O no the pulled chicken was horrible! Very dry with a drizzle of barbecue sauce smh! No seasoning! I thought Memphis barbecue was one of a kind sides where pretty good though oh and caramel cake was so dry! Whhhhy! Tasted more like store brought read more

Central BBQ - Pulled chicken very dry with a drizzle of barbecue sauce! - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Best BBQ in Tennessee. Awesome sauce. Unique atmosphere-hole in the wall type place. Very tender pork. Not an overwhelming smoke flavor. Great value-good food and lots of it!!! read more

As a vegetarian, I don't usually frequent BBQ restaurants, but I'm on a road trip with friends and decided to stop - one of them was here a few years ago and said we couldn't miss it. She was right. We went to Central twice during our 48-hour visit to Memphis (whoops), and even I found something great. They'll do BBQ nachos without meat, and from the silence at our table when the food came, I'm pretty sure the pork nachos were even better. The portobello mushroom sandwich was also awesome! read more

I stopped by the Civil Rights Museum while I had a little bit of downtime on my trip to Memphis (which was also good by the way). Started getting hungry and decided to pop in and give Central a shot since it's right next door. I know Memphis is known for its barbecue and have heard about Central from some travel magazines, but didn't expect it to be this good. It might sound a little weird but their baked beans were phenomenal, nice little bite to them. Ordered a combination of the beef brisket and pulled pork. Beef brisket was good and got a fair sized portion. The pulled pork was great! The Mac and Cheese was good although I don't think I've ever had any that's just blown me away. All I'm all, great for experience, good atmosphere, and good draft beer selection. Put it on your to try list if you haven't yet. read more

This is an excellent family resteraunt, the food is good and the portion size is a great value. The service was impeccable! From the moment we got there, until the moment we left, the wait staff was on top of it! They were helpful in getting us a table for 8 and cleaning one off. read more

Hands down the best BBQ in memphis ! I've tried every combination on the menu ! Omg even the greens are the bomb . I live across the street from them so every time I get a visitor in town I walk right across the street ! Always the best ! read more

By far best bbq in Memphis. The bologna sandwich is a must try. It's not a fancy place but it can be fun if you don't go in with high expectations on ambiance. It's a hole in the wall type place with lots of character. Great location too. read more

The pricing was very good, but the service wasn't very impressive. They cooked fast, but they messed up all of my family's orders. The cashier had an attitude that felt uncalled for. Would not recommend. read more

When someone asks a local who has the best bbq in Memphis, there's a high likelihood your going to hear about Central. No Food Network Show, No frozen rib shipping business, just good pork, ribs, nachos and sausage. Beans really good. Slaw could be better. Great sauce selection. Well rounded beer choices from local brewers. Can't wait for them to get that Germantown location opened. read more

I came to Memphis to try bbq. Nothing on the menu was outstanding but I did not have anything that was bad either.

Great BBQ! Our first time in Memphis and we went because of all of the positive reviews. Ribs were very tender and fell right off the bone, didn't seem to have much smoke but very simple and juicy. The BBQ sauces were delicious and the sides were good too. Loved the baked beans and greens, but the Mac and Cheese was pretty bland. Paired with WiseAcre IPA for a great meal! read more

Brisket is not tender, so they have to cut it paper thin to help it appear as though. Slaw is okay, but not great. The beans are pretty good, but have had better. All out of ketchup for my Queen 's fries. read more

On 7-13-18 we had our son's rehearsal dinner at Central/Downtown. The best and easiest thing we planned for the entire wedding experience. A big thank you to Sheemeka, the Banquet Manager, for all of your help and your staff! Y'all are a first class operation and you do a fine job of making it a pleasant experience. Again, THANK YOU!!!! read more

Great BBQ for a great price. Definitely a fan. As good as it gets for the price.

I ate at the Summer location. Absolutely delicious food and great service! My services Tracey was very nice and helpful. The pulled pork can't be beat and the banana pudding is homemade and excellent. You can also get a plastic keepsake cup to take with you. Great atmosphere and wonderful dining experience. I will definitely be back! Hopefully, when Tracey is working because she was amazing! read more

Solid BBQ. Heard this was comparable to rendezvous but I think rendezvous won by just a little.

