Best BBQ I ever had! Everything perfectly cooked and fast service! What else you need when you are hurry and hungry?? Everything was super tasty and the staff was very friendly. A big surprise for me stopping in Memphis after a 25 hours drive straight from Arizona and looking for a BBQ meal. A lot of places in town but this one was the most interesting to go! If I go back to Tennessee one day, I will stop again at this place. read more

Always good, fresh, can't go wrong with ribs. The best wings in Memphis no contest. Totally rebuilding the original Central location, can't wait for it to reopen!! read more

Never been disappointed I'm always ordering their bbq nachos with fries instead of chips it's amazing. Also their smoked sausage is amazing as well those are my go to favorites. read more

While in Memphis visiting the "King" at Graceland we decided to tryout this Legendary BBQ joint. Firstly I've been to some dives in my life but this place rides a fine line of dive and should be condemned. The carpet was so dirty I think it was alive with decomposing food on it. I took a peek in the kitchen and tried to erase the filth out of my mind.... I just wanted to start cleaning the place. As I said it's a fine line and it stays in the dive area because the BBQ is so damn good! It's not the best BBQ I've been too but it does Memphis proud! I ordered the full rack of ribs for 2 and a half order of pulled pork nachos. The sides were on the small side but tasty - Mac and cheese, Collard greens and onion rings....let me be clear Collard Greens should only be served East of the Smokies cuz West of that...they don't know what they are doing. The ribs themselves had the classic Memphis style - Dry with a hint of heat! The nachos were the stand out though. Generous amounts of pulled pork, nacho cheese and Centrals own BBQ sauce topping a heap of tortilla chips!!! Wow! It's a solid choice for BBQ but just keep a open mind about the whole place. If you have OCD order takeout and eat in your car! read more

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

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This place has a laid back atmosphere and friendly staff. The beef brisket was moist and flavorful. There are verity did sides which differ in flavor and consistency. For example, The coleslaw lacked acidity and flavor. On the other hand, The potato salad was delicious and so were the onion rings. I would come back in future to try the ribs. If you're in town I would definitely check this place out for bbq! read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I'd give it 6 stars if I could. The pork nachos were awesome. Don't forget to add extra BBQ sauce to them!!! We had the dry rub chicken wings as an appetizer-excellent! We will go back tomorrow for these!!! Splurge and gut the full order. We added 1/4 rack of ribs-they were pretty good. Will stick with chicken wings and nachos on next visit. The outside atmosphere with music was excellent! read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Ribs were on point. Brisket was good, not the greatest brisket, mac n cheese was pretty good. Green beans were kinda plain but also good and the baked beans were also pretty good. I've had better for the sides and brisket, but the Ribs are what you come here for. For dessert, I had a peanut butter pie. The custard was so delicious. Pretty rich though. read more

This place is AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! I had heard about this plane on my way to Memphis on my flight it was HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by a few people on board. Little did I know it was on the food network as well for one of the best BBQ places and a must visit place. I am so glad I did. I SWEAR I would fly back to Memphis just to at here again. The people here were/are very friendly. I was here a few days before my birthday so I let them know and they gave me a slice of cake which was also good. The price to eat here is reasonable. If your in Memphis this is a must visit must eat place. Oh, and don't forget to try their wings they are the BEST. These wings here are what I call wings not only because of the taste but they are massive. ENJOY!!!! read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Came here on a weekday while on a roadtrip down south. I was very excited to try some Memphis BBQ, and Yelp pointed me in this BBQ joints direction. Upon arriving, this place was really crowded, and it was rather loud inside because of all the customers happily eating their BBQ meats. However, the line moved by quickly and we placed our order in no time. And we were also somehow able to find a table to sit down at without any trouble, even though we had to squirm our way through the mass of people inside to get there. Full ribs, 1/2 wet and 1/2 dry - VERY pork-ey flavored. The flavor of pork pervaded every single cubic micron within this dish. SO MUCH PORK. Honestly, I did not like the overwhelming pork flavor at the beginning. I felt like I was basically biting into a live hog right in front of me. My dining companion agreed with me that she had never eaten anything with so much pork flavor before. But then... as I gave the meat another shot, and then another, it started to grow on me. After chewing on the meat for a while I realized how impressive it was that they were able to imbue that much meaty flavor within a dish, and I'm not sure how they did it, or if it is this pork-i-ness that constitutes a "Memphis" style BBQ (I am still at a loss of what the difference is between various kinds of BBQ in the US after a cursory Wikipedia review), but I have to say that now I'm kind of hooked. I guess I just wasn't ready for such an explosion of pork flavor upon my first bite, as I wasn't accustomed to it previously. Beef brisket sandwich - a bit disappointing in terms of depth of flavor. After sinking my teeth into the flavorful ribs, I was expecting something similarly flavorful in the brisket, and was met with disappointment. It wasn't bad by any means, and in fact the texture of the meat was quite tender and juicy. The flesh fell apart in my mouth with the lightest chewing, and was wonderfully cooked. Maybe I was just holding unreasonable expectations of having great beefy flavor after trying the porky ribs, but this brisket just didn't satisfy my desire for beef flavor in my mouth. Our sides included mac & cheese and fries. They were ok, although the mac and cheese was a too little congealed. They also have sauces in the back. I really liked how their sauces are homemade and fresh - and it really tasted like it was just being made in the back of the kitchen. But unfortunately I didn't really enjoy any of them. Luckily I enjoyed the dry side of my ribs just fine without any sauce, as it had so much flavor already. Also, their "spicy" sauce just tasted like their normal sauce with a little tabasco in it, at least to me. Overall, I really liked this place. The ribs were bursting with such flavor, that I believe I'm in the process of becoming a convert to Memphis style BBQ. I will have to take every opportunity in the future to try it again. I recommend Central BBQ wholeheartedly, especially if you're a traveller/tourist like me and want to try some BBQ in Memphis! read more

