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Stayed a night in Memphis, and this place was recommended for good bbq. Unfortunately, we did not find it exceptional. The ribs were dry rubbed (I personally prefer mine sauced), and the meat was somewhat tough, as were the brisket and pulled pork. The side of green beans was very plain and somewhat overcooked, and the mac and cheese had a different aftertaste I couldn't quite place. On the good side, the chicken wings were large, tender and very flavorful. The cole slaw was one of the best I've ever had, and the french fries were crisp and full of flavor. I also enjoyed the sauce bar, which offered four different flavors to try. This is a nice space, and service was fairly quick. Portions are generous, and there is a nice selection of meats to choose from. I am a huge lover of ribs, but Central just didn't do it for me.
Great value for the large serving of food. The meat fall off the bones easily and the sauce was tasty. Think the meat could've been more succulent. I really enjoy the wings. It was $1per each. The nacho was incredibly large for just a "snack" option. The decor is rustic with plenty of room to spread out and chill. The service was good. Staff very friendly and helpful.
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! There is plenty of seating inside and they offer a patio too. Central bbq offers a large draft beer list with a bunch of local favorites. The service is quick, and prices are fare
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the ambiance was exactly what you would expect for a bbq joint. 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.
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!
Enjoying lunch after the Civil Rights Museum - not disappointed at all, pork is tender and tasty.
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.
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.
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."
2 years ago
5 years ago
If you like dry, chewy , skinny , flavorless ribs central barbecue is your go to! 27.95 for a half slab. Don't waste your time or money Central was really good until they went corporate I'll stick with barbeque shop or cozy corner for meaty ribs. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
My last stop in Memphis was Central BBQ. Conveniently located near the Lorraine Motel. I got a half order of pork bbq nachos, bologna sandwich and a side of Mac and cheese. I also took a slice of caramel cake back to Las Vegas. Nachos were good, not the best I had in Memphis but would still recommend. Love that you can get a 1/2 order. Bologna sandwich was interesting, better than I thought it would be. Tried more out of curiosity. Its cut thick and tasted kinda like a hot dog. Are they made from the same meat? Idk. Mac and cheese was the low point of the meal, pretty blah, no flavor. Service was good. I sat at the bar. I was checked on several times and they had no problem boxing up the cake for me to take home. I wish I had more stomach room to try an actual BBQ plate. read more
2 years ago
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2 years ago
What can I say?!?? The food:10. The staff:10. The beer:10. Recommendation from MFS Brewing a block away. If you can, spend an afternoon in the three block radius. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
7 years ago
I went on a Saturday evening and the line wasn't long at all. We ordered and found a table to sit at with no problem. I got a 1/2 order of the pulled chicken nachos, a side of mac and cheese and banana pudding. The nachos were huge! I think I got a full order on accident but there was so much cheese. Too much cheese, if that's even a thing. They were pretty delicious tho even tho I scooped off most of the shredded cheese. The little cup of mac and cheese was flavorful, creamy and also delicious. Banana pudding was amazing and the cookies still had a crunch to them so it was fresh. I was so full when I left. It did get busy really quick and we saw a lot of people in line and waiting around for a table but the food came out really fast and one of the "servers" kept checking up on us to make sure we were enjoying the food. I really enjoyed this place and wouldn't mind returning if I come back to town. read more
2 years ago
Was kind of disappointed. Lots of Yelpers liked this spot. Was glad to be in Memphis for some BBQ. Pretty sure they are like all other places struggling with help. The soda machine wasn't working, out of brisket, out of Carmel cake!!! The ribs were over cooked almost burnt. The nachos did not go over well with the kids. My wifes pulled pork was just ok. It didn't have any flavor to it. Wish I would have stuck to my original plan and gone on to the Commissary. read more
3 years ago
