We committed the mortal sin of trying to share a half slab of these ribs, and atoned for it the entire rest of our road trip by regretting it deeply. While they come out looking pretty black and burnt, they fall apart at the slightest touch (well, 5 out of 6 did; the end rib was a bit jerky-like). And the flavor is absolute perfection. This place even managed to make me like vinegary BBQ sauce, which I generally don't. ALL of their sauces were complementary, and they let you squeeze your own out into little paper cups to try as much as you need. The mac and cheese was kind of nacho-like and could have used a good crust on top, but I personally liked that the greens were mild and didn't have a meat-overtone to compete with the ribs. read more

Best in Memphis so far. Would have given 5 stars but at 2 PM on a Friday, they were out of brisket. Returned when they opened at 11 AM on Sunday, and they still had no brisket. Had pulled pork and chicken nachos. Amazing! Beans and sauce were off the chart. Atmosphere and service were first rate. Even gave me a complementary sticker for the ole garage fridge! Don't visit Memphis without eating at Central. I'm blaming the brisket situation on the economy. I would have paid the inflated price had they had it. Table next to us had ribs and they looked amazing! read more

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As good as advertised! Outstanding BBQ and fast professional service BBQ RibsBBQ SandwichBeef Brisket Sandwich read more

Central BBQ - BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Sort of good. Sometimes one feels as though they've served you yesterday's leftover ribs rather than dig out the moist ones prepared today. At $37/slab, I expect perfection every time. Is the occasion important to you? Go to Corky's instead. read more

Absolutely the best BBQ in Memphis. Awesome sides, great sauce choices, and pork that will make you weep with joy. Any even remotely serious BBQ aficionado needs to experience the genius that is Central BBQ. read more

Delicious, Savory BBQ pulled pork, ribs &great sides- beans + cole slaw. Central BBQ offers the best- tasting mild bbq sauce that I eat with their ribs, baked beans, and add to their pulled pork. Their meat and beans already come with a unique barbeque smokey flavor and seasoning even without the sauce! I'm sensitive to spicy food but but I've long heard my friends and family rove about their wildly popular medium and hot BBQ sauces which I'll try in small amountscoupled with their cool, crunchy cole slaw! The top quality meat's cooked so well you can go without adding lsauce read more

Sounded like a staple place, which it most certainly is. I was overall underwhelmed by the food and place. Plenty of seating inside and outside (heated outdoor are). Neither restroom was working, so use the port-a~ potty around the side. They were just but didn't have to wait too long for food. Had the pulled pork, it was a little dry (as a good smoke does) and the sauce helped. Not a mouth tastebud cataclysmic event in my mouth. Side...favorite was the Mac n cheese. Greens were a little bland, green beans had a kick, potato salad was fine and slaw was uneventful. Banana pudding was fantastic! Nice service and friendly people. read more

Smoked meat is just so so good here but the sides are lack luster. I got the shredded chicken with Mac and cheese and greens. I do not recommend either of those sides. The macaroni was just toooo mushy for me. The greens just weren't great, chopped very very tiny and not much flavor. If you go just got the meats, it'll be a 5/5. I still can't get over how delicious the shredded chicken was. Cooked perfectly. Not dry at all. The sauces were delicious. Either you like vinegar bbq or you don't BUT if you do, they have my favorite vinegar bbq sauce I've ever had. So vinegary. I'm not a mustard bbq sauce fan but theirs is good too. read more

The Ribs were tasty! I tried the wet & dry rub ribs but I recommend the wet! The brisket was kinda dry & the sides were just okay. Just stick to the meat. I would go back for that! read more

Central BBQ - Combo Rib Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Great food every time I visit! The smokey wings are my favorite. I also love their nachos!

