Central bbq across from the historic Loraine motel is my favorite place to eat bbq in Memphis. You only have to be a few feet away from the restaurant to smell the delicious meats that are smoking inside. Central bbq offers a great selection of bbq favorites, the loaded baked potato was a meal by itself! Beware... you will get the meat sweats here! [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is plenty of seating inside and they offer a patio too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Central bbq offers a large draft beer list with a bunch of local favorites. The service is quick, and prices are fare read more

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There was a time when Central barbecue was the only place I would eat barbecue in Memphis. But food and service has ruined that. I visited the downtown location on 5/24/26 at 6:15 PM. I ordered wings and two dry slabs of ribs. When my family and I finally decided to eat the ribs on Monday, they were disgusting. They had seasoning caked all on them, and they were overly salty. We wiped off the caked-on seasoning and tried to eat around the saltiness. I was praying the 2nd slab was not the same. When I opened them on 5/27 to see, they were the same. I was trying to avoid calling because I just didn't feel like being bothered. But I called. I left a message for the manager to return my call that morning because "he is in the middle of an interview." So I called back that afternoon and was transferred to Ethan. I explained the situation to him. As I was speaking, he kept making the noise un-huh. So, I stopped talking and asked him what it meant aside from it just being rude as hell. He went on to explain that they missed a step and did not rub in the seasoning and shake it off. I don't care. It's an internal quality issue that should be handled with the prep and cook staff. Not me. He asked if I had my receipt and, in a tone that suggested he was doing me a favor, advised me that he would replace the slab. No apologies for the inconvenience or anything.   After my long workday, I went all the way downtown to get the slab replaced. In person, Ethan is just as rude. I asked if he was going to replace both slabs. He could clearly see the quality was trash. He said no and that he would only replace one. Then went on to offer me sides and a slice of cake. No, thank you. I can afford sides and cake just like I did those trash slabs of ribs. Those slabs of ribs cost $62.40 before taxes. With taxes probably being another 5 or 6 dollars. Your mistakes and poor quality should not cost me. He had a young lady bring the replacement slab back out to me. She didn't say thank you or anything. One thing I know is that a white man or woman patronizing your business would not have been treated this way. As a result, moving forward I will spend my Black woman dollars elsewhere on barbeque and smoked chicken wings. Also, I removed you all from my company's approved catering list where we spend a nice amount with you all yearly. Tell Ethan, thanks for helping me see the light and not spend money where I'm not respected and where my customer experience isn't valued. read more

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We went to the main Central BBQ location which happens to be across the street from the Civil Rights Museum which we visited before stopping in. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This location is a large building with lots of seating options.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had to try Central as it keeps winning awards and is consistently mentioned as the top BBQ place in the Memphis area. Some of their awards were displayed at the entrance and on the walls. Lots of history. My wife ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich and had the slaw on the side so I could have it (she's not a slaw fan). I had the small order of ribs with 1/2 dry and 1/2 wet with sides of BBQ Beans and Mac n Cheese. I tried the pulled pork and it was tender and delicious. My ribs were pretty good with my favorite part being the wet ribs. The dry part was overcooked and really dry and chewy. This was a bit of a disappointment. The BBQ beans were flavorful but a bit mushy. The Mac n cheese also mushy a bit but tasted better than it looked. I love great BBQ so I like Central BBQ but may have caught them on a bad day. Oh, they were out of a lot of T Shirt options/size I wanted too. Darn. I wanted to buy one. I would return and try the brisket, pulled pork or poultry items next time. read more

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I'm going to be honest I didn't go to the restaurant but I did send a friend at my food. I called in my order here and I got the Pull Pork Sandwich deal. The service over the phone was great as expected but I'm mad bc as a first timer at this establishment I specifically asked the guy over the phone (Best side) he told me "Mac n cheese" . This was the one of the nastiest Mac I've ever tastes. One word! Commercialized foods aren't a good look. There's nothing quality about that. Find a new recipe. Ambience i guessing it is nice. read more