While the look, the smell, and the service were all decent -- the food was just a huge let down. I spent $33 and got the combo plate with brisket, Turkey, and pulled pork. Brisket : a little dry and almost no smoke on it -- also cut way too thin for my taste (like on a deli slicer) . Pulled pork: smelled like barnyard, flavor was fine but under seasoned and no bark Turkey : overcooked and rubbery, tasted like imitation crab? I don't know how to explain that one besides maybe it was rubbed with old bay seasoning Mac and cheese: nothing special but not bad, something you'd get at a hospital and be fine with Turnip greens: quite good, very seasoned so if you don't like that stay away but it's my favorite on the plate. Also... if you're gonna serve a roll maybe get them from a bakery nearby... but store bought Hawaiian is a let down when everything is bland and for the price you'd expect something more read more
2 years ago
The staff was lovely and I really enjoyed the regular BBQ sauce. However, I would not go out of my way for the food. None of the meats (we tried pulled pork, brisket, and ribs) were very flavorful. The greens didn't have any vinegar, the Mac and cheese had more prcessed cheese food flavor than cheese flavor, the store bought rolls we even somehow a bit stale. It was convenient to eat at after we visited the Civil Rights Museum. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
My friend and I were in Memphis for the day. We were staying about 3 hours away and decided we had to try the famous Memphis BBQ. Unfortunately, central BBQ didn't hit the spot. The meat was nothing special no smoke no char just pork. The sauce which can definitely make or break good BBQ was so bland and nothing special. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're a Looking for above average BBQ. read more
1 year ago
We visited this restaurant at the height of diner time, and they were out of beef brisket?!! You can't run out of beef brisket when you are a barbecue restaurant!! We settled for pulled chicken sandwiches; good, but that was not what we came for! They need to have a serious talk with the employee in charge of ordering and maintaining inventory! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
I could open and finish this review just by saying one thing and one thing only - Martin Luther King Jr. ate here. Should I say more? I think not. But since you probably want to get a clear picture of my experience at Central BBQ, I'll continue. It's Tennessee Barbecue. That in itself should say it all too. The South hasn't been good at many things, if you go back and revisit slavery, Jim Crow, and the civil rights era, but Barbecue ain't one of them. They are the best in the game and Memphis Barbecue is at the top. While visiting the Civil Rights Museum right next door, I took a break to go right across the street and eat. You can't miss it. It's right across the infamous Lorraine Motel Sign we've all sadly come to associate with MLK's assassination. They have ample space, both inside and out. From the moment you walk in you're reminded you're in Tennessee, the smell of the food awakens your nostrils, for-warning your tastebuds of the bacchanal they are about to enjoy. You can order your food at two stations, the one close to the door, or how I did it, directly from the bar. They give you a small sign, which you can take with you to your table. I stepped outside and waited for my food, which didn't take that long. One thing that most be highlighted is the amount of people at Central BBQ. This places is a staple of southern food. It's advertised, and reasonably so, in every magazine promoting Memphis food, so be forewarned, there's a lot of customers. But at the same time, they've created out a system that works and keeps churning out food to all the hungry mouths nonstop. That and everything else about life, good or bad, is quickly forgotten the moment you get the food. The smell envelops you and enchants you, the first bite dazzles your tastebuds and enamors you; and you can't help but to place your life on pause for an hour or more as you enjoy your food one bite at a time. Knowing I wouldn't be back for a while I ordered 3 items, a full slab of Baby Back Ribs; and a half slab of ribs and a pulled Pork Sandwich for the road, the last piece of which I ate in Birmingham, AL, and seriouslymade me contemplate turning back for more. Since I didn't do that, and I'm still craving Central BBQ, I'm going to have to schedule a visit back to Memphis way sooner than I expected. read more
3 years ago
This was very underwhelming. I heard a lot of Hype about this place and was very disappointed. The ribs wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. I wouldn't go back to eat here. The price for the food I received was ridiculous. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Good food and good service Located right next to the Civil Rights Museum. Picnic table style seating. read more
