I was recently in Memphis for business and I asked the hotel front desk where I could get some good BBQ. Without hesitation both of the ladies at the desk said Central BBQ. So that's where I went and I was not disappointed. The only complaint that I had was that they were out of brisket when I got there. I ordered the sampler and chose ribs, pulled pork, pulled chicken, macaroni and cheese, and greens. For the ribs I did half dry and half wet to try both ways. The ribs fell off the bone and the chicken and pork tasted great with the homemade BBQ sauces. I will definitely go here again when I come back in town.

So if you’re looking for Ribs… look no further! I can’t speak for anything else, we both got a half slab and went to town on ’em! We had Mac n cheese, greens, slaw, & green beans as our Sides. They were good, solid… not amazing. Better than average for most places. Prices are mid-high for bbq, but very good quality and ample servings. Service is cold and half self-serve style. They bring your food to the table, but you walk up and fix your own drink. Building has vibes… but could use a deep clean. It’s not dirty, just busy and has that high traffic look.

Great food, very fair prices, and a hip atmosphere made this top-rated local BBQ dive a great dinner stop during our Memphis stay. And the live music was very good. As a first timer, I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the tables turned. For the uninitiated, don’t let the line out the door thwart your desire from some great local BBQ. Your wait won’t be long. I’ll be sure to make this a repeat visit the next time I’m in the area!

Three of us stopped by this place for a late lunch, or however, we were not that hungry for ‘lunch’. it was a refreshment time. We ordered for a combo platter with ribs, which we thought to share by all Of us. The half slab was the highlight. We ordered brisket for the rest of the two meats that we were allowed to have as per as the platter. It comes with some buns/ bread-rolls. The two sides were house fries, and green beans ( we were looking for collard greens, but they were running out of it.) the platter was quite a meal, even sharing between three was perfectly fine. The briskets were decent, but the ribs were terrific. They were soft, flavorful, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. We enjoyed the meal, and highly recommend the place.

While in Memphis on vacation, we read that Central BBQ was the best around. The long line seemed to confirm that. Don’t let the long line discourage you from eating here! We thought it would be a long wait but the line moved very quickly and there is so much seating. I’m not a big meat fan myself but I absolutely LOVED the pulled chicken. The other members of my part got ribs and pulled pork and everyone loved their food. We all agreed it was the best food we had the whole vacation. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Memphis!

Try not to fall apart at my experience here, I can only speak of my food there. Your experience may be better. First let me say I liked the ribs, they were moist and had good flavor. I have eaten at a lot of BBQ and Rib joints in my years. So I wanted to try more than a few items, and to me the ribs came out on top. The ribs didn't need any sauce added, they were seasoned well. While the brisket, BBQ and turkey needed a bit of accompaniment from the various sauces available. Now that's not to say, don't add sauces, but the item shouldn't need to rely on sauces for the flavor it needs. Still, with the ribs in the mix this location was looking like they may just slip into four stars, but I just had to try their cheese cake. Well, if the cheese cake hadn't had egg shells in it they very well may have. Don't get me wrong here, I tried. The guy after I told him and showed him the egg shells, went behind the counter and showed the guy there running the show. Then after a few words between them the guy with my egg cheese cake disappeared with it and no cheese cake returned. The guy didn't even come back, they just went about like nothing happened. Oh well, I still don't like egg shells in my cheese cake, even if they act like it's normal.

Delicious!!! Ribs were juicy and tender. This is what I came to Memphis for! That famous Memphis BBQ with that Savory BBQ Sauce! I also tried the Pulled Chicken, Greens, and Homemade Chips. Wings were also really good too! Sweet Tea was perfect. Winning right here!!

It boggles my mind why this place isn’t mentioned over Rendezvous when it comes to the definitive place to eat. This is the best barbecue joint you’ll find in Memphis, HANDS DOWN! You really can’t go wrong with any of their main offerings. Food comes out fast and hot. Great smoke flavor, superb seasoning and a mild sauce that puts a bow on everything. Forget the aforementioned tourist trap and come here instead! You won’t be disappointed!

This is a popular BBQ restaurant in downtown Memphis, which is obvious by looking at the long lines at the entrance. The wait outside will be worth it when you taste the food here. You have to order the food at the counter and then seat yourself. There is a lot of seating inside and they also have patio seating. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with lots of different quirky artifacts and stickers. We ordered chicken wings with the rub served with ranch. The rub of this restaurant is famous and is different from anything that we have had before. It was smokey and spicy and tasted really good. We also ordered pulled chicken sandwich with house chips. The pulled chicken sandwich had BBQ mild sauce and it was not as good as the wings. We also wanted to eat banana pudding but they were out of it. There are multiple options of sweet tea, soda, lemonade and alcoholic drinks. We enjoyed the food here. Its a must visit when you are in Memphis downtown especially for their famous rub.

