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Honestly, I was extremely disappointed by this Central BBQ in Memphis. I had high hopes for Memphis BBQ, but sadly, this was not the spot for it. Staff were not as polite, and seemed very disinterested in being there. I also witnessed a staff member eat a fry off of a plate she was carrying over to a table. The food itself came out cold, and not much flavor. The restaurant was not very clean, with crumbs on almost every table and seat. I do not think I will go back here for BBQ in Memphis. Lots of room for improvement.
Not bad. Came here on a Sunday night at 7pm. Busy but no wait on line. Parking lot in the back with plenty of spots. The ribs were good... we got half wet half dry. The dry part was too dry because it got placed back in the oven to broil the sauce. The wet part was tender and saucy. The brisket was fine - not texas style so it wasn't as tender as that style. The pulled pork was... fine. It wasn't my favorite. I normally don't like pulled pork as well so it wasn't a hit with me. The greens were delicious. Green beans were fine. The salad... was completely covered in cheese. It was tough to eat - I would ask for less cheese or cheese on the side.
Fast and efficient service - order at the counter and food gets delivered to your table. The atmosphere is great too. My smoked turkey sandwich was delicious. And they have some of the best mac & cheese too!
This was lunch time in May. We had a good time at the newish Central BBQ on Central Avenue. My salad was very tasty. They have wonderful cream based salad dressings. There are no low cal dressings available. My salad was very hearty and it was massive. I ended up taking half of it home. You order your food as you enter the restaurant. The server will bring it to you when the order is fulfilled. You are given a number to place on your table. The service was great. The place is very neat and clean. It is very organized and open. There are booths and a tad limited in seating if you have a large group. We enjoyed ourselves and we had a good time.
Tell me you were starving without telling me you were starving---no pics of the food! We ordered two ribs for two plates for four of us and had such a variety and plenty to share! One wet and one dry order and truly, I could not say which was my fave. Ok, ok...the dry ribs...so moist and great flavor! We had 8 different sides and everything was great. The desserts, banana pudding and caramel cake, were not great but hey we came for bbq and all of that was Indoor or outdoor seating and great service!
I came to Central BBQ Midtown excited to try what's supposed to be "true Memphis BBQ" -- this place came highly recommended, so my expectations were high. I ordered a pound of pulled pork to really get the full experience, and... honestly, it was underwhelming. The pork was more like steamed meat than smoked BBQ, very bland, and with almost no bark. There's no way you could "let the smoke and meat speak" here -- it barely whispered. And it cost $18. Eighteen dollars! For something I could easily make better in my own backyard. I left feeling disappointed and a little baffled. Maybe my BBQ really is that good... or maybe this place just missed the mark.
Visiting Memphis from Dallas and I've gotta say this BBQ does not compare to anything I've ever had! The portion size is good, but the servers and atmosphere aren't very welcoming. Overall very mid taste and below average service
My go to spot when I visit for work. Central's the best! You can't go wrong ordering the nachos with any of the meats.
I was told by several ppl prior to this Memphis trip to get the jerk smoked wings from here. Good recommendation but I had to add the bbq sauce to make it really pop. The jerk seasoning leans a little sweet behind the heat. Also, the seasoning is plentiful and went everywhere. Messy, but good! I liked the wings, but would probably get classic or bbq smoked wings next time. The potato salad was so good omg. I tried a bone/pork rib and it was ok. Someone got heavy handed with the cumin. I would stick with chicken on a return trip. Best smoked wings I've had at a restaurant, complete with a legit smoke ring. Service was excellent & the staff was kind.
3.5/4's The ambiance of the place is just what you'd expect from Tennessee BBQ, definitely fitting with the theme. The service was okay, but it felt like the employees were a little standoff-ish. (Smile! It's a beautiful day to be alive!) Now the food: We got 2 Combo plates. The 1st had pulled pork, smoked turkey, and brisket with green beans and homemade pork rinds. The 2nd had the 1/2 chicken and pulled chicken with the Mac-n-cheese and fries. My husband tried all 4 flavors of their sauces (mild, hot, mustard, and vinegar) and he really enjoyed all of them! He ate the green beans (not my cup of tea) and he said they were good but spicy. He also said the pulled pork was good but the brisket was mediocre (to be fair, we're from Texas where smoked brisket is like religion and football...it reigns supreme lol) The pulled chicken was dry and hard to chew. The pork rinds and fries were good, definitely would order them again. The turkey and 1/2 chicken were DELICIOUS! So juicy and flavorful. Overall we liked this place, but there's always room for improvement!
12 years ago
While we appreciate the role of this joint in spreading the gospel of barbecue to the masses, it was not a pleasant experience. Central Barbecue appears to be in an up-and-coming 'hood of Memphis, with a pretty decent sized parking lot. The building itself is relatively small, with half being the kitchen/service area and the other half an air conditioned dining room with a drink and sauce station. Outside they have a large, covered patio, and an adjacent open dining area. They appear to be building something around the pit - not sure if it is being enclosed, or if they are expanding the kitchen. The space was pretty clean, and the staff was on top of the very busy dining room. When we arrived, they had a line out the door, so it took about twenty minutes or so to order. We ordered a quarter rack of ribs (dry) and a pulled pork sandwich (hot) with coleslaw. The prices were reasonable, if a little on the high side. We also ordered two fountain drinks. Probably about time to get to the actual review... THE MEAT! Dry Ribs - Sadly, the ribs were way past their prime. They were dry in about every way, with the meat overcooked and almost a jerky-like consistency. The second issue with the ribs was a noticeable flavor from incomplete combustion of wood - very much like a creosote taste. Probably one of the worst racks we've had in a long time. On the flip side, they did have a nice smoke ring. Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw - First, the sandwich arrived sans coleslaw. We went up to the counter and they gave us a generous side of slaw. Second, it is actually a chop sandwich as opposed to pulled - not sure that technicality matters, but we're throwing it out there. The pulled pork was room temperature, and a bit mushy - a little more pronounced since it was cold. The coleslaw had a very off flavor, which filled us with instant regret after eating some. THE VERDICT! This was one of the very, very few experiences where we left food on the plate at a 'cue joint. This was hopefully an experience that can be filed under "when it rains, it pours", and hopefully was the definite exception to how this place is normally. Hopefully we won't use hopefully as much in the next sentence (hopefully). While we were eating the dining room they hit one of my all-time pet peeves. They refilled the ice in the soda dispenser, and set the lid on the ground for a couple minutes while they did. The ice lid and the off tastes replayed constantly the next day while enduring some extreme system distress. In summary, with all the issues compounded one on top of another, this 'cue joint is headed into dark territory - ONE STAR. read more
Amazing experience! I was driving through Memphis and I knew I had to stop by and have some BBQ. I got lucky, the line wasn't that long I was able to get my food ordered and it was brought to my table fairly quick. I got the beef brisket plate with fries and mac and cheese. The brisket was nice and tender, a little juicer would have made it the best brisket ever. It's the sauce that in my opinion is the star of the show. The spicy BBQ sauce is like no other, I love the fact that the taste is more smokey and dry instead of being vinegary. The fries were good and so was the mac n cheese. I would definitely come back, but for now I'm headed to Texas to compare the briskets! read more
11 years ago
