Memphis BBQ

[Midwest For Now]

On my way to FL in a few months, and definetely to Schooners for a Schooner burger and tractor tire onion rings, but was wondering if anyone had a suggestion or two for possible Memphis BBQ restaurants I should try on my drive to and from the PCB area?

[Parrothead Banker]

Pineapple Willies has some great ribs...not exactly Memphis style but good nonetheless.

[LOVEPCB2]

I agree Pineapple Willies is not to be missed.

[Franky099]

PW's is my favorite place on the beach (next to Schooners, of course!). But on your way down, you must stop at Dobbs BBQ in Dothan Alabama.....its the best! Get a pitcher of the worlds BEST sweet tea and buy your kid a "Magical Hooey Stick"!

[Parrothead Banker]

But, BUT, if you want the best Key Lime Pie on the Planet go to Boatyard in PBC! Key Lime Pie frozen on a popcicle stick and dipped in dark chocolate! IT DOESNT' GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!!!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[reqdytoretiretothebeach]

Be sure to stop at Interstate Barbeque! This is by far the best in Memphis! Easy to get to also. Just off I-55 at the 3rd Street exit. Voted one of the best in the nation, it's a family run business that hasn't gone commercial like others have. (FYIA, if you fly through Memphis, you can actually get Interstate BBQ at the airport!)
Also try Rendezvous for Ribs. This is dry bbq and not to everyones liking, but a true Memphis tradition. Located in an alley off of Union Ave in downtown Memphis, across from the famous Peabody Hotel.
I lived in Memphis for 20 years and talking about this is making me hungry!!!

[Parrothead Banker]

I'm with you Ready! That is part of my"life plan" but I know I can't work from down there. 8)

[transitt]

I second Interstate. It, and Rendevous are the most conveniant to the Interstate as well. Interstate has a sampler for $16 that will easily feed two people! If Jim Neely decided to open a PCB location, that would really be my idea of heaven,well, if they could move the Memphis Tigers down too :D

[Parrothead Banker]

I've never tried Interstate but Rendevous is fantastic. It is worth fighting the traffic to get downtown and eat there.

That being said, Rendevous would be nice but I need a trip to the beach! I don't know about the rest of you but when I am at the beach I don't eat it if it doesn't come out of the water!

[Midwest For Now]

Great suggestions. Actually, I have tried both Rendevous and Interstate and agree that neither one should be missed, especially the sausage/cheese appetizer at Rendevous. I also heard of an out of the way place called, "A&R Barbeque", down past Elvis' estate, on Elvis Presley Blvd. Not in the best part of town but the BBQ and fried pies are suppose to be worth the take out. Tried "Corky's", which I thought had a nice flavor. Even went to the Corky's in Destin last year but I heard they shut the Destin location down last August. Has anyone tried "Nelly's", who is related to the Jim Neely's of Interstate BBQ?

[California]

Interstate BBQ is good, first time I ever ate barbeque spaghetti. Rendevous is also good. Limited selection of drinks, but worth it. Blues City on Beale and Second is tasty.

[LCW]

Great suggestions. Actually, I have tried both Rendevous and Interstate and agree that neither one should be missed, especially the sausage/cheese appetizer at Rendevous. I also heard of an out of the way place called, "A&R Barbeque", down past Elvis' estate, on Elvis Presley Blvd. Not in the best part of town but the BBQ and fried pies are suppose to be worth the take out. Tried "Corky's", which I thought had a nice flavor. Even went to the Corky's in Destin last year but I heard they shut the Destin location down last August. Has anyone tried "Nelly's", who is related to the Jim Neely's of Interstate BBQ?

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Hey. I am from Memphis and the top BBQ places are (for ribs primarily):

Neely's (which has locations on Jefferson Street near downtown and also on Mt. Moriah in SouthEast Memphis.

Blues City Cafe (Beale Street). This place is known for tamales, and it's steaks and catfish, BUT has to me the best ribs in town, if you like them wet. The Rendevous is a tourist trap (no offense intended) and are dry ribs. Interstate is pretty good, and Corky's as well, but it's gotten too popular and is now franchized.

Try Blues City. Easy to get to...on the Corner of Beale and like 3rd, I think. Right at the start of Beale on the Northeast corner.

[transitt]

Neely's is owned by the Nephews of Jim Neely of Interstate BBQ fame. THe nephews are good, but don't hold a candle to uncle Jim. He also has what USA Today calls "The best BBQ pork sandwich in America".

[Midwest For Now]

Really appreciate everyone's comments. Just got back from the BBQ capital and here are a few return thoughts:

Best Overall BBQ Complete Meal - Beale Street Blues Cafe
(Ribs/FF/Beans/Slaw/Toasted Bread)
Best Overall BBQ Pork Shoulder - A&R BBQ and Intestate BBQ (Tied 1st)
Best Overall Cole Slaw - A&R BBQ (1st)
- Interstate BBQ (2nd)
- Blues City Cafe (3rd)
Best Overall Company - Interstate BBQ
Friendliest BBQ Joint - Interstate BBQ (1st)
- A&R BBQ (2nd)
Best Sauce - A&R BBQ (1st)
- Interstate (Very close 2nd)
Best Fried Pies - A&R BBQ (Peach and Apple)
Best French Fries - Blues City Cafe (1st)
- Interstate (Close 2nd)
Best Secret Hideaway - Rendevous
Best Rub - Rendevous
Most distant waiters (Not particularly friendly) - Rendevous
Best Sausage/Cheese Appetizer Platter - Rendevous
Best Ribs (Pork) - Interstate
- A&R BBQ
Best Beans - Interstate BBQ (1st)
- A&R BBQ (2nd)
- Blues City Cafe (3rd)
Best Fried Bologna Sandwich - Interstate BBQ
Places Most likely to revisit (in order) - A&R BBQ
- Interstate BBQ
- Rendevous (For the atmosphere)
- Blues City Cafe
Best late night dessert - Apple Pie Dumpling (Served in a hot buttered
skillet with a scoop of ice cream)
Best Beef Brisket - Interstate BBQ
Most entertaining proprietor - Jim Neely (Very personable. Spoke with
us for about 15 minutes)

Well, I'm sure I could go on and on but the above picks/placements kind of recaps a terrific weekend with my beautiful wife and extremely talented and fun sister and brother-in-law.

Again, thanks for the suggestions and fantastic memories!