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    A&R Bar-B-Que

    3.7 (159 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    A&R Bar-B-Que Photos

    Business Info

    A&R BAR-B-QUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Spaghetti look like it was old. It didn't taste good at all in the rib. Tips was tough hard to eat..

    I live about 2hrs away. & when I'm close to Southaven or Memphis I like to stop here. For bbq.. But the ladythat took our order was rude.. customer service wasn't good @ all... we had 2 rib tip plates. One with bbq spaghetti, and beans!! The spaghetti looked old. & it didn't taste good @ all. Beans was ok!! Both plates of tips couldn't eat it all. It was lacking seasoning. & some of the meat was tough. & hard to chew. The nachos therefore had more flavor than the rib tips... Grease at the bottom of the plate..I won't be back!! There was also 2 employees arguing in the back!! They was very loud. All this while customers was inside. We traveled 2 hrs to get here. Sadly I won't be back.

    Rib plate with potato salad and baked beans.
    Yolanda H.

    I love their ribs! I was in Memphis for two nights and most definitely had to stop by A&R to get their infamous ribs. I didn't go inside by daughter placed the order while I stayed in the car. I ordered the rib plate with potato salad and baked beans with extra sauce for my ribs. Everything was delicious since I'm not a "big eater" my plate held me for two days. The ribs were very tender I could use my fingers to pull the meat off the bones.

    Moriah D.

    Best BBQ in Memphis and not up for debate! I was born & raised in Memphis but have lived in Texas for 10 years. When I come home, this is literally my FIRST stop every time. Everything is soooo good & always fresh. The bbq spaghetti is the delicious, sweet & tangy with a bit of heat, my favorite side. I live for the fried bologna, smoked sausage, and pulled pork sandwiches. The sauce is savory, sweet & flavorful. I purchase the bbq seasoning & sauce every time I go to make sure I'm stocked when I'm back home in Texas. Service is normally pretty quick and sometimes there is a wait, but it's worth it. Perfect for a large group or just a few. I cannot attest for the other A&R locations, because I only go to this location, the original. It is & has always been the best since I was a child.

    Tiffany J.

    It has been over a decade or more since I have visited and I must say that they have maintained the quality of food and service that I loved years ago! I had a taste for a bologna sandwich with baked beans and potato salad. I must say neither disappointed. I'm glad I was in the area and was able to stop in. The ambiance is really nice, spacious, and clean. They have mad a lot of updates to bring them up to modern times. I really wish I would have gotten one of their infamous desserts. I will be returning for more soon!

    Pork rib sandwich (before)
    Solomon C.

    I had the pork ribs sandwich and i gotta say that was annoying. It's four pork ribs with slaw between white bread. It's not like you hold it by the bread and eat it. I had to pick apart each rib and eat the bread and slaw separate. The service is meh! The price is different from the price your asked to pay. Menu needs to be updated. Prob won't go out of my way to come back

    Outside
    Adam L.

    Brisket was chopped up and ok. A little mushy. The sauce was great. The rib tips were ok. The pork shoulder was good. No sides. People were nice. Authentic. Prices were average. It's ok.

    Rib tip sandwich with coleslaw and bbq spaghetti.
    Libby G.

    We were hoping for good barbecue and this place had the kansas city style sauce we love. Portion size was generous (see picture). We both ordered the rib tip sandwich which came with two sides. Their coleslaw was solid. It was the dirst time we had bbq spaghetti and we liked it (it was our first time) but it was a lot of bbq sauce to eat in one meal! The beans were pretty ordinary which is sad because barbecue places could easiiy throw in some sauce and miscellaneous meat trimmings for something awesome. We had never had rib tips before and these were a mix of tender and chewy, some pieces with bark. I have to say I prefer burnt ends because I pick the cartilage out of my rib tips...I guess some people just crunch them up.

    Rib tips, baked beans, seasoned fries
    Ellie F.

    This is a prime example of south Memphis barbecue! I recommend the rib tips - and show up hungry, or you'll never finish the incredible portions of food they dish out. I want to go back and try more!

    Inside area for ordering and waiting.
    Tim M.

    Stopped in while in town in search of the area's best barbecue. It looks like they recently expanded as the dining area is much larger than appearing in earlier photos. Lots of tables in the expanded dining area. There are only a handful of parking spaces out front, but plenty more space in the back. The area has a wonderful smell of smoked meats. Service was friendly and helpful. Being our first time here, we had a lot of questions and the young lady at the counter gave us some great recommendations. Ordered the 1/2 slab pork ribs with sides of barbecue spaghetti, baked beans, coleslaw, and green beans. My wife ordered the rib tips. The ribs were wonderfully smokey and tasty. We arrived later in the day, so the ribs were a little dry and may have been smoked earlier in the day. The barbecue spaghetti was delicious! Worth the trip to Memphis. The other sides were also great, and my wife loved the rib tips.

