Memphis’ Super Bowl of barbecue
Memphis' famous barbecue cook-off is held every May, but these four restaurants offer world-class barbecue anytime.
Memphis overflows with “some of the world’s best barbecue,” said Jason George in the Chicago Tribune, and every May more than 100,000 people flock to this city on the banks of the Mississippi to take part in a barbecue cook-off officially known as the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. But you can enjoy world-class barbecue in Memphis anytime. Here’s where.
The Bar-B-Q Shop
No place makes better barbecue spaghetti—thick noodles, chopped chunks of pork, and “a rich, maple-flavored sauce.” 1782 Madison Ave., (901) 272-1277
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Central BBQ
This newcomer, started by a California chef, “has rocketed into the stratosphere” by using premium ingredients. Don’t miss the barbecue nachos. 2249 Central Ave., (901) 272-9377
Charley Vergos’ Rendezvous
“The city’s most popular rib joint.” Lines can be long. A unique blend of spices coats the meat. 52 S. Second St., (901) 248-4613
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Payne’s
A hard place to find, partly because it’s located in an old gas station. If you’re successful, though, you’ll be rewarded with “one of the juiciest, nicely balanced barbecue sandwiches in town.” 1762 Lamar Ave., (901) 272-1523
-
What should you be stockpiling for 'World War Three'?
In the Spotlight Britons advised to prepare after the EU tells its citizens to have an emergency kit just in case
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Carnivore diet: why people are eating only meat
The Explainer 'Meatfluencers' are taking social media by storm but experts warn meat-only diets have health consequences
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Scientists want to fight malaria by poisoning mosquitoes with human blood
Under the radar Drugging the bugs
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published