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. This location is a large building with lots of seating options. 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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First timers here and the service was friendly and attentive. The area was quiet enough that we could hold a conversation with lots of seating. A nice layout for sure. 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

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. 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. read more

Central BBQ - 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. I have 2 stars bc the staff was very friendly, the food came out fast, and the place has a cute ambiance! read more

Central BBQ - Combo Plate- chicken, pork, brisket. - 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.) It was quiet inside for a 5 PM on a Friday, perhaps I was in early before the dinner rush. 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

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 Plenty of seating inside and out, and even if there's a line, the food comes out fast (like 5 minutes fast). read more

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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. 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. 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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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

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

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. 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. read more

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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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We visited the Civil Rights Museum and decided to try Central BBQ afterwards. Pulled pork was absolutely delicious, BBQ sauce was tasty. The winner, to me, was their potato salad. Portions were generous and we weren't able to finish everything. If you are visiting Memphis (like we were), this is definitely a place to try. 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

We ordered a bbq pulled pork with bun and bbq pulled chicken with a bun. They brought us rolls with both. It clearley said bun on the reciept. I also wanted the mild saauce on the side for the chicken. Wow im glad I said on the side because they brought me the hot sauce. I accually got chocked. When I went up to tell them about the buns they ask for the reciept as iff to say the cashier messed up. They brought us buns, really 1 and a half buns. It will be a while before we go back. We have been there several times seems like when they got new plates and menu boards the service changed. Really was not happy. 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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Absolutely no flavor, food was cold, lady was rude, took 3 bites got up walked, should have read the reviews, wouldn't feed my dog this and remember he licks his own #%##! read more

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

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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

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

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

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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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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We came here to stall time before our 1pm reservation at the Civil Rights Museum. When you enter, you place your order at the counter and have a seat. You put your number on the little holder that's on the table. There's a menu on a table to the right when you walk in. It was pretty packed when we arrived, but it didn't take long to order nor was it hard to find a seat. I ordered the beef brisket with BBQ Beans and Mac N Cheese with a fountain soda. It comes with a piece of roll (it's like a King's Hawaiian Roll for those from Cali). The wait time was around 10 mins. to bring out food. The brisket was really good and tender. When traveling, I normally get my BBQ sauce on the side but I forgot to ask. The sauce was tasty though. Nice place. read more

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

Good food. Good atmosphere with good. Service was good. Parking was especially easy because the museum parking lot nearby. read more

Central BBQ - Pulled Pork, 3 Wings, and Chicken Tenders - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

We visited Central BBQ after the Civil Rights Museum, ordered beef brisket and pull chicken sandwiches. The brisket and chicken were good but the bottom bread of the chicken sandwich was so soggy that I had to eat it with a fork. Overall an enjoyable meal. read more

Yep!!! Tasty bbq. The smoke turkey nachos are where it's at!!! House fried corn tortilla chips, tender smoke turkey, cheese and jalapeños. Perfection! Everything was good. Brisket was a little on the dry side. It was tender but for sure it was cut and sitting around for a minute! Tasted good tho! Place is cute. Lots of seating and live music. Great sopt to eat, drink and enjoy your company. read more

Central BBQ - Smoke turkey nachos - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Stopped here after visiting the Lorraine Hotel and taking in a history lesson. Definitely a great spot. Enjoyed ribs, brisket, beans, Mac & cheese and beer. Huge portions. Wait staff was impeccable and entertaining. SAVE ROOM FOR THE BANANA PUDDING! read more

Central BBQ - Beef brisket. Mac & Cheese. Baked Beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Overall, nothing special. The draft beers were solid. The ribs were cooked well fall off the bone tender with a generous amount of meat but still felt overpriced for the overall BBQ experience, which was otherwise underwhelming and didn't really stand out. The setup is frustrating; it's unclear why you can't simply sit down and order like a typical restaurant, especially given the amount of staff on hand. The host didn't come across as very welcoming at first, and one of the servers appeared more focused on flirting with guests at another table than providing professional, attentive service. read more

Rolled through town 3 years ago and the one day we were in town we came in and they were closed for a private event. Came back today and maybe it was the 1k+ days of anticipation that got me but this place was good just not great. Brisket was good but pork and turkey were a little dry sauces were also mid. It's not that I wouldn't come back it's that not experiencing a lot of Memphis BBQ I'd definitely explore around before I came back. I will say the turnip greens were one of if not the best I have ever had! I would hands down eat an entire bowl of that as a meal they were delicious! read more

Central BBQ - Combo Plate w/ Beef Brisket/Smoked Turkey/Pulled Pork - Mac N' Cheese/Turnip Greens - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I had a trip coming up to Memphis at the end of October and there were three things on my to do list while I was there: Visit Stax Museum, go to the Civil Rights Museum and eat at Central BBQ. If you haven't had it, add it to your list cause that bbq is amazing! Nothing has changed from when I had it the first time back in 2015. From the bbq sauce to the banana pudding. Everything is good. I came around 4pm which was at the right time cause there was no line although it gets pretty long since it's a popular bbq spot in Memphis. And it's across from the Civil Rights museum so ppl work up an appetite and walk across the street. I couldn't remember what I ordered the first time but on this visit, I ordered the pulled chicken and pork with a side of baked beans and Cole slaw with banana pudding. Service was great! The manager went above and beyond to make sure my experience was memorable. 5 stars! And the sweet n spicy sauce really elevates the meat. And the banana pudding was off the chain. There's nuts in it; maybe pecans so if you're allergic, I'd recommend passing on it. Not sure if they have peach cobbler but if they do, I'm trying it the next time I'm in town. I know that'll be good too. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Yum! Stopped by for lunch and it was busy. Enough street parking out for all. There is a security guard inside (which was odd) and she had some attitude ... don't be stepping up to order with a friend, one person only at the register! I got the app sampler which was HUGE! The slider was amazing, came with home fried chips. The nachos were good too. I couldn't eat anymore so I gave the wings and sausage + cheese to a hungry gentleman near my hotel. The banana pudding had a few black bananas. read more

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

Got three different trace to share. We got the barbecue pulled chicken salad, the ribs platter with pulled pork and brisket, and three pieces of the full hot wings in honey gold. The hot wings were probably the best on the table - flavor wise, I would say it's a honey barbecue. The fry on the chicken chickens were amazing and crunchy, even when coded in the sauce. The ribs were fall off the bone tender. The pulled pork was probably my favorite - smoky, flavorful, even without sauce, and melt in your mouth. The brisket was probably our least favorite - slightly dry, especially when not coated and sauce. The pulled chicken was surprisingly a close second for me - smoky and the seasoning (maybe paprika?) gave it a nice flavor. As for sides, we got the coleslaw, potato salad, and got a regular side of the mac & cheese. The sides were OK - nothing to write home about. As for the sauce, there were many options: mild, hot, vinegar, and mustard. The mild had the best flavor and overall balance with all the meats. It was a very casual and no-frills eatery where you order at the front, get a number and sit at a table, and they bring out the food to you relatively quickly. read more

Central BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee