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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 â" but as my mamma used to say, appearances can be deceiving.
Once... Read More
Nothing about Payne's - from the gritty neighborhood location to the cinder-block exterior to the dark interior - endears one â" but as my mamma used to say, 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 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.
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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.