Central BBQ - 1/2 wet 1/2 dry ribs - extremely porkey, extremely tasty. Fries and mac & cheese were ok - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Generally good bbq. Jerk wings were nice. Ribs were extremely dry for me personally. Really unimpressed because I was excited for a taste of authentic Memphis bbq. But from this experience in particular I'd rather go to city bbq(a big chain)... Ehh. Nice place to try if you're in the city I suppose. read more

We found a Hidden gem I off the beaten path in Memphis! When we pulled in there were tags from several states, security directing to next available parking spot and a wait line- all good signs it may have been a good choice. There was a wait line but we honestly distant have too long to wait and within 10 mi lutes our meal was served. You order at the counter, they gibe you a number and seat your self. We wanted some dry rub ribs that Memphis is known for and the reviews all said this was a good place. We ordered a rack of ribs half dry, half wet and baked beans, turnip greens, Mac and cheese and onion rings. The ribs were tender, moist and 5star smoke to the bone- seriously we are smoke snobs ( ) and it takes a lot to tickle our taste buds when it comes to enough smoke. The more the merrier! They defiantly have rhe smoke. Our favorite was the dry rub- the wet was good but the dry was our 1st choice. The sides were good- I guess if there was a fav it would be the onion rings. The offered several self serve sauces if you wanted as well. . They have a nice covered out door eating area as well as inside. We enjoyed everything and left full and happy read more

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Really enjoyed the ribs and brisket (the pulled pork was ok, but I'm not a huge fan to begin with, so I won't hold that against them). Place was very busy but we got our food quickly. Great without the sauce, but the mild sauce was really good as well. Enjoyed the slaw and beans, while my wife had the Mac N' Cheese, which was tasty as well. I enjoyed that that the food had some spice to it, as it differentiated it from other BBQ places I've eaten at before. Prices were good as well. I'd eat there again. read more

Finally, got to visit this BBQ spot I had heard so much about. The line was pretty long but moved quite fast. Secret is to order to go from the window to the right. The ribs were amazing and had a sweet BBQ sauce that only Memphis BBQ could provide while having very tender meat that tickled my taste buds. Greatly enjoyed my first visit and am a happy customer if I'm ever in the area read more

apparently, some people really love and some really hate central BBQ....i had the rib combo, half dry half wet, with bbq pulled pork and brisket the ribs were definitely the star of the show, i personally enjoyed the wet bbq ribs a lot...i'd probably go back and get a full rack next time if i'm in the area ok, other than little miss bbq, i can say this place blows every other BBQ joint out of the waters from CA...that i've been to thus far Otherwise, this place is a must visit for any Q lovers out there....cuz meat is love and meat is life read more

Not as good as it's talked up to be. Ribs were okay, they were out of brisket. Not the quantity I'd expect.

Obvi there are lots of barbecue (BBQ, Bar-B-Q, etc.) places in Memphis. This one was close enough to us but farther than two others we were looking at for dinner one night. We did consider Rendezvous - the famous BBQ place downtown near the famous Beale Street, but we decided since two in our party didn't have a great experience down there last time that we would try this one. None in our party had been here before so our vegetarian opted for the portabella mushroom and coleslaw. The carnivores decided to share a combo plate. We decided on the brisket, pulled pork and ribs. I am always a little afraid of the brisket because most of the time it is pretty dry. It was a bit dry but it was ok. the pulled pork was plentiful and yummy and the ribs were FANTASTIC! We opted for half dry rub and half wet. Both options were super tasty and I would probably just get ribs the next time. I also got the mac & cheese which was good and we got a basket of nachos with the HOUSE CHIPS as the base instead of tortilla chips. This is the way to go people! We got a half order and it was HUGE! We ended up taking food home because of our combo there was a enough to make a good lunch out of the next day for my friend. Glad we chose this for dinner! read more

