Central BBQ: This Memphis institution is known for its perfectly smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, as well as its delicious sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. Don’t forget to grab some delicious BBQ Nachos (pro tip: get them with the house chips!).

The Rendezvous: The Rendezvous has been serving up dry-rubbed ribs since 1948! The atmosphere is cozy and historic, and the food is some of the best in the city. They’ve recently opened up their “al fresco” dining

Cozy Corner: Cozy is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The barbecue here is cooked with love and served with a variety of homemade sauces and sides!

Payne’s BBQ: Payne’s has got the Southern-style BBQ game down pat. From the bologna sandwiches to some of the best slaw in the city, you don’t want to miss this spot. The pork shoulder is slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours, resulting in incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone.

The Bar-B-Q Shop: The Bar-B-Q Shop is famous for its BBQ spaghetti, a Memphis specialty that combines spaghetti with tender pulled pork and a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce.

These are just a few of the many great BBQ restaurants in Memphis! For even more, be sure to check out even more spots on our BBQ trail!

The post Your Guide to BBQ During Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Friday, May 5th

Well, it’s finally here! Time to head downtown and get ready for some live music and fun.

Shopping

For all those last-minute planners, visit one of these shops to buy the perfect Beale Street Music Fest outfits:

• Stock & Belle
• Muse Inspired Fashion
• Odds Atelier
• Silk N Honey Boutique

Drinks

End the night by stopping for drinks at one of our famous breweries or even at the Peabody for some late-night eats:

• Ghost River Brewery Tap Room
• Old Dominick Distillery
• High Cotton Brewing Co.
• Peabody Corner Bar

Saturday, May 6th

It’s day two! Before heading down to Tom Lee Park, how about seeing what Memphis has to offer?

Explore South Main

Ride a trolley and visit the South Main Arts District before heading to see your favorite musicians:

• Makeda’s Homemade Cookies
• Urevbu Contemporary
• Bedrock Eats and Sweets
• South Main Book Juggler

Lunch

If you’re a three-day pass holder or VIP, you can venture beyond the BSMF for some lunch at one of these nearby places. Plus, it’s not a BSMF weekend if you’re not pre-gaming the World Championship BBQ Cooking Competition with some delicious, slow-smoked BBQ. Check out the Memphis BBQ Trail to find even more lunch (and dinner) options!

• By the Brewery
• The Green Beetle
• The Brass Door Irish Pub
• The Genre Memphis

Post-Show Fun on Beale Street

Whether you’re looking for a “midnight” snack or some drinks, you should check out these spots along Beale Street:

• B.B. King’s Blues Club
• Itta Bena
• Wet Willie’s
• SugaShack

Sunday, May 7th

It’s the last day of Beale Street Music Fest, so why not start the day off with some classic Memphis dining?

Brunch

These classic brunch spots will give you enough energy for those final performances:

• Arcade Restaurant
• Sage Restaurant
• Edge Alley
• Sugar Grits

Buy Memphis merch

Wanna wear your Memphis pride after the weekend’s done? Stop by one of these shops for exclusive gifts and merch from 901 natives:

• Shop Mucho
• Feelin’ Memphis
• Walking Pants Curiosities
• A. Schwab

You might also be interested in: Memphis Blues Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Blues in Memphis

The post An Itinerary of Things to Do During Beale Street Music Festival Weekend appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Memphis is famous worldwide for a lot of things — but for everything we’re famous for, there’s something else you might not know that makes our city special.

In this article, we look at seven things most people know about Memphis, plus another seven things they should know about.

Memphis is famous for its BBQ. Anyone who knows BBQ knows that Memphis is renowned for its slow-smoked pork. If you’re looking for all the Memphis BBQ restaurants that should be on your radar, we’ve even put together the Memphis BBQ trail for you! 

…But Memphis is a serious wing city, too. Buffalo may have invented the chicken wing, but Memphis perfected it. We’re home to hundreds of amazing wing establishments and even host the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival.

When it comes to wings, no other southern city compares. Check out our signature flavor, honey gold, at iconic local spots like Crumpy’s, Wing Guru, All-Star Hot Wings, and so many more.

Memphis is famous for Graceland, the world-renowned abode of Elvis Presley, which welcomes 500,000 fans of The King each year.

…But Memphis is also home to numerous arts and culture museums that are worth a stop. From the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (made famous by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Isaac Hayes) to Sun Studio (made famous by BB King, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and Roy Orbison), to the Dixon Gallery & Gardens — among other art museums — art history of all kinds is alive and honored in Memphis.

Memphis is famous for being home to blues, soul, and rock’n’roll — not to mention chart-topping hip hop.

…But every style of music is thriving in Memphis. From critically-acclaimed singer-songwriters like Julien Baker, to Grammy-nominated folk-soul artist Valerie June, all the way to our electronic music scene, music of all genres is in the water in Memphis.

Memphis is famous for the Mississippi River, with locals and tourists alike exploring its shores.

…But Memphis is also home to Tom Lee Park. Situated on the river, this historic park is being transformed into one of the premier riverfronts in the country. A massive expansion project is currently underway, with 1,000 new trees, a playground, event space, and much more.

Memphis is famous for Beale Street, a music mecca in downtown Memphis, and a pivotal place in the history of blues music.

…But the Cooper-Young neighborhood has plenty of history to offer, too. From historic homes to the church basement Johnny Cash recorded his first album, to countless restaurants, bars, and breweries to explore, it’s got everything you’re looking for and more — not to mention the annual Cooper-Young Festival, which hosts 100,000 visitors for food, music, and more each year.

Memphis is famous for its FedEx headquarters, a Fortune 50 company employing approximately 30,000 Memphians.

