United States Tennessee Memphis

Central BBQ - Downtown

A popular barbecue joint renowned for its slow-smoked meats, savory sauces, and Southern comfort sides in a laid-back, bluesy atmosphere.

Tips from the community

Barbecue: what Memphis is known for. Since the city’s conception, Barbecue has been the most famous dish in Memphis. If there’s one thing that Memphis can teach us, it’s that barbecue sauce is versatile. It is typically found on classics like ribs and pulled pork, but in Memphis some barbecue favorites include nachos, pizza, and even spaghetti. Crowning one barbecue winner in Memphis is beyond difficult, but the outspoken champion among locals is Central BBQ. A good barbecue has a few musts - fall off the bone meat, a variety of smoking woods, and the right amount of sauce that incorporates notes of sweetness and spice. Central BBQ hits all of these points while promising classic southern hospitality and a good time. Try their pork BBQ nachos, the three meat combo, and any of their classic sides.

kaylee 2 years ago

Random dude in the airport told me this is one of his favorite BBQ joints in Memphis.

chiefseeker 2 years ago

Central BBQ - Downtown Guides

  • Memphis’ Most Famous Foods and Where to Try Them

    kaylee (Kaylee Giacomini)
    Memphis is a bustling metropolitan hub on the banks of the Mississippi River most well known for music, Elvis Presley, and barbecue. There is a contested debate in the United States about who does the best barbecue - arguably one of the most iconic dishes in the country. Memphis, Tennessee consistently ranks among barbecue’s top cities. Barbecue can be found everywhere across town, and many of the joints are outstanding. Since the 1990’s, the city has been expanding into the world of cuisine and is now a delicious melting pot fueled by global fusion along with classic Southern mainstays. Here's some of the best food in Memphis!
  • Memphis Hit List

    chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)
    My Memphis bucket list while in town for TravelCon!