    Rib tips (4/5) with coleslaw (5/5), baked beans (4/5) and green beans (5/5).
    Randi M.

    I stopped in to try the rib tips as not every place sells them. The staff were friendly and the restaurant was clean even though you could tell they maintain a steady crowd. It looks to have been recently renovated and there was a lot of seating in a second room to the right of the main entrance. With the rib tips I ordered coleslaw, baked beans and green beans with mixed sauce (mild and hot) on the side. The tips had a good amount of meat and a wonderful smoky flavor. They were drier than some but that may have been due to ordering them later in the evening. I liked their mixed sauce over the mild, as combining them seemed to spice up the mild one and dull the heat of the hot one. The sides were all good but my favorites were the coleslaw, creamy, crunchy and slightly sweet, and the green beans, flavorful and tender with some onions. If in the area, I'd return to try the ribs.

    Jason S.

    A & R Bar-B-Que family owners (A)ndrew and (R)ose Pollard (related to the owners of Pollard's BBQ, I'm told), run a handful of old school Memphis neighborhood bbq restaurants that have been smokin' great barbecue since the early 80's. I usually try to make it to the original or at least oldest running location of any restaurant, especially a bbq joint. As I drove up to the smoke house, a few blocks north of Graceland, I had some very good vibes. All the signals were right: -the parking area outside smelled of smoking pork; -a big, happy pig was painted on the exterior wall; -and customers were walking out the front door with arms full of to-go containers. At the counter where you stand to place your order, you can hear the blissful smokehouse lullaby coming from the kitchen: chop-chop-chop on the cutting board as hickory-cooked pork gets hacked into mottled shreds and pieces for plates and sandwiches. The sandwich is the classic Memphis configuration that I have grown to love and respect: pork was lightly smoky and tender, and included some of the bits of the crust from the outer "bark" throughout the meat mixed with tangy red sauce piled high on a bun and crowned with a spill of cole slaw. The cabbage provides such nice little bits of crunch among the velvety heap of pork. Beyond pig sandwiches, the A&R menu is full. You can have ribs (wet or dry), Rib Tips, Smoked Bologna, Chicken, Smoked Turkey legs Catfish dinner, Hot tamales and that only-in-Memphis treat, barbecue spaghetti. That's a mound of soft noodles dressed not with ordinary tomato sauce, but with - of course - barbecue sauce, laced with shreds of pork. It's weird, but in this city, where restaurants also offer barbecue pizza and barbecue salad, it makes sense. The ambiance of A&R is pure BBQ parlor: quiet enough so you can hear the chopping in the kitchen while you concentrate on enjoying the meal.

    BBQ Chicken sandwich
    Nisha L.

    Ok so as a Memphis native, let me just say: Tops is not fw A&R chicken sandwich! Y'all this is the best bbq out of all the states I've lived in. The service is good lmao I mean.. it's home. The woman is quick and sweet and straight to the point, definitely a vet. They've got a few little tables you can sit at but it's definitely not a date night spot. The spicy baked beans and bbq chicken sandwich are perfect. Every time I come home I gotta have it. If the bag ain't greasy, it's not for me

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    3 months ago

    So far one of the only places I can get decent brisket from. The sides are delicious as well! Definitely give them a try!

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    7 months ago

    The food is awesome and amazing customer service is amazing . Great place to dine very clean environment.

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    1 year ago

    Some of the best bar-b-que in the city of Memphis, especially in Hickory Hill area. Worth the try.

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    2 years ago

    I will not return to this place. First of all the prices are ridiculous! It took 30 minutes to get some overcooked wings

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    3 years ago

    Stopped in for lunch and had some Great smoked wings! Restaurant was clean and service was quick. Thanks A&R!

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    3 years ago

    First time here-and it was soooo good!! Rib tips were my favorite, and the fried okra was also great. Loved everything we ordered!

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    B.B. King's Blues Club - BB Bb's Famous Lip Smacking Ribs with Mac & Cheese and Sautéed Vegetables

    B.B. King's Blues Club

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    3.6 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    I accidentally ended up at this spot, I was actually supposed to be at Blues City Cafe, and I'm so…read moreglad I did! The atmosphere was welcoming, lively, and full of great energy. I sat at the bar, and my bartender did not miss a beat. Even though I was dining alone, she continued to check on me and made sure I was taken care of throughout the evening. I got to enjoy two different bands, and both were amazing! However, the final performance was definitely my favorite. Her voice was both soothing and powerful, and when she started singing Tina Turner, all I could do was smile. What an incredible performance! Now, let's talk about the ribs! They were delicious, full of flavor and literally falling off the bone. The baked beans were good, although they didn't blow me away. The green beans, however, were a miss for me. I think they were trying to do too much with them; sometimes simple is better. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. The live music, atmosphere, and those ribs made this accidental stop well worth it. I'm definitely glad I ended up here, and I would absolutely recommend checking this place out, especially if you enjoy live music and good barbecue!

