Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

Fodorite Reviews

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  The Best Ribs

  The place is the real deal. Great atmosphere and great place to people watch. You never know who you will see there. The ribs are one of a kind, I love both wet and dry. This is where you go for the dry. Add the sauce after. The lamb riblets are very good too for appetizer. Head across the street to the Peabody for a drink after. Makes for a great Memphis evening.

  by BB2008, 7/27/08
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  Caveat Eater: If you know DRY ribs it is outstanding. Otherwise go eat at TGI Friday's

  It is obvious from the reviews that some people love this place; others hate it.
  
  Those who don't like it may include some cognoscenti, but most show they wouldn't know a dry style rib if it hit them over the head. That's OK, since not everyone should like this unique-to-Memphis style -- which, according to history books was first found here at Rendezvous.
  
  So while I understand why some may dislike the ribs, the other comments are baffling (and wrong):
  - They use no MSG. The spices are pickle vinegar, paprika, garlic, salt and pepper. Period.
  - the baked beans are made on premises. Not out of a Campbell's can (frankly that would be more expensive than making them as they do).
  - The alleyway. Whether in Memphis or Kansas City or Texas, the best barbeque tends to be in seedy and unsafe areas. This place is actually in a fairly upscale location, an alleyway across the street from the famed Peabody Hotel
  
  On the other hand, the people who give this place 5s across the board are probably exaggerating their other ratings because they are simply smitten by the delicious spiced, and, yes, DRY, ribs.
  
  Their beer list is Bud, Bud Lite and Michelob. They could do much better (NB a block and a half away, towards Beale Street, is the Flying Saucer Pub, with one of the world's widest selection of beers).
  
  You usually expect a lunch of BBQ to cost you $10 to $15. Here, it cost me $35 (with a pitcher of "beer" and a starter of lovely BBQ lamb riblets). Not exactly cheap.
  
  But unique, historical, and good if you know what you are looking for. If you don't know what a dry BBQ is, then Rendezvous is the place to try it. Try it with an open mind. You may love it or you may hate it.
  
  But if you have no open mind, or if you think that ribs are not ribs unless slathered in a tomato-molasses sauce, then go to Neely's (eschew the more touristy Corky's).

  by The_Epicure, 12/20/07
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  Have to go at least once

  This resturant may not be for everyone but it definately is a must-go. I personally like the dry rub ribs...very Memphis...but there are sauces for those who prefer it. The staff is not know for their personality...but they get you your food fast. I find this place has a unique atmosphere...and walking down the alley gives it a "something you have to know about" feel.

  by histrymaker84, 11/11/07

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