The restaurant drive-thru is nothing new in Memphis, but when it comes to the city's most celebrated barbecue houses, it's an easy way to grab a meal to go. Some of the city's best-loved, slow-smoking barbecue shops offer drive-thru service, which brings a whole new meaning to 'when pigs fly.'
A big, messy sandwich from Payne's needs multiple napkins - but is so worth the potential mess — Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jones
Pig is the mainstay of the Memphis barbecue, and counter service is de riguer in most shops. While most offer take out, a few even offer the chance to pick up and go, so you'll never have to leave the comfort of your car.
Almost every location of Top's offers drive-thru service that is pretty quick, even when the line stretches for what seems like forever. At Corky's on Poplar Avenue, the drive-thru stays as crowded as the restaurant seems to, but even big orders are filled quickly (you can also call in to order ahead and pick up at the drive-thru).
At another favorite, Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Q, the drive thru is narrow and the cars often overflow to the street at lunchtime.
The sign says it all at Interstate: BBQ to go — Photo courtesy of Stephanie Jones
Once you have your hands on some slow-smoked, Memphis-style 'que, the question is: Where to eat it? Try Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River or Shelby Farms in east Memphis.