A Memphis institution that been in the same location for over 50 years. It's dive decor but you're not there for atmosphere. You are there for real barbecue. Order at the counter, staff is friendly. It's off the beaten path but it's sometimes where we find the best food. read more

What a wonderful little road trip stop--Payne's has a lovely homey vibe to it with a simple menu of items they are truly masterful at making. I got the chopped pork sandwich (another popular option is sliced). The sandwich comes with mustard slaw, which has a zing to it compared to other Cole slaws I have. We also had a side of beans, which also had some pork in it! This may have been my favorite item! The people here were really kind and know what they're about. If I ever find myself in Memphis again I will be back! read more

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If you're traveling and going to spend some time in Memphis, which you should, put Payne's on your to-do list!

This looked like and felt like an authentic southern barbecue spot We parked right in front of Payne's and placed our order at the window. There was a fee for using credit. They called us when our ribs we're ready, it took minutes. We shared a half a rack of ribs and four ribs will put in each Styrofoam container with the scoop of coleslaw. I got mine with a medium barbecue sauce and my husband mild. It was a very messy meal, there were napkins on the table. read more

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Payne's is a bit of a sleeper in the BBQ rich city of Memphis. Payne's is a family owned, no frills BBQ joint that you should visit. I love the medium sauce with the tangy mustard-based coleslaw, which creates a unique taste. read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Jumbo Chopped Pork Sandwich with Baked Beans. - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Payne's Bar-B-Que is the definition of a classic, no-frills family BBQ joint. The family is friendly and welcoming. The barbecue is smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, and the portions are generous. If you're looking for authentic Memphis barbecue without the hype, Payne's is a must-visit. read more

I love Payne's! If you're are thinking of some Memphis BBQ, please do yourself a favor and come grab a bite here! Their pulled pork sandwich is mouthwatering. The baked beans are just as savory. This is just a quintessential spot; family owned, very friendly, down-to-earth folks. As a tourist, I was impressed. Plus, they've been featured on the Food Network, how can you go wrong? Keep their hours in mind as they are only open for lunch time Tues-Sat. Would definitely come back! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Pulled pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

On our way out of Memphis, we stopped in got a jumbo plate to go. Best BBQ we had during our time in Memphis, and we tried quite a few places. Must try spot! read more

New Englander passing through, I had never had a Bologna sandwich from a BBQ restaurant, but yes, you should have it too! Even if every fiber of you usually says no to bologna, I highly suggest you try it. Maybe we just haven't had the right bologna before, a smoky steak with earthy flavor. Cause we wanted to try everything, the chopped pork sandwich is classic in form, but more in depth in terms of taste. The huge proportion of meat and that golden mustard slaw make this a step above. Yes, also get the rib tray so you can try the beans and slaw too. Even though the ribs include both, get an order of the beans and slaw a la cart so you can enjoy them later, cause you'll find room for it all the first round and you'll miss these. The food was amazing, even for the price we paid. The lines were long and constant but the wait not terrible. The staff were prompt and kind at checkout, and kind enough to send you with a stack of napkins for your to-go order. This isn't a short walk from Beale Street, but well worth the trek to midtown Memphis. The inside is no frills, but the scents that greet you and awards on the door and inside wall do just fine. I have no photos since we dove right in! read more

Mustard slaw, beef ribs and bologna sandwich. All tasty in their own right. Beef ribs crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. Very simple and basic place inside. read more

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Good local joint! Got the ribs and a pork sandwich. It's VERY saucy and I wish I got the sauce on the side. I had never had coleslaw like this - with mustard, and I'm not sure I liked it. Super affordable and filling. Saw so many locals come by. read more

Listen - I've never had service this fast at a barbecue joint! They chopped up the ribs as we ordered, and everything was steaming hot. I wasn't amazed by the flavor of the meat, but the baked beans were something special. I definitely want to go back to try the hot dog and chopped sandwich, because I saw others order them and they looked incredible! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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This BBQ is still tender and delicious 30 years later!!! I can't wait to get back this week!