Central BBQ - Lg. Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Drink Mac N' Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Stopped in for a quick lunch on our road trip, since we wanted to try some Memphis BBQ. The line to order wasn't long but took awhile to get through. Luckily our food came out pretty quick after ordering. We split the Pork BBQ Nachos, which they claim to be "The Best in Memphis!" Not sure if they tasted any better than other BBQ nachos I've had anywhere else, but the pulled pork itself was very good. The chips were a bit stale. Still filled the two of us up. Would probably try out a different item next time I'm in town. read more

Central BBQ - Full Pork BBQ Nachos - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This is where you go for Memphis BBQ! The pulled pork is divine. Make sure you save room for the banana pudding! It's incredible. Worth every calorie. read more

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Visiting from out of town on a work trip and this establishment was a recommendation. This is okay bbq... I have had worse and definitely had better. With that being said service was fast and friendly and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambiance was exactly what you would expect for a bbq joint.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The brisket was juicy but the Mac and cheese was a miss and this is a personal preference the Cole slaw had too much celery seed. read more

Central BBQ - Small Reg. Beef Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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As a recommendation we went here for our 1 and only night in Memphis to experience real bbq. We were so disappointed. On our plate the bbq beans were the best! The meat was all dry. The pulled chicken was the best but only with enough sauce on it. The brisket was so tough- we expected fall off the bone tender brisket from TN but this sliced tough meat was not it. With so many bbq places to choose from we would recommend trying somewhere else. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I have 2 stars bc the staff was very friendly, the food came out fast, and the place has a cute ambiance![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Central BBQ - Combo Plate- chicken, pork, brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

We really enjoyed the brisket and baked beans! The slaw was forgettable and the pork nachos lacked kick in favor of too much cheese sauce but the brisket was amazing! Cool to see MN stickers on the door. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Visiting Memphis, I was told this was the BBQ place to check out. It was conveniently located. Located behind the National Civil Rights Museum, I could smell the smoke walking up to the front door. After queueing up in front of the counter, I put in for an order of Ribs (felt like the Memphis thing to do.) [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was quiet inside for a 5 PM on a Friday, perhaps I was in early before the dinner rush.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got my ribs half wet, half dry. To me, the ribs were done in the St. Louis style, where it was all about the seasoning, vs. a "fall off the bone" tenderness that is taking over social media nowadays. Talking about seasoning, I was a fan of the Mac and Cheese- often where the sides take a backseat, I was impressed to enjoy such a well seasoned side. While I didn't get a chance to try their Brisket (my gold standard for judging BBQ) the ribs show enough promise that Memphis can hold its own when it comes to 'cue. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Let's start with the good. Customer service was great, staff were friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant was clean, cool environment to be in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ordered the 3 meat plate with one of the meats being ribs. Ribs were cooked amazingly well but a little soft for my liking. Pulled pork was OK, not a ton of flavor to it. Now the bad.... Worst brisket I have ever had in my life. When you slice brisket paper thin it means you didn't cook it long enough. Flavor was not good either. Had to use their bbq sauce to choke it down and that wasn't even that good. Mac n' cheese tasted like it was from a box. I am from the Midwest and we obviously have a different style of bbq here compared to Memphis but I wouldn't go back. Really surprised it was the highest recommended bbq restaurant for Memphis. Just my midwestern 2 cents. read more

Central BBQ - Ribs and 2 meat plate - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I wasn't too much of a fan of Central Barbecue. Coming from St. Louis and being used to great barbecue both locally and in Kansas City, I'll admit I had high expectations. It also wasn't our first choice of places to try in Memphis. Overall, it was just okay, but I did enjoy the baked beans, greens and the potato salad was probably the best. [[HIGHLIGHT]]That said, if you're visiting the Civil Rights Museum nearby, it's within walking distance and a perfectly fine place to grab a meal while you're in the area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Passing through the Memphis area (I was actually across the bridge in West Memphis, Arkansas), I figured Central BBQ was probably my best bet to try some local barbecue--about as close to Nashville as I was going to get. One thing I noticed right away is that sausage or links don't seem very popular around here. They weren't on the menu, and I didn't see them at many other BBQ spots either. I ended up ordering the beef brisket plate and specifically asked for lean cuts. "Lean" must mean something completely different in this part of the country, because what I received was a pile of very thinly sliced brisket with the fat still very much intact. It was definitely... interesting to look at. I made the most of it. The BBQ sauces ranged from typical mild and hot options to a mustard-based sauce. The "hot" sauce tasted like regular BBQ sauce mixed with hot sauce--not bad, just not very distinctive. The green beans were basic, and the mac and cheese had what seemed like a light sprinkle of red pepper. Portions overall were on the small, sample-size side. With the roll, I expected a homemade offering of lovingly baked dough. What I got was what looked like store bought dinner rolls. All in all, it was just average. Honestly, the most memorable part of the meal was the local interpretation of "lean cuts." read more