Very strong!! Stopped in here the other day with our department for an end of the year celebration and was very pleased. This has been a good bbq establishment in Memphis for quite some time now. Really good hot wings! I had the boss man salad with smoked turkey and ranch dressing. It was incredible. It came in an edible bowl that was tasty as well. Great service and super cool atmosphere. I look forward to coming back.

WOW! Just do it, just go! Amazing food. Friendly staff. Great experience. Esthetically pleasing Surroundings. The best bbq pulled pork nachos. Go early because there will be a line wrapped around the building, but quick service! I will drive 3 and a 1/2 hours one way again just to eat this barbecue!

Excellent BBQ. Went here after we visited the Civil Rights Museum. (Which is a must-see) The line was all the way outside. However, the line moved rather quickly. The food was very, very good, not dry like other smoked meats tend to be. Loved there sauce, too. I had pulled pork 8 out of 10 Hubby had briskett 10 out of 10

Not the best I’ve ever had and definitely not the worst. Got the brisket plate and thought they brought me sliced turkey. Very thin slices with not a lot of flavor. Wife got pulled pork and it was dry. Baked beans and mac-n-cheese were mediocre. The sauces were good. We came for a late lunch so the line wasn’t long, food came out fast though. Plenty of seating and a great selection of local beers!

Very delicious, don’t be turned away by the line, it moves very quickly and there is plenty of seating. We got a mixed meat platter and was able to feed 4 ppl The wings were the best in flavor and juiciness! The pulled pork was very dry Ribs were good and saucy Brisket was good too. Carmel cake was absolutely phenomenal

Great staff, amazing food. These ribs are some of the best I've ever had, hands down. Unbelievably tender and juicy. It's a good thing I don't live in the same state because I'd be gaining a few pounds. Next time I find myself near Memphis I'll be coming back without a doubt.

Went for dinner around 6 on Sunday night to compare to other local well known BBQ restaurants. There was a line out the door, as there often is, but we only waited about 20 minutes. Once inside, you order a counter and are given a number for your table for food to be delivered to. Drinks are self serve. Seating is limited when busy, and first come first serve. You may be standing as you wait for a table. Food is very good! I had a full rack half dry half wet and ate every bit with my sweet tea. The wife had the beef brisket sandwich. We shared pulled pork nachos. We were stuffed full by the time we left. It is a must try in Memphis and does compare to some of the best BBQ I have ever had. Try it for yourself to see if you agree! Tips... Bring a fun sticker to stick at the front door while you wait, they do have BBQ sauce by the bottle available, they have warm BBQ sauce by the drinks if you need extra for your meal, the cup can make a nice souvenir, and bring your own wet naps. Didn't see a line for take out if you are in a hurry! Also, there is another location in Midtown that often has less wait so could be a quick alternative! Enjoy!

This is the second time we have been here. It seems as though the food is getting better with every visit. I love a good BBQ place as much as the next person and try to get here anytime I'm coming into town. The selection of meats is vast and sides are good. They also have four selections of homemade warm BBQ sauces to choose from (mild, hot, mustard, vinegar). They also have ample seating inside and a covered patio out back. There is also seating for large groups in the side room. This is a great place to relax and kick back after a long day with so may beers both on tap and bottled sitting on the deck in the fall. This is great BBQ with not to much seasoning or spices which can accommodate anyone with different tastes. Next time your over this way give it a try.

Restaurant was recommended by another traveler and by the Arrive hotel staff! We enjoyed the ribs, chicken both half chicken and pulled I prefer and would go with the half again and not pulled, Mac and cheese was very good, and green beans were simple. But the coconut cake was to die for, delicious had to come back the next day for another piece!! The staff was helpful in ordering and patient too! Would recommend and would dine again when visiting Memphis

We decided we wanted to try bbq since we were visiting from Georgia. It was a party of 7. You have to place your order before being seated. It was seat yourself. Orders were placed and we sat down to eat. I ordered half rack ribs, baked beans and slaw. Ribs were half sauce and half rub. The slaw wasn’t my favorite because I don’t like chunky slaw. The baked beans were ok. Everyone that ordered baked beans had chopped bbq on top except me. I asked the server Ms. Jackie why I didn’t have meat on my baked beans. She replied, “ I don’t know”. It wasn’t the answer I expected. I was expecting more of let me correct that for you or would like for me to bring you some. She wasn’t friendly or courteous. Others didn’t enjoy their food. One said the caramel cake and coconut cake was good. My sister had the app sampler: nachos with beef, sausage and cheese, pork slider and smoked wings. A side of green beans and mac/cheese. She said the nachos were delicious. Mr. Danny clean the tables. He was very friendly and gave us some history on the Loraine hotel. I would not recommend this business. Service is very big for me. It was lacking.

