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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This place resides down the street from my grandmothers house in the M and I decided to stop here to get some good barbecue! It also kinda helped that this place was on Food Network for the US and for Canada so why not! I have here a rib plate with mustard slaw and baked beans. They also asked me if I wanted the smaller side of ribs or the larger and you know I had to go for the larger end! I was also asked for a spice level mild, medium or hot. I went ahead with medium just to be on the safe side. The ribs were pretty tasty, though I didn't care much for the mustard slaw I'd prefer the regular. And the baked beans were pretty good as well I loved that they put chunks of meat in there like little surprises. read more

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

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I saw a review where someone mentioned that their bologna "sammich" with cole slaw was touched by the hem of Jesus' garment. Well when I saw that, it sounded like something special that I needed to get in on. Well baby, I have never had a bologna sammich, but that thang was pretty good. I was only planning on getting the bologna sandwich but the sandwich rang up less than 5 dollars and I needed at least 5 to make a credit card purchase so I went ahead and also ordered their sausage sandwich. Boy am I happy I did because I enjoyed the sausage more than I did the bologna sandwich. Do understand, both were great and for such a great price. The only downside are their hours. They are open for like 3 hours a day from Tuesday-Saturday. I really wish we had mom and pop shops like this in the DMV with their price points. read more

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This spot came recommended by a local Memphian and by so many Yelp reviewers. I can honestly say that these ribs hit the spot. They were perfectly cooked, fall of the bone, and great flavor. The sauce used for these ribs was fantastic. A great mix of tangy and various spices. I'd drink that bbq sauce! I also really appreciate how much meat came with the ribs. They were premium. I also truly enjoyed the baked beans and coleslaw. The baked beans were actually some of the best I've had. read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Full rack ribs, baked beans, coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Best BBQ on the planet! Been coming for years and it never disappoints. Home style friendly service read more

Some of Memphis's best BBQ. Excellent sandwich with the best sauce. Everyone in our party loved the BBQ and service. Quick service.

When exactly did "basic" become some kind of insult? You know what else is basic? A $90 steak. Maybe put your silver spoon back in your lady purse and belly up to literally the best smoked shoulder in Memphis. It's also the only BBQ spot in town where I'd highly recommend getting the slaw and sauce both on the side, because both are DRAMATICALLY sweeter than anywhere else you'll find, so have a way of overpowering the amazing pork these folks produce. Payne's is a Memphis treasure and it's unfortunate that bad reviews from ignorant tourists can't simply be deleted. read more

I had never tried Payne's honestly because I have been warned about the area. My wanting to go overtook that and we went and we were so glad we did. Everyone inside was so nice. I loved the white blocks that it was built from. It added to the experience. The Jumbo Barbeque was huge. I could only hold half of it. I could have been full with the regular one. I ordered the beans and it was a large serving and had meat in it. Oh, the yellow slaw on the barbecue was so good. It might be a little sweet for some but it was perfect to me. My husband was there. The ribs are awesome. Also a large serving and tasty. They have several flavors of canned drinks and they have bottled water but do not expect tea. The customers were also very nice and I felt very safe there. I will be back again and again. read more

On the search for a cheaper hood spot I found Payne's!! on a bike ride 20 mins outside of downtown it had a 1/$ rating on @yelp and with positive reviews, so I went for it!! On my way passing a DJ Paul mural I knew I was on the right path!! They could have grilled or toasted the bun and need to do away with the styrofoam but this was still aspot $8 for a jumbo pulled pork sandwich with the mustard slaw had me loving this 8.9 #memphis #tennessee #usa #bbq #36mafia #foodie #foodiecritic #alwayshungry #vanlife #djpaul read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Bbq pulled pork sandwich with a mustard slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

There's Payne's, then there's everyone else. The ultimate of pork BBQ in the United States. IYKYK.

I'm from TX and we have good BBQ! However this BBQ was AMAZING! We had the sausage, chopped and pulled pork. The restaurant gives you that hometown feel! The staff was helpful and nice. Must Go! read more

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Amazing. Must go. I can't imagine what anyone has to complain about this place. It's pork in various forms with sauce. If you don't like mustard the slaw isn't for you but give it a shot if you're on the fence bc it's bomb. read more

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

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Wow! This little, unassuming brick building houses extraordinary BBQ. It may not be fancy, but your taste-buds will thank you. The baked beans were definitely my favorite, but the sliced pork sandwich and ribs were quite delicious as well. The neon yellow coleslaw was a little strong, so we could only eat a little of it, but we were so full and satisfied by the time we left for lunch that we didn't even need to eat until the next day. Highly recommend, it is worth the trip! read more