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First timers here and the service was friendly and attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The area was quiet enough that we could hold a conversation with lots of seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]A nice layout for sure.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had the ribs and pulled pork. The ribs were good and tender and the pulled pork was good but a bit on the dry side. I just used more bbq sauce. All in all it was a very nice place for lunch after visiting the National Civil Rights Museum just across the way. read more

Loved the Mac n cheese and onion rings for sides. Brisket had pretty good flavor and was quite tender, I guess I was expecting it to be a little more fatty. Service was really good and friendly, I could tell they get quite busy. It's a bit of a walk from the main downtown area but right across the street from the Civil Rights Museum. read more

Central BBQ - Beef Brisket Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Loved everything about Central BBQ -- can't wait to go back! The dry rub was outstanding -- amazing flavor and cooked perfectly. The pulled pork sandwich with the hot BBQ sauce? Unreal. Don't sleep on the BBQ chicken nachos, mac 'n' cheese, or green beans either [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plenty of seating inside and out, and even if there's a line, the food comes out fast (like 5 minutes fast).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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It was all a lie. After hearing such raving reviews about the bbq in Memphis and this was highly recommended I can honestly say I was so disappointed. This was the driest brisket I have ever had. The side portions being shoved into a small container threw me off and just a Hawaiian roll. Nothing special. The brisket lacked so much flavor I used every sauce that was available, the green beans were just as bland. The baked beans were pretty decent but I just couldn't believe I paid $20 for that plate. Not much to say about the service except the bus boys were pretty efficient getting tables cleaned up and available for the next customers as there was a big rush of students. They came in right after me oh and the music selection that was playing was pretty good as well, but other than that, I have nothing else to say about this restaurant I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. read more

Central BBQ - Beef Brisket Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This was ok at best and I'm generously giving it 3 stars. With the recommendation's and many great reviews, it was just a total let down. In all fairness, I am not huge on bbq, but who doesn't enjoy some good bbq. So I'm in the city and wanted to try the local fare that people rave about. Got the sampler and the only thing I really liked was the pickles and carrots. The bread on my slider was good too. Also tried the chocolate and caramel cake, chocolate cake was delicious and the caramel cake tasted old. read more

Central BBQ - Sampler-this was ok. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

My boyfriend and I were recommended this place in Memphis by a local. It did not disappoint at all. Ordering was walk up and you help yourself to soft drinks. The dry rub wings were his favorite, mine were the honey barbecue. Portions were generous and everything was delicious. A true gem of a local spot. Highly recommend read more

Central BBQ - Chicken salad. Pork Nachos (Pork). Banana Pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Ordered a rack for two, with two servings of the Mac and cheese and coleslaw, and then a pound of brisket. This came up to $70 for 2 people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience was okay, nothing special.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Did have parking which was nice. Now the food. The Mac and cheese was essentially cheese soup and lacked flavor, and the coleslaw was so inedible, and we ended up just throwing it away. The ribs were good, and the only thing that made the experience okay, but it was $40, which is absurdly expensive for the quality. Lastly the brisket, which cost $25. It was so dry, I thought they brought out a plate of beef jerkey on accident. It tasted as if it were microwaved and had no flavor at all. I went to the counter and asked if they could take it back and bring a better plate, which they did, but it was the same tough, dry meat. Very disappointing for the price, I do not understand the hype or awards they received. read more

Central BBQ - Beef Brisket By The Pound - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Came here after visiting the National Civil Rights Museum and it did not disappoint! I was greeted by a very friendly and helpful gentleman at the counter. He helped me narrow down what to order and directed me on where to find a seat I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with Mac n cheese. The pulled pork was tasty (especially with the bbq sauce) and the Mac n cheese was creamy! Overall, it was a delicious lunch! read more

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

They always have good food and customer service here. The place has its own vibe and my boyfriend loves getting the BBQ nacho.