The ribs were amazing- amaaaaazing stone the show. Sides were great too- house made chips and baked beans. Would definitely get all of those again. Also had the pork sandwich and enjoyed that much less- didn't have a ton of flavor. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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If you are looking for Memphis BBQ then this might be the place. But if you're looking for great BBQ then you might want to try someplace besides Memphis. I've ate at Rendezvous and now Central BBQ and for a city know for pork ribs, they're just not good. The family tried the ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and brisket and they were all NOT good. The ribs were overcooked and burnt on the ends, looked like jerky. The pulled pork was extremely dry and had no flavor and the BBQ sauce was no help. The sausage looked more steamed than smoked and tasted more like a hot dog than sausage. And the brisket should not have even been purchased in Memphis TN. The restaurant ain't all bad. It's in a very historical district across the street from the Lorraine motel (MLK assassination). Plenty of seating and the line is long but it goes by quick. If you're looking for a great glass of sweet tea, stop there, other than that...keep driving to Texas. read more

Ordered large BBQ fries and Mac and cheese. Everything was cold. Fries were cold, sandwich cold, Mac and cheese cold and salty. Very dissatisfying. I'd think for $17 it would be hot and fresh. Nothing hot and fresh here. read more

In my opinion Central has the best bbq in the area, Everything that Ive tried on the menu taste good especially the bbq nachos and the wings

We went to what I assume is the original Central BBQ last night. I assume it's the original because it's on Central Avenue. This a BBQ spot that many locals recommend. My wife and I split the BBQ Nachos (where ELSE are you going to get them?) and we each had a regular pork sandwich. First off, the nachos are probably exactly what you'd expect. Tortilla chips, topped with pulled pork, shredded cheese, mild BBQ sauce and optional jalapenos. With those ingredients, it tastes exactly like you would expect. Not groundbreaking, but fine. The pulled pork sandwich was very good. On a soft (but not too soft) white bun with their mild sauce. We found Central BBQ good, but we aren't sure why it would be a destination spot. read more

If you want average bbq then go here. I love good bbq but I'm no expert. Honestly it was really average at best. Don't get the pulled chicken plate. No way to tell if it was smoked chicken really. The ribs were ok. Slaw and green beans were bland. I just expected more from Memphis. read more

Came here because of the amazing reviews but those where the most dry ribs I have ever had in my life lol the service was good but consistency might need to be worked on read more

We split the three meat meal and it was enough for both of us. We had the pork, brisket and chicken. All three were good. We sat outside on the patio, which was very nice. We went during the middle of the weekday so it wasn't busy, but I am sure it gets super busy at night and on weekends. read more

Love it looks good taste good night and night Sleepy How is it going? Cool Cool Good Night Great! Great! Congratulations! Call me Shut up read more

BBQ Ribs First time I have tried in over a year - last time was awful. Yesterday, ribs were dry, tough and grisly. Beans were just ok. I spent way too much $ for what I got. I treated myself because it was my birthday and I have to stay home. Ya'll used to be so good. Big disappointment read more

Ok so maybe there are other BBQ joints in Memphis that outshine this one and I don't know about it since it's my first time eating BBQ in Tennessee but oh man, was this good! It is the best I've had so far. Pulling into the city I was already smelling BBQ in the air, I mean literally smelling the aroma of slow cooked meat as I'm driving to the restaurant. Once here, I can see there is a line out of the door and it's only around an hour before closing time. That's a great sign that I've come to the right place! For a long line, it moved surprisingly fast, thanks to the expert cashier who was a machine at taking order. She was super efficient. I couldn't make up my mind on the dry or wet BBQ so I decided to get half and half. We also ordered a 3 meat combo platter; pulled pork, sausage and brisket. The sides were BBQ baked beans, cole slaw and pork rinds. The food came out pretty quickly and let me tell you, I finished just as quickly as it came out. That rib was so tender and the flavor penetrated all the way to the bones. You cannot ask for a better piece of meat. I like both the dry and wet but in the end, the wet slab of ribs is the way to go. That BBQ sauce is to die for. They also offer mild and hot BBQ sauce at the self-serve table. The hot sauce is out of this world, it's not just spicy, it has the flavor of cooked out wine or bourbon. Sweet, hot, tangy and reminiscing of wine, common! Now, if you put that hot BBQ sauce on the briskets...you will thanking me all the way to your next life. The briskets here are ridiculous good. They are fatty and falls apart tender and beefy and packed with flavors. Of all the sides we had that day, the BBQ beans were my favorite. It first hit you with sweetness, then the beans makes it almost creamy and finally, you end on a tangy, hot pepper after taste. We immediately order an extra slab of ribs but they sold out so we were only able to get a half slab. This is the place to be for me! If you find another spot, please recommend. As of right now though, Central BBQ in Memphis is the spot in town I would tell everyone to go to! read more