You can argue who has the best ribs...you can argue who has the best pulled pork...but when it comes to bbq nachos there is no doubt..Central is the best. I personally think they have the best pulled pork as well but their nachos rock. Good beer selection add well and the outdoor beer window was long overdue...now you can have a beer while you wait in line! read more

Food is very good and like the homey outdoor seating. Parking very tight. Had pulled pork, ribs, & brisket all just right. Baked beans little spicy but enjoyable. Will definitely keep this place on our list of places to frequent. read more

Amazing ribs. Got a rack half wet, half dry. Great flavor, literally fall off the bone perfection, excellent rub and sauce. Sides were okay. I got the mac and cheese, which was good, but unfortunately my turnip greens were over salted to the point I couldn't eat them. Would certainly come back to try the other BBQ items on the menu though! read more

We were told this was the best BBQ in Memphis... and while it didn't disappoint, it wasn't the best I've had. The wet ribs were so good. Sauce on them was perfect and sweet. The dry rub ribs were just that, dry. The sauces they have to dip in were ok and reminded me a lot of taco sauce not BBQ sauce. The Mac and cheese was nothing to write home about but the baked beans were out of this world! So sweet and amazing! The sweet tea was perfect and sweet. My husband said it was too sweet but I loved it. The atmosphere was nice, it was a small cozy place. The staff was a bit un-inviting upon arriving but the food came fast and the staff walking around the dinning room were much more pleasant than the staff up front. Overall we did enjoy it but I wouldn't say it's the best in Memphis. read more

My love started for Central BBQ back in college. At first glance, it was a tiny, poorly air conditioned hole-in-the-wall slinging BBQ. I also wasn't too excited about standing outside for 30 minutes before I could order. Once inside, I was overwhelmed by the bustling in the kitchen and the menu posted overhead. I literally closed my eyes then repeated the exact order as the person in front of me: chicken plate (as a sandwich), mild sauce, mac n' cheese, chips and a sweet tea. That baby cost me all my spending money for the week but I never regretted it! It took a while longer to build up the patience and funds for a return trip but I've been going there for my fix for the past 12 years. It's something about working up a sweat before you eat that makes this experience worth it. No matter how long the line is when you pull up, you know it's worth the wait. Even working out East, I would head to Midtown for a long lunch on Friday. If you want to try it out, here's what you need to know: Location: They have 3 locations on Central Ave (Midtown), Summer Ave (Berclair) & Butler (Downtown). I love and highly suggest going to the original on Central. The patio is great if you have a group of friends that you want to come along. If you choose to sit inside, you're going to feel a tiny but of sweat rolling down your neck or the back of your knees. Get over it! You came to grub on some good BBQ not get an ocean breeze! The Butler location has a partially covered patio for those blazing summer days when you want the best of both worlds. Food: The menu has the usual BBQ selections of pork, beef & chicken. If you like it backyard grilling -style, you can get bologna or a smoked sausage. You can take it on a bun or on a plate, if you're classy like that. Before I became a vegetarian, I liked to get the smoked turkey (which was hard to come by in the BBQ realm until a few years ago) slathered in a mild & hot sauce combo. Now I get the portabella mushroom sandwich with slaw & hot sauce. You can't go wrong with the sides. In my opinion, it's best to get the large sides & split them with your partner in crime. Same thing goes for the appetizers! Honorable mention goes to the salad and BBQ nachos. If you're keeping it light(-ish), I say go for one of these options. (Bonus: They're Green Fork Certified) Ambiance: Don't expect this to be cloth napkin kind of place...You're eating 'Q for goodness sake! But you can bank on the staff being friendly and the place being packed full of good people having a good time! There's a tiny bit of self-service required but you wouldn't want a waitress hovering over you while you have sauce smeared all over your face. Yes, there are a million BBQ joints in Memphis and some magazine will try to convince you of some less gritty places to go. Don't fall for the hype! I've never had a bad experience here. read more

Traveling through and heard from folks this was the place to try. Wow, very very tasty! My wife and I tried a variety of items; hot wings wet, ribs half dry & half wet, beef brisket and variety of sides. It was all very good, the ribs were awesome. We had just tried the highest rated BBQ place in Amarillo some days earlier and was amazed but Memphis style takes this prize. read more

