Museum.
http://www.brooksmuseum.org/public/e...sp?id=10000050

Sher

Thanks to both of you.

We are going on Oct. 30th. I get to play while my husband attends the workshops.

I am not going to Graceland. Just cannot do it. Although, I have read good things about the tour. But the museum sounds great.

I don't know if we will be able to make the brunch. We got a notice that our flights have been moved up but the ducks are on the list.

There seems to be plenty to keep me busy during the time we are there. Also, I am finding that the area seems very reasonable for rooms and meals.

Looking forward to it.

poochie

Oh my gosh,
I totally "Blanked" about the
Peabody. "Many Moons" ago my
daughter was chosen to be
the "Duck Master" and got to
walk out with them. So Sweet.

a1139a

Here's another vote for the Rendezvous. Not a big fan of Corky's though.

www.hereinfranklin.wordpress.com

lisettemac

Sher -- I would give the Rendezvous a try. It's one of the few "nice" bbq restaurants in town.

Just so you understand -- pulled pork refers to the meat and dry rub refers to the style (can be applied to different meats). So, pulled pork can be eaten as a "plate" (usually with 2 side dishes and cornbread) or as a sandwich (which is how I prefer it). Eat it like the locals and ask for slaw on top. For pulled pork sandwiches, I prefer Interstate BBQ, but the locations are nothing to write home about.

Dry rub is usually applied to ribs, but can be applied to other meats. At the Rendezvous, they have a thin, vinegar-based sauce at the table to add. The ribs are very tender, but some people prefer wet bbq (with a tomato-based sauce).

Hope you have a great time!

Sher

I am pretty sure I understood about the pulled pork and types of rub. To the best of my knowledge, we do not have dry rub offered in this area.

When I travel to a new destination, and they are noted for a particular type of food, I really feel committed to trying it. And it is no hardship for me as I like all kinds of things.

So of course, my first thought was to post and get advice from you guys.

Thanks again. You never let me down.

nohomers

My understanding is that in Memphis BBQ means ribs (pulled pork being more North Carolina). I've been to both Corky's and Rendezvous and of the two much prefer Corky's.

notbob

Sher since the Rendezvous and Corky's are so different in style you should do what we always do and eat at both. then you can decide for yourself.

nygvic

Lived in Memphis for over 20 years. Best in my opinion are Interstate BBQ (which is owned by Jim Neeley) and Germantown Commissary. Third place would go to Corky's. If you like dry rub ribs then the Rendevous is great, but it has become somewhat touristy and overated.

trippinkpj

My husband was a long time wet ribs fan, who changed his mind when he went to the Rendezvous. He now prefers the dry rub. I agree on trying both bbq styles.

iceeu2

Sher, you are in for a treat with Memphis BBQ. My favorite for just a sandwich is TOPS BBQ. http://topsbarbq.com/

As far as The Rendevous....mclaurie is correct. People either love it or hate it. I love it...my sister hates it. The first time I took my DH to The Rendevous, I just told the waiter to bring us what we were supposed to it. I think he brought us a ham and cheese plate to share while DH had a beer and then ribs.

Be sure to go across the street to The Peabody to watch the ducks!!

annesherrod

I also prefer Corky's over the Rendezvous. I found them to be dry and really tough too. BUt DH likes it!

Definitley have a drink at the Peabody and watch the ducks!! There is also a little trolley tour to get the lay of the land as well as horse and carriage rides through down town.

Sher

I think I read that the ducks do the afternoon walk about 5:00. Is this correct.
I hope so because I would like to have my husband see some of the fun things on this trip and his workhops might be done by that time.

If we want to go there to have a drink and to see the ducks, about what time should we plan to do it before?

I haven't seen it but I believe the Neely's now have a Food Network show.

The great thing is that I can do at least four different places, two for lunch and two for dinner.

spirobulldog

My vote would go for Blues City Cafe. Get a little bit of everything there. ribs, salad, seafood augratin, tamales.

Rendevouz is good as well.

Check out the food channel and travel channel. I have seen 3 or 4 different shows about restaurants in Memphis.

Rich

The "little duckies" come down at 10:AM and go back up at 5M . . it is quite a ceremony!

How about The Pig on Beale St for BBQ?

NeoPatrick

I ate at Rendezvous a number of years ago with my niece who was going to college in Memphis and her family. I didn't like the ribs. I love dry rib, but these ribs were so soft and overcooked, they fell right off the bone and were almost mushy. I know some people love that, but I like ribs that I can pick up and "gnaw" on. When I commented that I wasn't crazy about the ribs, my niece said, "Oh, I don't like them either. That's why I always get the pulled pork". NOW, she tells me!

NeoPatrick

OOps. I love dry "rub" not dry rib.

isabellasu

When we ate at Rendezvous, the ribs were delicious, very chewy, not fall off the bone at all!

Gus's Fried Chicken is really good too.