When it comes to barbecue, speed is anathema. Barbecue is stalwart. Barbecue is slow. More descriptively, barbecue, as savored in the South, is usually pork that has been smoked over a hardwood-stoked pit for hours, sometimes days at a time, before being doused with sauce and served alongside a variety of dishes like potato salad, cole slaw, and baked beans. Contrary to the contentions of our northern neighbors, barbecue is a noun, not a verb. Barbecue is the end result of a time-intensive marriage of smoke, meat, sweat and sauce. 
Memphis is the center of everything barbecue. The long-standing tradition of smoked pork in this town on the river explodes during the Memphis in May Barbecue Contest. If you can't make it downtown to enjoy this delectable event there are plenty of halls of smoke and sauce (as well as a few neighborhood secrets) around town. So check out these pieces of hog heaven that just can't be found anywhere else. That heaven includes the places, the pork, the signs and, of course, the sauce.
Check out some of these favorites around town and of course, let us know your neighborhood secrets too! Visit our newsletter for great BBQ recipes!
Neely's - 670 Jefferson, 521-9798
Central BBQ - 2249 Central, 272-9377
Rendezvous - 52 S. Second, 523-2746
Cozy Corner - 745 N. Parkway, 527-9158
Corky's - 5259 Poplar Avenue, 685-9744
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