Central BBQ

Central BBQ is Memphis's most awarded barbecue restaurant and a reliable entry point into the city's defining culinary tradition. Founded in 2002, the restaurant has grown to multiple locations across Memphis and beyond, with the original Central Avenue location in Midtown remaining the most popular. The kitchen practises both wet and dry preparations — a distinction fundamental to Memphis BBQ culture. Dry-rub ribs are coated in a complex spice blend and smoked low and slow without sauce; wet ribs are mopped with a vinegar-based sauce during cooking. Both styles appear on the menu, and ordering a half-rack of each to compare them is one of the most instructive and satisfying experiences in Tennessee gastronomy. The pulled pork sandwich, served on a soft bun with coleslaw, is a straightforward and excellent rendition of a Memphis classic. BBQ nachos — a creation particular to the Memphis food scene — pile smoked pork over chips with jalapeños, cheese, and house sauce, and have become a crowd favourite at Central BBQ. Smoked wings, available by the pound or as a plate, have earned a devoted following. The restaurant has won multiple awards at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, widely considered the most prestigious barbecue competition in the world. The interior is casual and unpretentious; the bar at the Central Avenue location stays open until midnight on most nights, making it one of the few Memphis BBQ spots with meaningful late-night hours. All locations operate on a walk-in basis with no reservations accepted. A Downtown South Main Arts District location on Butler Avenue is convenient for visitors staying near Beale Street.