Epic ribs! Holy moly they are fantastic! Fall-off-the-bone tender meat with a nice crusty dry rub on the outside sealing in the juices. WOW! One bite and I was hooked. It is at the top of my list for BBQ ribs! Ordered the half rack to share with a friend along with the pulled pork sando and half order of pulled pork nachos. Pulled pork sandwich piled with coleslaw and mild BBQ sauce was delicious. I can see why it wins so many awards. The pork itself has great flavor - smoky and very tender. Adding coleslaw on top, surrounded by a soft roll - genius. Side of potato salad - fantastic! Creamy, but not too heavy. Perfect for any of the mains. Side of Mac n cheese - wow! Cheesy and scrumptious. Absolute comfort food. Pulled pork nachos - even a half order was pretty giant. The chips and pork were topped with nacho cheese then sprinkled with shredded cheese and optional jalapeños. A great dish, but at the end of the day - the ribs and pulled-pork sandwich won out. read more
7 years ago
Was looking for some good BBQ while here in Memphis. I got the chicken plate and my husband got the sausage plate. The sauce was good. The greens I think are diabetic appropriate because you have to add your own seasoning. The Mac and cheese was ok. A ok place for a meal. The prices were good. Staff very friendly. read more
9 years ago
The Dry rub chicken wings and the turkey were very good. I like my baby backs fall off the bone tender, they were tasty but they aren't fall off the bone tender. Some may like it this way, I guess it's the individuals preference. Overall this place was good. My favs were the BBQ beans turkey and wings!! Damn good!! Visit # 2 Ribs this time we're perfect fall off the bone delicious! Brisket, turkey, wings, I almost cried when they brought my food to the table! I need to take a nap now read more
8 years ago
6 years ago
5 years ago
Been here twice now and love this place!! The beer selection is on point. It has plenty of variety and local breweries. I've got to say there really be half rack half wet half dry is the way I go but either way you are winning. There beans the first time I was here were just ok but the second time I was here they were great! So maybe the 1st time I got a bad batch. I was NOT a fan of the greens unfortunately. They were bland and needed salt. The Mac N Cheese though was amazing! The Cole slaw was a nice palette cleanser and refreshing. I bought several of their rubs that they sell and use them all the time! I will be back the next time I'm driving through that's for sure! read more
Love the multiple layers of flavors in the BBQ here! You can get the 50/50 which is half dry and half wet rub for the ribs. I have never ever been impressed by ribs and these were the tastiest I've ever had in my whole entire life. I can't emphasize how much the smokiness and flavors just floored me! We took our food to go because our baby was being a mini-tyrant. Our pulled pork was on the dry side but the smoked chicken was good. Like others have mentioned, the cole slaw is pretty bland and I would skip it. Beans are spicy and nicely flavored though. Dinner roll was also nothing special. The fried pork rinds were delicious though. read more
7 years ago
Sometimes the best food in a given city is not found in the fancy upscale restaurants. I have been visiting Memphis for 2 years and one of the places recommended by local Memphians is Central. No glitz or glamor just good ole Memphis ribs. You can smell the spices and the meat from a block away. I ate BBQ at a lot of places but Central is where I perfected my BBQ taste buds and now every BBQ joint is judged accordingly. Not many have able to live up so Central is on my list every time I visit Memphis. read more
Cute place! I'd give the place 5 stars, but the pulled pork was really dry, it tasted old. I think it may have been the time we came, inbetween hours (we came at 4) but from the sounds of it, it's unusual for it to be dry. Memphis style is not my favorite, but , the sauce was VERY good for this style. They put slaw on the sandwich which was good too (it could use a pickle though :[ The mac and cheese was ridiculous, it was AMAZING. I don't live near here and will dream of that stuff. Then the fries, those were pretty perfect too, I was jealous I didnt get my own and ate about half of my boyfriends:) Then the Peanut Butter Pie. OMG, try it. Get it to go, might be to much after all of that food! read more
13 years ago
We were in town and decided to swing by for some carryout to take home. This place is very busy and popular, even on an ordinary weekday evening, so that speaks to the fan favorites down here. Having had the ribs later at home, I was reminded that Memphis ribs are very smokey, and very blackened barky. I enjoyed them as a touristy treat, but they're really not my favorite style of ribs (having deference to Famous Dave's meaty St. Louis style and flavor). I confirmed later and suspected without even looking beforehand that a slab here is cheaper at $20.99 versus $22.99 at their more touristy Beale St. location (Butler Ave. to be exact). If you try them, I say come here. FYI - their parking lot is tiny and crowded but there is someone there directing traffic flow. Also, if you order carryout, the order counter is outside and it only takes them 5 minutes to give you your slab. read more
8 years ago
Great barbecue place. They have two locations in the city, but this is the original location. We tried to go to the other place but there was a line their was a line at this location but it was shorter. There is a small parking lot. I strongly desired to have the half chicken plate, however they were out of it so I got the pulled chicken plate with Mac and cheese and beans as my side. They gave me a roll which I gladly stuffed with the barbecue chicken. It was really good. I recommend the pulled chicken. The beans had a hint of hot with a smoky taste. They were great. The Mac and cheese was okay. The portion side was large. They have indoor and outdoor seating. They bring your food to you and pick up your plate. After having a great meal people went to the restroom. They lost a star for the no soap in the men's restroom and the toilet not flushing in the mend restroom. How are the man staff washing their hands? read more
11 years ago
The best BBQ ever, I love when they don't put a lot barbecue sauce in my food, just in case you like a lot sauce you can put by yourself. Don't missed this place in Memphis read more
Oh sweet sweet Central BBQ. Gloriousness abounds. I've lived in Memphis for about three months now and in that short time have visited this establishment about ten times. It's good, fast, and affordable (my wife gets a discount as a teacher). Things I've had: Pulled pork sandwich Pork nachos Peanut butter pie Hot wings Brisket sandwich It's all been great. The pulled pork sandwich, nachos and peanut butter pie are my staples however. If you're visiting Memphis this is an excellent spot to try out since it has everything a BBQ joint should have. read more
If you're looking for a BBQ experience, then go to Central. The atmosphere exudes BBQ and the taste does not disappoint. My brother and I shared a half order of pork bbq nachos and the rib combo plate with the beef briskets, pulled pork, mac-n-cheese, and pork rinds (don't judge, it was all or nothing!). Halfway through, we were almost full, but it was so tasty that we finished EVERYTHING! It's not your usual sit-down restaurant with table-side service and all, but who cares! You'll be too busy devouring everything and using your hands to clean off your plate! read more
11 years ago
I so desperately wanted to love this place. Throughout my whole vacation, I was pining for my first taste of Central. I did my research, I looked up articles, I consulted the Food Network. I was prepared. My mom and i made the trek from our hotel to central Memphis to try this restuarant out. It is easy to miss on the outside. It's pretty nondescript , faded blue building along an not so well kept street. To alert you that either have passed it, or about to pass it, is a very sexy looking pig on the outside. When you walk it, it's a little chaotic. I had to wave down a bus-boy to ask him if we did down or order that the counter. There was one greeter, she was blonde warring a tye dye shirt, and she was single handedly the rudest restaurant worker I have encountered. I work in the restaurant industry. There was no rhyme or reason for her impatience, her abrupt attitude, her lack of any kind of greeting, and her lack of instructions or help when we told her we had never been there before. Seriously, if you are the first impression of the restaurant then you need to make an effort. I ended up getting the pulled pork plate, a side of braised greens and a mac n cheese which I gave to my mom. Because she ordered the pulled pork sandwich a la carte. We sought a clean seat, not as easy as one would think. The restaurant is very dirty. The staff is super rushed, and the food came out cold. But despite it being cold, it was still pretty tasty. My mom enjoyed her sandwich which had a good amount of pork on it, despite it being a relatively small sandwich. My pork was very good, not the best, but very good. You could see the smoked pink color, they included some of the crispy outside (which I LOVE), and it wasn't mushy at all. I wish they wouldn't have put the bbq sauce on it for me, because they have 4 different bbq stations behind the counter where you order. I prefer spicy and vinegar bbq cause to the mild-sweer kind. So i had to eat around the part of the pork with the sauce drizzled on to I could put my preference sauce on. But that's not a deal breaker. That's just a personal preference. To end off the meal we took a coconut 7 layer cake and a banana pudding to go. The banana pudding was OUTSTANDING. I would have taken a picture but it was demolished before a photo was even a thought. It had real banana slices hiding inside, nilla wafers crumbled on top and hidden throughout the pudding. The puddings itself was creamy, not too sweet, and just right. They really nailed the complex flavors and textures of a good 'Nana pudding. I wouldn't go back for the food or the service. Though the pork is decent, but i know you can for sure find better. Even at Charlies. I might make a pit stop for that banana pudding though. That truly is a delight. read more