Absolute best BBQ I have ever had. Rich deep flavor that lingers on the palate til the next day. This place may be habit forming

Oh my goodness; I rarely eat BBQ pork sandwiches . They don't sell bbq beef sandwiches and my sister convinced me to try Payne's bbq pork. Let me tell you I was not disappointed. I ordered the jumbo bbq sandwich plate. The bun was toasted and very crispy. The meat was enough for my large bun and two more small sandwiches I made at home.The beans and slaw were delicious, fantastic and very favorable. The customer service was exceptional and everyone was very friendly. I decided to eat there and the atmosphere was great with the old style restaurant vibe (old tables with checkered plastic tablecloths). Whenever you want some pork bbq and the most delicious bbq smoked sausage then Payne's is the place. Don't let the neighborhood deter you because some of the best food is sold in this area. read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - One half of jumbo bbq ( I was hungry before I thought of taking this picture)... - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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EXTRAORDINARY BBQ Ron Payne, Owner of Payne's Bar-B-Q with his mother Flora and sister Candice, a family restaurant operating since 1972 their father Horton. Payne's is a restaurant that feels like a step back in time Ron told me, "We like to keep it mom-and-pop old school, and we think the ambience gives Payne's a little extra flavor. We really try to focus on the product, not so much on what the building looks like". Their biggest seller and one of the best I've ever tasted is their Chopped Pork Shoulder Sandwich! The Pork shoulders are turned over hickory coals, in a recessed pit set into the wall. They cook it slow and low over the charcoal for a whole day, so it's tender and has a good, smoky taste. The smokier, the better. We don't put any seasoning on it. Pork is a wonderful thing. It has its own flavor. You don't have to do much to it. The pork shoulders are still turned over hickory coals, in a recessed pit set into the wall. The mild sauce simmers all afternoon on the stove. The hotter variety is dispensed via an old liquid soap bottle. Coleslaw is the color of day-glo green (mustard-infused), its bright hue energetically sizzles between the meat and bun of a chopped pork sandwich. read more

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there are a lot of really good bar b que places in memphis. but paynes is truly unique. it rises above any other bar b que in west tennessee, nortrhern mississippi and eastern arkansas. the service could not be any better and they are all family. also, to really capture their culture as real bar b que folks, you have to eat there. there is nothing like it!!! their bar b que sausage is to die for!! next time i am going to try their ribs. jim tagg read more

I can't give them 5 stars because they're just not open enough... But I love their pulled pork and their ribs. It's real, Memphis style BBQ... Now that mustard slaw sauce that everyone loves... I can do without that. But this is real, Memphis BBQ... And ain't nothing wrong with that... read more

Consistent bbq joint that has been around forever. Prices have skyrocketed lately though.

I make a point of coming here every time I travel south and pass anywhere near Memphis. Chopped pork with the mustard slaw is amazing.

I absolutely love a "hole in the wall" that has fabulous food, but I hate to say the food was just OK. I asked for hot sauce and it didn't have hardly any heat to it. The coleslaw had a lot of mustard, and the beans were cold. So as I'm sitting in the dining room, I saw a mouse run from one corner of the room to the other... I'm not sure if I should add a star or subtract one for that but either way, I'm sure it's lived there a long time. read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Menu above window. Seating - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I THINK the pulled pork sandwich and bologna sandwich were good, because we inhaled them. Honestly, they were really good. The staff was very welcoming. Didn't stick around to eat in as we were trying to beat a storm. Will definitely stop again. read more

We ordered takeout from this place during a long weekend in Memphis. Although this was indeed the best barbecue we had during our trip, it still only earned 3/5 stars in my book for a few reasons. The ribs were well-seasoned although a little dry on the outside. The "bark" was very chewy. The chopped pork had good flavor but was full of grizzle and burnt crunchy pieces that made it unpleasant to eat. I would try it again pulled instead of chopped. The coleslaw was pretty bad although the beans were yummy. read more

Payne's on Lamar Ave is worth the drive from any and everywhere! Unfortunately for me, I live in Marietta, GA and the drive is boring but the reward is amazing. My future SIL & BIL introduced me to Payne's when I attended "A" school in Millington in 1972. I go back every chance I get. Each visit takes me back to that little slice of heaven. When, for me, all was right with the world.... read more

The best food ever especially the coleslaw the best service ever and will definitely try again

Ribs were excellent pulled pork was juicy and the Bologna sandwich was the big hit recommend A+ read more

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A very mom-and-pop type bbq shop in a very lowkey environment. From the outside, it may look sketchy, but they KNOW Memphis BBQ! I grew up in Memphis and hadn't heard of Payne's. But it came up on a google search as one of the top BBQ places in Memphis, so as soon as I landed, my brother and I went here for lunch! We shared the rib plate (comes with 6 ribs, cole slaw, beans, and bread). It came out to be about $18 with bottled water. Not bad at all! We got mild sauce (can also choose medium or spicy). The sauce is sweet but still had a bit of spicy, but next time I'd go for the medium spicy level. The cole slaw was very vinegary, which pairs well with the sweet BBQ sauce. The beans had pieces of brisket in it, which added more flavor and depth. This is a no-frills local BBQ joint; I recommend stopping by for some bites if you're a Memphis BBQ fan! read more

