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    Central BBQ

    3.9 (2.7k reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque, Southern
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    CENTRAL BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Central BBQ

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    Lg. Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Drink Mac N' Cheese
    Redd F.

    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.

    Full Pork BBQ Nachos
    Steven F.

    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.

    Pulled pork sandwich
    Michelle O.

    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.

    Small Reg. Beef Brisket Sandwich
    Dominique M.

    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.

    Combo Plate- chicken, pork,  brisket.
    Becky H.

    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]]

    Brendan T.

    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.

    Patrick P.

    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.

    Ribs and 2 meat plate

    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.

    Kiana F.

    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]]

    Not too bad.
    DeWayne R.

    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."

    Beef Brisket Plate
    Luke B.

    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.

    Pulled Pork Plate
    Adam O.

    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]]

    Beef Brisket Plate
    Teryl R.

    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.

    Sampler-this was ok.

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    1 month ago

    love this place; service is great; staff is friendly; felt right at home; world-class bbq

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    5 months ago

    Went on a Thursday afternoon, but that being said the pulled pork and brisket was dry, tough, and flavorless

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    Page 3 of 67

    Central BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Central BBQ

    Is MSG used in the seasoning?

    No.

    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.

    Can you order take out?

    Yes, there are options for eat in or take out.

    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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    McEwen's Memphis

    McEwen's Memphis

    4.4
    (665 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I really like this restaurant. We just happened to be hungry while shopping and found this place…read moreand it was great! The food, atmosphere, service, easy parking and friendly staff were all 5 out of 5.

    This place was very interesting to me. The look and vibe of it was very nice. It is a more upscale…read morerestaurant which is always nice for a special evening out. The food however was honestly meh (in my opinion). I got a creole dish and to be fair my dish looked beautiful. The plating was 10/10 but the taste for me left something to be desired. After eating this dish I questioned if I even like creole sauce because it really just wasn't that good. If this is a preference issue, I honestly don't know. I also thought the charcuterie appetizer had a weird mix of items on it from club crackers, to meat and cheese, and random veggies. Not bad but just kind of a weird mix. My husband ordered the salmon and he said it was good, not the best he's had but it was good. Other friends of ours got the white fish among the many other dishes. I did have a salad with these apples on it which was incredibly yummy. I will say though my dish looked amazing some of the other dishes were not plated well. Not to nitpick but to want to be considered a more upscale restaurant which means charging guest more money than say a local Applebee's then knowing how to appropriately garnish or drizzle sauce to elevate at plate is important (see my picture of the chicken dish). All and all not my favorite restaurant but definitely not the worst!!

    Photos
    McEwen's Memphis
    Long week in Memphis, dining at one of my favorites!
    Long week in Memphis, dining at one of my favorites!
    Complimentary biscuit

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    Complimentary biscuit
    Southern Hands Home Style Cooking

    Southern Hands Home Style Cooking

    3.9
    (32 reviews)
    12.5 mi

    Let me start by saying I was greeted as soon as I walked in. This guy was top notch and extremely…read morehelpful. I place an order for me and 2 of my co-workers. I can't say enough nice things CHEF'S KISS to who ever is cooking this yumminess!! The fried green tomatoes were perfect and perfectly seasoned. The yams, greens and corn bread were so good and seasoned to perfection. The pork chops you could cut with your fork, chef's kiss. The catfish is always good as always. I highly recommend.

    My Dad and I come to this place every time he has a Dr appt since we're out. He always gets the…read moremeatloaf, it's his favorite. I have been trying different meats every time I come. Service is amazing. They are always so nice. They have good music playing. I would rate the ambience as relaxed and friendly. It is reasonably priced and you get a lot of food. I usually eat about half and eat the rest for my next meal. I haven't eaten anything that I didn't like. Everything is so good, and they veggies are fantastic. Fries are crispy with soft middles and they season everything so well. Lately I've been getting the candied yams every time. It's like desert. So tasty. I love that they have boiled ocra, and greens and you get a little cornbread loaf with the meal. We went yesterday and we're going to go again today but Dads appt was cancelled and he didn't want to get out. We will definitely be back! 5 stars every time.