    Bb King Blues Club where Kings legacy can connect you with the blues…read more Bucket list for us! Being in this place, the blues are here. They are all around us. This trip here is deep rooted. It's to reconnect and remember why the blues is so important. Bb King, the man and legend himself, "wanted to connect the guitar to human emotion." Just sit and listen to what Kings music does to you. Sure it's the blues! But the blues speak to you if you let it. We are not alone in the struggles of life and pain that we share. Blues music, as its plays lifts your spirits. It clears your mind . Your heart flutters. Make sure and take time to breathe in the moment here. We reserved a table on line. It was simple . They serve food here . The music and ambience is why! The stage is lit and here on Beale Street. Where an individual can experience "Why one Sings the Blues!" Be there and see the inspiring music and love that he gave to the world .

    Photos
    B.B. King's Blues Club - The Venue

    The Venue

    B.B. King's Blues Club - Bb's Famous Lip Smacking Ribs

    Bb's Famous Lip Smacking Ribs

    B.B. King's Blues Club - Home of the Blues sign

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    Home of the Blues sign

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

    4.5(3.8k reviews)
    3.7 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    This was my second time visiting Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, with my first experience being…read moreat their East Atlanta location. This time around, I stopped by the Downtown Memphis location, which is tucked away in a residential area not too far from Beale Street. A little off the beaten path, but definitely worth the trip. Now, let's talk about the experience. When I walked in, I wasn't greeted or acknowledged. A few employees made eye contact, but nobody said a word. I eventually learned from another customer that it was a seat-yourself establishment. Interesting! LOL. However, the moment I sat down, someone came right over to take my order. I guess everybody strictly stays in their lane around here! I ordered the three-piece white meat meal with coleslaw, baked beans, and a small side of mac and cheese. BABY, that chicken was GOOD! Everything came out in a timely manner, piping hot, fresh, and full of flavor. The chicken was seasoned just right, and the portions were generous. Exactly what I was looking for! Another thing I appreciated was the cleanliness. Both the dining area and restroom were clean and well-maintained. The prices were also very reasonable, especially considering the quality and amount of food you receive. My only real criticism is the initial customer service experience. A simple greeting or acknowledgment when someone walks through the door goes a long way. Other than that, I enjoyed my visit. Would I return? ABSOLUTELY! The food speaks for itself, and Gus's continues to deliver on that front.

    This place is very unique. They have a whole lotta different art and even a jukebox…read more Now to the food. Let's just say you come here for the chicken not the sides. The chicken had a good spicy and juicy. The sides needed seasoning and help all the way around. Our service was nice and good just the sides I had a big issue with.

    Photos
    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - View from our table

    View from our table

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Up close leg

    Up close leg

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken - Look for the chicken!

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    Look for the chicken!

    Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

    Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous

    3.6(2.9k reviews)
    3.8 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    I came on the 4th of July weekend... I'm writing this on August 27th, because I still remember how…read morewelcoming everyone was. An underground world of southern hospitality, from the hosti to the kitchen, employees were happy to be there.. We even got offered to play music paid for on the music box. Btw, i haven't seen one of those since i was like 8, maybe. I used to work downtown and people would say this place would give them "food comas", as they were so full yet still wanted more. I slept like a baby after too haha! Great job to all. I didn't take pictures of the food or place , but I held onto the memory and feeling. thank you. God bless!

    I want to emphasize that my three star review is frankly more of a 3 1/2 star review…read more I truly for the most part was pleased with my visit, but there were a few aspects that took a few stars off. I have been a devote of Corkys for years. Perhaps my devotion to their product has made me incapable of trying other ribs with an open mind, but that's where I'm coming from. The ribs at Rendezvous are quite different, they do not fall off the bone with ease. That's not to say they don't taste good, they just don't fall off the bone. Cooking anything with charcoal, like it is done here, imparts a certain amount of smoky flavor into the food that is cooked. That's true whether it's hamburgers, ribs, or pizza. Most of the time the smoky flavor is welcome. In the case of the ribs I had today, I felt like the smokiness in some cases detracted from the overall experience of eating the ribs. The sides didn't look wonderful, but I was pleased that they tasted better than they looked. Whatever seasoning they're putting into the coleslaw is getting the job done quite well. Surprisingly the highlight of the meal was probably dessert. I ordered a chess pie, and found it to be absolutely delectable. My server was terrific, as were all of the other staff encountered. The room uses history and character. You can look in any direction and see something interesting. I'm very glad I came, and it would not be a lie to say that I enjoyed my dinner today, but overall it's doubtful that I'll find a reason to come back.

