Memphis trip -need advice

#26
#26
Go aeiou said:
I have no idea of the best. My point was if the spouse is not crazy about bbq she will still likely enjoy the unique atmosphere.

I used to have clients in Memphis years ago, and I still think Memphis bbq is much better than in Nashville.

Way back in the 70s I used to go to the P&H. I was told the name stood for poor and hungry and I was. A poor college student.
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Nashville has BBQ?
 
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#30
#30
Ace said:
Gus’s on Mendenhall is also next to Gibson’s Donuts. Gibson Donuts are awesome
Germantown Commissary is very good
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Gibson donuts is an icon. Open 24 hours. Never closed before until COVID. Think they are open again. Coach Cal used to be a regular when he was coach of the Tigers
 
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#31
#31
theFallGuy said:
Gibson donuts is an icon. Open 24 hours. Never closed before until COVID. Think they are open again. Coach Cal used to be a regular when he was coach of the Tigers
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There is no telling who you will run into at both Gus’s and Gibson’s. Both are Memphis hotspots
 
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#33
#33
Barksdale Cafe is another place you would see a who’s who of Memphis. And the Friday meat and three was awesome.
 
#35
#35
theFallGuy said:
Germantown Commissary in Germantown is good. They have a new one in Collierville but not as good. Only issue with Germantown is it is a very SMALL place because it used to be a general store. Not sure how that is affected with COVID.

Central BBQ on Central Avenue is good and there is also a new location downtown. Plenty of outdoor seating at both.

The BBQ shop on Madison is great.

Avoid Corky's.

Rendesvous is typically the touristy thing to do. Don't get me wrong it is cool for that downtown atmosphere but I don't think it's the best BBQ in town.

Tops is good and they have several locations around town.

Cozy Corner looks shady but they have great food. Closer to downtown.

Also while you are in town try Gus's Fried Chicken on Mendenhall or the original downtown. it's way better than that Nashville trash. The downtown location you can buy 40's to wash down that hot chicken.
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It’s interesting you say that Germantown Commissary was a general store. I don’t think I knew that. However, the store burned down in the late 80’s/early 90’s. I grew up in Germantown and recall when it happened. Their sign survived, but they rebuilt it the very same way it was originally.
 
#37
#37
Go aeiou said:
Not gonna be popular, but The Rendezvous. I haven't been in about 30 years, but my wife hates bbq, and we needed to take a friend who wanted it. The atmosphere is unique. In the basement of an old building. She said she loved it.

Hopefully your wife enjoys bbq.
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Unfortunately, I think they just closed their dining room.
 
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#39
#39
VolGee4 said:
It’s interesting you say that Germantown Commissary was a general store. I don’t think I knew that. However, the store burned down in the late 80’s/early 90’s. I grew up in Germantown and recall when it happened. Their sign survived, but they rebuilt it the very same way it was originally.
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"Back in the old days, commissaries were a staple of Southern life. Everything from blue jeans to bologna was purchased from your local commissary. The original Germantown Commissary housed a small country store for more than 90 years, until its rebirth as a BBQ restaurant.

In 1981, owner Walker Taylor purchased the original Germantown Commissary and transformed the historic building into what is today known as some of the finest BBQ in Memphis. Over the years, we’ve become a staple of Memphis cuisine. We’ve even served numerous celebrities, including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Jimmy Buffett, Robert Duvall, Kathy Bates, Senator Bill Frist, The Eagles, Aerosmith, and Jack Nicklaus, among others."
 
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#40
#40
Other inexpensive, non BBQ restaurants all with a unique atmosphere.

Elwood Shack (Fish Tacos)
Bryant's (Breakfast) - Neighborhood is a bit sketchy
Flying Fish (If you are staying downtown and need something not fried)
Little Tea Shop (downtown, lunch only)
Huey's (all over town)
 
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#42
#42
Do NOT go to the little tea shop. I have no idea why people recommend that place
 
#44
#44
Safe area:

Central BBQ (Poplar location is poor quality)
Germantown Commissary
BBQ Shop
One and Only
Gus’ (Mendenhall)

Not as safe area:

Leonard’s (Only open for lunch)
Interstate BBQ

Not safe: hit these during the day

Marlowes
Uncle Lou’s
Payne’s
Cozy Corner

Every place on this list is phenomenal.
 
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#45
#45
If you wanna bypass Memphis all together to get to the Casino’s & still have bar b que, consider this. Helen’s in Brownsville Tn (exit 56 off I40) has some great bar b que. Check out her Google, Yelp & Tripadvisor reviews. Finished eatin, jump back on I40w for bout 30 miles to the exit for I269 near the Arlington exit, 25. 269 will take you all the way to Hwy 61 in Robinsonville at the Casino’s. This route would save a lot of time by not having to go thru Memphis to Tunica



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#46
#46
Rendezvous is one of the most famous places for BBQ in Memphis. Haven't been there in over 10 years, but Rendezvous was legit the best BBQ I had ever had at that point in my life. But living in southeast TN, that isn't saying too much lol.
 
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#47
#47
theFallGuy said:
Germantown Commissary in Germantown is good. They have a new one in Collierville but not as good. Only issue with Germantown is it is a very SMALL place because it used to be a general store. Not sure how that is affected with COVID.

Central BBQ on Central Avenue is good and there is also a new location downtown. Plenty of outdoor seating at both.

The BBQ shop on Madison is great.

Avoid Corky's.

Rendesvous is typically the touristy thing to do. Don't get me wrong it is cool for that downtown atmosphere but I don't think it's the best BBQ in town.

Tops is good and they have several locations around town.

Cozy Corner looks shady but they have great food. Closer to downtown.

Also while you are in town try Gus's Fried Chicken on Mendenhall or the original downtown. it's way better than that Nashville trash. The downtown location you can buy 40's to wash down that hot chicken.
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I tried Gus's at their Knoxville location a few months back. Definitely lived up to it's name.
 
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