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Payne's was my first stop on my first ever trip to Memphis. I did some extensive food research...As you will see, everyone has an opinion as to what's 'the best' BBQ in Memphis. I really enjoyed my experience at Payne's; the employees offered recommendations, and I ended up going with the pulled pork with hot sauce and a side of the baked beans. The sandwich was awesome, but those beans! I plan to make one more trip to Payne's to try the ribs. read more

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

Stopped by for lunch as I was craving some ribs on the way through Memphis. The chopped pork sandwich and the ribs were fantastic. The slaw was a hit as well, it compliments the smoked meats so well. Definitely stop by before they run out! read more

Yo this place was amazing , at the slaw was fire AF!! Never had it like that but it was amazing, cool little family owned spot looked like , most food prepped or made to order , everything was great!! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Full rack of ribs , chopped pork , slaw and beans - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Yes, it's all that and a bag of chips. I saw Payne's featured on two different Food Network shows so wanted to try them out while on a trip to Memphis. I've been to Kozy Korner and Central before. It looked deserted from the outside and rundown so my husbsnd was skeptical. The staff (both family members) were super friendly and helpful. While waiting, another gentleman came in and told us we were in for the best bbq in Memphis. The food came out very quickly (extra points!) Wow. Wow. Wow. It lives up to the hype. The chopped pork sandwich was far and away the BEST I've ever had. In. My. Life. That slaw is great but the meat? Good lord that is excellent. Moist. Flavorful. Yummmm. Go to Payne's. Now! You won't regret it. read more

I really wanted to like this place but it's just not very good. The chop sandwich while good is not amazing, I have had it a couple times and one time it was great and another time it was mediocre. The ribs were chewy as all get out and fatty. Not sure what was going on but I have had better ribs at an 80's sizzler. Truly the worst ribs I have ever had in my life. The sauce is not good, most locals pick up and use their own sauce. It's sweet and not spicy and not much flavor, watery. It's a cool vibe hole in the wall place but the bbq missed the mark by a wide margin. read more

3 stars ( could have made 4 stars .... read on) Limited menu 1/2 Rack Beans Slaw Drink $13.25 Good price Choice of mild, medium and hot BBQ I ordered Hot. Ribs: 7 out of 10 Beans: 7 out of 10 Slaw (Mustard Vinegar): 8 out of 10 Hot Sauce: 9 out of 10 Was definitely a solid 4 stars, then I went to wash up in the restroom.... - Urinal broken - zero paper towels (went for T-paper as paper towels, and) - zero T-paper Almost scored 4 stars read more

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

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GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! That is all I can say about the chopped pork sandwich! I have never had another BBQ sandwich as good as this one. I don't know what they have behind those big steel doors on the left side of the counter. It cannot be just a smoker... It must be a magic pork transformer or maybe some sort of portal to BBQ heaven land or something but... Damn! Seriously ridiculous good sandwich! It is simple as can be and sometimes varies between great and magical depending on the visit but with the awesome crispy bits throughout it, it is hands down the best chopped BBQ in the city of Memphis. The vinegar sauce is just right any flavor you like. Mild. Medium. Hot. I need to try something else but its just so hard to change! Oh yeah... I like the beans too... Not the best I have had but pretty good. read more