We came on a Saturday evening and waited briefly outside as the place was pretty busy. We were drawn from the sound of a few talented musicians. We are on the first patio area. It had shade and fans and kept out of the direst sun line it was a pleasant evening. The atmosphere was casual and busy. The music was great and it was a wonderful dinner. We had the prime rib platter. The meat was tender and juicy. Sides were very good; we chose Mac/cheese and potato salad. We also got the bbq nachos and it was amazing. We couldn’t finish all the food! We loved the paintings on the wall it definitely added to the local vibe. Excellent food, great music and an overall wonderful time.

Absolutely delicious!! The ribs were meatier and more tender than the other famous Memphis BBQ spot. (I did enjoy the other places char flavor though a little better). The rub at Central does have sugar listed as an ingredient but it wasn't enough to worry me for being in vacation. Chicken here at Central was much more tender and juicy as well over the other famous place. The sausage plate was awesome and the pork rinds were the perfect 0 carb side for our Carnivore Diet. Absolutely glad we stopped on our way out of town.

Nothing fancy but good bbq. We shared two combo plates and a side of wings with 5 people and had plenty of leftovers. The ribs and brisket were the best of the lot. Get it dry (without sauce) and then add sauce as you need from the sauce station. We had several sides (slaw, onion rings and potato salad) and all were ok, but not great....the bbq is the real focus anyhow.

Got the rib platter to share. There was plenty of food for two people - good portions, good food. Meats was nice and smoky but the ribs were a little on the dry side. We did come late in the day so that might have meant that they were a little overdone and dried throughout the day. All of the sauces were great. Friendly counter staff, cool place.

The history and environment of the building far exceeded the flavor/quality of the meat. I was very surprised for as good of a reputation as the place has. If you had told me the ribs were baked in an oven, on this day I think I would have believed you.

We came in at 1:30 on a Thursday afternoon. It wasn't crowded which was great. We ordered our food and had plenty of choices for seating. We are not from the area and wanted to try some Memphis BBQ while passing through. Central did not disappoint. We ordered a sampler and some other extras to try just about everything. We had brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. The ribs stole the show. There are several hot sauces and BBQ sauces to choose from so you can try it all to find out what you like.

Came in the late afternoon and there was a short wait to order. Once you order, the food comes out pretty quickly. I got the half slab of ribs with greens and mac and cheese and everything was delicious! The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. The half wet/half dry option was nice because you could dip the dry part in any of their sauces. Their hot BBQ sauce was especially tasty.

I have to say tonight was really special. Wife and I had time to get a date. This place was fantastic. Between the food, atmosphere, and service. Everything was a 5. We will definitely be having this as a staple constantly. Thank you Sophia and Jay! We'll be back!

My hubby said the food here was excellent. You may see a long line but do not let it deter you. The food here is worth the wait. Even the sweet tea was delicious. The staff were helpful and kind as well. Also, they have other meats and sides if you do not want any pork.

We flew into Memphis from LA and luggage and all we went straight to Central BBQ! They are Amazing!! Ribs with sauce or without, the best EVER!! But I gotta go back cause their baked beans and potato salad were so delish I need it. The Ambiance and Music was Perfect. Gotta try the pulled pork before we go!!! Thank you for a Fabulous meal and Hospitality!!!

The service was pretty fast considering it was packed. The portions are generous and well priced. We tried the full slab for two and I have to say the ribs were kinda dry and not the “fall off the bone” ribs I expected. The cole slaw had absolutely no flavor but we did enjoy the Mac and cheese and potato salad. Baked beans were decent. My son had the pulled pork plate and he said it was not great. Overall, it was fine I just wouldn’t choose to come back again.

I really don't know how to describe Central BBQ. The food is pretty good, I wouldn't say that it is the best BBQ I ever had. I would give the ribs a 7/10, they were tender and not dry there just wasn't much flavor. We tried ordering brisket but they were out. What kind of BBQ place is out of brisket at 3 p.m? Instead we tried the smoked chicken. In my mind smoked chicken is a bone in half chicken, instead you get shredded chicken. And on top of that it was on the dry side. We also tried the smoked sausage, and it was pretty disappointing. It was almost like they smoked hot dogs. The one thing I would come back for though is the chicken wings, they were by far the best thing! We got our wings dry, and the flavor was fantastic. The potato salad was really good as well, the Mac and cheese was alright; a little on the bland side. We got our food really fast and the service was really good. The price was a little high for the quality of food we got, but I understand meat prices are outrageous. If this is the top tier BBQ that memphis has to offer, Texas BBQ beats it hands down. Sorry Central BBQ, just being honest.

Eat here every time we're in TN. Good portions along with friendly staff. Tried several things over the years and never disappointed. My picture is the pulled pork. The coleslaw was a little dry so just add it the top of your sandwich. Take in the Loraine motel while you ate there.