    Photos
    Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
    Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
    Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous - The Sign.

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    The Sign.

    The Pig On Beale - Slab o delicious bbq ribs & decent slaw at The Pig!

    The Pig On Beale

    3.0(572 reviews)
    3.6 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    Was hoping for the best when no one was inside, and flies were buzzing around. Not the best AC…read morebeing pushed out the vents either. We of course took the only table that could seat five people comfortably. They had plenty of 4 seater booths and tables. The condiment box at our table looks like it had not been cleaned out in months. Some old time movie decorations definitely caught my eye and those were pretty cool. No music playing, and the touch tunes was down. Just one lonely tv playing cable tv above the bar. Bar had maybe a selection of 3 beers and 4 cocktail/Seltzer cans. I didn't see an ounce of liquor. The men of our party when using the bathroom said the toilet was infested with buzzing flies. The ladies room had an off smell, and we had to fight the nearly empty bottle to get soap to wash our hands. Family of five shared the family feast. The slab of ribs were super tender and fall off the bone but had absolutely no flavor at all besides the baked on bbq slapped on the top. The pulled pork was kind of cold and also had no seasoning or marinade. The chicken wings had some seasoning on top but no flavor inside besides some old fry grease flavoring. We were given a warm bottle of barbecue sauce but the bottle was so nasty and concerning no one at our table was brave enough to use it. Platter had Your average sliced white bread on side. The collard greens were praised by the whole table and was knocked out by everyone first. Service was good, but I would surely hope with being the only patrons inside for a whole hour besides a to go order. Restaurant desperately needs some TLC and some deep cleaning. Seasoning or a marinade needed on the meats as well. I would have to give it a hard pass next time.

    A great spot on Beale Street if you're looking for good BBQ!…read more My wife and I got the 1/2 rack of ribs and they were awesome! Perfectly cooked, sauced nicely and full of meat. The side of bbq beans was perfect for my meal - my wife got the fries and said they were very good. Our waitress was very friendly, attentive and timely. She kept tabs on us without overdoing it. The prices here are also reasonable considering the location. The amount of food you get is a very good deal! *We also got a side of dry rub wings. They came out piping hot, but once they cooled down they were delicious!! The next time I head back to Memphis, I'll most likely return to The Pig!!

    Photos
    The Pig On Beale
    The Pig On Beale - Family feast

    Family feast

    The Pig On Beale - Voted the best

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    Voted the best

    New Wing Order

    New Wing Order

    4.5(20 reviews)
    3.5 mi•Downtown

    Coworker had heard of it and we were all impressed when we saw all the awards this place has…read moreearned. Also, the variety and types of flavors looked awesome so I was excited to try it out. When it came to which flavors to pick, I knew I had to try their award-winning flavor, Memphis Buffalo. I'm not a big wing person, so it was just ok to me. It was good, but didn't wow me. Also, I always get boneless, so I'm not sure if the flavor is different on regular wings- so take my review with a large grain of salt if you're a big wing person. The fries were really good but the flavored versions weren't that impressive so I'd rather just stick to the regular fries. The Pineapple Habanero was really good though. I really liked the flavor and the kick. It's one of the spicier things on the menu so I feel like I could handle the spiciest. I'd come back and try more flavors! Loved: - Dipping Sauce: Ranch - Side: Fries Classic - Side: Roll Liked: - Wings (Boneless): Pineapple Habanero Ok: - Dipping Sauce: Blue Cheese - Side: Fries Premium Parmesan - Wings (Boneless): Memphis Buffalo

    Heard a million good things about this place so I had to try them out. They do a good job letting…read moreeveryone know where they will be and when. I like the face that they travel around Memphis so everyone can try the food. I ordered a couple of Buffalo Chicken Tacos, an avocado taco, and 18 wings with the flavors of honey gold, bourbon, and memphis buffalo. The tacos were great. I want to order some more. The wings are smoked with the sauce added later. The wings taste good but they are pretty expensive for what they are. People should try the wings but I prefer deep fried wings that hold the sauce better.

    Photos
    New Wing Order - Memphis Buffalo

    Memphis Buffalo

    New Wing Order - Menu. 4.20.19

    Menu. 4.20.19

    New Wing Order - Nachos!

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    Nachos!

    A&R Bar-B-Que - bbq - Updated September 2026

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