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There are few things in life that one can claim as being "This is THE BEST _________________ there is." A Paynes chopped pork sandwich with mustard slaw and hot sauce is one such thing. There is nothing else that comes close. It is hands down THE BEST BBQ SANDWICH IN THE WORLD! I drove from Andalusia, Alabama up to Memphis (About 7 hours driving time) specifically for this sandwich. I got here at 11am and placed my order for 2 chopped pork sandwiches with mustard slaw and hot sauce and a can of Coke. My total was $8.70 and I left $1.30 in the tip box. While waiting for my food, I got to talking with the nice young lady at the counter and with Mrs. Payne herself. I let them know that I passed by about 5 years ago and basically had a religious experience here with her pork sandwich and that I drove 7 hours from Alabama just to get another one. They were all smiles when I told them that. Hell.....I even sent 2 of my buddies here who were driving cross country. They absolutely loved it too! If you are passing by anywhere close to Memphis, you should definitely stop here too! Mrs. Payne got out the buns and put them on the stove top. She hacked up some meat and then topped it with hot sauce and that mustard slaw. She threw it on a styrofoam plate and handed the merchandise over. I couldn't wait to grub. I took my seat, took a couple of pictures and then dug in. Here is what transpired........... I heard Heavens bells. I could have died right there at that table and left this world a happy man. Why oh why are these things so good....and why oh why are they located across the country from me? The combo of flavors is without a doubt what makes these great. The pork combined with that sweet mustard slaw combined with the slight heat of the hot sauce just put this thing over the top. I could not stop smiling when I devoured both of these in record time. I probably should have got another one! I washed it down with my Coke and then sadly exited the premises. I said my goodbyes to Mrs. Payne and told her that I hope to see her in another 5 years (I dont know if I can wait that long though). She smiled and thanked me for coming in and then I was on my way. Man I am going to miss this place. Until we meet again my friend! Until we meet again! read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - There is no better BBQ sandwich in the World. Chopped pork, mustard slaw and hot sauce=HEAVEN! - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Holy smokes this Bar B Que legit!! My friend from Memphis highly recommended stopping at Payne's on my trip. When I pulled into the parking lot I wasn't sure. It's an unassuming white brick building that doesn't look like much from the outside. It wasn't open yet so I started checking Yelp and I just wasn't sure what I was in for, but I decided to give it a try and I'm so glad I did. We split a chopped pork sandwich and a side of baked beans. There was an older woman behind the counter chopping the pork by hand, always a good sign. The sandwich was incredible with little pieces of crispy burnt ends mixed in that added so much to the flavor and texture. Seriously, why is everyone not adding these crispy pieces to their sandwiches? The bbq sauce was tangy perfection. The baked beans were incredible too. They had an overwhelming onion flavor, which I really enjoyed. You could tell there were quite a few flavors married together to create a complex flavor. There were also a few chunks of pork mixed in and some tangy sauce on top. The food is cheap, I think I spent maybe $8. They could easily charge double the price, but you can tell they are a small operation and are here to feed their neighborhood. This may be some of the best bbq I've ever had. The sandwich was incredible and worth the trip to Memphis alone. #wouldrecommend read more

Best bbq in Memphis. Just returned after a decade, and it's still just as good as before Pulled pork, rib sandwich are both unbelievable The slaw is a mustard slaw that is directly on the sandwich read more

Best baked beans ever, good chopped (pulled) pork and the first time I have ever had a mustard based slaw...which was great... definitely a dive read more

Payne's Bar-B-Que - Mustard based slaw, baked beans & chopped pork - Barbeque Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I wish I could give Payne's 10 stars. Hands down my favorite BBQ I've ever had. It is simple, no frills, BBQ perfection! I "discovered" it about 5 years ago; TY Yelp!! I go every single time I'm in Memphis. I've had everything on the menu and it's all been excellent. My favorites have become the sliced pork sandwich and bologna sandwich, completely hooked on both. On my 1st visit, Mrs Payne shared with me the history of the business (46 years now and going strong) she is a local treasure!!! Her son and daughter have been working along side her most every time I've been in and are just as warm and welcoming as she is. I love Payne's. read more

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1) Payne's is hands down the best darn Bar-b-que for a long stretch of the country. So eat there. 2) If you're not supporting black owned businesses then you're part of the problem in this world. So eat there. 3) The nicest, warmest, people work here and are genuinely happy to see you and feed you. SO EAT THERE! read more

I had the jumbo ribs plate that was loaded with tender ribs in a tangy house BBQ sauce with mustard slaw! I didn't get beans; I think they gave me more ribs to substitute! Fantastic!!! Also had the saucy sliced pork sandwich that was absolutely FANTASTIC with some crunchy crusty bites with the mustard slaw on fresh buns! Delightful! Simple tasty offerings!!! read more

Still great. Another trip to Memphis had me back for a late lunch before heading to the airport. I tried the smoke sausage this time. As I placed my order a customer also waiting confirmed that I was making a good decision. It was served on a bun topped with the mustardy coleslaw that I love. The link is dipped in a fryer before serving to give it a crispy snap. So good. This was also a classic "over-order" situation for me. I still had to have the Chopped Plate too. Add a can of Coke and a big tip, still less than $20 bucks. I have never been let down!!! Give them a try!!! read more

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

Love the smoke sausage sandwich. The slaw is the best ever!! Make sure to visit you definitely won't regret it.