You can't say you've been to Memphis if you haven't eaten at Central BBQ! This was probably my 4th visit to Central and it was the first time without having to stand in a long line (usually be prepared for that!). Their warm mild BBQ sauce is my go-to on pulled pork accompanied by a nice crunchy slaw. Love the inside and the patio's vibes. Not sure what was up with the potato salad this time...but the whole group agreed, it tasted...carbonated? Google says that's a sign of fermentation so that was alarming. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

It's a little bit of a disorganized system or ordering. The menus are posted and then you wait to be called to the counter to order. It seems odd but it works fine once you get the gist of it. First I'm going to tell you the positive; you will not leave there hungry. Seriously, we were asking each other if they wanted some more meat just so we could get it off of our plates. You get your money's worth as far a volume. Now the negative. The meat is pretty bland. Not a great smoke taste. Really, not much taste at all. Luckily they give you a variety of sauces to use. Unluckily, they aren't that great as far as sauces go. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I will say that this place has a nice vibe. When the weather is nice and they have the plastic tarp wall open, it's a great place to sit and enjoy your meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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So many things to say. First of all it's literally across the street from the Civil Rights Museum so super convenient. Second we went in - they were moderately busy but had a table. I got the ribs and they were some of the best I've ever had. They came dry which I prefer and were delicious. The workers were super friendly and helpful. I think Central BBQ is a must for visiting Memphis. read more

Central BBQ - Where'd the ribs go? - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I don't usually write a review on places I don't like. But coming from Texas I felt I needed to advise my hometown people to avoid this place. I was told the BBQ was the best and the price I paid you would have thought I got it. Unfortunately the Ribs were lacking in flavor and dry. The turkey came shredded and was extremely dry. The brisket was slice thinner than corn beef and lacked flavor as well. The staff were very helpful and even recommended a great local craft beer. However, the beer didn't help the food and I am glad to be back home. read more

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Decided to give Central a second try after my first experience years ago left me questioning the popularity. Ordered ribs, pulled pork with potato salad and Mac and cheese. Well, I was reminded about my first experience shortly after trying the meats. Not much flavor and the ribs were warm at best. The highlight was the sides. Service was good. It's a place you definitely should try when in the area, but I just don't get the hype. read more

They were sold out of all pork! What a disappointment for a highly recommended BBQ place. Service was average. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was quite busy. We sat outside but the sun and heat made that unenjoyable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will try one more time- possibly the inventory will be expanded. read more

Food was cold when served. I ordered the brisket and it was extremely dry and no flavor at all! No matter how much sauce you can drown it in. It still couldn't save it! This place was way over hyped! Not worth my time or money! read more

Central BBQ - Dry brisket with mac n cheese and onion rings as the sides - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Ribs: not the best in town, but still solid. They had a nice smoky flavor that has a delayed onset, leaving a nice aftertaste with each bite. Banana Pudding: I haven't had a lot of banana puddings in my life, but this tasted good! We came because this is conveniently next to the Civil Rights Museum. Barely any line on a Sunday lunch. read more

Central BBQ - Ribs and banana pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

So...there was a line when we entered, but several open tables. We didn't realize it was cafe style (order at the cashier, then self seating). The menu is expansive, so I chose what I thought would be a smaller platter - the chicken BBQ potatoes. My partner ordered much more food and a tap beer. I can tell you I ruined my appetite by drinking 2 glasses of sweet tea before the food came lol. I enjoyed the BBQ potatoes. It felt like something I would make at home watching movies - true comfort food. My partner's turkey and beans looked very good. He also had a side of coleslaw, which he seemed to enjoy. We finished off with the banana pudding. I was a little apprehensive because of the pecans but was delighted it tasted more like ice cream than anything. What really made our trip special was the service. The staff genuinely cared that we liked our meals and were comfortable. I'd come back just for that. read more

