I have a couple of overnight stays in Memphis in late August - staying off of I-240 a few miles east of the airport. I am from Kansas City, so I know good BBQ!...but, am interested in sampling the Memphis "style". Any suggestions for BBQ restaurants near that area? Thanks!

I haven't been in years but my favorite was always the Rendezvous (dry ribs) downtown. Found this website with listings and ratings. I used to go to the original Gridley's but I think people prefer Corky's now.

http://www.memphisdining.com/asp/res...p?RestType=BBQ

Just returned from a Memphis - Orlando -Charleston - Savannah trip. My wife is not a big rib fan but I had to try ribs in Memphis. A local recommended Rendezvous. The place was mobbed with locals & tourists & the dry ribs were absolutely great. My wife, not a fan of ribs, brought some of their seasoning & has since fixed ribs at home. They are great. It's located in an alley off one of the main streets near Beale Street.If we go to Memphis again I know my wife is going to want to eat a meal of ribs at Rendezvous. I won't have to bribe her next time.

There are lots of good bar-b-que places in Memphis. I am not familiar with the area down by the airport, but I agree with the other posters that a trip downtown to the Rendezvous is a good idea. Good ribs(served with dry seasoning, not a wet sauce)and a neat place....after eating there, take a stroll down Bealle Street or a trolly ride by the river.

If you don't want to go downtown, I tend to like Corky's Bar-b-que. A lot of people around here like Pig N Whistle also. If you make it all the way around to Bartlett (the north side of the 240 loop), there is a good local place called Brad's Bar-B-Que.

Have a good trip.

Sorry.... Beale Street.

Memphis BBQ....Rendezous; Was there in March (04). Enjoyed..

Another idea: Interstate Bar-B-Q.
2265 S. 3rd St.
Memphis, Tn.
Located just north of I-55 on 3rd. St.
(about 2miles west of I-55 west/I-240 north intersection).

Interstate is not a "gourmet" restaurant!...more like a lunch pit stop....but good food at good price.

KC has absolutely the best BBQ. Arthur Bryants and The Smokestack in Martin City come to mind. So, Memphis BBQ will be no comparison. Having lived in KC and close to Memphis, the Rendevous is your best bet. Be prepared for it being very different than that served in KC. Corkys is ok. More of a stringy pulled pork version than the mouth watering sliced version that I have to partake in every visit to the best BBQ city in America.

The dry rub at the Rendezvous has a flavor reminiscent of Arthur Bryants. Paprika?

Keith

Thanks to all for you help and suggestions! Rendezvous seems to be the consensus, so, will likely go there.
To japw82, yes, I love both Arthur Bryant's and Smokestack in Martin City. If you're ever back in KC, try the new Arthur Bryant's by the Kansas Speedway. We ate dinner there last night with friends who were in town from Dallas, and it was fabulous! Thanks again!

Rendezvous is great, but I don't think it's really indicative of the "memphis style" of BBQ. They are known for their dry ribs -- cooked with a dry rub. Typical Memphis BBQ is pork BBQ with a wet, tomato-based BBQ sauce.

I would suggest Corky's for this kind of BBQ. I also like Gridley's. Multiple locations.

Rendezvous! Hope you can stay at the Peabody! At least go in & check it out. We loved it. For a great BBQ pulled pork sandwich try Rum Bogie Cafe on the south corner of Beale street across from the park. Maybe you get to see a local band at night. Fantastic town for food & fun!

Cozy Corner!!!!!!!!! There sauce has been requested from 'round the world.

When I think of Memphis BBQ, I think of a pulled pork shoulder sandwich. My niece brought me some great BBQ at Christmas from a little place outside of Millington called Smokey's. Yum, yum. For just a quick fix for a sandwich there are many fast food type bbq restaurants called Tops. Be sure to get slaw on your sandwich.
I also agree with The Rendevous experience. Great food...The first time I took my husband to The Rendevous, I just told the waiter it had been many, many years since I had been there so just bring what we should have. Seems he might have brought a cheese plate before the ribs..And of course, cold beer. At Tops you drink Coke!
I found a good website for restaurants around Memphis and in the BBQ category, have to agree with Bozo's also. I believe the site was memphisrestaurants.com