Experts' Choice Award Central BBQ
What the experts agree on
Central BBQ punches above its weight for a younger Memphis barbecue spot, delivering standout ribs and pulled pork sandwiches alongside unexpected touches like craft brews and vegetarian options. Consistently ranked among the city's best.
“Saucy ribs and piled-high pulled pork sandwiches are the stars on the menu at this Memphis barbecue favorite.”
– Gayot
Frommer's "The menu at Central is full of all the usual suspects—pulled pork, ribs (wet or dry), brisket—with all the usual sides (macaroni and cheese, potato salad, turnip greens)." Full review
Gayot "Central offers a nice assortment of Memphis-made craft brews. Desserts include cheesecake, banana pudding, or the cool and creamy peanut butter pie. " Full review
Afar Magazine "It's hard to say what are the best items to order; it all depends on personal preference. But one positive about Central is that it caters to non meat-eaters, too, with a portobello mushroom sandwich." Full review
Where "Memphis wings, smoked turkey, smoked hot wings, barbecue pork, fresh coleslaw laced with red bell pepper, homemade potato chips and a slab of ribs that's half wet, half dry." Full review
Tasting Table "Most top barbecue restaurants in Memphis are decades-old institutions, but since opening in 2002, Central BBQ consistently ranks as top pig in town." Full review
New York Times "Places near downtown widely considered among the best include Charles Vergos Rendezvous, Central BBQ and Cozy Corner"
Independent "A Memphis staple, Central BBQ has several locations around the city. The slow-smoked ribs are a house favourite and vegetarians are catered for too: order the portobello mushroom sandwich..."
National Geographic "Central BBQ is the spot for slow-smoked Memphis-style barbecue, such as tender pulled-pork sandwiches topped with slaw, fall-off-the-bone ribs and beef brisket nachos"
Time Out "Many have tried, but no one has yet created a scientific rubric to determine Memphis' best barbecue restaurant. Still, the local consensus must count for something, and that's why Central..."
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