We love coming to this BBQ joint! We usually get the pulled pork sandwiches with slaw and some potato salad- (kids included)! The vibe is cool, and the patio is nice as well. I suppose the only downside might be that it can get a bit crowded. But, that's because of the great food! read more

Central BBQ - My wife and 16 month old digging on some Central BBQ! - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

He walked up to our table and said "Who had the sausage sammich?" First off, anybody who says "sammich" is my kinda people. That sausage sandwich was yummaaaay!!! I chose it since I like BBQ, but don't love ribs or pulled meat. Anywho, they used a really soft, kinda sweet bun. The BBQ sauce was good, and it was a big piece of meat! I also had baked beans, but they were nothing special. The coconut cake wasn't either- and don't expect a huge slice just because it's "5 layer." Those layers were small. The nachos looked good too. They should put slaw on top of them. My friend loved her ribs, and she's crazy about ribs. I'd go back. Focus on the BBQ though. That's the good stuff. There was a line out the door, but we were in fairly quickly. read more

Stopped by this place on a day trip to Memphis. It was highly recommended by the locals. I had the pork plate, fries, and beans. The meat was juicy and the beans had a very slight kick to them but were good. The fries taste just like fires. They have about 4 different sauces to choose from and a seasoning salt on the tables. I saw other people who had ordered ribs and chicken and by the way they looked, I wish I would have done the same. It is just a little hole in the wall but most of the time those are the best. Service was good and the staff was very friendly. For my family of 4 it was only $24. Would I go back again? Yes. read more

I was recommended Central BBQ by a friend while I was visiting Memphis on a business trip. Seeing as Memphis is touted as a BBQ mecca, I thought with the positive Yelp reviews that Central BBQ would be impressive. I've got to say it was a pretty big meh. I had the pulled pork, mac and cheese and green beans. Each one of these dishes was extremely average and their prices are pretty high. You're going to spend around $20 per person for BBQ. If it were knock your socks off BBQ, I would understand, but it just isn't read more

I don't get the hype over this place. I did like it, and would say that it's good, but I certainly did not love it. We tried it twice since it's awfully close to home, but I just can't join the masses on this one. The BBQ nachos were cheesy, but I like melty cheese, and this cheese was still cold in some spots. The atmosphere is nice. My friend had Central cater a birthday party, and their tamales, and sausage and cheese plate were both really good! I was pleasantly surprised about the tamales. I am going to keep on being a Corky's fan. I can eat their meat plain with no sauce, and my three year old will scarf down their baked beans. She didn't care too much for any of the food from here. I'm sad I can't love this place more. read more

If you're traveling from out of town to have some Memphis style BBQ, don't listen to the food channel and run to rendezvous. As a Memphis area native, this is the best place to get a bang for your buck. Neely's is great bbq too, but central is in a pretty central location (no pun intended) regardless of what part of Memphis you're staying in. Everything I've gotten here from the nachos to the ribs is excellent. The customer service is always on par. The price is pretty reasonable, too. Word of advice: watch out for lunch trips on weekends! The line can sometimes be painfully long, as this is a hot spot for locals and tourists. read more

Dry rub was the best. Spicy rub and sauce, make sure you like a kick. Meat was done well and fell off the bone. Sides are okay, not spectacular. read more

This place is good. I used to live across the street for almost a decade, and finally they opened this place up. Great location right in midtown. Always a long line. Only thing I wasn't crazy on was their sauce, they had several types, but none of them had the kick that bbq shop has down the road. However, this place is 100% good no question about it. Next time I'm in town I'll be back! read more

This BBQ was seriously the best I have ever had. There was a small line, but it moved very quickly to get us in. There is seating inside and outside (where live bands perform). The food came out fast and hot! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting some good BBQ and this come me from a Texas girl! read more

Great bbq! Clean restaurant in a nice location!! Brisket and Mac and cheese was amazing!! Try the banana pudding!

