Great barbecue in Elvis country

No American regional food quite “compares to barbecue in Memphis,” said Francine Maroukian in Travel + Leisure. Everything from ribs to Cornish game hen is serious business here. But nothing quite makes a pit master’s reputation like a pork sandwich. Elvis’ hometown has plenty of barbecue places to choose from. Here are a few to start you off:

A&R Bar-B-Que

“The best traditional Memphis-style ribs ever—flat-out sensational.” 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd., (901) 774-7444

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Neely’s Bar-B-Que

The helping of succulent beef ribs here is “worthy of Fred Flintstone” and “loaded with tantalizingly tender meat.” 5700 Mount Moriah Road, (901) 795-4177

Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous

The ribs served here, “basted just before serving with vinegar and spices,” are not quite wet and not quite dry. But they are locally famous. 52 S. Second St., (901) 523-2746

Cozy Corner

If you want to eat barbecued Cornish game hen or barbecued spaghetti, “Cozy is the place to do it.” 745 N. Parkway, (901) 527-9158