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Central is always a cheap and enjoyable place to be at.It brings the Memphis love to person's pallet and crave for even more.when walking to the place you always feel like your walking to grandma's house and smell the food cook. I highly recommend the location. read more

Central BBQ was the first place we went to once we landed in Memphis. The ribs are tender and delicious, and the sauce is on point. Loved the potato salad and Mac and cheese. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I love central barbeque's wings! That's pretty much the only thing I get here and maybe fried. I'm not a big prom or beef eater but you can't go wrong with the wings. The barbecue sauce is usually pretty good as well. The wings are usually smoke pretty good. read more

OMG the food here was awesome and the staff was friendly and great....and on top of all of our needs!!!!! And to quote my best friend, "The Mac n Cheese was GREAT!!!" read more

I had the rib plate half wet/half dry with green beans and macaroni and cheese. Let me tell you this...that macaroni is BOMB! I nibbled on some friend's sides too...the greens are great and the potato salad is really good too. It's a mustard base and I hate mustard but it wasn't overbearing. I was truly surprised! read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

By far- the best BBQ in a town known for BBQ. There are other places that are more well known, but this is the place to go. I always enjoy the ribs and a draft local beer. My wife likes the BBQ nachos or the vegetable sides. In addition to the great food, this place has a fun atmosphere. Whenever we have friends or family in town, this I'd always where we bring them. Enjoy! read more

Central BBQ - Appetizer sampler- nachos, wings, and sausage cheese plate - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Excellent BBQ! Dried wings were a complete surprise! Tender and well seasoned! Ribs, brisket, pork all done to perfection! The sauces were not all outstanding compared to BBQ sauces but the food was outstanding and didn't really need a sauce! read more

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Honestly, this place was just aiight. It was super hyped up from the reviews. I enjoyed my experience at Rendezvous much more. I tried the chicken at both places, and I preferred the chicken and BBQ sauce at Rendezvous. I expected the chicken to be moist, but it was on a dry side here at Central. But at least the service was great! The line moves super quick even though it might look long. read more

I have tried several times to like this place but it just doesn't do anything for me. I guess the bbq nachos only comes with shredded cheese and not a cheese sauce situation. They never layer the nachos right. It looks great on the top but there is nothing else after that. read more

Awesome BBQ. Period! A bologna sandwich, BBQ nachos and a fresh bag of pork rinds will never fail to satisfy! read more

This used to be my favorite BBQ stop...apparently resting on their laurels now....what really set me off (after the fatty rack) was the $6 Tiny Bomb...really? Six dollars for pint? read more

Central BBQ - Does this look like yesterday's product to you? - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Delicious ribs and great service! Love the hot sauce :) Sides were great and loved their mac n cheese.

Stop two of our Memphis BBQ swing was Central. The restaurant is located in a suspect neighborhood of Memphis, but that's fine by me. It was a Saturday night and the line was 10 deep out the door at around 6:30-7:00pm. We ordered beers from the to go window and waited in line to order food and get a table. For those unaccustomed to Central, it is similar to many old time BBQ joints that you wait in line at the counter, place your order when it's your turn, pay, find your table, they bring the food, you eat it, then leave. There were four of us and we ordered rack of ribs (1/2 glazed 1/2 dry) the 3 meat plate with pork, brisket and sausage and something none of us had ever had, BBQ nachos. Basically we tried most of their sides as well. I'll get the service and cost out of the way . Both were sufficient and reasonable. Now, the food. The ribs were tender and pretty smokey. I enjoyed the glazed more than the dry but both were very good. The pulled pork was solid, the sausage and brisket were only OK. For those that like their ribs "falling off the bone", these are for you. Personally I could have used a bit of tug off the bone. That said, don't get me wrong, the ribs were very good. Brisket is usually my favorite but since I wasn't in Texas or Kansas I went with mostly pork. We only had a bit of brisket, which was for the better. Although decent, It was lacking compared to brisket I've had in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Kansas City. The sausage was pretty basic and nothing spectacular. The nachos were interesting and pretty good. I'm not sure if I'd ever get them again, but interesting for a one time thing. The sides were all good especially the Mac n cheese. The only side I didn't care for was the slaw but that's a touchy thing to properly rate, to each his own. Overall this is a very good Memphis BBQ experience. Great atmosphere and very good food. read more