14 years ago
10 years ago
We came to Central BBQ on a Sunday afternoon, where surprisingly, it wasn't busy at all. There was outside seating available and plenty of indoor seating as well. We ordered a combo plate with ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The ribs were done two ways, with a dry rub and with BBQ sauce on it. We also had a side of mac 'n' cheese and green beans. The ribs were good, but really nothing amazing. We preferred the ribs with sauce on it, but the dry rub ribs weren't very memorable. Without any sauce, the pulled pork was surprisingly dry, along with the brisket which was disappointing. We tried the mild BBQ sauce and the mustard based sauce on the pulled pork and brisket, but I wished I didn't need so much sauce to eat either of them. The mac n cheese was pretty good, but our green beans looked like they were from a can and sloppily placed into a plastic cup. read more
4 years ago
Great BBQ! We got a half rack of ribs, wings, and the pulled pork nachos. I typically eat Carolina style BBQ but this was a great change. Good smoke on the ribs and good jerk rub on the wings(nice and sweet). The nachos had super tender pork. Very solid BBQ as I expected from Memphis. The service was quick and no fuss at all. I ordered, displayed my number and was good to go. read more
4 years ago
16 years ago
8 years ago
We came on a weekday afternoon after a long drive from Texas. Parking located within restaurant. Menu was a bit pricey. Not enough seating for 6 inside so we sat outside. Customer service was very good. But....... Pulled pork- no flavor, dry Ribs- ok, not much meat Beef- a little dry, no flavor as well Sauce- good thing the sauce was good, it made the meats a little bit palatable. Sorry, but Texas bbq is so much better than this.. read more
8 years ago
I live in Houston, Texas, and nothing beats some good Texan BBQ. Memphis has pretty good ribs though. Sides are very enjoyable as well. read more
7 years ago
Made a great choice picking this place while visiting memphis. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw on top and it was epic! From the amount of people there i figured the food had to have been really good and sure enough it was. Definitely will be going back for a repeat visit next time in Memphis. Will also recommend anyone who loves bbq to stop in and check it out. read more
Over the course of an hour, I listened to two young college guys talk about summer internships and what's-the-next-best-thing, a group of good ol' boys guffawing and having a great time, a couple of occupational therapists munching through their salads, and having a brief lovely conversation with a woman who was a vegetarian but loved barbeque. (She was just going to partake in the sides. Sadness.) Really an awesome place to kill some time. Oh yeah, the meat. Was. Awesome. The rib combo plate is more than enough for two people. But I ate the whole thing, dunking each bite of pulled pork and beef brisket in their sorta-hot sauce, tangy and...saucy. The ribs were half dry - half wet, and had great chew while coming off the bone. The mac n cheese and the side of beans were perfect. It was dinner time, and it took awhile for the plate to come out (like, 25 minutes or so). But the take out looked like it moved well if you ordered ahead. Parking is a little tight. But FTW, the food was worth the quick drive from the airport. read more
13 years ago
Our group stayed down the street from here and everyday we saw the line form around the building and they stayed busy for hours. They claim to have the best wings in Memphis and I have to agree. They're big, spicy, flavorful and red! We also ordered the ribs, pulled pork, and all the sides - everything which was good. It's a fun place to eat. We ate outside and the service was awesome. We were constantly being checked on and didn't have to wait in line to get a second pitcher of beer. read more
More info about Central BBQ
2249 Central Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
Cooper-Young
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(901) 754-2216
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