Best pulled pork and slaw in Memphis. We get it for take out all the time. Ignore the fact it looks like an old car repair shop...you won't go there for ambiance. read more

No, non, nope, negative, nah. I don't know how many ways I can say NO to this place. Not only was it bad, it was downright terrible. The slaw is a mustardy vinegar base--matter of fact it looks and tastes like pickled relish. The baked beans were inedible, reminding me more of pinto beans than anything. The pork tarred and feathered my soul--all Memphis restaurants should know how to master this protein so how did Payne's not get the memo? The pig was full of fat and also diced resulting in a loss for me. The sausage was low-key bomb! Charred to the perfect crisp and full of flavor. I doubt they make it in-house because if they did, I'm sure the sausage would've come out disrespectful like their cousin Pork. Ok, so maybe I'm being a little harsh. The staff was very friendly and I liked the fact that the menu had about 13 items--short and sweet. I just cannot believe that this establishment is a Memphis delicacy. Take your Memphis-barbecue-eating-behind to the Bar-B-Q Shop instead! read more

I was sooooo not impressed. I'm probably going to catch some negative vibes for this, but I was highly disappointed. I got a bbq sandwich. The slaw was not good, the sauce was way runny, the taste.... I dunno, the meat wasn't as tender as I'd like. I usually give restaurants multiple tries before I knock it off my list, but it's going to take someone else to convince me to go again. :( Had such high hopes, especially because it's close by. read more

Great no frills bbq. We enjoyed our visit today and were greeted by very friendly staff. They recommended the chopped pork sandwiches and that's what everyone got. The slaw is like nothing I've had and it's perfect for the sandwich. The sauce is also a great complement. The beans were really good and went fast . We left full and happy. A great visit to a Memphis bbq institution. read more

We enjoyed the large chopped pork sandwich and it hit the spot. With bits of crunchy yummies, a tangy slaw and soft bun, we wanted for nothing. The beans came with a nice amount of pork on top and they were a little sweeter than we like. We'd stop by again! read more

When I tell you they have some of the best sauce I have ever tried! Got a smoked sausage sandwich, mild, and when I say goooooddddd! very friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere! BOB by the way read more

I'm not sure what people see in this barbecue place. I got the chopped pork sandwich, sans bun. The sauce was a turn off. It was overly sweet and vinegary. And I did not like the mustard slaw that came with it. It did not complement the meat and the flavor of the sauce at all. The meat was tender enough, but I guess I don't like the chopped style. I've definitely had better Memphis barbecue than this. I would say if you have to choose which bbq place to go to, go someplace else. read more

Damn this place just became my fave memphis bbq place. Ive tried lots of places in memphis nothing impressed me. Central came close but its the same stuff ive had everywhere else and a bit pricey and a bit busy. Now this place. Its different. First off a jumbo chopped bbq plate with two sides and a bun...and coke... $10. Ten dollars. There was enough bbq left after i made my own sandwich. Medium sauce. A little spicy at first but sweet at the end. Mustard slaw. I didnt know about that, didnt look right. But damn. That s*** is good. Baked beans with a healthy dose of bbq in it. F yeah. Fyi they do take cards. Now... that bathroom. I give that place an f. Pee before you go! Building looks to be an old gas station. Lady said they've been there for 45 years. read more

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We were referred here from people in Indiana and wow they were right. I had the plate. So generous and only $7.50 . The mustard slaw is delicious on the pork. Such a great combination. The pork is hands down the best I have ever had in my life. The sauce is vinegar based I think and just perfect. You just can't stop eating it. The beans they even top w pork! Seriously bravo. I am just sad I don't live here so I can eat here again! read more

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

IF YOU'RE FROM OUT OF STATE AVOID THE HEADACHE..NOTE: RV's (motor homes etc...there are several bridge overpasses that are less than 14ft high) Saw this BBQ joint on an episode of a Food Network program ...was super excited to try it...Heading to PCB, Fl took a route that would bring us thru Memphis...sat in stopped traffic for 45mins (due to crossing the Mississippi River) drove on a road that should have been classified a a POTHOLE and not a road ...just to arrive at Payne's BBQ (at 2:43pm) for it to be CLOSED!! WHYYYY???!!! If you live around the corner then it makes sense that this would be your favorite BBQ spot but if you're traveling from out of state avoid the headache it's in the HOOD (and I'm from Griffin, GA I didn't think i could be shook but I'm shookuth) And don't get me wrong I have no doubt that this place has the bomb BBQ it looks like it would, just hate I couldn't try it read more

Myself and 2 others visited Payne's the other week while visiting Memphis. I had been before some years ago and was eager to come back. Wasn't disappointed. Payne's, despite the unassuming location and bare bones interior, serves up the best bbq pork sandwich you'll ever eat. between the buns is a heaping serving of smoked chopped (not pulled) pork with pieces of the crunchy bark mixed in , topped with that signature, fabulous Memphis-style mustard based cole slaw and their delectable house based slaw. The ingredients all compliment one another wonderfully in a delicious confluence that leaves you wanting to order another. This sandwich is a *masterpiece*, and Payne's is a gem that will hopefully be around a long time to come. If you haven't been, you need to go. Just remember they're closed Sundays and Mondays. read more

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