This might be my new favorite BBQ joint. From the gentleman taking the orders to the awesome BBQ I loved everything about Central BBQ. When we walked in there was a slight line but it is actually a good thing so there is time to look over the menu. It's not overwhelming but there will be a few sides that you are torn between so decisions will need to be made. I would recommend getting as many sides as you can. The place looks a little divey/ shack like (which is exactly what I want out of a BBQ joint). When you enter grab a menu and make your way to the counter to order. We ordered way more than we could eat because we are from NC and weren't going to be back for a long, long time. Being our first time to Memphis we wanted to try it all. We started with smoked wings (which were enough for a meal by themselves) and they were great! We ordered them wet with honey gold. You can get them naked or with dry rub as well. Next, the main course. We had to go with the ribs and sides which were all the beans (green beans and baked beans), mac & cheese and greens. They were all phenomenal! I could not stop eating and it was a sloppy mess of goodness. The ribs were awesome and the sides were full of flavor. I would definitely suggest the mac & cheese and greens but don't hold back on the beans. After all of that food we could not even look at dessert. We could barely walk out of the restaurant we were so full. A definite 10 out of 10 in my book. read more

Everyone loved their food here- came here late on a Sunday night. I tried the bologna sandwich because why not, and it was absolutely incredible. The ribs are really good. I love that they had sauce on them compared to most other Memphis places that do dry rub. The sweet tea was amazing. The sides were OK, the mac & cheese was decent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, I love the ambience. It's huge and can accommodate a lot of people and it's really close to the civil rights museum.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Amazing barbecue! Hearty servings and lots to choose from! Service is excellent. There is plenty of parking as well. Highly recommend! read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Shoutout to the staff here -- they actually care if you order something good, which already puts them miles ahead of most places. They had solid recommendations for when you want "a little of everything," which is code for I'm indecisive and hungry. The place is spotless -- like, "I'd eat off the floor but don't need to because the tables exist" clean. Plenty of seating, so you don't have to play musical chairs with strangers. The food? Genuinely tasty. And the canned cocktails? Surprisingly legit -- they hit that perfect "I'm classy but also budgeting" sweet spot. Basically, this spot delivers the vibe of a chill night out without the regretful receipt total. read more

july 3rd I and my wife went to the location in east Memphis poplar location beautiful experience. Now July 4th the midtown location was renovated shouldve left it closed work ex I've had out of the 2. I don't like tops but before I go to midtown location again I'll go to tops. My wife's sausage link was hard as a brick and the home made chip were burn. my nachos cold as can be couldn't even melt the cheese that was on it . Midtown is a thums down east Memphis is 110 percent better. Midtown service is a joke. if anyone wants good bbq and great service east Memphis location is where it's at. Now serving breakfast at midtown I will never find out unless it's in east Memphis location. Midtown has to do better, highl disappointed. read more

I love bbq in the south and feel wether it's Texas or Memphis there is always going to be something to blow me away. The service is awesome good people and great food something that makes me want to move south permanently. The ambiance is your classic bbq great aromas and great food. The turkey is flat out amazing as are the ribs. The brisket was my only part where sorry Memphis I give the edge to Texas. I'm looking forward to trying several other bbqs but not sure many will come close to Central. read more

Central BBQ - 1/2 Slab of Ribs and 2 meats - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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This is delicious Memphis bbq. Central BBQ has some of the best ribs we've ever had -- the moist, tender, spicy sweet dry rub, fall-off-the-bone ribs were delectable. The friendly staff greeted us around 4pm on a Friday with no wait (street parking was also easy around this time). We ordered a full rib slab meal (around $40 after tax) with bbq baked beans and Mac and cheese. My only gripe is that the sides should have been larger for a full slab that is meant for sharing and the Mac and cheese was so-so (the beans were awesome though). This spot is a must when in Memphis. read more

We got the rib plate and pulled pork sandwich. The sides we got were Mac and cheese, bbq beans and turnip greens. The ribs were delicious! My absolute favorite thing was actually the turnip greens. Don't know how they make them, but I am determined to learn! The staff were all so friendly and amazing. I wish we had more days here because we would absolutely go again! read more

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

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Very inconsistent in service and food. First time I came here it was all great. Second time, not so much. Person taking orders seemed to walk to the back way too much, leaving us all in line wondering where she was. The pulled pork sandwich was not very flavorful. The greens were awesome though - a lil kick to them. Food came out fast. Definitely not the best bbq as advertised. Other reviews seem to point to this inconsistency as well. read more