My take on the best BBQ... ever...

I know we all love BBQ... 

I know you all HAVE to wonder what all the hype is about Memphis TN and their monopoly on the BBQ game. But there’s a few things you should know before you get ready to dig into the top picks for the area: 

1. Memphis is mostly known for their pork work. Whether it’s ribs, pulled, sliced, diced, in my belly, etc... We do have some serious pork game. First place to start... Blues City Cafe in the heart of downtown Memphis. Listen to some amazing local artists on Beale Street any time of the day and get your belly full on any kind of bbq you want. This is the only place I’ll eat ribs, unless my brother in law makes them. 
2. That being said, don’t come here looking for the best beef brisket you’ve ever had (HELLO TO MY TEXAS ROOTS!!). While you will find some really delicious ‘slap yo momma’ beef, it’s just not what Memphis BBQ has been built on. Sorry not sorry, I’m originally from Texas and love me some hickory smoked beef brisket. It makes my heart happy. 
3. Any good Memphis BBQ place will automatically put slaw on your sandwich for you. It’s just what they do in the south? I think. It’s not my cup of tea, but so many people love it and enjoy it. And the slaw is usually pretty good, I think. 
4. Any good Memphis BBQ place will also have amazing desserts - like banana pudding! Or chocolate pie! Or ooey gooey brownies with ice cream! Oh my!!! You have to get the whole package!!!! Germantown commissary is definitely a good place to start for this. Central BBQ also have the market on banana pudding... holy cow... it's out of this world!
5. With all due respect to this place... please do not come to Memphis and only want to go to Rendezvous... my God, people. There are like 50 more BBQ places and most - no all - are better - in my humble opinion.  Even on if my favorite local places Kooky Canuck (a nod to Canadian delicacies) is a better place to get bbq! They have amazing bbq nachos and bbq egg rolls. And the best Poutine this side of the border! If you do love dry rub, this is a good place to try, but not the best. 
6. If you are in the downtown Memphis area and you want some delicious BBQ, you better be ready to eat some nachos! BBQ nachos are where it’s at!! Top with pulled chicken or pork and all the sauces and cheese!!! It’s all good!!! B. B. Kings blues club has a delicious bbq nacho platter that will impress your tongue as well as your soul. 
7. Eat or at least try all the sauces. Memphis does have its ‘type’ but there’s places like Central BBQ (with 5 amazing locations) that offer local varieties and also from other parts of the country like Mustard sauce and my particular favorite: the vinegar sauce. 
8. So... the pinnacle!! If you really love BBQ, come to Memphis in May. Every year, Memphis has a series of festivals every weekend in May. Downtown Memphis virtually shuts down the river front view roads and hosts thousands of visitors to our beautiful city! First week is always music and the third weekend is always bbq!

Regardless of what you like... Please come to our city when you are available eat your way thru the bbq scene. I’ll happily join you!!!