BBQ is a sensitive subject! But, if I'm in Memphis I'm going to Central... PERIOD! I love all the different kinds of BBQ and central doesn't disappoint. The pulled pork with the mustard sauce is magic! Mac and cheese, BBQ beans, delish! Count me in! Just try it! Don't listen to the snobs! read more

WWWWOOOOOOWWWW! I can't even put into word how great the food was that I had!!! We started out with Pulled Pork nachos(the small size)--much bigger that I imagined...so good! Again, big portion, great smoke flavor in the pork...plenty of cheese, and jalapeños! Then came my FALL OFF THE BONE RIBS AND...BBQ BOLOGNA SANDWICH---FORGET IT! THIS WAS PHENOMENAL!!!! So GOOD!! It was all wrapped and bowed with an amazing banana pudding...that I can't, but should BOLD because it truly put me into a food coma!! Best lunch ever!! read more

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No-frill place with casual vibe and good drink options for meat lovers. Dry spice rubbed wings tasted nice but could be very hot. Ribs were cooked perfectly with crusty skin and tender meat. I prefer the wet (with sauce) half to the dry half. Beef brisket was more like ordinary beef slices, a bit too dry. Turkey and pork sandwich tasted standard. read more

Central BBQ - Top: turkey and beef brisket. Right: dry spice chicken wings. Left: ribs and pulled pork sandwich. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Having recently moved to Memphis, and having eaten barbecue all over the States, I had really high expectations for the barbecue here. The first place that everyone seems to talk about is Central. I've been here a few times now and I have to say that I think it is "A-okay". I've had the ribs (both wet and dry), the pulled pork sandwich, and tasted many of their sides. The sides, for the most part, are totally forgettable and generic. Some of the sides definitely don't taste like they are made in-house. The ribs are the best thing here, but they can be hit-or-miss. I've been here when they are so dry you can hardly eat them, but I've also tasted them moist and delicious. It's a gamble. The pork, on the other hand, is pretty bad. Not a trace of smoke flavor on it. Eating at Central seems to be a Memphis "must-do" and, despite the average food, is a fun experience. The beer list is pretty extensive and affordable, so that helps! The staff is also friendly and the bustling atmosphere makes it a good experience for out-of-town guests. read more

Memphis Dry Rub! Central BBQ is the most well known bbq joint in Memphis. This location is the og spot. Private parking lot. Indoor and outdoor patio seating. Pretty packed on a random Thursday before 6 pm. Busy but there was seating available. Order at the register, take a number, get a table, and wait for your food. Staff were friendly. Food comes out pretty quick. Combo Plate Ribs - $27.49 - Half Dry/Wet, Pulled Pork, & Pulled Chicken w/ Chips & Rinds - You get a half rack, I got half dry and half wet. Ribs were super tender and good smoke. The dry rub was super disappointing, the meat had no flavor. You can see the rub but it had no taste. Wet was a little better since it had sauce. Had to use a bunch of their spicy sauce to add some flavor. Pulled pork was ok a little dry. Got pulled chicken but I really wanted a whole piece of chicken, this was dry but better then the pork. Only good part of this meal was the chips and rinds. Super crispy! Super excited to eat here but the meat was a let down! read more

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This was really good BBQ located in midtown Memphis. My friend and I shared a combo plate with ribs, hot link, and brisket. The ribs were sooo good! Half saucy and half dry rub! The brisket was okay in my opinion. They had a lot of variety of hot sauce. We also for a side of baked beans and honestly this was amazing! I don't even like beans and I was eating more than my share for sure. Overall, would recommend central If you're in Memphis looking for bbq. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

The great reviews is what brought me to this location however it did not live up to the hype for me. The service was good and the food came out really fast. The best part of the meal was the ribs they were tender falling off the bones and the mind bbq aside was delicious. I was very disappointed in the beef brisket it was bland and it came out cold we asked them if we could get it heated up, i guess they put it in the microwave and it came back and still wasn't completely warm. We added the dry rub seasoning on it and that gave it a nice flavor that made it bearable to eat. The side we chose were baked beans and Mac and cheese they were both pretty decent. read more

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A Memphis fave if your in the mood for bbq! The bbq nachos are my usual "go to" when I drop in for a quick bite! read more

