re: Memphis BBQ Top 3

I would like to stand beside those who like Corky's - pulled pork is my BBQ preference. If I want ribs, I do them at home. Corky's pork has a good smoked flavor, you choice of sauce and they are generous with the amount they put on the plate or bun.

I also seem to remember enjoying their Onion Rings, but I can't remember why.

I've always been disappointed by Memphis BBQ, which is light years behind Kansas City, the Texas Hill Country, any state with "Carolina" in the name, and the south side of Chicago. (I'm sure there are many more places better than Memphis, too.)

The exception:

Morris Grocery, technically in Eads, TN (but really in the middle of nowhere) has the best BBQ I've had in Memphis by miles. Porky, smoky, succulent chopped pork sandwiches to travel for. Get out there if you possibly can.

The rest:

Payne's (Lamar Ave): Can be great, but very inconsistent. Once had a mind-blowing chopped pork with slaw sandwich; subsequent visits were only so-so. It was a troubling sign when they stopped making fried pies.

Cozy Corner: Best all-around BBQ I've had in Memphis; still nothing to blow you away. Zero ambience, better for lunch than dinner.

Bar-B-Q Shop: Go here if you want to have a sit-down BBQ dinner with drinks. Nothing special, but everything OK and nothing terrible.

Central BBQ: bland suburban BBQ, all hat and no cattle. And certainly no soul, while dreaming of Corky's-style $$$.

Interstate BBQ: Only thing not terrible on the menu is BBQ spaghetti. Which would be a monstrosity in any place where the 'cue is any good.

Alex's Tavern: Somehow touted as a locals' secret for both their ribs and their burgers, this place sucks hugely at both. Especially the huge, charred-to-gray burger tasting of lighter fluid. Friendly people and a friendly bar, though.

Rendezvous: Never managed to get there over four separate eating trips to Memphis.

Finally ... you should be aware that the original Gus's Fried Chicken in Mason is much better than the copy (different owners, supposedly "licensed" recipes) in Memphis. The original is more robustly seasoned and fried hotter, producing a browner, almost caramelized crust. Easily the best fried chicken I've ever had (other than by cooking Paul Prudhomme's Crystal-marinated recipe at home.)

quote:

---

Cozy Corner (get a Cornish Hen)

---

Cosmo knows of what he speaks.

quote:

---

Nashville food was on another level, and was just a more refined type of city. The Catbird Seat was fing phenomenal, Pinewood social had some of the best fried chicken of my life, and Husk had a very southern menu with strong flavors and lard butter!

---

Nashville is really becoming a fantastic foodie hub. Place has totally changed in my lifetime. All the places you listed are nothing short of fantastic.

Shoutout for a fellow Morris grocery goer. It's delicious best BBQ sandwich in town by far.

quote:

---

To my surprise most locals really dislike Vergo's Rendezvous.

---

When I lived in Memphis I went to Rendezvous many times. The key was whether you got ribs (I went there primarily for dry ribs) fresh from the pit, or after they had been sitting under a heat lamp. I learned from locals that there were best times to arrive at Rendezvous and to ask for favorite waiters. Getting on a waiter's good side was critical. He would tell you to get a sausage and cheese plate and a couple beers if there was no fresh ribs to kill the time until the ribs were ready. The waiter would place your order only when fresh ribs were ready.

quote:

---

Seems to me much like Austin TX in its feel, with more emphasis on country music of course.

---

I hate that you say that but I see the similarities.... Capital cities with huge live music scenes that have grade-A academic institutions close to downtown.

But Nashville is so much more than country music. I know Austin is too but nobody sees Nashville outside that stereotype. The Black Keys, Jack White, and The Kings of Leon all call it home. KoL are actually from Mt Juliet which is outside the city. My Dad has seen the guys from Black Keys at the Filling Station in 12 South a number of times. Just normal guys


It's a city that is absolutely booming. The country music out of home still sucks.

Memphis BBQ Company just across the line into Ms gets good press. Never been there.

quote:

---

I am also a big fan of barbecue bologna, with Mcbrides BP Station in Somerville, TN being my favorite. Followed closely by Interstate BBQ.

---

You talking about that service station down the hill from the dry cleaners? That's not BBQ. Jesus Christ.