Best Ribs in Memphis?

My cousins are 2nd generation Memphians and recommend Leonard's out in Germantown. I had a catered dinner from Leonard's recently and found it quite good.

Vergos' Rendezvous gets lots of mentions but can have off days. Avoid busy tourist hours. It's still in an alley downtown, long drive from out east. The grandkids must operate it now. The Vergos family is of Greek origin. I think they entered US via New Orleans.

If you do Vergos, start or end with a drink nextdoor at the Peabody.

Couple of things here:

Memphis says its a barbecue town. That said, the signature dish there is really pulled pork. But folks love ribs, so...

There are good places. The tourists all hit Rendezvous for the smart-mouthed waiters and 'dry' ribs. I thought the best thing going there was the Sausage and Cheese Plate. The ribs are not really smoked, they are grilled. Not downing them, but if you're looking for 'soul of Memphis' Q, that's not the place.

Personally, I like the ribs from Cozy Corner. Barbecue Shoppe, Germantown Commissary, and Leonards are good also, Now you're getting into peoples tastes for Q, and everybody differs.

I say just pick one and enjoy it!!

Also remember the non-rib items. BBQ spaghetti is out there (not my fave), but Cozy Corner and others have BBQ Bologna sammiches. Worth trying This is NOT the bologna that you pulled the red ring off of back in school. Cozy also has a smoked Cornish Game Hen which is to die for.

And remember - all the good places are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.

I prefer the ribs from Central BBQ.

BB King’s on Beale Street

Do not go to Vergos. I have had better ribs from the Lloyds pre-made ribs at Rouse's and such. Vergos was absolutely awful. Little taste and it was like they cooked them quickly just to cook them.