Best BBQ in Memphis! I ordered the shredded pork sandwich with slaw and a vinegar sauce and a side of greens. So. Freakin'. Good. The pork was perfectly smoked. They have self-serve for their four sauces, and I was able to mix them to suit my taste. A friend ordered a sampler platter and loved everything. Very generous portions. Good beer selection, both bottle and draft. If you're looking for good BBQ, no need to look any further than Central!! read more

As a vistor from Los Angeles, I knew that Memphis was famous for its BBQ, and all the good Yelp reviews brought me here. We happened to visit during a special dinr in Memphis week, so we got a really good deal consisting of baby back ribs (smothered i their delicious BBQ sauce!) plus 3 sides and banana pudding. I love the BBQ sauce, just the right amount of tang. The meat is the perfect texture and peels right off he bone. The sides were great, I wish they gave you more onion rings though. I actually ate the baked beans, which is a big step for me because I don't really like baked beans. I'm a huge fan of the rich mac n' cheese, especially because not every BBQ place has it. The huge star for me is the banana pudding of all things, but I've never had it before and it was delicious! Very creamy and lots of banana flavor, I feel like I would go there just for that! I wish I lived in Memphis so I could visit this place more often! read more

This wasn't the best BBQ place I've been to. The turkey tasted strange, kind of like ham, and the vegetables looked and tasted like they came out of a can, especially the green beans. It would have been nice if the vegetables were fresh. Also, it was very loud in the restaurant. However, the service was good. read more

The bbq nachos are awesome! The crunchiness, the strong taste in the sauce, and the flavorful meat combined is a taste of heaven. If you want something that'll fill you up without much of a mess, try the full rack bbq nachos. read more

This was a true southern BBQ experience. The look of the place and the taste of the food was ultimate. We were there outside of lunch hour and still had to work hard to find a table. It was all worth it because it is one of the top BBQ places I have been to. It is definitely on my list when I travel through Memphis again. read more

Ribs were fine. I would rate them as average and the sides were pretty good. Cleanliness is not adequate and should be addressed. Overall ambiance is poor with a dirty cafeteria feel. For this price...go elsewhere. read more

My brother and I stopped here specifically on our way across the country after being recommended from a friend. We brought my dog with us, which is such a plus. They have both outdoor and indoor seating, we sat outside with the pup and they brought water over for him which I always think is so sweet. The place was PACKED, and we barely had to wait for our double order of ribs, half dry half wet. The mac and cheese was awesome, the slaw was pretty good, the green beans were ick and just cold from a can. The ribs were awesome, fell right off the bone. Next time I'm in Memphis I'm going back for some pulled pork, yum. read more

During a short vacation to Memphis, I was on a mission to find good Southern BBQ. We ate at Central BBQ on our first evening in the city and it was probably the best BBQ I had the entire time I was in town. I got a half-rack of ribs, half dry, half wet (I'm from Ohio-- we never get this option), as well as slaw and mac and cheese. If you like "tougher" BBQ, maybe avoid this because this meat was perfectly cooked and fell right off the bone. The sauce provided with the ribs was amazing too-- just the right amount of sweetness. There are stations for BBQ/ other condiments too, which is always nice since I'm a condiment fanatic. I recommend the spicy BBQ sauce. The slaw was like slaw everywhere else, but good and the mac and cheese was delicious and creamy-- -- I only wish they had been served in a larger cup (it was maybe 1/4 a cup of both). My only complaint about the meal is that the night we went, they were out of every good beer and were mostly serving Bud Light. Aside from that, no complaints. The food is awesome. I liked the vibe of this place. You ordered your food before sitting down, then they bring it to you. It's set up with a lot of local paraphernalia and picnic table type tables / set up. The service was very casual and the food came quickly. I thought the location I went to was in a weird area-- technically downtown, but walking there, there were a lot of boarded up buildings and even a junkyard with a junkyard dog. It wasn't as off the beaten path as places like Payne's, but still an interesting area. Don't be put off at all by that though! Overall, I highly recommend Central BBQ, particularly if you're a tourist. It's not SUPER touristy like the places on Beale Street or right in the heart of downtown, but it's also pretty close to downtown and other touristy type places and you won't have to drive. It gives you a good idea of what Memphis BBQ is like. Highly recommended. read more