Central BBQ Poplar
1 / 30#30. Central BBQ Poplar
- Rating: 3.3/5 (310 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6201 Poplar Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Memphis area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Memphis based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Memphis were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
Neil's Grille and Bar
2 / 30#29. Neil's Grille and Bar
- Rating: 3.4/5 (79 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5727 Quince Road Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: American, Sports Bars, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Central BBQ
3 / 30#28. Central BBQ
- Rating: 3.5/5 (319 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4375 Summer Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Brad's Bar-B-Q
4 / 30#27. Brad's Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.5/5 (50 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2845 Bartlett Road Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Baby Jacks BBQ
5 / 30#26. Baby Jacks BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (144 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7610 US Hwy 70 Bartlett, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
King's Palace Cafe
6 / 30#25. King's Palace Cafe
- Rating: 3.6/5 (278 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 162 Beale St. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Cajun/Creole, Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
- Read more on Yelp
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
7 / 30#24. Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
- Rating: 3.6/5 (2794 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 52 South 2nd St. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que
8 / 30#23. Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.7/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7209 Winchester Road Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
A&R Bar-B-Que
9 / 30#22. A&R Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 3.7/5 (148 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
Big Bill's Bar-Be-Que
10 / 30#21. Big Bill's Bar-Be-Que
- Rating: 3.7/5 (75 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2857 Kirby Road Ste 119 Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Central BBQ
11 / 30#20. Central BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (2531 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 147 East Butler Ave. Downtown Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
Blues City Cafe
12 / 30#19. Blues City Cafe
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1882 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 138 Beale St. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Toms Barbeque
13 / 30#18. Toms Barbeque
- Rating: 4.0/5 (477 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4087 Getwell Road Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Halal
- Read more on Yelp
B.B. King's Blues Club
14 / 30#17. B.B. King's Blues Club
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1380 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 143 Beale St. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Jazz & Blues, Performing Arts, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
The Bar-B-Q Shop
15 / 30#16. The Bar-B-Q Shop
- Rating: 4.0/5 (847 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1782 Madison Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Corky's Ribs & BBQ
16 / 30#15. Corky's Ribs & BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1301 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5259 Poplar Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Germantown Commissary
17 / 30#14. Germantown Commissary
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1267 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2290 South Germantown Road Germantown, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
Marlowe's Ribs & Restaurant
18 / 30#13. Marlowe's Ribs & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (677 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Big Bill's Bar-Be-Que
19 / 30#12. Big Bill's Bar-Be-Que
- Rating: 4.1/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4101 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Central BBQ
20 / 30#11. Central BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1768 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2249 Central Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Fat Larrys
21 / 30#10. Fat Larrys
- Rating: 4.2/5 (240 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7537 US Hwy 70 Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
One & Only BBQ
22 / 30#9. One & Only BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (586 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1779 Kirby Pkwy Ste 1A Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Hot Dogs
- Read more on Yelp
Cozy Corner Restaurant
23 / 30#8. Cozy Corner Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (445 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 735 North Pkwy Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Pollard's BBQ
24 / 30#7. Pollard's BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (125 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4560 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Dim Sum King
25 / 30#6. Dim Sum King
- Rating: 4.4/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5266 Summer Ave. Ste 65 Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
Payne's Bar-B-Que
26 / 30#5. Payne's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.4/5 (355 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1762 Lamar Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
Bain Barbecue
27 / 30#4. Bain Barbecue
- Rating: 4.4/5 (150 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 993 South Cooper St. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Bakeries, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
Arnolds BAR-B-QUE & Grill
28 / 30#3. Arnolds BAR-B-QUE & Grill
- Rating: 4.5/5 (215 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 337 Madison Ave. Ste 2 Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
Elwood's Shack
29 / 30#2. Elwood's Shack
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1082 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4523 Summer Ave. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Tacos
- Read more on Yelp
Ball Hoggerz BBQ
30 / 30#1. Ball Hoggerz BBQ
- Rating: 4.7/5 (84 reviews)
- Address: 1404 Airways Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee
- Categories: Chicken Wings, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
