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Payne's

Cuisine: American, Barbecue, Local Specialty

Price Range: $

10Best Says

Nothing about Payne's - from the gritty neighborhood location to the cinder-block exterior to the dark interior - endears one – but as my mamma used tosay, appearances can be deceiving. Once inside the old gas station, you meet Mrs. Payne and her son - who both man the counter, the old stove (where a pot of the best beans around simmers) and the pit - you won't care about the no-frills atmosphere. They serve up what is our favorite pork sandwich in the entire city - the perfect combination of a bit of crisp on the outer layer, a tender inner layer, and a sweet tang tang that comes from either the sauce or the slaw - we're not sure. Piled high on a bun, this sandwich is big enough to split and about as close to pig perfection as it gets. Do ask for a serving of beans - so good that even those who aren't bean fans - like yours truly - will sing Mama Payne's praises.

Address:

1762 Lamar Ave
Memphis, TN 38114-1737
901-272-1523

Hours:

Tue-Thu,: Sat; 11am-6pm
Fri: 11am-6:30pm

EXPERT TIPS BY: Sally Walker Davies
Memphis Local Expert

Barbecue: "This is a cash-only spot, and your meal is best eaten in the sunshine, using the hood of your car as your dining table."

Best for Barbecue Because: Payne's simply has the city's best pulled pork sandwich in town, hands-down.

Main Menu
- Main
  Slab Of Ribs
  
  ($21.00)
  
  Half Slab
  
  ($12.00)
  
  Rib Sandwich
  
  ($7.00)
  
  Sliced Pork
  Jumbo: $5.50
  
  $4.00
  Chopped Pork
  Jumbo: $5.50
  
  $3.85
  Smoked Sausage
  
  ($3.00)
  
  Bologna
  
  ($2.85)
  
  Beef Hot Dog
  
  ($1.95)
  
  Plates Chopped
  
  ($6.50)
  
  Plates Sliced
  
  ($6.75)
  
  Ribs
  
  ($8.25)
  
  6 Oz Beans
  
  ($1.00)
  
  6 Oz Sauce
  
  ($1.00)

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