    Photos
    This is the Fried Chicken and cornbread
    This is the Fried Chicken and cornbread
    Kam's Pork Chop, Greens, Mac N Cheese
    Kam's Pork Chop, Greens, Mac N Cheese
    Candied Yams & Cabbage

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    Candied Yams & Cabbage
    Soul Fish Cafe

    Soul Fish Cafe

    4.3
    (587 reviews)
    3.8 mi
    $$

    I can not believe I have not reviewed Soul Fish as of yet. I am a huge fan…read more Let me preface this review by saying ... My grandfather owned two successful catfish restaurants. As a child I grew up on fried fish filets and hush puppies until my grandfather had to retire and sell his restaurant due to his Health. He still cooks up a mess of catfish for us about two or three times a year when we visit. Yum! My standards for good catfish are extremely high. Good fried catfish is not greasy, light cornmeal batter, tender flaky inside, and slightly crispy on the outside. Sounds simple enough but the truth of the matter is... Good fried catfish takes skill. After an epic searched for any decent catfish in Memphis and surrounding areas that took a few years ... My family and I decided to give up. And when I heard about Soul Fish it took some considerable convincing to get them to go. We where, none of us, disappointed! Soul Fish is without a doubt the best Catfish in Memphis. It is perfectly fried... Hushpuppies are tasty, coleslaw edible if not always yummy, fried pickles crisp and tart, pickle green tomatoes so yummy I could swim in them, and vegetables always cooked and seasons well (special recognition to the cabbage, broccoli, and black eyed peas). The service is always friendly, fast, efficient, and correct. The blackened catfish is pretty tasty too ... Sometimes they get a little heavy handed on the seasoning. Deserts are pretty great as well. My sister loves the Mississippi mud chocolate thingy they have (I'm not a chocolate fan). I've introduced many people (about 40 or so) to Soul Fish - locals and visitors alike - and no one ... And I mean not a single one of them where disappointed. So why four stars instead of five? True... the catfish is the best in Memphis - however it is not the best I've ever had. And Sometimes a filet or two at Soul Fish fall short of perfection... However ... I'm a regular and a fan of Soul Fish Cafe. If you have spent hours and disappointed meals trying to find good catfish in Memphis ... Look no further ... This is the place for you. I promise you will not Be disappointed!

    Still on the amazing food stops from our December 2025 Smoky Mountains trip, our final Tennessee…read moremeal had to be memorable--and Soul Fish Cafe delivered. Memphis is a slight detour on our way back to Texas, but there was no way we were settling for fast food along the highway. We wanted good seafood--fresh, satisfying, and worth the stop. So glad we chose this spot. From the outside, it's simple and unassuming. Inside, it feels like a slightly bougie fish cafe--clean, cozy, and well-kept, with subtle holiday decor and that warm Southern hospitality greeting you at the door. Our server, Denise, was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. The one-page menu keeps it simple, and she walked us through it along with the daily special. We ordered the gumbo, salmon burger, and a grilled salmon plate--everything tasted fresh and cooked to order. A perfect seafood meal in Tennessee. We left full, happy, and already planning what to try next time. Definitely a spot worth revisiting.

    Photos
    Cozy, clean and inviting
    Cozy, clean and inviting
    Soul Fish Cafe
    Interior

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    Interior
    Itta Bena

    Itta Bena

    4.4
    (545 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    My sister, dad and I stopped here before a concert at the Fox Theatre, and it was the perfect start…read moreto our evening. First, the ambiance was spectacular. The vibe felt like a speakeasy turned restaurant. While larger than a traditional speakeasy, it still managed to feel cozy, intimate and inviting. Shortly after we were seated, the restaurant manager stopped by our table. My sister asked for cocktail recommendations... if you're a cocktail fan, you're in for a treat. Their signature cocktails were thoughtfully crafted and exceptionally well-balanced. We went with their spicy margaritas. As for the food, I could have easily ordered a second helping of the Cajun Abita shrimp appetizer and called it dinner. The shrimp was perfectly seasoned, and the sauce was outstanding. The accompanying beer bread was equally delicious...slightly reminiscent of cornbread but with its own unique flavor. My sister and I weren't huge fans of the She Crab Soup. It was simply too rich and creamy for our tastes. One bite was enough for us although my dad seemed to enjoy it. The Blue Window Wedge Salad is their take on a classic wedge which was spectacular. It will be hard to find another wedge salad that measures up. The sweet potato pecan casserole was good but it felt like it was missing something that we couldn't quite put our finger on what. The maple bacon Brussels sprouts were a table favorite...perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. My dad and sister both enjoyed the braised beef, which was served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. To finish, we shared the white chocolate bread pudding and it was absolutely delicious. In fact, the table next to us seemed to enjoy theirs just as much. Overall, this was a wonderful dining experience with great service, a memorable atmosphere, excellent cocktails and standout dishes. I'd happily return the next time I'm headed downtown.

    This is fine dining at its best…read more We had exemplary service from all staff members. The food was really delicious. The blue windows add an interesting glow to the entire room. Love the speakeasy entrance off the side alley steps. It's everything you would want in a dining experience. Get the she crab soup!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Apple cobbler
    Apple cobbler
    Inside

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    Inside

    Central BBQ - bbq - Updated August 2026

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