…But other Fortune 500 Companies like International Paper and AutoZone also call Memphis home, collectively employing hundreds of thousands of Memphians. Discover dozens of top Memphis employers here.

Memphis is famous for the National Civil Rights Museum, built around the famed Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. For over 50 years, this museum has educated visitors from far and wide about the Civil Rights Movement.

…But Memphis is also home to countless Black-led endeavors that champion arts, culture, activism, and so much more. One example: our friends over at nonprofits TONE and Unapologetic are working to develop the Orange Mound Tower, which is set to become a mixed-use arts, business, and housing space in one of the original Black communities in the United States.

Now you know!

You might also be interested in: Best of Memphis | A complete list for experiences in Memphis

The post 7 Things Memphis Is Known and Famous For appeared first on We Are Memphis.

It’s all in the meat

Good Memphis style ribs always start with smoked pork, either pulled or on the slab. If you want the meat to be tender and full of taste, let it smoke for several hours to bring out all of the flavors in the meat. It’s important to use the best cuts and the highest quality of meat possible. Good quality meat will ensure the taste is true to authentic Memphis style, even without the herbs and spices.

Dry rubs vs. wet sauce

Dry rubs are just as popular as the different kinds of wet sauces that are used throughout Memphis. Dry rubs normally contain garlic, paprika, pepper, cumin and onions, as well as other herbs and spices. Memphis style barbecue sauce is made from ripe tomatoes, a variety of spices and just the right amount of vinegar to produce a thin sauce that’s tart and tangy with a hint of sweetness. It’s thin enough to drizzle over ribs coated with a dry rub or to sit beside a plate of pulled pork for use as a dipping sauce.

Don’t make it, buy it!

If you don’t have the time to cook, visit one of the many local bars or restaurants that offer Memphis style ribs. There’s quite the variety to choose from, and each of these dining spots offers ribs with a unique taste and flair. There are so many options, you could literally visit one or two a week and it would still take you over a year to sample them all.

If you’re in the mood for a good Memphis style barbecue recipe for your ribs, then ask around. Everyone either knows of a place that serves good ribs or has a recipe that you “just have to try!” Find a recipe that you like and do a little experimenting to make it your own. Who knows? You may end up creating the next best thing when it comes to good old Memphis style ribs!

Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?

Follow our Instagram page below!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) on Jan 10, 2019 at 7:00pm PST

You may also like: Top Best Pizza Places in Memphis

The post Love Barbecue? Here’s How to Make Memphis Style Ribs appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant

This is the place to come if you want to chow down on barbecue ribs while watching your favorite sport. One of the restaurant’s most popular meals is the half rack of ribs with apple pie and ice cream, although the eatery also has a pork shoulder that’s out of this world as well as a barbecue pasta dish that will hit the spot for fans of Italian food. And to top it off, Marlowe’s Ribs & Restaurant will even deliver.

Tom’s Barbecue

Whether you’re looking for something light or extremely fulfilling, Tom’s Barbecue is the place to go. The beef and pork sit in a mouthwatering spice rub for a whole day before they’re served, so it’s hardly surprising that the eatery’s three most popular dishes are the pulled pork sandwich, the beef brisket and baby back ribs. The restaurant’s rib tips are smoked over hickory wood and charcoal and then smothered in Tom’s signature sauce, which gives them a unique taste you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

A classic family establishment with a rich history, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is where thousands of people gather on an average Saturday night for racks of smoked ribs and sausages with delicious dry-rub spices. For 70 years the Vergos family has been serving their signature dishes in a basement through a downtown alley across from the Peabody Hotel. And while the world outside has changed considerably, very little has changed in that magical basement.

Photo Credit: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous’ Facebook Page

One & Only BBQ

You’ll enjoy authentic barbecue sandwiches served on fresh buns and smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce at the One & Only BBQ. Pick from a large selection of side options, including green beans, baked beans and sweet potatoes.

A&R Bar-B-Q

A&R Bar-B-Q smokes its meat in pits located on the property, producing pork ribs that literally fall off the bone and can be served smothered in sauce or dry. The chopped pork sandwich and a delicious half-slab of pork ribs are both customer favorites.

Payne’s Bar-B-Que

Dressing up for a fancy dinner can be fun, but sometimes nothing can beat an inexpensive, homey meal. Payne’s Bar-B-Que is the go-to for folks looking for a casual barbecue joint consisting of great food and even better prices. Check out the acclaimed chopped and pulled pork sandwiches as well as the smoked sausage for some house classics at this beloved establishment.

Central BBQ

Central BBQ is known for three things: fall-off-the-bone meat, southern hospitality and good times. Since opening their doors in 2002, Central BBQ has experienced quick growth, expanding to four locations and appearing in several national TV shows and publications including Pitmasters, BBQ with Bobby Flay, USA Today, Southern Living and Men’s Health.

Photo Credit: Central BBQ’ Facebook Page

Cozy Corner

Don’t come to Cozy Corner if you’re looking for something quick. Because this BBQ joint is located right in the heart of Memphis, you’re likely to find a line outside the door. But don’t despair—you’ll need that time to peruse the menu, which includes everything from smoked sausage to classic barbecue ribs. We recommend the smoked Cornish hen, which just so happens to be one of the restaurant’s most popular items. The meat is succulent and the entire bird is smothered in a tangy sauce.

Memphis has so much to offer—great restaurants, exciting concert venues, popular museums and more. Come and enjoy all that the city has to offer, and make sure to delight your taste buds with a delicious barbeque dish while you’re in these parts.

Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?

Follow our Instagram page below!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by We Are Memphis (@wearememphistn) on Oct 7, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT

You may also be interested in: Memphis BBQ | Best BBQ in memphis | Best Memphis BBQ Locator

The post Here are the best BBQ spots in Memphis! appeared first on We Are Memphis.