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Payne's is one of those places you just gotta try out if you're a Memphian. I am a local and am ashamed to say I never ate at Payne's until recently. I ate their pull pork sandwich and have to say it's one of the most unique renditions I've eaten. The sandwich is very very wet, and saucy. The sauce is sweet, but their yellow slaw has a very vinegarly bite to it. They both complement the meat well. The meat has some cripsy bits in their from the ends which is a nice touch. I can see where the sauce can be overpowering for some. Don't expect any frills in this joint. It's textbook definition of a hole-in-the-wall - and that's when you know the food is good! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Its good - just a little basic. They only have pork and ribs....and the only sides are their slaw and beans. But they execute them well enough. Nice bark on the pulled pork. I got the mustard slaw on the sandwich which I regretted. it was a good slaw but I think I would rather eat it on the side. People are nice and its a staple in the neighborhood....but I don't think its worthy of being a destination if you don't live close by. read more

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Payne is a pig miracle worker! I don't know what goes on behind that counter but whatever it is...I'll be back!! Let's start off with no brisket is served here. I was a little put off. But I can have a growth mindset and accept change in my life. Thankfully I did. Had the chopped pork sandwich. All sandwiches come with yellow death mustard based coleslaw...which again growth mindset...and loved it. Sandwiches are big! We got a sliced pork plate and the pork was succulent (pity I don't use that word more...succulent!). I had this try a bologna sandwich. Bologna is so much better than I remember. Guess the last time I had bologna, commercials ran with some little kids spelling out his Bologna's first name. Bologna was good but it's no pork. But it was fun to try it. Before you go make sure you think gas station converted into restaurant with very little upgrades. One I wish they would make would be a little more A/C in the blistering summer heat. But you can't have it all. I love this place...I'll be back! read more

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Good food, good slaw! If you like acidic/vinegar based sauces this is a great place for you. Atmosphere inside is dark but the food was good! Canned drinks or bottled water, order at the counter! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Great Memphis BBQ for a couple tourists passing through seeking a local style. Establishment has a friendly family staff.

We were about to leave town and I insisted my husband take me here. I got us both the chopped pork sandwich. I ate mine inside solo while he stayed in the car with the baby and dog and then we switched out. That pork was so flavorful. I took some bites of it solo because it was doused in slaw and sauce but in a good way. Everything was flavorful and spicy. I should have gotten the plate is what I was really thinking but next time we are in town I will. read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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You know when they say Memphis bbq is delicious, they talking about Payne's Bbq. The beans have real bbq pork on it, tried the pulled pork sammich and we will be back to try other stuff. They should have a franchise of this joint everywhere, if you in Memphis make sure to stop by and not miss out on great grub! Friendly service, cheaper to pay cash, ambiance is og bbq joint, food speaks for itself! read more

Walking in Memphis, huh? Well, head right on over to Payne's. Their pulled pork sandwich stands out in the Bluff City by being vinegar and mustard forward. That's alright with me. Let's go straight to Flavor Town & leave any naysayers behind on Beale. ;) read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Barbecue pulled pork sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Thee best BBQ hands down. The service is A1. I get the bbq bologna with slaw & extra sauce. Look, your gonna be extraordinarily happy that you tried this. read more

This is a great neighborhood bbq spot! The chopped bbq is awesome, but the smoked sausage is the most popular. The smell just lures you in and those big sandwiches don't disappoint. This is a hungry man's brown bag meal! read more

Absolutely incredible barbecue sandwich. If you're not from Memphis, you probably don't know about this gem, but you should. The staff is friendly, food is priced well, and you get a good sized portion for what you pay, and the quality is incredible (don't believe me? Look at the photo or better yet go try it). read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Sliced pork bbq sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Payne's BBQ is a childhood favorite of mine. The staff is warm and welcoming. The building is always clean on the inside and there is plenty of parking. My favorite item to order is their fried smoked sausage with homemade slaw! read more

One of the best if not the best BBQ spots in Memphis! I was shocked the line was not long at all and has been around for over 50yrs. Not a wide selection, but what they make, they make well! Not a huge fan of slaw or mustard, but the slaw is sweet and makes a great asset to the smoked sausage and pulled pork sandwich. Very messy, but so worth it! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Chopped Pork - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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