3 years ago
This was my first time visiting Memphis so of course we had to try some authentic Memphis bbq. A friend recommended this bbq restaurant and it did not disappoint! The only downfall is that the food was definitely more expensive than I was expecting, however, it made up for it in flavor and taste! I got the chicken pulled sandwich , Mac and cheese and green beans and everything was delicious. If you are in the Memphis area this is a must stop. What I also really liked about this location specifically is right around the corner was the MLK exhibit/street and you can see the exact hotel where MLK was shot at , as well as they have a self guided tour. There is a lot to learn about and I Learned a lot about the history of MLK. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
I was super excited to try authentic Memphis style BBQ and I was recommended to try this place. I don't mean to be harsh but I'm from Texas and I have high standards for BBQ. I judged this place mostly on the BBQ meat itself. The establishment looked like a BBQ place and I was able to find parking fairly easy. The lady who took my order was super pissed off looking and made me rush my order, I didn't feel welcomed at all. I ordered pork ribs, pulled pork, and by the ladies recommendation the brisket. My sides were baked beans, fries, Mac & cheese, and onion rings. The sides were good but again they are sides so who cares. Brisket was straight garbage, all fat, not tender, and absolutely no flavor, if my dog was with me I'd give it to him. The pulled pork was the driest non flavor meat imaginable, it was basically soft beef jerky without flavor. I really don't understand how they pass that off as award winning or why people buy it. Trust me, this was the absolute worst pulled pork iv ever had from a BBQ joint, I can make better pulled pork in an oven. Lastly the ribs, I was already highly disappointed by the other meats, the ribs were meh and thats all I can say. If I need to slather the bbq meats in sauce then it's sucky BBQ. For anyone who wants BBQ, it's better literally at any other BBQ joint because theirs was straight TRASH. Again I'm sorry to be harsh, but Jeeze that BBQ pissed my off, like WTF was that, I know it's different but does that mean it sucks? Yall need to go back to the drawing board and learn how to make good BBQ. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Pretty much any list of "Best Memphis BBQ" will include this place which is why we made it a destination. Its located just south of downtown with plenty of free parking on the street. The big line that went all the way outside moved quickly and we were placing our order in no time. You order at the counter and they bring it out to you. We tried a little of everything - ribs, pulled pork, hot wings....lots sides. The ribs were the winner. That meat just fell off the bone and had a beautiful bark. Sometimes you know its going to taste good before you even put it in your mouth. Its like that. The Mac-n-cheese was super rich and a great accompaniment. Craft brews are available to wash it all down. All in all, I'd say Central BBQ is worth the hype. read more
Central BBQ is the place to come and try when you are in Memphis. We ordered 3 dishes. The BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich was amazing. The pork is tender and filled with flavor. The slaw they put on the sandwich is well worth it. You have to eat this quick as the slaw and the juice from the pork will soak through to the buns. I personally was not a fan of the onion rings as they were a little soggy / greasy. They were full of flavor but not my style. The ribs are a MUST. We ordered a full slab and half slab. The full slab we tried both wet and dry. I definitely recommend going with the dry. The dry was full of flavor and not dry at all. The meat practically fell off the bone every single rib. Well worth it. I so recommend getting some banana pudding at the end to finish your meal! Will be back. read more
2 years ago
More info about Central BBQ
147 E Butler Ave
Downtown
Memphis, TN 38103
Downtown
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(901) 672-7760
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Ask the Community - Central BBQ
Is there seating at the bar yet? I usually don't have anyone with me for lunch so I just thought I'd ask.
No, as of two weeks ago, there was not. They were requiring those dining inside to sit at a table.
How is the parking? Is there a lot that is designated for the restaurant? I'm coming from out of town so didn't know if we would need to pay to park somewhere.
Street parking along St. Martin and there's also ~20 spots on the South Side of the restaurant. You probably won't have much luck if you try to park in the Civil Rights Museum parking lot, especially around lunch time.
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