Central BBQ - Bbq nachos - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Driving across Tennessee and stopped in Memphis for some BBQ. Not what I expected. Had better in Knoxville the day prior. Location felt sketchy even in afternoon. Wouldn't go back. read more

Best damn BBQ I've ever eaten. They're quick to get you through the line when ordering so be sure you know what you want. We went with a sample of everything, pulled pork, chicken and brisket. All of it was delicious on its own and didn't even need any sauces. The customer service in this place was also on point. There were people coming around constantly checking in on our meal and picking up any empty dishes. There's lot of seating outside but seating inside this location is limited. I will definitely be returning any time I am back in the Memphis area. Loved, loved, loved this spot! read more

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HOLY YUM!! So good we ate here twice - once each night we were in Memphis! The banana pudding is also delightful but didn't get a chance to snag a picture before eating it. Definitely would recommend!! read more

Central BBQ - Pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, Mac N Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Amazing!!! I had the BBQ brisket nachos, banana pudding dessert and topped it off with a sweet tea! I figured if your in Memphis you got to try some good bbq and get the whole experience! I would definitely go back whenever I'm in Memphis and order the same exact thing!! Great food!! read more

This place is FANTASTIC. Fresh, great food, fast and friendly service. We came here for dinner, we got the slab for 2 - as you see in picture is a big portion and sooo good. And if you are here: don't forget to get a banana pudding - even thou we were full - we enjoyed it until the last spoon read more

Central BBQ - Slab for Two and Banana Pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Very good BBQ in a city that knows how to smoke meat! We came to Central BBQ at lunchtime on a rainy Saturday, so we expected to wait in line and for the place to be busy - and we were not wrong! Parking attendants were a great help in the jammed lot, and we appreciated a covered place to wait so we could stay dry. Once inside the line moves quickly, and the bussers in the dining room have eagle eyes to clear tables almost instantly. I got the pulled pork plate with the house made pork rinds and greens. I was very pleased with the rinds -- so piggy and greaseless! The serving was very generous, and makes is a good mix of tender stings, larger chunks, and crispy bits. It's some of the best pulled pork I have had in Memphis. The fried bologna sandwich was a time machine straight back to my childhood, and the pulled pork sandwich was piled high with the same perfectly seasoned pork meat I enjoyed on my meal. 5 porkilicious stars read more

Pretty awesome BBQ! You squeeze into a counter area, place your order and then take a number and eat inside or out. The service is pretty fast and the woman taking our order was even faster, so check out the big menu outside before you walk up to the counter. Our family of 4 had: 1/2 slab plate with slaw and greens. The ribs were half dry/half wet. Awesome. Nice and moist with lots of crispy edges which I love! 2 Regular Pulled Pork sandwiches with slaw and sauce with slaw and chips. Solid. Side Mac'n'Cheese (no bueno) and fries. Iced tea $47 read more

Central BBQ - 1/2 slab with slaw and greens - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Came to Memphis from OC just for the bbq and it was so worth it! Yummy! It was so delicious! Will definitely come and eat here again! read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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We were in Memphis for the day and wanted to give the BBQ a try. We had heard so much about it, we were expecting some really good cue. Talk about a let down, the dry rub ribs tasted oven roasted with no flavor and were not fall off the bone. The brisket was the same, no smoke ring.The sausage was okay. We were so disappointed we decided to give Corkys a try also. read more

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- Five Fires!!!! Central BBQ doing it right!Smoking BBQ Sauces & Foods If ever in Memphis, this is your BBQ SPOT! Thank You Central BBQ Family read more

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Great Memphis BBQ spot. Most times very crowded. Has done a great job being mentioned along the best ribs in the City. Not my favorite but I don't hate it. The beans are better than my favorite spots beans. The ribs were a little dry but have great flavor. I probably should have gotten them wet and not dry. It's a great place to have a bite in Memphis and sure better than most. Go get you some. Or not. That's on you. But please don't waste a eating opportunity on fast food. read more

Central BBQ - Had a little time. We ain't gotta eat fast food! - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I'm from out of state, so when I was in town my friend recommended we eat here. The BEST ribs I have EVER had. Everything pictured was delicious and I will be back next time. The beans were okay and the pork rinds were delicious. The smoked wings could be a main course on its own read more

Central BBQ - Main Course - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Zero stars is more accurate. The service was horrible. The gal who took our order at the counter was rude and not helpful. The food was terrible. The worst BBQ I've ever had in my life (restaurant or friend's backyard). Someone mentioned Central BBQ is a tourist trap. It is. Avoid at all cost. The only redeeming quality of this place is that the Lorraine Hotel is across the street. read more

Always a must see when I come to Memphis! We love the bbq nachos and I love the cheese and sausage plate! We've been coming here for 10* years and we live 3 hours away!!! read more

I ordered a large brisket sandwich from this location. After a few bites I just so happened to turn my sandwich over and notice that I was eating a moldy bun. I am disgusted and I will not be visiting this location again. Absolutely unacceptable. I fed this food to my toddlers. Hope their food was at least ok . I expected more from the number 1 rated barbecue place in Memphis. read more

Central BBQ - Moldy brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Ordered the combo rib plate with half-half pork ribs (wet & dry), pulled pork and brisket. The brisket and pulled pork were average, not very smoky and borderline dry. The ribs were delicious though! Definitely a must try. They were smoky and so flavorful I wish I had ordered more. We got potato salad and mac n cheese as our sides, both were good (especially the potato salad). The cheese in the mac was a bit clumpy, but that may be because we had our food to go, so it might be better fresh. read more

Central BBQ - Brisket, pulled pork, mac n cheese, and potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Backbeat tours spoke highly of their food. The line was out the door. I wanted to like it. The vinegar BBQ sauce added great flavor to an otherwise bland BBQ sandwich. Slaw was tasteless. Chips were ok. Sorry Memphis. I have had better. read more

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we had a party of five there for lunch. when we got there about two pm we were the only customers in the place. we placed our order and paid as one ticket about $185.00. we were trying to talk at our table and the music was turned up so loud we had to ask twice for them to turn it down and it was still unacceptably loud after that. I ordered a full slab of dry ribs. when they arrived they were not cut. when I did cut them they were extremely dry and overcooked. probably will not be going back there. should have just stuck to Corkys BBQ, they are always good. they brought the food to our table and did not bring any silverware. we had to go and get it in another area. read more

While visiting Memphis, I knew BBQ was a must. So a quick Yelp search led me here. We both ordered pulled pork and we're not disappointed! A generous serving of moist, tender meat hit the spot! You can easily dispense more sauce at the counter to suit your taste. The fries were crisp and the bbq beans were mild and flavorful. Refill your own drink at the fountain, so you never have to wait for a server. There not a huge amount of seating space, so maybe avoid peak lunchtime. The sides of beans and macaroni were tasty but small, so don't count in them filling you up. Take home the fun, colorful drink cup as a reminder of your trip! BBQ PorkBBQ PorkPulled Pork Plate read more

Looked promising. Reviews were good and line was out the door. The best thing there were the ribs, but even those were just ok. Lacked flavor and not melt in your mouth kind of rib I'm accustomed to eating. Beans were actually decent and flavorful. Most disappointing thing was the brisket. Coming from ATX, I'm used to a certain level of brisket and this was so dry, tough and flavorless it was hard to eat, even with the sauce. The sausage was also meh. If you're from Texas, don't bother, you can get better brisket from Rudy's gas stations. Sorry, but totally true. read more

From CA to TN and it is a must stop spot for BBQ. The picture doesn't do the delicious food it's credit....finger licking good read more

Central BBQ - Full rib slab, greens, Mac N Cheese, Onion Rings, Pork Rinds, Potato Salad, Hot Wings, Beef Brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Delicious!! When your kids clean their plates you know it was good. The kids has the Jr BBQ with the Mac & cheese side, husband and boy had brisket sandwiches and I had 1/2 order of brisket nachos. You can also purchase their sauce. This Texas girl approves!! read more

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