1. Central BBQ

Simply the Best
If you're in Memphis, and you want bbq, Central is a must. I've had a lot of good bbq, but Central tops them all. Whether dry or wet (I had the half 'n half), the ribs can't be beat. Smoky, just the right temperature, not too moist, not too dry - perfection from the pig! The side items (we had mac 'n cheese, greens, potato salad) were good, but paled in comparison to the delicious ribs. I wish I lived in Memphis and could eat these ribs weekly; I would. I have a new favorite Memphis restaurant - Central BBQ! The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is due to the bathroom conditions-they leave a little to be desired. But the staff were friendly, helpful, and quick-we had our food in less than 10 minutes. Great job Central BBQ. I'll definitely be back!!

okay
I was excited when this place opened, because it was close to where we lived at the time, and there was not a good BBQ joint really close to us. We enjoyed the meat the few times we tried them. But it was overpriced. And their sauce was maybe the absolute worst I've ever had, and I've had a lot. (I cooked on a Memphis in May team for several years, and I have made my own sauce for years, in addition to trying every restaurant in Memphis, and plenty around the country.) It tasted like they took ketchup, added a little hot sauce, a dash of artificial smoke flavor, then stirred and served. Really, really bad. Thankfully, I had some of my own in the fridge. To be fair, I have not eaten there in 3 or 4 years. The sauce & prices may both have improved. There is definitely the market for a great BBQ spot in that part of the city, and I think that's a huge part of why they are doing so well on the rankings. I wish them well. I have a fondness for that building, as I grew up within walking distance, and spent untold hours there eating Tony's Pizza!

4-15-09 Lunch with ribs, best period. Just passin thru from Ok. Must stop.

This is the BBQ that I've heard tale of. Top notch, service was a little slow, but well worth the wait. Staff was super friendly and the food made me wish that I had taken a pork sandwitch for later that night. I shared my ribs with my wife, after one bit I asked for them back. Great stuff here.

NOt enough meat on our ribs; smoked and over cooked. Coconut cake was OK!

I could totally see the appeal of the place. A very cool college spot to be able to grab some bar-b-que. We went on a Saturday around 12 and we got in right before it was packed. The sides were good. I got the ribs and pulled pork plate. Pulled pork was good, not great. The ribs were a bit dried out to me. I love our Memphis Que with the dry rub, but they aren't supposed to be dried out. I'd like to come back and try Central again, just to make sure they weren't having an off day.

Excellent ribs and service. Friendly atmosphere. Sauce was exceptional. The fresh fried Pork Rinds are and extra treat.

I was on the Memphis BBQ trail and had 3 slighlty better BBQ before this one. This is not a bad Cue but just ordinary - not sure if this was due to my jaded view after visiting 6 BBQ restaurants in about 8 hours. The help was a hoot and helped me enjoy my visit.

This is my favorite barbecue place of all! They have delicious pulled-pork with a variety of sauces. I also really like their chicken wings. They are so good...

Heard that Rendezvous was the best BBQ in Memphis, but they must of not eaten at Central. Central's BBQ is excellent, as Rendezvous's was disappointing.

Now this is some amazing BBQ! I get to eat barbecue all over this great nation, and last review I tore holes into RON-DE-FOOLS, for making cruddy BBQ. Not the case here. I ordered the full slab plate and the meat fell off the bone like gobs of butter. It was heavenly, tender, and you can tell these people care about what they are doing. I like the sauce counter where I sampled the 4 they had (Mild, Hot, Mustard, and Vinegar). While all of them were good, I liked the Mild all around. Service was fast, and cue was darn smoky and tender. This goes onto my list of ultimate barbecue places, and upon my death bed I will wisper to my family my choice as the best I had in my life as my final words. Those words just may be "Central"

Great smokey ribs. These were the best we tried while in Memphis.

It is a great barbeque place off the beaten path in midtown Memphis. It has simple ambiance and the most tender pork ribs and pulled pork in town. It has pased Corky's, Rendezvous and many others.